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Ensenada packs a lot into a small coastal city: a marine geyser, Mexico’s premier wine valley 30 km inland, a legendary cantina and some of the best seafood on the Pacific coast. Most attractions sit within a 40-minute drive of downtown, and the cruise port on Avenida López Mateos puts everything within reach of day visitors. Here are the best things to do in Ensenada, with hours and prices.
Things to Do in Ensenada: Natural Wonders
La Bufadora
La Bufadora is a marine geyser on the Punta Banda peninsula, 35 km (22 miles) south of downtown, where ocean swells force seawater up to 30 m (100 ft) through a sea cave, one of the largest blowholes in North America. Entry is free; you pay only for parking, about 30 MXN (US$1.75). The 40-minute drive ends at a row of seafood and craft stalls at the site entrance.
Gray Whale Watching in BahÃa de Todos Santos
From December through April, gray whales migrate through the bay between Alaska and Baja’s lagoons. Two to three hour boat trips leave the Ensenada harbor daily during peak season (January to March) and cost about 450 to 600 MXN (US$25 to 35) per person. Operators run from the waterfront near the fish market; see the best time to visit Ensenada for the exact season window.
Surfing at San Miguel Beach
Playa San Miguel, 10 km (6 miles) north of downtown, is the city’s most consistent surf break, with waves for all levels. Boards and wetsuits rent for about 250 to 350 MXN (US$15 to 20) per day from shops in town. The water stays at 15 to 18°C (59 to 64°F), so a 3/2 mm wetsuit is standard year-round. Check the Ensenada weather by month guide for water temperatures.
Things to Do in Ensenada: Food and Wine
Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting
The Valle de Guadalupe, 30 km (19 miles) northeast of the city, holds more than 100 wineries that produce about 90 percent of Mexico’s wine. Most tasting rooms open Thursday through Sunday, 11:00 to 18:00, and charge 200 to 350 MXN (US$12 to 20) for a flight of 4 to 6 wines. Monte Xanic, L.A. Cetto and Casa de Piedra are among the best known, all connected by the Ruta del Vino on Highway 3. The August harvest is the headline Ensenada event of the year.
Hussong’s Cantina
Hussong’s Cantina, at Avenida Ruiz 113, has poured drinks since 1892 and claims to be the oldest cantina in Baja California. It is famous as the place where the margarita was reportedly invented in 1941. Expect cheap beers, live norteño music and a packed room on weekends. It opens daily around 10:00 and runs late; cash is preferred, so carry pesos as covered in the Ensenada travel tips.
Mercado Negro (Black Market Fish)
The Mercado Negro, at the corner of Avenida Miramar and Calle Riveroll near the harbor, is Ensenada’s working fish market. Stalls sell the day’s catch, from local lobster to oysters, and small counters cook ceviche to order. Go early, 8:00 to 11:00, for the freshest selection. A seafood tostada plate runs about 120 to 180 MXN (US$7 to 10).
La Guerrerense
La Guerrerense is a street cart on Avenida López Mateos that Anthony Bourdain called one of the best street food stalls in the world. Sabina Bandera has served sea urchin, sea snail and fish tostadas here for decades. Most tostadas cost 45 to 90 MXN (US$2.50 to 5). It opens around 10:00 and runs until the tostadas sell out.
Things to Do in Ensenada: Culture and History
Riviera del PacÃfico
The Riviera del PacÃfico is a 1930 Spanish-style casino turned cultural center on Avenida Riviera. It hosted Hollywood stars in its gambling heyday and now runs art exhibits and events. Entry is free, and it is open daily from about 9:00 to 17:00. Its bar claims to have invented the margarita in 1948, competing with Hussong’s version of the story.
Museo de Historia de Ensenada
The Regional History Museum, at Avenida Gastélum 400, covers Baja California’s indigenous, mission and mining history in a small 1886 building. Admission is about 40 MXN (US$2.30), and it is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00. It makes a 30-minute stop near the downtown core.
Caracol Museo de Ciencias
Caracol, the city’s science museum inside the Centro CÃvico, runs interactive exhibits on marine biology and the Pacific. It is geared toward kids and works well on foggy days. Admission is about 50 MXN (US$3), and it is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 17:00.
Things to Do in Ensenada: Outdoor Adventures
Sport Fishing
Ensenada markets itself as the sport fishing capital of the Pacific, with yellowtail, tuna and bottom fish close to shore. Half-day charters run about 3,500 to 5,000 MXN (US$200 to 300) for a six-person boat, bookable at the harbor or through Ensenada Sport Fishing. The best bite is June through October.
Kayaking at Todos Santos Island
Isla Todos Santos, 19 km (12 miles) offshore, is a protected reserve with sea caves and sea lion colonies. Guided kayak and snorkel tours run 4 to 6 hours and cost about 1,200 to 1,800 MXN (US$70 to 105) per person. Tours operate mostly April through October, when seas are calmest.
Estero Beach and Punta Banda
Estero Beach, on the Punta Banda peninsula south of town, has calmer, warmer water than the city beaches and is a favorite for families. The Estero Beach Hotel & Resort offers day passes with pool access, about 25 minutes from downtown. Punta Banda is covered in the Ensenada neighborhoods guide, and it pairs naturally with La Bufadora for a combined day trip; see where to stay in Ensenada for nearby hotels.
