'''Ensenada''' is a city in Baja California, Mexico on the Pacific Coast south of Tijuana.
Get in
Take the '''Bus''' from Tijuana for roughly $15.
'''Drive''' across the border from San Ysidro. Go in the morning and you will be going the opposite direction of the nigtmare traffic of over an hour wait trying to get into the U.S.. Once in Tijuana, follow the signs to Rosarito and Ensenada on route 1. There will be three toll stops en route to Ensenada. These tolls cost $2.35 each or 26.00 Pesos. You can pay with US dollars or Pesos, but no mixed currency. The road is well maintained and is an enjoyable ride along the beautiful Baja coastline. If you go in spring and early summer, the wildflowers on the hillsides are gorgeous. The ride from Tijuana to Ensenada takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. Stop in Puerto Nuevo for some Mexican lobster dinners. There are many rest areas and vista points along the way. AAA and other travel mags recommend that you only drive in Mexico during the day for safety reasons. The freeway (tollroad) is somewhat winding compared to divided highways in the United States or Europe, but a great improvment over two lane roads south of Ensenada.
'''Cruise Ships''' Ensenada has become a regular stop for several lines of cruise ships since the 80's. Although this is certainly the most expensive means to travel to Ensenada, it is also most enjoyable.
Get around
See
'''Fox Studios Rosarito''' was the location for much of the at-sea filming of James Cameron's "Titanic". They offer tours.
The '''Baja 1000''' Off-Road race sometimes starts or passes through Ensenada.
'''Open Air Fish Market''' Baja's largest seafood market. Located near the oceanfront. Most of the market's open air stalls sell catches fresh off the fishing boats that dock nearby. This is also a great place to try a famous fish taco.
Buy
Eat
'''Fish Tacos''' - The Fish Taco is said to have been born in Ensenada (or possibly San Felipe). The local style includes deep-fried seafood, with a white sauce and a shredded-cabbage topping, along with several salsas. Dining at the row of fish and shrimp taco eateries by the pier is an Ensenada must.
'''Taqueria El Fenix''' is a local favorite and serves delicious tacos, both shrimp and fish.
'''El Caprichos''' Incredible fine dining. Located in the heart of Ensenada on the cobblestone street, across the road from Hussongs (whether it is the original or not is unknown).
'''Tortas Michoacan''' - really good sandwiches with either pork, ham, carne asada, or all three, very delicious, kind of a little walk away from the tourist area, look for the counter with a big line of people on the main street just 1 block south of a chinese buffet, it's about 2 blocks east from the main tourist area and about 10 blocks south on the widest big road with all the shops all the way along it.
Drink
'''Hussongs''' Legendary and historic bar. Established in 1892 Hussongs is the oldest bar in the Californias, Hussong_fs was originally a stagecoach stop built by its German founder Johan Hussong. Some say that the city of Ensenada was built around this bar. Rumor has it that the Margarita was invented here.
'''Papas & Beer''' Another legendary and historic bar right across the street from Hussongs.
Sleep
'''El Coral''' is a beautiful hotel with amazing bathrooms and views. Located on the main road between the end of the toll road and downtown.
'''Playa Saldamando''' Trailer and campground located 8 miles north of Ensenada. Over one mile of coastal property, all fenced and gated to enhance security. Employees are on the property 24 hours/7 days a week providing friendly service. Campsites available on the beach and on the cliffs above. All sites have beautiful ocean views. Large sites available to accommodate large groups. Clean, maintained camping areas and our clean restrooms with flushing toilets and showers.
Ocean View Rental Home. ww.themexicohouse.com. 200/night. Su Casa is set on a hillside with a spectacular panoramic ocean view of Todos Santos Bay and its islands in the gated secure community of Cibolas del Mar. It is located 15 minutes north
of Ensenada, where the toll road ends and about 1 ? hours south of San Diego and two major airports. This Spanish style home with tile
roof has a large flagstone deck and covered outside area. It is located in an area of private family homes in a quiet neighborhood. </sleep>
Ensenada Backpacker. ostel. alle Segunda 1429. etween Floresta and Guadaluper St. 52 646 177-1758. ww.ensenadabackpacker.com. 2pm. 8 USD. The Ensenada Backpacker is located a few blocks from Ensenada's most popular attractions. They offer dormitory rooms for all who seek value for money budget accommodation in Ensenada.
Get out
The city of Ensenada is located on the Ensenada harbor, so you'll have to drive south of town to get to the local beach; try '''Estero Beach''' which also has a hotel, restaurant and some facilities.
'''San Carlos Hot Springs''' (Aguas Termales), which features pipe-fed hot pools, cold pool, and mud pool as well as cabins, showers and camping, is popular with the locals, despite a 10-mile rocky dirt road with 13 (or so) shallow water crossings; medium-clearance vehicles are recommended. Head five miles south of town ( just past Chapultepec )on the road to San Quintin, turn East at the golf course and follow the signs - or ask the locals.
'''La Bufadora''' or "blow-hole" is located in a small village several miles southwest of town. The main street is crowded with tourist-trap shops selling curios and perscription medicines, but the Bufadora itself is a rather remarkable natural sea vent. The local cove offers camping, swimming, kayaking and scuba, including a small dive shop with rentals; the cove is especially cold water. Locals eat at Celia's, also available are the Bufadora, Pancho's, and Habana Banana restaurants.
'''Ensenada Wineries''' Many wineries exist on the outskirts of Ensenada in the Valle de Guadalupe and an hour south at Santo Thomas. The wineries are located along highway 3 to Tecate (exit just south of last toll gate, north of town). Most offer tours and tastings, however some wineries require that you make an appointment before.
'''California Motorsport Adventours''' Off road adventure tours for people of all riding abilities. Everyone welcome: families, couples, friends, single riders, bachelor and corporate groups. Full day excursions or longer tours available also. Ride in the dunes and then enjoy a guided adventure into the surrounding mountain trails. Contact the office for reservations.
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'''El Salto''' Its a beautyful canyon, excellent for rock climbing,rappel and hiking and in rain season you can view an expectacular 100+ft. watterfall. You can find it at KM 76 in the tijuana-Ensenada Libre Highway. Etrance is around 2 dlls per person and it has great camping facilities.