Ensenada
Baja California

Ensenada has a mild, sunny climate; outdoor cafes, restaurants and bars line the pedestrian-friendly main street. Head inland one or more blocks and you’ll find a typical, unassuming Mexican town.

Highlights of a day or weekend in Ensenada include the Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center. Built in the 1920s as a gambling casino, it’s used mainly for events, but has an inexpensive and well-done history museum, lovely gardens, and an old-fashioned bar. Ride along the coast highway in a horse-drawn carriage (look for them by the “Giant Heads” park, which sports giant golden busts of Benito Juarez and two other heroes). Across from the cultural center on Boulevard Costera, Galeria Perez Meillon sells museum-quality baskets and pottery made by the Kumeyaay Indians. For those so inclined, Hussong’s Cantina, in continuous operation since 1896, has a varied international clientele and a killer margarita---Mexico’s most famous drink made of tequila, fresh lime, and orange liqueur.

There are a few appealing shops along Lopez Mateos, though, so don’t give up too quickly.

Shop for stained glass, knock-off Gucci handbags, and a surprisingly similar assortment of low-to-medium quality crafts.

Of Interest    Budget Airlines    Buses in Mexico    Copper Canyon Train    Driving in Baja    Green Angels    Mexican Road Signs    Traveling Safe

South of town a road follows the curve of enormous Bahia de Todos Santos (All Saints Bay) to Punta Banda and its famous blowhole, La Bufadora.

Baja California’s largest and most important port lies about 120 km (72 miles) south of the United States border---just far enough away to maintain its Mexican identity. Unlike upstart Rosarito 75 km (47 miles) to the north, it’s a city that grew up naturally and slowly over the last several centuries. Explorer Juan Cabrillo claimed it for the King of Spain in 1542.

Nearly 150 years after Cabrillo, Sebastian Vizcaino revisited and named the excellent port on the big beautiful bay Ensenada, or “cove.” Ranchers grazed cattle and sheep, and there was a brief boom when gold was discovered. Mainly the industrious townspeople stuck to farming, irrigating their crops with runoff from the Sierra San Pedro Martir mountains to the south. Today Ensenada’s most important industries are shipping, fishing, agriculture and tourism.

Enormous cruise ships berth here five days a week, and stay all day. The day trippers add to the bustle of downtown Ensenada, sticking mainly to La Costera, the busy boulevard that runs adjacent to the port, and Avenida Lopez Mateos (AKA Calle 1), almost exclusively dedicated to shops, restaurants, bars, and a smattering of hotels. Encouraged by the cruise ship trade, city planners spruced up Avenida Lopez Mateos in the 1990s.

Real del Mar Golf Resort & Country Club Marriott hotel, golf and spa open to the public; exceptional value and beautiful surroundings! Ensenada Toll Rd Km 19.5; 800/803.60, Tijuana, Baja California 664/631-3670 800/803.6038 toll-free from US http://www.realdelmar.com.mx

Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 Double the distance of the grueling Baja 500 off-road race Ensenada, Baja California http://www.score-international.com

Hussong's Cantina Hussong's is Baja's oldest bar and home of the margarita. Enjoy a few drinks with the mariachis in this historic ambiance. Ave. Ruíz #113, Ensenada, Baja California (6) 178-3210

Fiesta de la Vendemia Grape harvest festival celebrated with wine tastings and cultural events. Ensenada & Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California

Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race Some 400 sailing vessels compete in the 61st annual event. Newport Beach CA to Ensenada, BC, Baja California http://www.nosa.com

Restaurant Casamar Seafood restaurant overlooking the cruise ship pier Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas 987, Ensenada, Baja California (646)174-0417 http://www.restaurantcasamar.com

VILLARINO CAMPAMENTO Camping in Punta Banda, Hot water and picnic tables. KM.12.6 Transpenisular Highway, Punta Banda, Baja California 646/154-2045

Hotel Estero Beach Estero Beach is where the cool waters of the Pacific and the warmth of Baja California create the memories of a lifetime. Estero Beach, Baja California 646/176-6225 info@www.hotelesterobeach.com http://www.hotelesterobeach.com

Fiesta de la Vendimia Two-week harvest festival celebrating Mexico's premiere wine-making region. Wine tastings, elegant meals, and cultural events Valle de Guadalupe, Santo Tomas & Ensenada, Baja California http://www.fiestasdelavendimia.com

Baja Bed N Breakfast 150 feet from ocean 2 bedroom bed n breakfast Punta Banda, Baja California bajabnb@yahoo.com http://www.vrbo.com/94115

Tecate SCORE Baja 500 Challenging off-road race through the desert of Baja California. Ensenada, Baja California info@score-international.com http://www.score-international.com

Rosarito Ensenada Fun Bicycle Ride Party with another 7,000+ participants after a fun, mostly flat 50-mi bike ride. Rosarito to Ensenada, Baja California 858/483-8777 (USA) http://www.rosaritoensenada.com

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