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Ensenada is a very vibrant, happening, bustling, mid-sized seaport city. Lyle Lovett helped place Ensenada on the map when he recorded his famous hit song, The Road To Ensenada.  It is one of the friendliest, safest cities you will ever experience. You will see many major popular passenger cruise ships dock on its shores, lending an air of excitement to the usual festive atmosphere. A warm and friendly atmosphere, mild climate and accessibility by land, sea and air have made Ensenada a favorite tourist destination for decades. The city is backed by small mountain ranges and due to its location the weather is mild year around. Ensenada is easy to navigate with all numbered streets running north and south, and celebrity named streets running east and west. Taxis , shuttles and horse driven carriage rides are available.

Located 70 miles south of the international border, the city of Ensenada is a 90-minute drive from San Diego meandering along a modern toll highway with breathtaking views of the Pacific ocean. 

The total tolls you will pay when driving from TJ through to Ensenada are 26 pesos, 26 pesos and 29 pesos.  There are 3 toll booths. Equals 81 pesos which is equivalent to $6.23 (thats only one way) Roundtrip is going to cost you $12.46. Many people travel this route via the “Free Road”.

Nestled on the shore of Bahía de Todos Santos, Ensenada is Mexico’s second most visited port-of-call for major cruise lines and pleasure boats.

Few people might realize that it is the seat of government of one of the largest municipalities in the world. The county of Ensenada extends south from La Misión to the 28th parallel (the border with the state of Baja California Sur), and has coastlines on both the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez.

 In addition to cirio-studded desert landscapes and pine-scented forests with snow-capped mountains, the county of Ensenada contains the rich agricultural valley of San Quintín, the historic town of El Rosario, the primitive cave paintings of Cataviña, the remarkably intact missions of San Borja and Santa Gertrudis, the natural hot springs of Puertecitos, and the incredibly beautiful Bahía de los Angeles.

The 3rd largest city in the state of Baja California, Ensenada is renowned for its fishing, seafood, canning and wine making industries as well as its excellent restaurants, superb shopping, ample array of services and wide variety of accommodations. In addition to sports and recreational activities, there are many fascinating attractions including historical, cultural and natural points of interest, museums and galleries, wineries and missions.

Visit www.enjoyensenada.com for more information.

Ensenada lies on the wide Todos Santos Bay. Todos Santos Bay and Island (world class surfing) seem so close you could touch it. In the distance, an hours drive away, you can see the craggy ocean rocks of Labufadora, the famous blowhole. More on Labuf later.

Numerous universities mean an energetic population of young people and a flourishing commercial and sport fishing industry. This means  Ensenada enjoys a very thriving economy. Its mild mediterranean climate draws thousands of visitors every year, arriving by cruise ship, private plane or by car. Downtown Ensenada boasts an active and thriving tourist section, and shopping district, known as Ave. LOPEZ MATEOS where the cruiseship passengers embark from the ships to peruse its many shops, trinkets and treasures. Lots of faux Gucci purses and hand painted talvera tile can be found here.

Numerous new home and condo developments are luring Americans and other foreigners to invest in 2nd homes, while the cost of medical and long term care has helped spur real estate development for later retirement use.

Ensenada is home to more fresh seafood restaurants than you could visit in a lifetime.  Make sure you get to the legendary Hussongs Cantina for a rare treat. The atmospherre is laid back, friendly, casual and fun. The music gets louder as the night progresses and Mariachi bands rotate in and out to play for the crowds, as they do frequently all up and down the boulevard. (malecon)

Las Rosas Hotel boasts the best margaritas in town as well as a lovely infinity pool. Hotel Coral has the best marina in town which hosts many a sophisticated yacht. El Rey Sol, www.ElReySol.com, is possibly the crown jewel as far as restaurants go in Ensenada. It serves up a wonderful french cuisine and impeccable service. NOT to be missed.

in the El Sauzal area, a bit north of downtown, you will find Casa Natalie, www.casanatalie.com, a luxurious B and B resort and one of the regions most exclusive hotels, where Sandra Bullock is a frequent guest, is also home to many fish processing plants. You will recognize it by the stink.  

Another not to be missed attraction is Fausto Palanco furniture store. No, better yet, this is a gargantuous 15,000 square foot indoor – outdoor home decor showcase museum. You can’t miss this place, it is huge and it is massive. We hear rumors of it being built over an old cemetary and it being haunted, and going around its interior one can see why. With its hacienda style furniture, you feel like you are walking thru the pages of an interior design magazine. Each room is full of massive furniture, beautiful decor and accesories. The interior is dark and spooky. There is a pretty pool in the outdoor courtyard area, it was once a hotel. Each “room” of this large hotel boasts a different scene with the most gorgeous wood and wrought iron Mexican decor one can imagine. Massive, overstuffed plump sofas and chairs with their luxurious upholstery invite the visitor for a short rest while perusing the many rooms. A sensory delight.

There is a store in Ensenada, for everything, even a Starbucks. The movie theaters (Cinepolis) down town are the best theaters I have ever been to. Very posh. There is a lovely little cafe to sit and people watch before your movie begins. I believe most movies are shown in English with Spanish subtitles. Popcorn is sold in huge buckets just like in the US. The snack bars have every snack imagineable.

Enjoy late night disco at Papas and Beer. A mango margarita at Mango Mango (pictured above) and silver shopping at Marios or Los Castillo. There is even a very nice department store called Dorians, which I would equivilate to an expensive  JC Penneys.

The bounty of the sea is everywhere in Ensenada. El Mercado Negro is a sensory experience, not to be missed. This is a greatest and biggest  fish market in town . THE main market.You’ll be able to smell it long before you get there.  Here you can get abalone, plump shrimp, squid, marlin, octopus, swordfish, tuna and more. You can bargain, and what you’ll end up paying is a fraction for the same in the US. Wear closed toed shoes and roll up your pants. Remember: CLEAR BRIGHT EYES are the sign of a very fresh fish. Located near the ocean, not too far from the wonderful theaters. Follow the smells. Bring some tidbits for the seals to eat!

Juarez Street, at the heart of downtown, is the locals shopping district. More on that on the “shopping” page. Don’t venture alone downtown without a map, as many street signs are simply not there! Watch out carefully for the public buses. They run everywhere and they have a habit of cutting anyone in their way off. They stop at most major street intersections.  The fares are cheap. Know where you are going first and know when to get off. I had a wallet stolen out of my backpack on a bus in town. Keep your possessions close.

Ensenada has all the fast food  joints found in the US:  McDonald’s, Burger King, Carl Juniors, KFC, Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, Dominoes, and more. There is also a heavy Chinese food influence here, and you will find many very good chinese buffets dotted throughout town. KISS IT PIZZA has a franchise here which is pretty decent. Peter Piper Pizza has a large gathering in the Macroplaza Del Mar. There is a Pizza Hut and Dominoes too. We have come across a few Sushi bars in Ensenada which were delicious.

Grocery shopping in Ensenada is no different that shopping at any chain in the US.  Depends though on where you go.  More about that in the shopping section.

COMMERCIAL MEXICANA. This is by far the largest grocery retail in town.  When you first walk in you’ll be bombarded at the vast array of fresh fruits and vegetables. There are ATM machines to the left as you walk in.  They have a few kiosks which sell smoothies,  ice cream, jewelry, travel and even a bank. Follow the produce area around to the HUGE area that sells fresh locally caught fish.  After you pass the wonderful smells of the bakery and all the sweets and breads you could imagine. There is even a very nice liquor section (with a guard posted of course) for your pleasure.  Way over on the other side of the store is a general merchandise area for patio and garden items, household, stationary, furniture, appliances, toys, clothes,  hardware, pet supply etc, then a large Electronics area. Past that is the Farmacia.  One could get lost in this place. My choice for a one stop shopping experience. My guess is they tried to mimic Walmart and did an outstanding job. No photo developing though.

go to www.enjoyensenada.com for alot more information.

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Stories Baja | Mexico | Travel

“I’m dreaming of a place where I can get fish tacos with homemade corn tortillas and a refreshing margarita on the rocks for lunch, then dine on wood-fired pizza and a yummy glass of locally made red wine in the evening. A place where I can wake up to sunshine and go surfing in the morning, visit wine country in the afternoon, and go sailing in the evening (and on most occasions spot sea lions, seals, dolphins or maybe even a whale!). And let’s not forget fishing and shopping as a must, just to keep everyone satisfied.

I found my happy place in Ensenada, Mexico – a perfect balance of everything I like: beauty, good cuisine, culture and fun all rolled into one. And do I need to mention the convenience? I’d travel the world to find this balance, but alas, there’s no need, it’s right at my doorstep.

The best way to get there is to arrive in San Diego first (oh darn, there’s nothing to do there), and then travel by land two hours south to Ensenada. Might I recommend Hotel Coral & Marina as a place to crash: five-star quality without paying five-star prices. Best of all, they have a convenient, inexpensive shuttle that will pick you up in San Diego, take you through customs in Tijuana (don’t worry, it’s not scary, it’s very easy) and drop you and your bags at the door of Hotel Coral & Marina.

Beautiful views and facilities, including pool, gym and spa, await you. Ensenada is not your typical destination hotspot like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta; you won’t see throngs of tourists, Carlos-n-Charlies or Senor Frogs. But you’ll find a nice mix of cultural events: an international food fair, sightseeing (such as a trip along the scenic road to La Bufadora (The Blowhole), and yes, your choice of touristy stores with handmade blankets and pottery.

The culinary cuisine. . . well, that’s a story on its own, but let’s just say that your palate (and wallet) will be pleased, whether your choice is queso fundido and fajitas with an occasional (or frequent) song from a passing mariachi band, a steaming bowl of clams, mussels, calamari, octopus and scallops with a beautiful ocean view, or an abundant assortment of cheese and raw nuts enjoyed in a romantic “cave” setting. And a staple and always-delicious choice anywhere is a bowl of good ‘ole guacamole (never shorten to “guac,” advice from a local), served with the usual Ensenada hospitality and charm. ”