If you’re looking for a great place to visit, we have the perfect destination for you. Ensenada is a beautiful city in Mexico that has something for everyone. From amazing food and drinks to relaxing beaches, there’s no shortage of things to do here! You’ll never want to leave this paradise once you arrive. We’ve got all the information on how to plan your trip in our travel guide! Keep reading and learn everything about visiting Ensenada, let’s dive in!
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About Ensenada
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Ensenada is known as the “Capital del Vino Mexicano”. This means the Capital of Mexican Wine, as it is one of the entranceway cities to the Wine Route in Baja, California. It is a coastal city in Mexico situated on the Pacific Ocean. Ensenada is the largest municipality in Mexico due to its extensive physical environment, flora, and fauna. Not only that, Ensenada is a popular tourist destination that attracts many tourists who prefer nature and outdoor activities. Beach sports, boating, and fishing are the most popular activities in this mild arid climate.
The Top Things to Do in Ensenada
Stroll Along the Avenida Lopez Mateos.
Avenida Lopez Mateos is a beautiful destination to go shopping and enjoy the tourist atmosphere. Whether you’re drinking a coffee, enjoying exquisite seafood, or shopping for embroidered textiles, there is a store for everything. Parking your vehicle and going for a walk is the best way to see this area. So put on your walking shoes because this is going to be a lot of fun!
Explore the Museo de Historia de Ensenada.
Exploring this history museum will provide you an in-depth awareness of Ensenada’s heritage, history, and identities. You can see various items from the period of the Spanish missions, Native American artifacts, and paintings that portray the area’s cultural identity.
Visit La Bufadora.
The marine geyser called La Bufadora shoots water over 60 feet in the air. Bufadora is ranked second as the world’s second-biggest marine geyser.
Visit the Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park.
This is perfect for relaxing with a book or becoming a little more active and taking a stroll, hike, or bike ride over a variety of trails. Birdwatchers will love the park as well because it is home to many local bird species.
Dine at Juan More Taco Food Tours.
Enjoy the best and most authentic Mexican cuisine and Taco Tasting Tours at Juan More Taco Food Tours, which combines the delicious tastes of Mexico with a fun and informative walking tour of Ensenada, which is a delight for foodies.
How to get to Ensenada
It may be challenging to get to Ensenada since it is impossible to fly straight into the city. This implies that, unless you are traveling by cruise ship, your journey will most likely consist of hopping from one place to another until you reach Ensenada. Depending on your financial situation and personal preferences, you may choose from one of the following methods.
Fly to Tijuana
Since Ensenada has no major airport, the nearest is in Tijuana, Mexico. Most flights from Europe, including London, Paris, and Madrid, connect to Tijuana via Mexico City. Many US cities have direct flights to Tijuana. You can hire a car from the Tijuana airport, take an Uber, or take a bus to Ensenada.
Drive to Ensenada
If you are traveling from the US border to Ensenada, you need to take Highway-1D to the US-Mexico border. If there isn’t too much traffic, this trip should take approximately 90 minutes.
Take Public Transportation
Travelers arriving at Tijuana’s airport can take a bus to Ensenada. Taking a taxi is another alternative that you have in Tijuana. If you’re coming from San Diego or another Amtrak-served location, you may take an Amtrak train to San Ysidro. You could also consider using an Uber service.
Take a Cruise Ship
Taking a cruise ship is a more conventional form for visitors from the United States and Canada to arrive at Ensenada. Taking a cruise ship allows you to enjoy numerous comforts and magnificent sea views as you approach Ensenada’s shore.
Where to stay in Ensenada
Torre Lucerna Hotel Ensenada
There are two restaurants, an outdoor pool, and a fitness facility available at this smoke-free hotel. There is also self-parking and free Wi-Fi available in public areas. You’ll have access to a spa tub, bar/lounge, and a rooftop terrace at this hotel. All 146 rooms have free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and Smart TVs with cable channels.
Egyptian cotton sheets, complimentary bottled water, and hair dryers are also available to guests. Children are welcome. However, there are no rollaway/extra beds or cribs (baby beds) available. Pets are not allowed.
City Express Plus Ensenada
This smoke-free hotel has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a poolside bar. There is also complimentary continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi in public areas, and free self-parking. A 24-hour business center, meeting room, and 24-hour front desk are also available.
Free Wi-Fi, room service, and flat-screen TVs are available in all 134 rooms. Among the additional facilities available to visitors are free bottled water, showers, and ironing boards. Please contact the hotel using the information on the reservation confirmation obtained after booking if you have particular accessibility requirements.
Hotel Coral and Marina
This non-smoking hotel has two restaurants, a marina, a full-service spa, free Wi-Fi in public areas, and free valet parking. There is also an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and two bars/lounges on-site.
All 147 rooms offer facilities like sitting areas, refrigerators, free Wi-Fi, and TVs with cable channels. Balconies, room service, and coffee machines are also available to guests. It is vital to note this hotel provides airport transfers, and visitors must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the information on the booking confirmation.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Ensenada
The ideal time to visit Ensenada depends on your travel plans. Certain times of year are better for beaches, while others are ideal for whale viewing or avoiding crowds.
Ensenada has a moderate temperature. However, the ideal time to come is from June through September. Summer months offer warm weather to enjoy the beach, but not so hot that you can’t remain on the beach for extended periods.
If you don’t care about the weather and want to escape the tourist crowds, October through November or April through May are ideal. During this time, the weather is still mild, and there are few tourists or cruise ships.
Whale-watching is a popular activity in Ensenada. If you want to do this, travel between December and April.
Wrapping Up
Ensenada is a great destination for travelers who want to explore the lesser-known side of Baja California. It has a variety of sightseeing opportunities and day trips and activities that are worth exploring.
Whether you’re looking to swim in one of its beautiful beaches, go on a whale-watching tour, or hang out with friends while drinking margaritas at one of its many outdoor bars, there’s something for everyone in this coastal city.
We hope you enjoyed this travel guide and are excited to explore, Ensenada. Happy travels!