First Street
First Street
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This street is lined with shops selling curio, with many items costing under $5.
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318 within 3 miles
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30 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
336 reviews
Excellent
126
Very good
126
Average
58
Poor
17
Terrible
9
Zulu
British Columbia, Canada631 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
All the regular Mexican souvenir junk is here. The bars you’ve heard of and never wanted to visit are here too. However, locals come here as well to buy gifts in the several excellent shops and to eat in the nice restaurants. Don’t miss the pastries at El Rey Sol. These are made with real cream and chocolate. The south end of the street houses some fine shops selling silver, art, and furniture. There is a good bread store selling artisan bread. There are some nice clothing stores and a high end shoe store. If boots are on your list, there are fine leather boots here. The street is clean, friendly and very safe.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric D
Scottsdale, AZ9 contributions
Apr 2021
Amazing bars, restaurants & shopping. Very vibrant & entertaining w good deals on shopping. We stayed at the end of 1st & were walking distance to the action. Very near place to visit day or night
Written April 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve C
Santa Clara, CA23 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
Not sure what you want to do when getting off the cruise ship? If you're okay with walking and shopping, this is where you need to go.
Easy 3/4 mile walk from the terminal. Walk towards the giant flag. Stick to the main roads. Don't wander off.
Some great deals:
- Personalized and handmade to your specs - namebands w/ your name on them. US$3 if you get like 3 or so. They will otherwise tell you they are US$5. A bargain. If they don't have the name(s) that you want, they will make them for you in about 5 mins each. Quality is excellent.
- Mexican Jumping Beans. US$1 (negotiated down from the $2 or so they want). Available at about 50% of the stores on the tourist row.
- Carmel Corn. The BEST. Just past the Plaza with the 3 heads. Best you ever had. DO NOT pass it by. Get a bag for snacking while shopping. You will buy 2 more on the way back to the Cruise Ship. No joke.
Oh yes... if you need the restroom and not a customer... customary charge is US$1 to US$0.50. No joke.
Easy 3/4 mile walk from the terminal. Walk towards the giant flag. Stick to the main roads. Don't wander off.
Some great deals:
- Personalized and handmade to your specs - namebands w/ your name on them. US$3 if you get like 3 or so. They will otherwise tell you they are US$5. A bargain. If they don't have the name(s) that you want, they will make them for you in about 5 mins each. Quality is excellent.
- Mexican Jumping Beans. US$1 (negotiated down from the $2 or so they want). Available at about 50% of the stores on the tourist row.
- Carmel Corn. The BEST. Just past the Plaza with the 3 heads. Best you ever had. DO NOT pass it by. Get a bag for snacking while shopping. You will buy 2 more on the way back to the Cruise Ship. No joke.
Oh yes... if you need the restroom and not a customer... customary charge is US$1 to US$0.50. No joke.
Written December 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mojoblue717
Manchester, UK2,919 contributions
Jan 2020
This report relates to an overall view of the Port of Ensenada as a Cruise Stop, not just First Street. We called at this port as a final stop on a cruise from LA to Hawaii. Apparently there is some law in the USA which incurs extra charges/tariffs/crew changes if an USA registered ship doesn't sail out of US waters. Consequently this town, which is in Mexico,situated south of Tijuana, and has a decent docking facility allows ships to call here and avoid these penalties. The place itself has little of any interest to offer visitors and is just a basic working town which is the centre of a major wine producing area. Having done research before the cruise, we decided to simply get off to stretch our legs after being 5 days at sea, since leaving Maui. The port area itself is quite modern, with pleasant surrounds, a few touristy shops and wi-fi, although when we were there, it wasn't working. We had a pleasant stroll out of the port and along the promenade, but found little else of interest. The place gives an impression of being run down, what shops we saw, sold a lot of "tourist tat" and our walk down Front Street, albeit during daytime, didn't inspire us one bit. Some friends from the ship found a nearby beach, others did a bus ride to the Blowhole, but no-one had much good to say about the place. Overall a bit of a wasted day, but at least we were on land
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen S
Santa Clarita, CA181 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
When our cruise ship made port in Ensenada, I had no intention of leaving the ship. Wife had planned on shopping, so figuring out quickly she would try it alone, I of course said I'd go. The shopping area is safe in the daytime, but I wouldn't go it alone. Walking with someone is fine. Yes, the expected street vendors are out in force, but don't buy the on the street items...go into the shops to find deals on some actually nice items (SOME...NOT ALL!). Take a relaxing break at Papas & Beer...their security folks keep the street vendors away while you enjoy a Dos X or two ($4 each). Final note...don't be afraid to barter! Found my wife had a hidden talent in negotiations! Best move is to start walking away...they will follow and the price seemed to dropped with each step! Came away with some nice jewelry for presents...and an unexpected fun time.
Written October 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelafar
Greater Melbourne, Australia1,147 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
Visited 15/04/2014
We didn't book any tours with the cruise ship as the activates on the port was not much of interest to us.
We decide to leave the ship at 11.00 am to venture into the port,where we just walk 20 mins into the Main Street where there is heaps of shops to buy from.First stop was Starbucks ,where we can use the toilets and wifi for free,as the Internet on ship was very expensive !!!. Had some nice coffee here too,while roaming on the Internet.
After our well rested stop,we went to the second street where heaps of shops were selling tourist items to purchase..locals seem very eager for tourist to buy.Caps were all copy's selling for $6.00 USD.locals seem very friendly,but I was always looking out for our safety in the area, as too many locals try to stop us and buy !!! Buy !!! ...... Was their words...so just be careful,where you go and who you speak too.!!!!
We ending having a lovely foot massage for 2 person,$30.00 for both at Ki massage .Then I got my pedicure and manicure done for $25.00 USD.
You are able to buy cheap spirit here,but you need to declare before you go back on the ship and they hold them for you until you leave the cruise ship at the end of the cruise.
We did enjoy our day here at port,weather was lovely,locals seem nice...some bargains to buy..
The ship stops at this port for a whole day,cruise ship left at 8.00 pm...
Ciao
ELISA
We didn't book any tours with the cruise ship as the activates on the port was not much of interest to us.
We decide to leave the ship at 11.00 am to venture into the port,where we just walk 20 mins into the Main Street where there is heaps of shops to buy from.First stop was Starbucks ,where we can use the toilets and wifi for free,as the Internet on ship was very expensive !!!. Had some nice coffee here too,while roaming on the Internet.
After our well rested stop,we went to the second street where heaps of shops were selling tourist items to purchase..locals seem very eager for tourist to buy.Caps were all copy's selling for $6.00 USD.locals seem very friendly,but I was always looking out for our safety in the area, as too many locals try to stop us and buy !!! Buy !!! ...... Was their words...so just be careful,where you go and who you speak too.!!!!
We ending having a lovely foot massage for 2 person,$30.00 for both at Ki massage .Then I got my pedicure and manicure done for $25.00 USD.
You are able to buy cheap spirit here,but you need to declare before you go back on the ship and they hold them for you until you leave the cruise ship at the end of the cruise.
We did enjoy our day here at port,weather was lovely,locals seem nice...some bargains to buy..
The ship stops at this port for a whole day,cruise ship left at 8.00 pm...
Ciao
ELISA
Written April 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Razz1313
5 contributions
Sep 2013
If anyone visits this city they must visit the stores and eat at the restaurants or vendors. I have been there several times and even at night I have never been concerned about safety. The police patrol the area and the shop owners are family oriented good people. The police are not there to stop Americans visiting and promote tourism. Now if your drunk or obnoxious then sure you will get in trouble but overall they keep the streets safe for everyone and as a young woman I have shipped til odd hours of the night and felt comfortable. I am not the party type but the guys that work security around the bar scene will also help you and direct you where you need to go. Try going during the Baja 500 or 1000 so you can see how crazy it is with tons of festivities and food. It's really cool to see so many people from all over the world get together to party and celebrate together. Just always bring extra clothing for the nights that get chilly once the sun sets because the ocean breeze does cool it down quite a bit even in summer if your used to the heat like in SoCal. If your from a colder climate then you will probably enjoy the night time and not notice the cooler weather. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy!
Written November 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fireinvEnsenada_BC
Ensenada, BC12 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
Although many refer to this as first street it is actually Lopez Mateos and is the tourist district (actual downtown or Centro is 5 blocks) away lots of shops, bars and restaurants and all types of food.
Most people in this area speak English, but if you speak Spanish so much the better, do go to an ATM and get pesos to pay with, you well do much better on buying things or paying a restaurant bill. The current exchange rate is 18.5 up to 19.1 to 1 dollar
You well find the people to be very friendly and helpful, Please do not give to the beggars the city is trying to discourage them from being in this area.
Do not be afraid to try the street stands as there are some very good. If you see a number of the locals around them and the police stopping by you can be fairly certain its good.
I have lived here for 14+ years and find it to be a very nice city
Most people in this area speak English, but if you speak Spanish so much the better, do go to an ATM and get pesos to pay with, you well do much better on buying things or paying a restaurant bill. The current exchange rate is 18.5 up to 19.1 to 1 dollar
You well find the people to be very friendly and helpful, Please do not give to the beggars the city is trying to discourage them from being in this area.
Do not be afraid to try the street stands as there are some very good. If you see a number of the locals around them and the police stopping by you can be fairly certain its good.
I have lived here for 14+ years and find it to be a very nice city
Written November 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OkJustjeff
ok95 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
We drive to ensenada each year, this street is made for cruise tourists who are typically an embaressment to the us stumbling around drunk. The whole time you are accosted with high price junk made in mexico and china. There is soo much more to ensenada area than this street. Rent a car, drive to country, visit wine country, see beaches (real ones) and lots of other things. Want to get drunk and buy cheap crap..walk this street. There are a few exceptions to crap here, but not many.
Written March 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linzerella99
Las Vegas, NV83 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
First street is not very far from the cruise ship terminal in Ensenada and a safe walk. Just make sure not to go too early because nothing is open early in the morning and there are no restrooms at that time.
Written December 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SAiello111
Chula Vista, CA5 contributions
Is anything open right now in Ensenada with the Covid19 issue?
Tarz1977
Marina del Rey, CA14 contributions
Things are open for takeout. And most places are respectful of mask rules. So far so good and you can still visit the wine region with reservations. Everything is wide open. No need to freak out. Just be safe and clean and socially distant.
When do shops close in Ensenada? My tour company (I’m a tour guide), wants to Drop them off at 6:00 PM for a couple hours of shopping. I didn’t think that was such a great idea. we’re still debating it.
Zulu
British Columbia, Canada631 contributions
Most of the nicer places are closed after 6. In winter, they close at least one day a week - usually Wednesday or Tuesday, and sometimes Sunday.
Cynthia S
Paradise, CA7 contributions
is it safe to drive from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico?
tw1509
98 contributions
Absolutely safe. My family and I drove done in February for a mission trip, my son and I drove it again in March, and I went down again 2 weeks ago for the Baja 500. No problems what so ever. All the toll booths were not operating, people were accepting donations, but no tolls. Roads are in good condition, little construction between Rosarito and Ensenada, but all good. Worse part is crossing the border back into the US. Enjoy, it’s a great experience.
Connector570279
Brooksville, FL2 contributions
Any cheap and safe excursions to Puerto Nuevo, Lobster Villages? Locals to take you?
Connector570279
Brooksville, FL2 contributions
Can you rent a vehicle in Ensenada when you come into the Port?
fkasule
San Diego, CA20 contributions
Yes. Puerto Nuevo is about an hour from Ensenada along Mex. Rte. 1 (toll road). My favorite restaurant is Ortega’s followed by Splash Restaurant. Both offer sweeping views of the pacific and are most enjoyable at sunset.
pattyebadial
Zapopan, Mexico
Se puede ir a ña bufadora, a la calle principal y regresar al crucero?
Adrián S
Mexico City, Mexico490 contributions
Si, desde El Centro de Ensenada a la Bufadora son máximo 40 min; aunque el mejor horario de la Bufadora es entre las 5-6 cuando aumenta el oleaje.
Does anyone know the price of case of pure white Hennessy in Ensenada and if so what is the price ?
Justin S
106 contributions
Sorry. Don't remember seeing that there at all.
mgoldst1
Overland Park, KS3 contributions
How far is this from the cruise port?
Benedict C
12 contributions
It is in walking distance. However first street is parallel to the coast so the distance to different locations vary.
lovesthebeach10
Helena7 contributions
Will be in Ensenada on Christmas Day via cruise - any recommendations!!
Junell P
Nipomo, CA95 contributions
The Blow Hole is worth a look and the market, but you should know that it is a lengthy drive there and you may want to stick closer to the ship. I would do some kayaking Also, I don't know what cruise ship you are taking, but Carnival is one sloppy party. :)
First Street (Ensenada) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about First Street
- Hotels near First Street:
- (0.02 mi) Best Western El Cid
- (0.04 mi) Casa Del Sol Hotel
- (0.09 mi) Hotel Cortez
- (0.04 mi) Posada El Rey Sol
- (0.06 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ensenada Centro, an IHG Hotel
- Restaurants near First Street:
- (0.01 mi) El Patio Ens
- (0.01 mi) Restaurante El Cid
- (0.02 mi) Cafe Torino
- (0.02 mi) El Rey Sol Restaurant
- (0.03 mi) La Primera Restaurant