Ensenada

Travel Guide

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

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 harbour, 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, grey 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 metres) 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 flavours and seafood. Savour 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 kilometres) 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

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Zona Centro

4.5/5(2 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

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
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Estero Beach

4/5(1 area review)

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

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
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Carlos Pacheco 4

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
Hotel Villa Marina

Hotel Villa Marina

3 out of 5
Adolfo López Mateos S/N Zona Centro, Ensenada, BC
The price is CA $125 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $125
CA $141 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & 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! (1,012 reviews)
"We loved that its within walking distance to many restaurants and shops as well as the ocean. The mattress was a little hard and the pillows didn't provide any support. The curtains in our room didnt completely cover the windows and you couldn't adjust them as they were broken. But otherwise, its ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

Hotel Villa Marina
San Nicolas Hotel and Casino

San Nicolas Hotel and Casino

3.5 out of 5
Primera & Guadalupe s/n, Ensenada, BC
The price is CA $100 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $100
CA $114 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & 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! (1,112 reviews)
"One of the best hotels i had ever stay in Super clean Food was great"

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

San Nicolas Hotel and Casino
Hotel Rose Ensenada

Hotel Rose Ensenada

3.5 out of 5
Hidalgo 450, Colonia Obrera, Entre 4ta y 5ta, Ensenada, BC
The price is CA $50 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
CA $50
CA $58 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Ensenada. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Great place for the price
"Bed was a little hard… I would have liked another pillow but I was too lazy to go ask.."

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

Hotel Rose 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (409 reviews)
"Super cute hotel, great location, good communication with front desk. Parking is a little tight for SUV but plenty of street parking. Room was cute and they decorated it for our romantic trip. Pool and jacuzzi was nice. So many places walkable around the area including grocery store. Very close to ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 15, 2025

Beach House by ULIV
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Muy buen alojamiento, comunicacion, buen espacio, muy limpio, muy recomendado!"

Reviewed on Jul. 21, 2025

Life Hospitality
Rancho San Carlos Aguas Termales

Rancho San Carlos Aguas Termales

3 out of 5
KM 01 San Carlos, Ensenada, BC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ensenada. Enjoy free parking, 4 outdoor pools, and hot springs on site. Popular attraction Baja Country Club is located nearby.
4.6/10 (16 reviews)
"Subject: Concerns About Room Conditions Our recent stay was extremely disappointing due to multiple issues. The room had bugs constantly falling from the ceiling, including cockroaches, earwigs, and pill bugs. To make matters worse, there was a scorpion in the room. Despite being told the room was ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2024

Rancho San Carlos Aguas Termales
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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