Ensenada is a sunny Mexican sea port conveniently located on the Baja California Peninsula, just 80 miles south of San Diego. The town is a very popular vacation destination for Californians, who flock to the Baja to enjoy an authentic taste of Mexico and a wide variety of outdoor activities.
Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park
Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park is a nature park located in an elevated residential area and is a popular tourist attraction in Ensenada. Most people come to the park to enjoy sweeping views of the city and the beautiful coastline of Baja California. The park is an ideal place to relax with a good book or get a little more active and go walking, hiking, or mountain biking along a network of trails. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the park as it is home to several species of local birds. Central to the park is a very bright and colorful statue of the Buddhist Princess Tara, which was donated to the city by the people of Nepal.
Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park, Av. Ruiz, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Caracol Museo de Ciencias (Caracol Science Museum)
The Caracol Science Museum is a fairly new addition to the list of attractions in Ensenada and is well worth a visit. The modern and innovative museum is housed in a distinctive building located between the harbor and the enormous Riviera Center. You can spend some time learning about (mainly) Mexican and Baja scientific and engineering projects, and most of the exhibits have English captions. Currently, permanent exhibits include The Earth, The Heavens, and a Manila galleon that was shipwrecked off the coast. There is also a dinosaur exhibit as well as a temporary exhibition centered around the receding polar ice caps and the effect on the marine environment.
Caracol Museo de Ciencias (Caracol Science Museum) , Avenida Club Rotario 3, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico Phone: 646-177-0897
Desert Trails
Equestrians can arrange to have a day out with a difference at Desert Trails, located just 10 minutes north of Ensenada. The company has a small stable of well-trained horses suitable for just about all skill levels, and you can choose to simply explore the area on a trail ride or combine horseback riding with a tour of your choice. If you need to brush up on your riding skills, you can arrange for a lesson or two before setting off to ride on the beach or in the lovely mountainous countryside. Rides vary in duration from 1 to 4 hours and can include a packed lunch, a country barbeque, or even a cheese or wine tour.
Desert Trails, Ensenada 22801, Baja California, Mexico, Phone: +52-64-61-51-83-45
El Jardin de Tara
You can find the El Jardin de Tara (Garden of Tara) in the Ecological Park of Canon De Dona Petra. The park is a pleasant place to take a stroll or spend some time admiring the sweeping views of the city and the ocean beyond, but for many visitors the colossal 20-foot sculpture of the Tibetan princess the White Tara is the prime attraction of the gardens. Tara represents an enlightened female figure who embodies joy, wisdom, and compassion and she is revered throughout the Buddhist world. The statue was donated to the city of Empanada by the people of Nepal as a gesture of peace.
El Jardin de Tara, Av. Ruiz, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
El Salto Canyon and Waterfall
El Salto Canyon and Waterfall is a well-kept secret that you will probably not find on any tour itinerary. The beautiful canyon area is located less than an hour from Ensenada on the Ensenada–Tijuana Free Highway and you can spend the day hiking and exploring the area for around 2 dollars (5 dollars if you want to camp overnight). A short and relatively easy hike will lead you to the base of the canyon, where there are seasonal pools and beautiful rock formations. You can also take a more strenuous clamber up over a large hill, which will reward you with stunning views and lead you to an inland lake where you can fish and swim. Rock climbing and rappelling are other popular activities.
El Salto Canyon and Waterfall, (off the Ensenada–Tijuana Highway), Baja California, Mexico
Guadalupe Island
If cage diving with great white sharks features on your bucket list, be sure to book your Ensenada vacation between July and November, when you have the unique opportunity to hop aboard a Nautilus liveaboard vessel for the adventure of a lifetime on Guadalupe Island. Your adventure includes 5 days on board the vessel and the chance to spend upwards of 2 hours each day in the cages, which are lowered to around 30 meters below the surface of the ocean, where great whites can be found. Come face to face with one of the world’s most feared predators in a safe and natural environment accompanied by an experienced divemaster.
Guadalupe Island, 169 East Flagler Street, Miami, Florida 33131
La Bufadora
La Bufadora is one of the largest blow holes in North America and also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ensenada. The powerful marine geyser is caused by the might of the waves, which trap air inside an underwater cave. As the waves recede, the trapped air is released in the form of a massive spout of water, often reaching 100 feet in height. The entire spectacle is repeated every few minutes and you have a good chance of a drenching if you are standing at the edge of the viewing platform. La Bufadora is at its best at high tide and it is worth checking the times for the tides before your visit if you are driving yourself to the site.
La Bufadora, Punta Banda, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
La Guerrerense
La Guerrerense is an Ensenada institution – a humble food cart that has been serving up fresh and fabulous seafood since 1960 and has often been dubbed the “Best Food Cart in the World” by fans and even by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. You can look forward to lip-smacking shrimp, octopus, ceviche tostadas, and much more. There is very little seating (just a few plastic chairs and tables dotted around the cart) but the usually long queues waiting to order attest to the popularity of La Guerrerense. You are advised to get there early if you want a wider choice – favorites often sell out by the time they close at 6:00pm. They also sell a variety of legendary homemade salsas.
La Guerrerense, Av. Adolfo Lopez Mateos 917, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Ensenada Museum of History
History enthusiasts will find it interesting to spend some time in the Ensenada Museum of History, which forms part of the Riviera Cultural Center. The museum primarily focuses on the history of the Baja Peninsula and the people who have made it what it is today. You will learn about the influence that the European missionaries and explorers had on the native local populations. Although the museum is quite small, the history is well documented and there are narratives in both Spanish and English. The museum also houses a library, photo library, and shop and guided tours can be arranged.
Ensenada Museum of History, Centro Cultural, Riviera Blvd, Zona Centro CP 22820, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, Phone: +52-64-61-77-05-94
Regional Historical Museum
It is quite confusing to find two history museums in one town, and the Regional Historical Museum is often confused with the Ensenada Museum of History, located in the Riviera Cultural Center. The Regional Historical Museum occupies what was once the local prison and several of the exhibits are set up in former cells in one of Ensenada’s oldest buildings. The museum showcases the history, culture, and landscape of Baja California, and as you stroll through you will be able to view bones and fossils that date back millions of years. In addition to the permanent collections, the museum also hosts visiting exhibitions from time to time.
Regional Historical Museum, Av. Gastelum, Colonia Centro, CP 22800, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Riviera of Ensenada
The Riviera Center is the cultural heart of Ensenada and encompasses the Ensenada Museum of History in an historic building that was once the Riviera Del Pacifico Resort and Casino. The building will be of interest to both history buffs and architecture enthusiasts and contains many examples of ornate woodwork, local tiles, beautiful painted ceilings, and ornate chandeliers. The best way to fully appreciate what you are viewing is to join one of the daily docent-led tours, which are available in English. The complex is surrounded by beautiful manicured gardens, which are also well worth exploring.
Riviera of Ensenada, Lazaro Cardenas 1421, Bahia Ensenada, 22880 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Surf Ensenada
Your Ensenada vacation is the perfect time to learn how to surf or to spend some time honing your surfing skills with Surf Ensenada. Surf Ensenada offers personalized one-on-one private surfing lessons that will have you up and off in no time at all. A private lesson lasts about 2 hours and includes an on-land segment to familiarize newbies with everything they need to know before they hit the water. The lessons are suitable for all ages and you do not need your own gear – Surf Ensenada will provide everything necessary including a soft-top surf board, rash vest, wet suit, and even sunscreen. Group lessons are also available.
Surf Ensenada, Ensenada, B.C. Mexico, Phone: +52-64-61-94-08-46
Vinedo Cuatro Cuatros
Situated on the road that connects Ensenada to the Guadalupe Valley, the Vinedo Cuatro Cuatros is the only attraction of its kind in the region. Nestled between sprawling vineyards and the beautiful sea, Vinedo Cuatro Cuatros is both a residential and tourist development that promises a one-of-a-kind experience. Guests staying at the Cuatro Cuatros will be treated to the best of mother nature from within several types of accommodations like their simple cabin, double cabin, or an Habitacion Vinedo designed by celebrated architects Gabriela Carrillo and Mauricio Rocha. There are also houses available for larger parties that are simple, luxurious, and modern, all at the same time. In terms of experiences, guests can enjoy tons of fantastic gastronomic excursions, pay a visit to the winery, or enjoy nearby recreational activities.
El Tigre, Carretera Libre Tijuana-Ensenada, El Sauzel de Rodriguez, Ensenada B.C., Mexico 22760, Phone: 52=646=174-6789
Observatorio Astronomico Nacional de la Sierra de San Pedro Martir
The Observatorio Astronomico Nacional de la Sierra de San Pedro Martir, or the National Astronomical Observatory, is a great destination for space lovers visiting Baja California in Mexico. The observatory was first built in 1878 on the Chapultepec Castle’s balcony and was later moved to its current home in 1967. The current location of the observatory is known for its darkness and high altitude, 2,805 meters elevation, to be exact – a location that lends itself well to star and space gazing. The observatory complex features six optical telescopes and is a fantastic place to visit not just because of the observatory but because of its stunning surroundings within the San Pedro Martir National Park.
Observatorio Astronomico Nacional de la Sierra de San Pedro Martir, Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Martir, B.C., Mexico 22914, Phone: 52-646-175-0800
