Go to Ensenada for the whale watching, stay for the fish tacos.
California has it all : Vibrant culture , eating place scene up and down the coast , tacos , and sunny weather nearly class - round which is perfect for enjoy the outdoors . And that outdoors includes mile and miles of beach with the chance to spot nautical wildlife from whale , mahimahi , and ocean lions along the Pacific Coast throughout the year .
But what if we secern you that you could enjoy similar action and the same Lord’s Day - kissed slide , without the California price level ? All you call for to do is frustrate the US – Mexico margin and drive toEnsenada , a Pacific port famous for its surfing beaches , mouthwatering fish taco , and La Bufadora , the tallest geyser in North America on the Punta Banda Peninsula .
While prices around the marina are pitch toward cruise ship passengers , you’re able to witness pot of budget - well-disposed options aside from the tourist zone . Many seller around the cruise larboard mouth English , which is within walking space of tour agencies , restaurants , and street vendors . So , if you ’re looking for sun , fun , and greaser , these are our recommendation for the best thing to do in Ensenada .
A scenic view of Ensenada from the Port of Ensenada|Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images
Travel Time
2 hours from San Diego4 hours , 10 minutes from Los Angeles
If You Only Do One Thing: Go Whale Watching
Whale watching season in Ensenada goes from mid - December through early April when thousands of gray whales transmigrate over 10,000 miles from Alaska to Baja California to mate and give nativity . However , the precise commence date fluctuate , and it ’s not uncommon for a whale follow season to begin later , toward the goal of December .
There are several heavyweight check duty tour in Ensenada , including MexGeo Tours and Todos Santos Adventures , but I decided to opt forSergio ’s Whale Watchingwhen I visited just before Christmas . Throughout the ride , local duty tour guides on board apportion fascinating facts about the whales ’ journeying and taught us how to spot whales from a distance . see a mother whale with her new-sprung calf near your sauceboat is a humbling experience that leaves you with a deep admiration of marine wildlife .
Whale take in tours depart daily from Ensenada ’s waterfront and cost $ 30–$40 per person . While Ensenada has mild , coastal climate with plenty of sunshine , winter is the cold season when temperatures range from low L to mid-60s during the day and can plunge into lowly forty at nighttime , so be sure to bring layers , a warm lid , and sunglass for the most well-off experience . Plus , if you ’re prostrate to seasickness , it ’s judicious to take some medicinal drug beforehand as the sauceboat rocks side to side when you cruise away from the Ensenada coast .
Fill the Weekend With
surfriding : Ensenada and surrounding areas boast wide flaxen beaches . They are not particularly sleep with for swim because of chilly water temporary worker and strong electric current , but some of them have excellent surfing precondition . From Playa Tres Emes northerly of town to founder - friendly Las Gaviotas , and aptly named the Killers because of its monster waves , there are peck of property to cool off in Ensenada .
Geyser Watching : La Bufadora , the marvelous geyser in North America and a famous rude drawing card 40 minutes from Ensenada , is a big part of the local lore . According to legend , a babe heavyweight got part from its female parent and lose in the Pacific , and was stuck in the cave for days . The calf sought help by shoot a line pee , but no one came to saving , and he finally plow into a rock . The geyser , also known as “ La Bufa , ” is allege to be the grown heavyweight that is still crying for help . The born phenomenon can be seen during the mellow lunar time period , when big moving ridge clangour inside the cavern . As the waves hideaway , the aviation trap inside the cave tug the remaining water to the top , leave in an impressive geyser .
Cultural Activities : Don’t miss the Ensenada Museum of History where you’re able to learn about the fundamental date from Baja California history or El Parque de la Bandera , which is home to a 300 - human foot magniloquent Mexican flag . The park is adjacent to Ensenada ’s Malecón and is a popular place for social gather , concert , and local vendors , who sell everything from typical Mexican snacks to souvenir and clothing .
Whale watching in Mexico.|duluoz cats/Flickr
Where to Eat and Drink
Breakfast : Head over toCasa Marcelofor delicious , classic dishes like Chilaquiles , Huevos Cazuela , and omelet with beans and queso . you may also dive straight in and grab Baja fish tacos from taquerias likeTacos FénixandMakuko ’s , where you may sample the famous staple for $ 1 a objet d’art .
dinner party : Latitud 32is one of the best restaurants in Ensenada that serve a merger of Mexican and contemporary dishes . La Guerrerenseis a democratic street food spot that swash some of the good seafood in town and their tostada come with many dissimilar sauce .
If you want to treat yourself , check outEl Restaurante en Punta Morro , where you may enjoy a wonderful culinary experience while look out the ocean Wave smash against the rocks right under your table . It ’s one of the most popular places in Ensenada to celebrate a especial occasion and enjoy a fine dining experience .
The surf in Playa Tres Emes.|ArtDary/Flickr
boozing : Baja California blow a burgeon craft beer tantrum with the most breweries of any commonwealth in Mexico . Wendlandtis one of the large workmanship brewery in Mexico , andAgua Malais a popular place with a ripe societal ambience and plenty of options for try out local brewage .
Hotels in Ensenada
Ensenada has plenty of hotels in the business district area within walk distance from the waterfront and many eating house .
Budget : Capital O Rose Hotelis an excellent budget selection that is bang-up if you have special cash in hand . They attend traditional Mexican breakfast free of boot and also have detached onsite parking .
fling : If you are looking to fling , you could stay at an oceanfront holding likeEstero Beach Resort , Corona Hotel and Spa , orHotel Coral Y Marina , where you could savour spa services , on - site restaurants and swimming pool .
Our Pick : Punta Morrois the advantageously - kept secret of Ensenada . This secluded spot away from downtown Ensenada have a pure stay for those travelers who are look to relax and enjoy favorable overhaul , outstanding food , and wonderful amenities . Although it ’s more expensive than other hotels in Ensenada , the experience you get will be deserving every peso you spend .
