Looking for ocean views, fresh seafood, and Baja wine country? Head to Ensenada! Located on the Pacific coast of Baja California, Ensenada is a scenic port city known for its relaxed beach vibes, top-notch food, and access to Valle de Guadalupe’s award-winning vineyards. Whether you're sampling tacos, whale watching, or strolling the waterfront, Ensenada offers the perfect Mexican coastal getaway.
Ensenada, MX Highlights:
- Visit La Bufadora: See one of the world’s largest marine geysers shoot ocean water up to 100 feet in the air.
- Explore Valle de Guadalupe: Taste your way through Mexico’s premier wine region, home to over 100 boutique wineries.
- Walk the Malecón: Enjoy a seaside stroll along Ensenada’s vibrant waterfront filled with street vendors and live music.
- Sample fish tacos at Mercado Negro: Try the city’s original battered fish taco at this lively seafood market and local eatery hub.
- Go whale watching: Take a boat tour between December and April to see gray whales migrate along the coast.
Best Time to Visit Ensenada, Mexico
The best time to visit Ensenada is from May through October for wine season, warm beach weather, and festivals. Whale watching season runs from December through April. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
How to Get to Ensenada, Mexico
- By car: Ensenada is about a 1.5–2 hour drive south of San Diego via the scenic Transpeninsular Highway (Highway 1).
- By bus: ABC and other bus lines run daily between Tijuana, San Diego, and Ensenada.
- By cruise: Many 3- to 4-day cruises from Los Angeles stop in Ensenada as a featured port of call.
Where to Stay in Ensenada, Mexico
- Hotel Coral & Marina – Oceanfront resort with pools, spa, marina access, and upscale amenities just north of downtown.
- La Casona del Valle – A charming vineyard stay in Valle de Guadalupe with rustic luxury and wine country vibes.
- Casa Natalie Luxury Resort – Romantic boutique hotel on the coast, ideal for couples seeking stunning sunset views.
Best Things to Do in Ensenada, Mexico
1. Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park
Rating: ★★★★★
Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park is a nature park located in an elevated residential area and is a popular tourist attraction in Ensenada. Most people come to the park to enjoy sweeping views of the city and the beautiful coastline of Baja California. The park is an ideal place to relax with a good book or get a little more active and go walking, hiking, or mountain biking along a network of trails. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the park as it is home to several species of local birds. Central to the park is a very bright and colorful statue of the Buddhist Princess Tara, which was donated to the city by the people of Nepal.
Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park, Av. Ruiz, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
2. Caracol Museo de Ciencias (Caracol Science Museum)
The Caracol Science Museum is a fairly new addition to the list of attractions in Ensenada and is well worth a visit. The modern and innovative museum is housed in a distinctive building located between the harbor and the enormous Riviera Center. You can spend some time learning about (mainly) Mexican and Baja scientific and engineering projects, and most of the exhibits have English captions. Currently, permanent exhibits include The Earth, The Heavens, and a Manila galleon that was shipwrecked off the coast. There is also a dinosaur exhibit as well as a temporary exhibition centered around the receding polar ice caps and the effect on the marine environment.
Caracol Museo de Ciencias (Caracol Science Museum) , Avenida Club Rotario 3, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico Phone: 646-177-0897
3. Desert Trails
Equestrians can arrange to have a day out with a difference at Desert Trails, located just 10 minutes north of Ensenada. The company has a small stable of well-trained horses suitable for just about all skill levels, and you can choose to simply explore the area on a trail ride or combine horseback riding with a tour of your choice. If you need to brush up on your riding skills, you can arrange for a lesson or two before setting off to ride on the beach or in the lovely mountainous countryside. Rides vary in duration from 1 to 4 hours and can include a packed lunch, a country barbeque, or even a cheese or wine tour.
Desert Trails, Ensenada 22801, Baja California, Mexico, Phone: +52-64-61-51-83-45
4. El Jardin de Tara
You can find the El Jardin de Tara (Garden of Tara) in the Ecological Park of Canon De Dona Petra. The park is a pleasant place to take a stroll or spend some time admiring the sweeping views of the city and the ocean beyond, but for many visitors the colossal 20-foot sculpture of the Tibetan princess the White Tara is the prime attraction of the gardens. Tara represents an enlightened female figure who embodies joy, wisdom, and compassion and she is revered throughout the Buddhist world. The statue was donated to the city of Empanada by the people of Nepal as a gesture of peace.
El Jardin de Tara, Av. Ruiz, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5. El Salto Canyon and Waterfall
El Salto Canyon and Waterfall is a well-kept secret that you will probably not find on any tour itinerary. The beautiful canyon area is located less than an hour from Ensenada on the Ensenada–Tijuana Free Highway and you can spend the day hiking and exploring the area for around 2 dollars (5 dollars if you want to camp overnight). A short and relatively easy hike will lead you to the base of the canyon, where there are seasonal pools and beautiful rock formations. You can also take a more strenuous clamber up over a large hill, which will reward you with stunning views and lead you to an inland lake where you can fish and swim. Rock climbing and rappelling are other popular activities.
El Salto Canyon and Waterfall, (off the Ensenada–Tijuana Highway), Baja California, Mexico
6. Guadalupe Island
If cage diving with great white sharks features on your bucket list, be sure to book your Ensenada vacation between July and November, when you have the unique opportunity to hop aboard a Nautilus liveaboard vessel for the adventure of a lifetime on Guadalupe Island. Your adventure includes 5 days on board the vessel and the chance to spend upwards of 2 hours each day in the cages, which are lowered to around 30 meters below the surface of the ocean, where great whites can be found. Come face to face with one of the world’s most feared predators in a safe and natural environment accompanied by an experienced divemaster.
Guadalupe Island, 169 East Flagler Street, Miami, Florida 33131
7. La Bufadora
La Bufadora is one of the largest blow holes in North America and also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ensenada. The powerful marine geyser is caused by the might of the waves, which trap air inside an underwater cave. As the waves recede, the trapped air is released in the form of a massive spout of water, often reaching 100 feet in height. The entire spectacle is repeated every few minutes and you have a good chance of a drenching if you are standing at the edge of the viewing platform. La Bufadora is at its best at high tide and it is worth checking the times for the tides before your visit if you are driving yourself to the site.
La Bufadora, Punta Banda, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Where to Eat in Ensenada, Mexico
8. La Guerrerense
La Guerrerense is an Ensenada institution – a humble food cart that has been serving up fresh and fabulous seafood since 1960 and has often been dubbed the “Best Food Cart in the World” by fans and even by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. You can look forward to lip-smacking shrimp, octopus, ceviche tostadas, and much more. There is very little seating (just a few plastic chairs and tables dotted around the cart) but the usually long queues waiting to order attest to the popularity of La Guerrerense. You are advised to get there early if you want a wider choice – favorites often sell out by the time they close at 6:00pm. They also sell a variety of legendary homemade salsas.
La Guerrerense, Av. Adolfo Lopez Mateos 917, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
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