"Ensenada, Mexico: More than just a Tourist Town" Top 5 Page for this destination Ensenada by Stephen-KarenConn

Ensenada Travel Guide: 290 reviews and 632 photos

View of Ensenada from atop our Hotel - Ensenada

Ensenada Harbor

Ensenada, about 109 kilometers (68 miles) south of the US/Mexican border at Tijuana, is just far enough from the border to offer a more authentic Mexican experience than the eight "border towns" I have visited. People who come here just to drink, party and shop may not have a true international experience at all, but for the curious and adventurous traveler there is much of Mexico that may be experienced in Ensenada.

Four-lane toll highway Mex. 1-D is a quick convenient route south from Tijuana. There are three toll booths between the two cities. I am told that this stretch of highway is also patrolled by the Green Angels, who offer free towing and assistance to motorists who may break down, but motorists who run out of gas are required to pay for it.

Karen at the Port of Ensenada

With a population of near 250,000, Ensenada is the third largest city in Baja California, and one of its foremost summer resorts. The city spreads over scrub-covered hills that tumble down to the shores of Bahia de Todos Santos (All Saints Bay). The name "Ensenada" actually means "bay" in Spanish, and the city obviously derives much from the bay with it's large harbor. Cruise ships dock here, as well as freighters and boats of every other description. The city has a tourist face, but also a more authentic local side to be discovered. The surrounding area offers abundant opportunities for exploration of natural wonders as well as historic and cultural interests.

It's a shame that many Americans seem to think of Ensenada as only a party town - a place for young Americans to come and get drunk. For the informed visitor this charming city by the bay has so much more to to offer. We share just a few highlights from our own trip here. We will have to return to the area to explore more of the national parks, wine country, pueblos, missions, museums, hiking trails and much more that we did not have time to see on our most recent visit.

Last visit to Ensenada: Mar 2005
Intro Updated Jan 5, 2006
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (33)

Chickens Cooking, in El Charro's Front Window - Ensenada

Irresistable Barbeque Chicken Restaurants (4)

I love chicken just about any way it can be served, and when we walked past El Charro Restaurant and Bar and saw these... more travel advice

Karen at the Shops of la Bufadora - Ensenada

Cheap Trinkets and Souvenirs Shopping (3)

If you're going to be visiting La Bufadora while you are in Ensenada, and everyone should, then wait and buy your cheap... more travel advice

Baja California Norte State Tourism Office - Ensenada

State Tourism Office Favorites (1)

We had a difficult time finding adequate information about things to see and do in Ensenada until we went to the State... more travel advice

Art & Craft Center from our Hotel Window - Ensenada

Genuine Mexican Handcrafts Shopping (3)

From the outside the Art and Craft Center seemed to hold promise, and a man at the Ensenada Tourist Information office... more travel advice

Comments (23)

Reply
- Report abuse
oosuna Jun 30, 2010 at 8:23 PM

I'm glad that you liked our place and that you enjoyed your meal in our restaurant. we hope to here from you once more when you decide to pay ensenada a visit in the future. Greetings from our staff here at Restaurant Casamar.
Reply
- Report abuse
Pawtuxet Sep 27, 2008 at 6:06 AM

Back for another peek. My son is doing the 50 mile ride on a bike this weekend. What a coastline!
Reply
- Report abuse
cyclemike Feb 17, 2008 at 7:16 PM

I have eaten at EL Charro twice now and have loved it. I get half a chicken with rice and beans. Great food and you can't beat the price. I thought the chickens in the widow looked great but tasted even better!
Reply
- Report abuse
KiKitC Jan 26, 2008 at 6:25 AM

Fantastic tips, as always. The food there must have been incredibly tasty. Hope your birthday is a "fiesta".
Reply
- Report abuse
kyoub Feb 14, 2007 at 4:41 PM

Ensenada sounds like a very nice place to relax. I love to watch the blowholes. Thanks for the great tips.
Reply
- Report abuse
matcrazy1 Dec 8, 2006 at 6:24 PM

After reading your page I can only regret that being in Tijuana I didn't go a bit more to south to Ensenada. Great tips, my congratulations!
Reply
- Report abuse
budapest8 Nov 25, 2006 at 5:25 AM

Gr8 tips and pics....will come back again to RRR (read, review and rate) some more...Happy Thanksgiving..Tim
Reply
- Report abuse
orlikins Nov 17, 2006 at 3:45 AM

Was there last month, that Mexican flag at the harbour is HUUUUUUGE!! :)
Reply
- Report abuse
Sue08080 Jun 6, 2006 at 7:54 PM

Great Ensenada tips...especially the fish tacos! I agree that they are outstanding.
Reply
- Report abuse
RickinDutch Jan 26, 2006 at 1:15 PM

Nice job with Ensenda, Stephen. Birthday greetings from Alaska!