Some History and Background
At the time the first European explorers arrived in the region, the Yuman people inhabited the region with tribal groups such as the Kiliwa, Paipai and Kumiai still exist. These semi-nomadic indigenous people lived in the bay area and interior valleys of the Sierra de Juárez and San Pedro Mártir. The Kumiai had a village in the current located of the city which was called Pa-tai.
Explorer Juan RodrÃguez Cabrillo first discovered Bahia Todos Santos with the vessels El Salvador and Victoria on September 17, 1542, first naming it San Mateo Bay. While mapping the coastline of the Californias in search of safe harbors for returning Spanish galleons from Manila to Acapulco, Sebastián VizcaÃno renamed the bay to Ensenada de Todos Santos in 1602.
A century later, The first permanent settlement was established by the Jesuits and after their expulsion in 1768, the Dominicans took over the representation of Europe in what is now Ensenada. In 1805, José Manuel Ruiz Carillo obtained permission to establish himself in Ensenada, being appointed governor of Baja California and building in Ensenada a house that survived until the final part of that century, despite being briefly taken by William Walker, the self-declared “president” of the Republic of Lower California, in 1853–54.
In 1882, Ensenada was officially founded, designated as the capital of Baja California. Attempts were made by the English Mexican Land and Colonization Company to develop the area but their efforts were thwarted by the growing fervor of the Mexican Revolution and in 1915, the capital was transferred to Mexicali. A few years later, the city’s name was shortened from Ensenada de Todos Santos to simply Ensenada.
Prohibition would provide a boost to Ensenada, bringing Americans and Canadians south of the border in search of entertainment and alcohol, developing first Tijuana, then Rosarito and finally Ensenada as tourist destinations. The Hotel Riviera del PacÃfico was opened in 1930, briefly placing Ensenada on the international glamor map and was visited several times by President Miguel Aleman, international artists and political personalities
Things to Do in Ensenada
Located just a 90 minute drive south from the U.S. border with Mexico, Ensenada is Baja California’s third largest city and an important Pacific port for Mexico’s growing economy.
There are lots of fun things to see and experience in Ensenada including a large wine tasting village, sportfishing, off-roading and many other cultural and outdoor activities to keep you busy and entertained.
While only an hour further south along the Pacific coastline from Rosarito Beach, the scene here is much more tranquil than Rosarito which tends to cater more to the younger, college age crowd.
A bit farther removed from the northern border with the U.S., this port city is characterized as a bit more mellow with most visitors spending their day enjoying the local cultural attractions, shopping or wine tasting up in the Guadalupe Valley before sitting down down to a quiet, gourmet dinner at a quaint Guadalupe Valley or seaside restaurant.Â
However there are still plenty of activities available for the younger crowd including horseback riding, surfing, ATV rides, zip lining, skydiving and more.
Planning to visit Ensenada?
Here is a list of just a few of our favorite attractions, including a few, less known gems located off the beaten path.Â
Among these you’ll find lots to choose from; ensuring that not only will you have a fun time but will be soon planning a return trip back, maybe even before you leave to head back home!
Looking for Hotels, Wine Tasting & Other Activity Options in Guadalupe Valley?
1. Lighthouse BeachÂ
Known locally as “Playa el Faro, this tranquil beach is located a few miles further south along the coast in a more quiet, laid-back area and is quite popular with experienced tourists to the region, offering a glimpse into what the beaches of Ensenada were like a half century ago.
This serene beach area attracts independent vacationers and locals alike, thanks to its abundance of modest holiday rentals and camping opportunities in addition to vendors offering you a variety of fresh and quite reasonably priced seafood delights.
Clean and generally calm Pacific waters make it family-friendly too, as well as a great place to try your luck at surf fishing.
FYI – surf fishing in Mexico does NOT require a fishing license, just a fishing pole, bait and some good luck!
2. Avenida Lopez Mateos
Also known as First Street, Avenida Adolfo López Mateos is Ensenada’s main artery, lined with loads of tourist-friendly local businesses.Â
You could easily spend the entire day here in this lively shopping zone, filled with lots of stores that offer all sorts of different items and products of local artisans.
Some of the items featured in the stores of this street include beautiful embroidered Mexican dresses, straw hats, crafts, blankets, jewelry, and ponchos.
Avenida Lopez Mateos also features wonderful food venues like street-side cafés and restaurants which offer a variety of deliciously prepared cuisine, coffee, and other drinks.
Or simply just stroll along the street to enjoy all the colors and “sabor” this area has to offer.
3. Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park
This nature park is hidden away up in an elevated residential area and is a popular tourist attraction in Ensenada.
Most visitors come to the park to enjoy sweeping views of the port and the beautiful coastline of Baja California.
The park is an ideal place to relax with a good book, walk your dog or go hiking and even mountain biking along the area’s network of trails.
Birdwatchers will also enjoy the park as it is home to several species of local as well as migrating birds.
Central to the park is a very bright and colorful statue of the Buddhist Princess Tara, donated to the city of Ensenada by the people of the Himalayas of Nepal in 1994.
Calle 13 esquina Moctezuma. 22810. Zona Centro, Ensenada, Baja California, México
Open Daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
4. Caracol Science MuseumÂ
A fairly new attraction in Ensenada and well worth a visit to this modern and innovative museum housed in a distinctive building located between the harbor and the enormous Riviera Center.
Here you can spend time learning about Mexican and Baja specific – scientific and engineering projects, with most of the exhibits having 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 Science Museum, Avenida Club Rotario 3, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico Phone: 646-177-0897
5. Guadalupe Valley
Located about 15 miles northeast of Ensenada, Valle De Guadalupe – also known as Baja’s wine country – is a popular tourist destination for wine lovers, with more than 75 wineries.
On top of the wineries, the area also offers you the option to ride horseback, zip lining and other extreme sports related activities.
The elevated valley region is an extremely popular destination today and largely due to the rich vineyards surrounded by a number of gourmet restaurants serving up unforgettable dining experiences, and all accompanied by locally produced award winning wines.
Many of the wineries in the valley offer tours and wine tasting, allowing visitors a peak into the wine making process as well as an opportunity to learn about the history of their vineyards and the region.
Once a daytrip attraction for visitors to Ensenada, the region has grown into a vacation destination all its own with a wide choice of charming boutique hotels, spas and even glamping opportunities to choose from.
Ensenada Map – Lookup Address / Location
6. Splash in the Fountains at Plaza Civica
Especially good for a very warm summer day, Ventana al Mar (Window to the Sea) is a little harborside park and part of the bustling malecón (waterfront promenade) in the city. There’s not much shade during the day, but kids (and big kids) love to run through the numerous fountains to cool off.
Plaza CÃvica, or Civic Plaza, is Ensenada’s central square, buzzing with locals and visitors. Busts of some of Mexico’s most important historical figures provide a hard to miss backdrop to the plaza, along with vendors selling everything from used books to jewelry, crafts and street-food snacks. A gigantic Mexican flag and, often, musicians make this a uniquely Mexican spot, perfect not only for shopping but also for photos.
Locals tend to congregate here at the “Plaza CÃvica de la Patria” when the day cools, to enjoy synchronized water and light shows and regular live music on the outside stage.
To find it, just head towards the marina, and watch for the HUGE Mexican flag fluttering on a monumental pole.
7. El Salto Canyon and Waterfall
The El Salto Canyon and Waterfall is a well-kept secret that most travelers to the region will probably not find on their tour itinerary.
The beautiful canyon area is located less than an hour from Ensenada off the Ensenada – Tijuana Free Road and there 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.
Also available is a more strenuous climb up over a large hill, which will reward you with stunning views and lead you to an inland lake where you can also fish and swim.
Rock climbing and rappelling are other popular activities available.
El Salto Canyon and Waterfall, (off the Ensenada–Tijuana Highway), Baja California, MexicoÂ
Restaurants in Ensenada
8. Hussong’s Cantina
It’s hard to imagine any trip to Ensenada being complete without including at least one visit to the historic Hussong’s Cantina, widely believed to be the birthplace of the margarita.
The often noisy and crowded sawdust-floored cantina, is located in an historic stage-coach inn while offering visitors an authentic Mexican pub experience.
On most nights you will often find at least one live band in attendance with many visitors and locals enjoying the atmosphere, singing and dancing along while slapping their glasses together in a spanglish blend of toasts that everyone seems to understand; if not literally then at least in spirit.
You should not leave without tasting at least one of their signature Margaritas, with Hussong’s believed by many to be the home of the very first margaritas ever made.
Local lore insists that the now-popular drink was first concocted in this very cantina back in 1941 for the visiting daughter of a German ambassador and named in her honor.
Hussong’s Cantina, Av. Ruiz 113, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, Phone: +52-64-61-78-32-10
9. Experience La Guerrerense
Ensenada is Mexico’s historic seafood capital and one of the region’s most beloved tacos – the fish taco – can be found on every corner.
However if you want a very special experience, be sure to make time to stop by and see Sabina Bandera, who has become one of the most famous street vendors on the planet, featured by Anthony Bourdain who proclaimed her tostadas de mariscos among the best he had ever experienced.
Established in 1960, La Guerrerense sees daily crowds begin to line up early, watching a small army of cooks cracking open clams, shucking oysters and piling healthy portions of super fresh seafood onto tostadas and into oversize clam shells.
After you choose from the day’s catch – shrimp, urchins, clams, lobster, octopus and more – stand back and wait while your dish is prepared.
And once they hand you your plate be sure to make your way through the throng of fellow hungry patrons and top your serving with one of the selection of bottled salsas and condiments on display, which are also for sale.
Our personal favorite is the salsa made from toasted peanuts, oil, garlic and fresh chilies.
La Guerrerense, Av. Adolfo Lopez Mateos 917, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
10. La BufadoraÂ
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; trapping, compressing and then pushing a jet-stream of saltwater laden air out through a blowhole atop an underwater cave, resulting in what is often a massive spout of water, reaching up to 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.
After you have experienced the blowhole, there is a small community of local shops and restaurants there if you are looking for a souvenir or simply a bite to eat.Â
The area and attraction is extremely popular with the tour busses bringing visitors from the cruise ships so it’s usually best to get there early if you want to miss the crowds, however the best time to view is at high tides so it is worth checking the local tide table before your visit, if you are driving yourself to the site.
La Bufadora, Punta Banda, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
11. Las Canadas Canopy Tour
Inside the Las Canadas Campground, the canopy tour is an exciting zipline adventure and if you are looking for that type of adventure, this will surely be one of the highlights of your Ensenada vacation.
The canopy tour is made up of a series of five separate zipline runs, two of which are over a quarter of a mile long and linked together by five hanging bridges, each of which will require a different set of balancing strategies.
You will start your adventure off at the central tower, where you will get strapped into your harness and set off to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the beautiful surroundings.
Las Cañadas also offers secure, daytime and overnight camping and there are lockers available where you can leave your personal items and valuables.
Las Canadas Canopy Tour, Carretera Ensenada KM. 31.5, La Paz, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, Phone: +52-64-61-53-10-55
12. Local History and Culture
Those interested in learning more about the local history and culture should definitely make some time to visit the Riviera Cultural Center and the Ensenada Museum of History, which forms part of the Riviera Center; recognized to be the cultural heart of Ensenada and once home to the Riviera Del Pacifico Resort and Casino.
Built in 1930, the center is an ideal place to visit for architecture enthusiasts and history lovers. It is beautifully designed and filled with ornate woodwork, beautifully painted ceilings, chandeliers, and locally designed and manufactured ceramic tiles of that era.
Riviera of Ensenada also features interesting daily docent-led tours (some in English), sharing with visitors the most beautiful highlights along with the history of the center.
The museum primarily focuses on the history of the Baja Peninsula and the people who have made it what it is today, including the influence and impact from European missionaries and explorers on the local native populations.
Although the museum is relatively small, the history is well documented and there are narratives in both Spanish and English. The museum also houses a library, photo library and shop. Guided tours can be arranged upon request.
Additionally, the area is surrounded by several beautiful, manicured gardens, definitely worth spending some time to explore.
Address: Riviera of Ensenada, Lazaro Cardenas 1421, Bahia Ensenada, 22880 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico Phone: +52-646-177-0594
13. Container Plaza
Most of us are familiar with the idea of building a house with shipping containers but an entire commercial plaza? This newly opened plaza enjoys beautiful views of ocean sunsets and is located fronting Playa Hermosa, built entirely from a maze of architecturally designed and carefully placed shipping containers that previously served duty making trans-Pacific trips between Asia and ports along the west coast of the U.S. and Mexico.
“Plaza Contenedores” is probably not like anything you have experienced and is slowly filling up with a variety of restaurants, bars and local craft brewers in a very hip and laid back atmosphere – a great way to end a busy day of wine tasting, shopping and adventure.
Schedule your visit there to coincide with the later afternoon sunset and you’ll score some memorable photographs to share of your trip on social media.
Blvd. Costero, Playa Hermosa – Zona Centro, Ensenada, B.C.
https://youtu.be/RegvKjHZ4JM