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.