If you’re dreaming of ocean views, fresh seafood, and a sip of Baja wine—I can’t recommend Ensenada enough. Every time I visit, I fall in love with its easygoing charm. You’ll find yourself relaxing along the coast, indulging in some of the best tacos I’ve ever tasted, and exploring the vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe like a local. Whether you're strolling the Malecón or watching whales splash offshore, Ensenada makes you feel like you’ve uncovered something special.
Ensenada, MX Highlights:
- Make time for La Bufadora – I was amazed watching the ocean blast up like a geyser—seriously, it shoots up to 100 feet! If you’ve never seen a marine blowhole before, this one’s unforgettable.
- Explore Valle de Guadalupe – I’ve spent whole afternoons here just sipping wine and nibbling cheese plates. You’ll love the boutique feel of these wineries—nothing like Napa crowds.
- Take a walk along the Malecón – I always grab a snack and stroll the waterfront. There’s music, vendors, and that ocean breeze you didn’t know you needed.
- Don’t skip the fish tacos at Mercado Negro – If you're like me, you’ll want to try the original Ensenada-style taco. Crispy, flavorful, and unforgettable—I still dream about them!
- Go whale watching – I took a boat out once in January, and seeing gray whales glide alongside us? Magical. If you’re visiting in winter or early spring, this is a must-do.
Best Time to Visit Ensenada, Mexico
If you're planning a trip, I’d say May through October is perfect for wine tastings, beach days, and local festivals. But I also love coming December through April to catch the whale migration. Spring and fall hit that sweet spot—great weather and fewer tourists. You can’t really go wrong.
How to Get to Ensenada, Mexico
- Driving? I usually take the scenic route from San Diego—it’s about a 1.5–2 hour drive down the Transpeninsular Highway. Super easy and the views are worth every mile.
- Prefer the bus? I’ve taken ABC from Tijuana before—comfortable and pretty reliable. You can hop on from San Diego or Tijuana and be sipping wine by afternoon.
- Thinking cruise? Ensenada is a popular stop on short cruises from L.A. I’ve done the 3-day version, and it’s a fun, low-stress way to see the city for the first time.
Where to Stay in Ensenada, Mexico
- Hotel Coral & Marina – I stayed here on my first trip, and I still remember those marina views. It’s close to everything and has great pools and a spa when you want to unwind.
- La Casona del Valle – If you’re staying out in wine country, this is my pick. It feels like a rustic retreat but with just the right amount of luxury. You’ll love waking up surrounded by vines.
- Casa Natalie Luxury Resort – For a romantic weekend, I once booked a suite here, and let me tell you—the sunsets from the patio were unreal. Perfect for couples who want that quiet, upscale vibe.
Best Things to Do in Ensenada, Mexico
Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park
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
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
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
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:
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
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
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
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
Jump to a Spot...