Ensenada

Travel Guide
Ensenada showing a garden
The port city in the Mexican state of Baja California is known for its wine-producing region, water sports, wildlife and beautiful scenery.

Ensenada is a popular seaside getaway, a port city on a beautiful stretch of the Pacific Coast. Enjoy the attractive harbor, ride the waves on a surfboard, head out to sea on a whale-watching trip and tour some of Mexico’s most famous vineyards.

Ensenada's extensive Pacific coastline features beautiful beaches, surf spots and resort towns. Rent a kayak at Estero Beach, go surfing at San Miguel Beach and lie back on the fine sands of Baja Cove Beach.

Every winter, gray whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California's warmer waters. See these magnificent marine mammals up close on a whale-watching boat trip. Local tour companies operate excursions from November through April.

Drive just south of the city to marvel at the blowhole known as La Bufadora. This natural phenomenon sends waves crashing against the rocks and up to 65 feet (20 meters) in the air.

Some of Mexico’s best wines come from Ensenada’s fertile soils. Enjoy a daytrip along the wine route to tour wineries and taste their range of Mexican wines. Help locals celebrate the wine harvest at the Ensenada Vintage Festival in August. This 10-day fiesta is packed with cultural, gastronomic and musical events. Local wineries offer free samples of their products and the party concludes with the annual paella competition. The city also promotes its produce at the Fish and Seafood Festival in September and the Mushroom Festival in June.

Ensenada is known for its Baja Med cuisine, a mixture of Mexican dishes, oriental flavors and seafood. Savor regional specialties at waterfront restaurants, downtown or in the tourist zone. Then, have nightcap in one of Baja’s oldest bars, Hussong’s Cantina, which opened in 1892. With its offbeat art, long wooden bar and sawdust-covered floor, the venue has changed little over the years.

Ensenada is 63 miles (101 kilometers) south of the Mexico-United States border. The drive along the four-lane highway takes about an hour. Book a vacation in a city known for its cuisine, wines and wildlife.

Where to stay in Ensenada

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Acapulco

While Acapulco isn't home to many top sights, Playa Hermosa and Avenida Adolfo Lopez Mateos are some notable places to visit nearby.

Acapulco
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Estero Beach

You might appreciate the restaurants and beaches in Estero Beach, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, Playa Hermosa and Punta Banda are just a few notable stops.

Estero Beach
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Zona Centro

While visiting Zona Centro, you might make a stop by sights like First Street and Avenida Adolfo Lopez Mateos.

Zona Centro
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Playa Ensenada

While there might not be top attractions in Playa Ensenada, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Avenida Adolfo Lopez Mateos and Riviera del Pacifico Cultural and Convention Center.

Playa Ensenada
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Playas de Chapultepec

While there might not be top attractions in Playas de Chapultepec, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Playa Hermosa and Punta Banda.

Playas de Chapultepec
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Carlos Pacheco 4

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Carlos Pacheco 4 and surrounding area, you can visit Playa Hermosa and Avenida Adolfo Lopez Mateos.

Carlos Pacheco 4
San Nicolas Hotel and Casino
San Nicolas Hotel and Casino
3.5 out of 5
Primera & Guadalupe s/n, Ensenada, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €103 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€103
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Ensenada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Nice Hotel"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

San Nicolas Hotel and Casino
Torre Lucerna Hotel Ensenada
Torre Lucerna Hotel Ensenada
4 out of 5
Carretera Tijuana - Ensenada Km 108.5, Zona Playitas, Ensenada, BC
The price is €195 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€195
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ensenada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"It was a beautify hotel, modern and attentive staff. Our bathroom sink had a small leak, we let the front desk know it was fixed that while we were out on the town. Valte parking was helpful and there was a great breakfast brunch."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Torre Lucerna Hotel Ensenada
City Express Plus by Marriott Ensenada
City Express Plus by Marriott Ensenada
3 out of 5
Carretera Tijuana - Ensenada km 104, El Sauzal, Ensenada, BC
The price is €159 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
€159
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ensenada. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
"I fully recommend this place"

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

City Express Plus by Marriott Ensenada
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beach House by ULIV
Beach House by ULIV
3.5 out of 5
Gral. Agustin Sanginés Playa Ensenada, 237, Ensenada, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Ensenada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Avenida Adolfo Lopez Mateos and State ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (86 reviews)
Good place to stay
"The room was small but super cute, the location was pretty centric and it had access to different stuff shopping restaurants etc"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Beach House by ULIV
Rancho San Carlos Aguas Termales
Rancho San Carlos Aguas Termales
3 out of 5
KM 01 San Carlos, Ensenada, BC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ensenada. Enjoy free parking, 4 outdoor pools, and free water park access. Popular attraction Baja Country Club is located nearby. ...
Rancho San Carlos Aguas Termales
Home sweet home in Ensenada
Home sweet home in Ensenada
Cuauhtemoc
Stay at this vacation home in Ensenada. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Avenida Adolfo Lopez Mateos and Playa Hermosa are ...
7.8/10 Good! (16 reviews)
Baja 1000 visit
"Host was very helpful. We will stay there again"

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2022

Home sweet home in Ensenada
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do