9 Ensenada beaches that you must visit

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Looking for the best beaches in Ensenada?

Let me tell you where to find them.

Ensenada is a port city along the Pacific Coast of Mexico about 78 miles (126 kilometers) south of the US-Mexico border. While there are no good beaches near downtown Ensenada, you will find plenty of options within a 15-20 minute drive from the city. 

The beaches around Ensenada are known for their wide sandy shores with plenty of sunshine and great surfing. These beaches are completely different from those you see along the Caribbean Coast of Mexico in places like in Tulum or Playa Del Carmen.

Their charm is in their ruggedness and tranquility, because you can have long sandy shores all to yourself without dealing with crowds that are common in popular beach towns in Mexico. 

What is Ensenada known for?

Ensenada is known for its cruise port, fish tacos, and whale watching. The prime time for whale watching in Ensenada is from late December through the end of March, during the gray whale migration season. During these months, thousands of gray whales make their journey from Alaska to the warmer waters of Baja California.

✅ Is Baja California in Mexico or the United States?

Are Ensenada beaches good?  

Ensenada has many scenic beaches, with golden coarse sand and clear waters. However, they are very different from the Caribbean and Oaxaca beaches, and they have cool waters with strong waves that are more suitable for surfing than swimming. 

➡️ Check: How to spend a day in Ensenada

Best beaches in Ensenada Map 

Are Ensenada beaches safe?

Although Ensenada beaches are safe, some have strong currents and rip tides, so you should always check conditions before getting in the water. Many beaches around Ensenada have lifeguards on duty in summer, and if you visit during other months, you will be on your own. 

Playa Pacifica and Playa Hermosa are very clean and unlike the Caribbean beaches don’t have much seaweed. While Ensenada has plenty of beaches that are great for sunbathing, don’t expect warm tropical weather, as water temps are cool and waves can be strong. 

➡️ Read: Best time to visit Ensenada

Best Ensenada Beaches Overview: 

1. Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa (translated beautiful beach from Spanish) is a long stretch of sandy beach with calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It’s just south of the city center and is popular among locals and tourists. It’s also one of the best beaches for surfing in Ensenada.

If you plan to camp in the area, always lock your belongings and don’t leave anything unattended. Petty theft can occur on popular beaches, so it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings.

2. Playa Pacifica

A popular beach in Ensenada with free parking and plenty of space for jogging and good surfing conditions. Pacifica was the first beach that I visited in Ensenada during my trip in December.

This beach is also cleaner than many other beaches near Ensenada, and also feel more tranquil. As you walk along, you will enjoy the place to yourself. During warmer months, you can take a surf lesson on Playa Pacifica.

You can quickly walk from Playa Hermosa to Playa Pacifica. While these two beaches are separated by the nature reserve, they have different car entrances. You can easily recognize Playa Pacifica by the tower condo building, as there’s not much else in the area. 

➡️ Check my guide to San Quintin, one of the best beach towns in Baja

3. La Jolla 

La Jolla is a beach in the gated community down the road from Playa Hermosa. La Jolla is mostly an empty beach with calm waters surrounded by residential areas, which is perfect if you are looking for something safer. 

4. Playa San Miguel

This beach is known for its soft sand and gentle waves, making it perfect for families. It’s also a popular spot for picnics and beach volleyball.

5. Bahía de Todos Santos

This bay is home to several beaches, each with its charm. Playa San Miguel, Playa Ensenada, and Playa Hermosa are all part of Bahía de Todos Santos. You can enjoy activities like surfing, fishing, and sunbathing here.

6. La Bufadora

While not a traditional beach, La Bufadora is famous for its geyser or blowhole, which shoots water high into the air. It’s a natural wonder located on the rocky coastline near Ensenada and offers breathtaking views of the ocean.

La Bufadora beaches are not easily accessible and require more effort than others, but if you are looking for some physical activity and solitude, they are worth the effort. 

✅ Check: Best things to do in Mulege

7. Playa Saldamando

A bit further from the city center, Playa Saldamando offers a more secluded beach experience. It’s ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing away from the crowds.

8. Estero Beach, Ensenada 

Estero Beach is a small beach inside a resort framed by rocky shores. The best way to reach Estero Beach is by car because it’s remote, and getting a taxi or Uber can be challenging. 

The beach is sheltered from big waves and offers perfect opportunities for recreational activities. You can also get a day pass at the resort and enjoy a snack from an on-site restaurant. 

It’s a perfect beach for swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching.

9. Rosarito 

Rosarito is a small beach town about 45 minutes north of Ensenada, which makes a perfect day trip. You can get to Rosarito by car rental, by bus, or taxi from Ensenada.

The area is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and delicious seafood that you can find in many beachfront restaurants. Rosarito is just south of Tijuana and is easily accessible from major cities in Southern California, making it a popular weekend getaway for many Americans.

In recent years, Rosarito has seen significant development in its tourism infrastructure, with the addition of luxury resorts, condominiums, and golf courses. But it still retains its laid-back charm and remains a favorite destination for both locals and tourists looking to relax and unwind by the sea.

Read: How to drive La Rumorosa Highway in Baja California

How to get around Ensenada beaches?

The best way to get around Ensenada beaches is by renting a car. You can also take an Uber or taxi, but if you want to visit multiple beaches, you will need to rent a car because it will help you save tons of money.

If you want to visit beaches like La Bufadora or Rosarito that are further away from downtown Ensenada, taking Uber will quickly add up, making it more expensive than a daily car rental. Some Ensenada beaches like Estero are not easily accessible by Uber, which is why you should consider renting a vehicle.

Renting a car in Ensenada 

Downtown Ensenada is very compact and you can find several car rental companies within walking distance (or a short drive) from Ensenada cruise port. Before you get to Ensenada, you can check car rentals online.

I recommend (and use) DiscoverCars, one of the most popular platforms for renting cars online, where you can find dozens of vehicles at flexible rates.

Why rent a car with DiscoverCars 

DiscoverCars is one of the best platforms for renting cars, and you can choose from dozens of available vehicles. 

All you need to do is type in your travel dates and specify the type of vehicle that you are looking for, and the platform will do all the work for you showing you all the available options. The key to getting a good deal on your car rental is to book your car early.

✅ RENT A CAR IN ENSENADA

You will also need a Mexican car insurance for your trip 

If you are driving to Ensenada, you need to purchase Mexican car insurance, because the U.S. car insurance is not valid in Mexico. Driving without Mexican insurance is illegal in the country, and if you get caught, you might be in trouble. 

Several companies offer Mexican car insurance including Baja Bound Mexican Insurance, which offers the most comprehensive insurance for cars, camper vans, RVs, motorcycles, and other types of transportation.

Ensenada beaches near the cruise port 

The closest beach to Ensenada cruise port is Playa Hermosa. It’s also the closest beach to downtown Ensenada, perfect for watching sunsets and enjoying a drink. 

Best beaches in Ensenada for swimming?

Playa Estero boasts calm and shallow waters that are perfect for swimming. This beach also boasts outdoor opportunities like kayaking and fishing. You can also access nearby Guadalupe Island from here to see the incredible marine wildlife. 

Are Ensenada beaches safe?

Most Ensenada beaches are safe, but you need to be aware of undertows and rip currents that could be dangerous. Some Ensenada beaches have lifeguards in summer, but you should always check the conditions before getting in the water.

A red flag on the beach indicates a warning which means you should stay away from water. A green flag indicates favorable conditions, but you should always check with a lifegard on duty, if there’s one.

Read: Best places to live in Baja California

Best Ensenada beach for surfing 

Ensenada offers several beaches perfect for surfing due to their consistent waves and favorable conditions. Some of the best beaches in Ensenada for surfing include:

• San Miguel Beach: San Miguel Beach is known for its consistent waves and sandy bottom, making it suitable for surfers of all skill levels. It’s just south of downtown Ensenada and is easily accessible from the city center.

• Playa San Miguel (KM 41): Also known as “KM 41” due to its location 41 kilometers south of Ensenada on the scenic Highway 1, this beach is a favorite among local surfers. It offers consistent swells and a variety of breaks, including point breaks and beach breaks.

• Playa Hermosa: While Playa Hermosa is popular for its gentle waves and family-friendly atmosphere, it also offers some opportunities for beginner surfers. The waves here are usually smaller, making it a good spot to learn surfing.

• Salsipuedes: Salsipuedes is north of downtown Ensenada and is known for its powerful waves, particularly in winter. This beach is best suited for experienced surfers due to its strong currents and rocky bottom.

• Punta Banda: Punta Banda is situated south of downtown Ensenada and offers a variety of breaks, including reef breaks and point breaks. This area can produce excellent waves under the right conditions, perfect if you are looking for more challenging waves.

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, two restaurants, and a bar. Breakfast is available 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. 

Things to pack for spending time on Ensenada beaches 

If you want to have a great time on Ensenada beaches, don’t forget to put these things in your suitcase. 

• Reef-safe sunscreen will protect you and keep marine animals safe, because it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals.
• Hat – A good hat will protect you from the harsh desert sun.
• Sunglasses – Wear sunglasses to avoid harmful UV rays. Like the rest of Baja California, Ensenada beaches have strong sun, and regardless of the season, you should protect your eyes.
• Sandals – Sandals are perfect for walking along the beach and the city. Since the sand in along the Ensenada is coarse, it might be a good idea to wear shoes. 
• Beach umbrella or beach tent for sun protection – These items come in handy, if you want to camp. Beach chairs or blankets for lounging.
• Camera and/or GoPro – Musts for your trip to Baja California if you want to capture your adventures.
• Backpack – You will need it if you want to spend time enjoying the outdoors and carry all the basics with you.
• Water bottle – Make sure you stay hydrated, as it’s very dry in the desert.
• Swimsuit – If you are visiting San Felipe in summer, you should bring a swimsuit with you to enjoy the beach.
• Layers – Lightweight, breathable clothing like shorts, tank tops, and t-shirts.
• Light jackets or sweaters for cooler evenings.

Ensenada beaches FAQ’s 

Does Ensenada have good beaches?

You will not find good beaches within the city limits in Ensenada, because the water is pretty deep and not clean due to many ships and boats in the area. There are some decent beaches north and south of the city that you can reach by a quick drive.

Can you swim in the ocean in Ensenada?

The waterfront of Ensenada is home to a harbor with many commercial boats and ships, so you can’t swim there, but you can find plenty of beaches to dip your toes within a quick drive from downtown Ensenada. 

Is it safe to swim in Ensenada?

Swimming is possible on some Ensenada beaches like Playa Hermosa and Playa Estero, which have calm and shallow waters without rip currents. Swimming conditions often depend on weather, and you should always check them before getting in the water.

Is the ocean warm in Ensenada?

Ensenada ocean temperatures range from the low 70s during the peak season to the low 50s during February.

Final word:

Many beaches within a quick drive from downtown Ensenada have opportunities for kayaking, surfing, and sunbathing. While swimming might not always be an option because of cold water and strong currents, you can enjoy sunny weather, run, or take in a colorful sunset from many Ensenada beaches.