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Ensenada
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Mexico
Did you know?
- Hussong's cantina was established in 1892.
- La Guerrerense is known for street ceviche, while El Paisa serves tacos.
- San Miguel Beach is a local surfing spot.
See also
Tecate
Mexico32.57°N 116.63°W · 522 m
Tijuana
Mexico32.52°N 117.03°W · 20 m
Mexicali
Mexico32.66°N 115.47°W · 8 m
Playas de Rosarito
Mexico32.35°N 117.05°W · 412 m
San Diego
United States32.72°N 117.15°W · 129 m
Overview
Ensenada combines a busy cruise port with seafood, local wines and a mild coastal climate. Valle de Guadalupe vineyards and the La Bufadora blowhole add excursions beyond downtown.
Languages: Spanish
Why go?
Ensenada is a popular weekend destination for southern Californians and a busy cruise ship port. It offers mild weather year-round, a UNESCO-recognized gastronomy scene, local wines from the Valle de Guadalupe, and the famous blowhole La Bufadora.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Ensenada is accessible by bus via two terminals: Terminal Autobuses Central (Av Riveroll 1015) and Terminal Autobuses Calle Sexta (Calle Sexta 575). Cruise ships dock at the port; Carnival Cruises runs shuttle buses (US$4 round-trip) between the port and downtown every 10 minutes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Downtown attractions are walkable. Bicycle travel is possible along Boulevard Costero, but take precautions on the scenic freeway. Taxis and route buses are available; route buses cost about US$0.75 (M$8). Car rental is available at the Rosarito Hotel.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Ensenada has a dry Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round. The warmest months (June–September) are the driest, averaging 22°C. Winter (November–February) is cooler but rarely frosty. Santa Ana winds can raise temperatures at any time.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Accommodation ranges from budget hotels like Hotel Presidente (M$600) and Hotel Cortez (M$600) to mid-range options like Hotel Suites Malena (M$2400) and oceanfront Hotel Las Rosas (M$2000). Many hotels offer outdoor pools and WiFi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat and drink
Seafood is ubiquitous, especially fish tacos said to have been born here. Mercado Negro is the largest seafood market. Street ceviche at La Guerrerense (M$250) and tacos at El Paisa (M$100) are local favorites. Cantina Hussong's, established in 1892, is a legendary bar where the margarita may have been invented. Many craft breweries like Cerveceria Transpeninsular and Aguamala offer local beers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See and do
Must-see attractions include La Bufadora, the world's largest blowhole (free), and the Caracol Science Museum (M$80 adults). Outdoor activities include surfing at San Miguel Beach, hiking at Canon de Dona Petra (free, first Sunday of month), and hot springs at San Carlos. Sport fishing and whale watching (December–March) are popular. The Baja 1000 off-road race starts here in November.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Regional art pieces can be found cheap on 1st Street. MacroPlaza is a mall with clothing and supermarket options; movie tickets cost about US$5.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Nearby cities Tijuana, Tecate, and Rosarito can be visited as day trips. The wineries of Valle de Guadalupe are highly recommended. Guadalupe Island is a next-to-impossible destination except for great white shark diving expeditions based in Ensenada.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Costa Mar Motel
Moderate hotel in a conveniently walkable area, close to convenience stores and 1-1/2 block to the beach. Rooms are clean and basically furnished. No air conditioning or heating.
Recorded price: M$800
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Coral & Marina
A beautiful hotel with amazing bathrooms and views. Located on the main road between the end of the toll road and downtown. There's a marina for your yacht and many amenities. Shuttle service into town (4.8 km or 3 miles away), M$80 for a taxi.
Recorded price: M$2600
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cremeria los Globos
This cheese shop is a gem, offering an astounding vaiety of artesanal cheeses from across Mexico, including Real de Castillo, a small town near Ensenada where 30 craft cheese makers produce everything from soft melting cheeses to hard grating cheeses.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
El Paisa Tacos
If you want to have the true Mexican taco experience, go to this place. Favored by locals, it offers US$1 tacos. Carne Asada, Adobada, Tripas and Cabeza are available as quesatacos, tortas, and huaraches. A must-taste that will scratch that Tex-Mex flavor you are used to. With everything.
Recorded price: M$100
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
El Restaurante en Punta Morro
High-end restaurant with an elegant dining room overlooking the ocean. International menu features Mexican, American, and European dishes. Extensive wine list featuring many outstanding vintages from local vineyards. Dress code enforced.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
El Rey Sol
Upscale restaurant serving authentic French cuisine. Great coffee in the mornings, perfect with French toast. Save room for dessert because they have their own in-house bakery producing a variety of classic French pastries.
Recorded price: M$250
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
La Guerrerense Carreta
Great street ceviche car that serves a huge variety of ceviches for US$1 each. It also has a huge variety of salsas ranging from light to super hot. Be careful with those and ask for assistance. Also serves cocktails. Located on 1st street and Alvarado
Recorded price: M$250
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Mercado Negro
Baja's largest seafood market. Located near the oceanfront. Most of the market's open air stalls sell catches fresh off the fishing boats that dock nearby. This is also a great place to try a famous fish taco.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Food
Must-try: fish tacos, ceviche, and local wines from Valle de Guadalupe.
Language
Spanish is the primary language. Basic Spanish helps, but some English is spoken in tourist areas.
Money
Mexican peso (MXN) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted, especially for tours and at cruise port services.
Safety
When biking on scenic highways, use high-visibility gear, as drivers may give less room than in the US.
Transport
Route buses cost about M$8. Taxis are available; carnival shuttles run from port for US$4 round-trip.