This coastal city in Baja California is known for its wine region, seafood, and gray whale watching. It has a calm harbor and is popular for sportfishing.
Ensenada, a coastal city in Baja California, Mexico, is located 125 kilometers south of San Diego. This port city is known for its fresh fish tacos, La Bufadora blowhole, and the nearby Valle de Guadalupe wine region. You can relax on beaches, join the Wine Harvest Festival in August, or explore the cruise ship port. The city offers views of the Pacific Ocean and a variety of activities for visitors.
Location and Geography
Ensenada is the third-largest city in Baja California, situated on Todos Santos Bay. The city center faces the bay, with many tourist-oriented businesses along the waterfront Bulevar Lazaro Cardenas and Avenida Lopez Mateos, also known as Calle Primera. Ensenada's landscape includes coastal areas and nearby mountains, giving you access to beaches and hiking trails within a short distance.
Beaches and Water Activities
While Ensenada's city center doesn't have beaches, you can find them about 15 minutes south. Surfers often visit Islas Todos Santos, located two hours offshore by boat. Ensenada is a popular spot for sportfishing on the Pacific coast. You can also try kayaking, diving, and even cage diving with great white sharks.
Wine Country and Vineyards
Ensenada produces over 90% of Mexico's wine. Most wineries are in the Valle de Guadalupe, about 40 minutes northeast of Ensenada on Highway 3 to Tecate. The region has over 150 wineries across several valleys, including San Antonio de las Minas, Ojos Negros, and Santo Tomás. Every August, the city hosts the Wine Harvest Festival, a two-week event with cultural and culinary activities.
Local Cuisine and Fish Tacos
Ensenada is known for Baja-style fish tacos. These consist of batter-dipped, fried fish wrapped in a corn tortilla, typically served with shredded cabbage, lime, and fresh salsas. You can try authentic fish tacos at the Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market) behind Plaza Marina on the waterfront. In 2015, UNESCO designated Ensenada as a Creative City for its gastronomy, recognizing its culinary contributions.
Downtown and Avenida Primera
The center of Ensenada's tourist area is downtown, particularly along Avenida Primera (First Street). This street has many souvenir shops, restaurants, hotels, and bars. One of the most famous establishments is Hussong's Cantina, which has been open since 1892 and is a popular spot among locals and tourists. The downtown area also includes the Civic Plaza, known locally as the Plaza of the Three Heads, which has sculptures of Mexican heroes and a large Mexican flag.
Safety Information
The U.S. State Department doesn't have specific warnings for Ensenada. However, it's wise to be cautious as you would in any unfamiliar city. Be aware of your surroundings, don't leave valuables unattended, and stay in well-populated areas, especially at night. If you're driving, watch out for potholes and be aware of potential scams involving staged accidents.
