Ensenada

Travel Guide

Ensenada which includes a garden
Ensenada showing a park
Mexico which includes a church or cathedral and street scenes
Ensenada showing general coastal views, a sunset and cruising
Ensenada featuring cruising, general coastal views and a sunset

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

Where the catch of the day is sold. Definitely off the tourist track and very interesting.

Zona Centro

4.5/5(189 area reviews)

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

4/5(62 area reviews)

While Playa Ensenada might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Avenida Adolfo Lopez Mateos and Riviera Cultural Center.

Playa Ensenada
Beautiful twilight at Estero Beach Resort

Estero Beach

4/5(56 area reviews)

Some popular features of Estero Beach include its restaurants and beaches. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Punta Banda or Playa Hermosa are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Estero Beach
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Acapulco

5/5(5 area reviews)

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

Acapulco
Shrimp & lobster for dinner at Carnival Inspiration's 5-day cruise from Long Beach, California to Ensenada, Mexico.

Carlos Pacheco 4

4/5(33 area reviews)

While Carlos Pacheco 4 might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Playa Hermosa and Avenida Adolfo Lopez Mateos.

Carlos Pacheco 4
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Punta Banda

Though Punta Banda might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Playa Hermosa and Macroplaza del Mar Shopping Center.

Punta Banda
San Nicolas Hotel and Casino
San Nicolas Hotel and Casino
3.5 out of 5
Primera & Guadalupe s/n, Ensenada, BC
$86 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$98 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Ensenada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,049 reviews)
Great
"Good hotel and casino"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

San Nicolas Hotel and Casino
Hotel Villa Marina
Hotel Villa Marina
3 out of 5
Adolfo López Mateos S/N Zona Centro, Ensenada, BC
$90 nightly
The price is $102 total per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
$102 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ensenada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Convenient location"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hotel Villa Marina
Torre Lucerna Hotel Ensenada
Torre Lucerna Hotel Ensenada
4 out of 5
Carretera Tijuana - Ensenada Km 108.5, Zona Playitas, Ensenada, BC
$148 nightly
The price is $167 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$167 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and fees
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 property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"nice clean rooms. Main hotel water pump went out and did not have water from 8am to 1pm."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Torre Lucerna Hotel 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
4 out of 5
Gral. Agustin Sanginés Playa Ensenada, 237, Ensenada, BC
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Ensenada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (375 reviews)
"I was greeted by friendly front desk who kindly helped me with local indormation. Parking was good although an EV charging spot would be awesome. Very close to all the cool spots. Very clean and modern interior. I loved using the jacuzzi and pool!"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Beach House by ULIV
Blvd Sunset... a spot to relax
Blvd Sunset... a spot to relax
3 out of 5
Boulevard Costero #340, Ensenada, BC
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Ensenada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Playa Hermosa and Macroplaza del Mar Shopping ...
9/10 Wonderful! (25 reviews)
Great views
"Great location and views. We got the two story unit and the views from the second floor were awesome."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Blvd Sunset... a spot to relax
Life Hospitality
Life Hospitality
4 out of 5
540 Estancia Villa Bonita, Ensenada, BC
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly vacation home in Ensenada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Ecoturismo Kuyima and Playa ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"I really enjoyed my stay at this property! The house is new, clean, and beautifully designed in a modern style. It had everything I needed for a comfortable stay. The kitchen is spacious and fully equipped, and the dining area is perfect for meals or relaxing with friends or family. There are two ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Life Hospitality
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.

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