Day trip to Ensenada: Things to do and how to plan your trip
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A day trip to Ensenada is a popular adventure for many residents of Southern California. It’s also a major destination for cruise ships. The city is just 1.5 hours from the U.S.-Mexico border and offers plenty of fun activities for a weekend trip without spending too much time on the road.
Ensenada is a popular alternative to Tijuana, which is unsafe outside of the tourist zone, and has a high homicide rate, which earned it a reputation of one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
While Ensenada isn’t free from crime, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is safer for walking around and exploring beyond downtown.
➡️ Read: Best time to visit Ensenada
In Ensenada, you can go hiking, enjoy famous Baja tacos, and visit nearby attractions like La Bufadora, the tallest geyser in North America.
Whether you are taking a day trip to Ensenada from San Diego, or coming here on a cruise ship, I’m here to help you.
Note that this article offers a guide that goes over how to plan your activities from early morning to late evening, but if you are arriving or leaving Ensenada on the same day, plan for less time in the city.
✅ Best things to do in San Ignacio, Baja California Sur
How far is Ensenada from San Diego?
Ensenada is approximately 85 miles (137 km) south of San Diego. The drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and lines at border crossings.
Things to do in Ensenada for a day: overview
1. Start with breakfast at a local café or panadería
Begin your day with an authentic Mexican breakfast at a local café or panadería (bakery), where you can enjoy fresh pastries, chilaquiles, or a hearty breakfast burrito with a cup of Mexican coffee.
One of the most popular places for breakfast in Ensenada is Mr. & Mrs. Waffle that serves huge portions and has friendly and welcoming staff. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, I recommend Seta Rosa, that has delcious plant-based options.
2. Visit La Bufadora
Head to La Bufadora, one of Ensenada’s most famous natural attractions.
This marine geyser is created by ocean waves crashing into an underwater cave, resulting in an impressive spout of water shooting upwards.
Enjoy the scenic drive along the coastline to reach La Bufadora, and don’t forget to check out stalls selling souvenirs and typical Mexican crafts.
La Bufadora is just 37 km (20 miles) south of downtown Ensenada. It’s located at the top of the Punta Banda Peninsula, amid craggy cliffs and pristine beaches.
La Bufadora is a great starting point for your Ensenada day trip because it gets crowded by noon when most people come here.
To see the geyser, you need the right conditions, including strong waves and high tide, as low tide is not enough to push the water through the underground cave which helps to form the geyser.
You can reach La Bufadora by rental car, taxi, guided tour, or public transportation, although the last option will take you much longer than the other ones.
Best tours of La Bufadora from Ensenada
Stay in the city vs take a tour
One day in Ensenada is not enough to see the entire area, but it’s enough to check out the main highlights.
One of the options is to stay in the city, and explore the area, walk along Avenida Lopez Mateos, the main street of Ensenada. You can also check out Ensenada beaches and visit local museums to get an insight into the history and culture of Baja.
3. Alternative: whale-watching tour
As an alternative, consider joining a whale-watching tour. Ensenada is a prime destination for whale watching in Baja California from late December through April when the area sees many grey whales migrating here from Alaska.
You can spot dozens of whales splashing in the waters of the Pacific right off the coast of Ensenada, and the best way to see them is by joining a guided tour with Sergio’s Tours, one of the top tour companies located along the waterfront (aka malecon) of Ensenada.
Whale-watching tours of Ensenada start around 10 a.m. and come back late in the afternoon. One of the best places to book your whale watching tour in Ensenada is Sergio’s Sportsfishing Center along Ensenada Malecon.
As an alternative, you can take a cheaper tour of the Ensenada Bay which lasts about 40 minutes and allows you to see adorable seals that call the Ensenada harbor home.
These tours depart every 25-30 minutes from Ensenada Malecon and cost about 50 Mexican Pesos per person.
4. Alternative: Go for a walk at Parque Ecológico Cañon de Doña Petra
If you don’t want to spend money on a tour, hiking at Parque Ecológico Cañon de Doña Petra is one of the best free things to do in Ensenada.
Located near a residential area of Ensenada, this place has numerous trails of varying difficulty where you can take a relaxing walk, do some running or mountain biking.
While certain parts of Ensenada are relatively flat and easy to walk, the city’s terrain becomes more hilly as you move away from the waterfront and into residential neighborhoods or surrounding areas.
If you want to hike at Parque Ecológico Cañon de Doña Petra, don’t forget to pack yoru hiking shoes and some layers, as the park has some shade.
Address: Av. Ruiz, 22819 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
5. Drive to El Salto Canyon Waterfall
If you have your car, consider taking a drive to El Salto Canyon, a scenic area bout 40 minutes from Ensenada where you can spot a waterfall (during the summer season when it rains), camp and enjoy scenic hikes.
El Salto Canyon is a perfect escape from the city, if you want to spend time in nature and enjoy a tranquil setting.
If you have more time, rent a car to take a drive along La Rumorosa, one of the most scenic highways in Mexico.
✅ CHECK PRICES ON CAR RENTALS IN ENSENADA
Check most popular tour from Ensenada
Mid-day
6. Go for some tacos
By the time you are done with your morning activity, it will likely get hungry. Now is a good time to try the famous Baja tacos, made with fresh catch and locally sourced ingredients.
Baja California is known for its seafood, and some believe that Ensenada is the birthplace of the famous Baja fish tacos.
Trying Ensenada street food is somewhat of a rite of passage for many tourists, and you can find many options on Ensenada streets, with the main one being tacos.
There are tons of taquerias all over Ensenada, where you can sample the famous delicacy for as little as less than a dollar per taco.
The best part is that these tacos are also ridiculously good, as they are made with deep-fried crispy fish wrapped in corn tortillas and are topped with veggies, salsa, and a sauce of your choice.
Best taquerias in Ensenada
Note that many taquerias in Ensenada open very early, so you don’t have to wait until noon to try this famous delicacy. If you arrive in Ensenada on a cruise ship and want to have a local breakfast, there’s no better place to start your day than one of the local taquerias.
✅ Learn about the best tacos in Ensenada
1. Tacos Fenix
For some of the best tacos in town, locals and visitors flock to Tacos Fenix. This no-frills taqueria about 10 minutes from Ensenada port serves up popular seafood tacos, along with a variety of sauces and toppings and refreshing aguas frescas. It’s the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.
Address: Espinoza 451 Col. Obrera 22830 Ensenada, Baja California
2. Tacos Angelito
Tacos Angelito serves delicious smoked al pastor tacos in Ensenada topped with flavorful salsa. This place is outside of Ensenada tourist zone, but the trip here is well worth the effort.
Address: Av. Aldama 279 22840 Ensenada, Baja California Mexico
3. Tacos Floresita
Tacos Floresita makes perfect fish and shrimp tacos warm with a crispy and flavorful batter wrapped in a warm tortilla right off the stove. Once you get your plate of tacos you can top it off with the many garnishes like salsa, limes, and flavorful sauces.
Address: Av Floresta 485 Col. Obrera 22830 Ensenada, Baja California
Join popular taco tours in Ensenada
7. Explore Ensenada’s Cultural Sites
After you had some delicious lunch, it’s time to enjoy the city. Ensenada is a decent-sized city with a population of over 500,000 people, but its tourist part is compact and walkable. Take a walk through downtown Ensenada to explore its streets lined with colorful buildings, shops, and restaurants.
Walk along Ensenada Malecon
You can’t visit Ensenada without taking a stroll along its Malecon (aka waterfront). Ensenada Malecon offers a glimpse into the life of this busy port with many boats parking in the marina and pelicans and seagulls flying around.
Right along the Malecon, you will find plenty of street food vendors as well as restaurants serving seafood and traditional Mexican dishes as well as tour companies selling whale-watching tours (during the season).
While there are plenty of places to eat along Ensenada Malecon, most of them are geared toward tourists, so expect to pay higher prices.
Ensenada’s Malecon is a popular gathering spot and you can often spot street performers and artists here, especially during weekends, when more people are visiting. It’s also a perfect place to get a souvenir from your trip.
At the end of the Malecon, you will find the fish market, also known as Mercado Negro where you can buy fresh catch and have it prepared by a chef at one of the local restaurants.
8. Visit El Parque de la Bandera
Another highlight of Ensenada Malecon is a huge Mexican flag (about 300 feet tall) that’s part of El Parque De La Bandera. It’s located next to a small artisan market where you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, and other souvenirs. I loved trying elite, a Mexican corn on the cob that comes with a variety of toppings.
Right across from it, there’s a small scene that has concerns and live music, as well as the fountain.
9. Check out Ensenada Museums
Ensenada Museums is not the main reason why visitors come to this city, but there are a couple of interesting museums here where you can learn local history.
It’s a great idea if you happen to be in Ensenada on a rainy or cold day when the weather is not conducive to spending time outside.
- Ensenada Museum of History – Here you can learn about some of the most important dates from the Baja history as well as key figures including Spanish explorers and missionaries who contributed to the development of the area.
Address: Blvd. Costero 2, Bahia Ensenada, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
- Ensenada Regional Museum – This museum features a variety of artifacts from the Baja History that provide an overview of the history, geology, and culture of the Baja California Peninsula. The museum is housed inside the former prison and its artifacts are located in the rooms, which served as prison sells in the past.
Address: Gastélum s/n, Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
- Caracol Science Museum – If you are a fan of science, don’t miss Caracol Science Museum, a modern museum that boasts fun scientific exhibits. The big focus of the museum is the scientific projects related to the history and development of Baja California.
Address: Club Rotario 3, Zona Federal, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Evening
10. Watch the sunset at Playa Hermosa or Playa San Miguel
Ensenada is known for its beaches that have coarse sand and good surfing conditions.
Although Ensenada beaches have cold water and swimming might not always be an option, they have plenty of space so you can take a leisurely walk, or enjoy the serene setting as the sun dips below the horizon.
Winters in Ensenada can be chilly, but summers offer perfect temperatures for strolling, running, or doing yoga on one of Ensenada’s beaches.
I visited Ensenada in December and had a great time exploring its beaches, as there was plenty of sun.
Head to one of Ensenada’s beaches, such as Playa Hermosa or Playa San Miguel, to catch a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
11. Grab a dinner
Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at one of Ensenada’s restaurants, where you can sample the city’s signature seafood. Try local specialties such as fish tacos, ceviche, or seafood cocktails while enjoying views of the harbor.
Best restaurants in Ensenada
Ensenada is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, particularly its fresh seafood offerings and Baja Med cuisine, which combines Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian influences.
Here are some of the best restaurants in Ensenada:
- Manzanilla – Located in the heart of Ensenada, Manzanilla is a critically acclaimed restaurant helmed by Chef Benito Molina. It offers innovative Baja cuisine, focusing on locally sourced ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
- Hussongs – The oldest cantina and bar in Ensenada, Hussongs serves plenty of drinks and patrons who eat them are allowed to throw shells on the floor. The cantina is also believed to be the birthplace of Margarita.
- La Guerrerense – La Guerrerense is a beloved street food institution in Ensenada, famous for its seafood tostadas and ceviches. Known as the “Queen of the Seafood Tostada,” this eatery has gained international stardom for its delicious and affordable seafood dishes with many famous chefs including Anthony Bourdain visiting it over the years.
- Muelle 3 – For a casual dining experience with a view of Ensenada’s bustling harbor, head to Muelle 3. This popular restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes, including fish tacos, shrimp cocktails, and ceviches, served in a laid-back atmosphere.
12. Stop by one of Ensenada breweries
Ensenada has a pretty good craft beer scene where you can try local beer. Although I’m not big into beer, and can’t tell you about the quality of this drink, I’ve heard some pretty good reviews from my friends who sampled their way around Ensenada breweries.
Among the most popular breweries in Tijuana are Agua Mala, Transpeninsular, and Wendlandt.
Whether you want to enjoy Ensenada’s bar scene or check out local breweries, the best way to get around the city is by Uber. If you want to spend more than a day in Ensenada, rent a car.
Having your car will allow you to visit places like Valle De Guadalupe, Tecate, and Rosarito Beach, which are further away.
Is Ensenada safe?
Ensenada is more safe than Tijuana, but the city still has crime. Stay around areas popular with tourists and avoid remote areas where crime is more likely to happen.
While Ensenada may be perceived as safer compared to Tijuana, you still need to exercise caution when walking around the city. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your belongings.
Getting insurance for your trip to Ensenada
Personal travel insurance in not required in Baja, but it’s a good idea to get one ahead of your trip. Travel Insurance Master will cover you in case of hospital visits, missed flights, lost or stolen belongings and other accidents that could happen on the road.
Where to stay in Ensenada
- City Express Plus by Marriott Ensenada – One of the best hotels in Ensenada, City Express offers breakfast, free parking, a gym, and a free shuttle to Tijuana Airport.
- Torre Lucerna Hotel Ensenada – A brand new hotel in Ensenada, Torre Lucerna has a spa and fitness center, outdoor pool, 2 restaurants, and a bar. Breakfast is served daily. Private parking is available on the property.
- Casa Asturias – a perfect budget stay in Ensenada, Casa Asturias has rooms with a closet, private bathrooms, and free breakfast. Private parking is available, and there’s also an outdoor pool on the property.
How to get to Ensenada from San Diego
By car:
- The most common route is to take Interstate 5 (I-5) south from San Diego to the U.S.-Mexico border at San Ysidro.
- After crossing the border, continue on the toll road, Mexico Federal Highway 1 (Carretera Federal 1), also known as the Tijuana-Ensenada Scenic Toll Road (Cuota Escénica Tijuana-Ensenada), which will take you directly to Ensenada.
By bus:
- There are several bus companies that operate routes between San Diego and Ensenada, such as Greyhound and Tufesa, which is slightly cheaper.
- You can catch a bus from the Greyhound station in downtown San Diego or from other designated bus stops.
By cruise ship:
- During certain times of the year, cruise ships depart from the port of San Diego and travel to Ensenada as part of their itinerary.
By air:
- While there are no direct flights between San Diego and Ensenada, you can fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) and then take ground transportation to Ensenada.
Ensenada day trip: FAQ’s
Why do people go to Ensenada?
Ensenada is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, particularly its fresh seafood and Baja tacos. The city offers a wide range of outdoor activities including surfing and kayaking along the coastline. Hiking and off-roading adventures are also popular in the surrounding mountains.
Ensenada is also a popular port of call for cruise ships traveling along the West Coast of North America. If you are visiting Ensenada on a cruise ship, one day is enough to explore the Malecon, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy shore excursions to nearby landmarks such as La Bufadora or the Valle de Guadalupe.
Is Ensenada a walkable city?
The downtown area of Ensenada is relatively compact and pedestrian-friendly. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Riviera Cultural Center, shops, restaurants, and bars on foot. Many of the city’s landmarks are within walking distance of each other. If you want to visit places further from the center like La Bufadora or Valle De Guadalupe, you will need a car.
Is Ensenada safer than Tijuana?
Ensenada is generally considered safer than Tijuana in terms of crime rates and security concerns. Ensenada’s smaller size and more relaxed atmosphere contribute to a perception of greater safety. Tourists often feel comfortable walking around the downtown area and waterfront without significant safety concerns.
On the other hand, Tijuana, as a larger city and a major border crossing point, has faced challenges related to drug-related violence and organized crime in the past.
Baja California Travel Planner
Do I need a visa for Baja California?
If you are traveling to Baja California from the United States and Canada or Western Europe, you don’t need a visa. Click here to check Mexico visa requirements for your country. iVisaa website that can help you with a visa to Mexico.
Do I need a car in Baja California?
You need a rental car to see the best of Baja California, as most places aren’t accessible by public transportation. I recommend DiscoverCars for car rentals in Baja and other parts of Mexico.
Click here to check prices on car rentals in popular detsinations in Baja
Do I need a travel insurance in Baja California?
Personal travel insurance in not required in Baja, but it’s a good idea to get one ahead of your trip. Travel Insurance Master will cover you in case of hospital visits, missed flights, lost or stolen belongings and other accidents that could happen on the road.
Do I need a car insurance to drive in Mexico?
A Mexico car insurance is required for ALL vehicles entering the country. Note that your US insurance will not be valid in Mexico. Baja Bound Mexican Insurance is a popular website to find insurance for your car, RV, boat, motorcycles and other types of transportation.
Where can I find the best Baja tours?
the best websites for finding tours all over Baja is Viator. Guided tours are usually available in bigger cities like Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz and Tijuana.
Where can I book flights to Baja?
Click here to find cheap airline tickets to Baja
Where do I find cheap hotels in Baja?
Booking.com is the best website to find hotels all over Baja, but you can also use HostelWorld to find hostels. VRBO is a perfect place to find apartments and home-style places to stay in Baja.
Can I drink water in Baja California?
While major cities like Cabo and La Paz treat their water, it’s generally not advised to drink water in Baja California. Always carry your water bottle with you, or better yet, buy a water bottle with filtration for your trip.