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Things to Do in Ensenada, Mexico - Ensenada Attractions
Things to Do in Ensenada
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What travelers are saying
- drosenmanBloomfield Hills, MI141 contributionsWatching the ocean water spray up was amazing. Be aware that you will need to walk through a line of open air market booths and hawkers on your walk to the spot. Can be crowded if you arrive when the tour buses are there.Written February 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SilvanaLopez38 contributionsOldest winery in Baja. Large, beautiful, expansive wine tasting room as well as spacious outdoor seating overlooking the vineyard. We opted for the Premium tasting: $420 MEX. Diego was our host and gave us a good summary of each wine. We were given enough time to take in the wines and walk around the grounds a bit. Jorge was kind enough to take pictures of us toasting and posing at various photo op areas.Written October 6, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Joanna S3 contributionsI thought it was a great experience. Clean and beautiful grounds. Great to see the animals. I loved it.Written March 30, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CiciColorado Springs, CO2 contributionsWe booked our excursion to Rancho Los Bandidos for our cruse on Royal Caribbean March 2023. We really had no idea where we were going, and the excursion WAS AWESOME! Miguel picked us up from the meeting point at the port, and it was a short, enjoyable bus ride to the ranch. It is so clear that Miguel loves his city and the ranch. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about both. He knew 16 people's names within minutes and made sure we all had great photos. We loved talking with him-he should be Ensenada's tourism ambassador! He sold us on the area and we want to visit again. The ride itself was absolutely beautiful on lovely, healthy, well cared for horses, all named after tequilas! It's a trail ride, so experienced riders may not be challenged, but who cares-it's fun and beautiful! After the ride, we were able to hang out and chat with the ranch owner, Rita, and Miguel (the vaqueros as well if you speak Spanish), enjoy some excellent complimentary salsa and chips. bottled water and juice. We also opted to purchase (for a VERY reasonable fee) DELICIOUS homemade tacos and drinks and I had to buy the salsa to bring home. Try the fruit infused tequila! This is an excellent option for everyone!!!Written March 16, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JLSSan Diego, CA29 contributionsThe following is a brief overview, with some details, of a two-day, weekend trip in May 2019 of six wine-loving adults from San Diego to Guadalupe Valley for winetasting. We planned the trip's itinerary ourselves by researching wineries, wines, restaurants, Airbnb's and routes on the internet. Three married couples went. The three husbands are partners in home winemaking, so we selected wineries whose wines were highly rated rather than wineries that were highly rated for their facilities, views or food. We only took USDs, not pesos, with us.
We left San Diego about 8:30am in an Uber XL for the border, arriving at PedWest (directly across the street from Outlets at the Border) about 9:00am. We then walked across the border thru PedWest, stopping at Mexican Immigration/Customs Center building to fill out visa forms (we all have Passport cards plus Global Entry cards), then arriving, about 9:30am at a plaza where taxis await passengers. Here we met up with our Mexican driver and his van.
The driver, Antonio Hernandez, and his wife, Rosa, live in Guadalupe Valley. They have started a small Guadalupe Valley tour company with at least two new, very nice vans that we road in; one just right for the six of us, and a second much larger. We found this couple through common friends/acquaintances, and were extremely satisfied with their services. Antonio ferried us around from Saturday morning until Sunday late afternoon when he dropped us off at PedWest. He charged us $70 USD per couple per day, but we paid him $80 USD per couple per day to include tip, so at the end of our trip we six paid him $80 USD X 3 couples X 2 days = $480. I think we gave him $500. It was well worth it. Their email address is Alanantonio08092017@gmail.com, and Antonio's cell phone is 011-52-1-646-144-0374. Our plan was to visit three wineries and two restaurants (lunch & dinner) on Saturday and three wineries and two restaurants (breakfast and lunch) on Sunday.
On Saturday, after being picked up by Antonio in his van, we drove about 35 miles to Gary's La Fonda restaurant on highway 1D, about 3.3 miles south of Campo Lopez. This is an interesting restaurant, with a great ocean view and roosters walking around the tables, in which we enjoyed our lunches and drinks. After lunch, Antonio drove us to Guadalupe Valley, about a 25-mile trip. We stopped first at Tres Valles winery. This is a small winery with a small wine tasting room, but their wines, Assistant winemaker Alejandro and their art creations were great. This was one of our favorite winery of the six that we visited, if not the favorite one. Next, we visited Vinisterra winery that had great wines and vineyard views. We recommend this winery too. Our last winery of the day was Vinas de Garza. This winery and its wines were OK, but we liked the first two much better. I probably would not recommend this place but try another in its place. We then drove to our Airbnb and checked in and rested up a bit before leaving for dinner.
Our Airbnb was a nice, two story house, on a nice piece of property with vineyards, in a gated community. It had two very nice bedrooms and bathrooms downstairs, and some beds (but no bathroom) in the second story loft that we did not like much. It was a "cabana" located in the Ejido el Porvenior section of the Valley, across the street from the restaurant Finca Altozano, and cost us $405.65/night. The owner is Carlos Bernardo, phone 011-52-1-646-226-8616.
Saturday night we ate at Laja restaurant, an outstanding restaurant that we highly recommend. Reservations are probably necessary since it is not large. They have prix fixe ("fixed price") menus, probably different every night. The menus lists eight items, in groups of two, with and without wine pairings. One must choose a four course or eight-course meal, with or without wine pairings with each course. Our menu listed Lettuce salad / Octopus, Bonita fish tartar / Mushroom risotto, Catch of the day / Braised beef, and Coffee panna cotta / pastry. Their price for the four-course meal (which we all had with wine pairings) was 920 pesos, or 1,420 pesos with wine pairings, and for the eight-course meal, 1,350 pesos, or 2,050 pesos with wine. They exchanged at only 17 pesos per USD, so total bill for six of us without tip was 8,583 pesos, or $504.88 USD if US cash were used. I used my credit card that does not charge a currency exchange fee, and exchanged at 19 pesos/USD, so cost was only $451.74 USD before tip. It was expensive, but we all felt it was well worth it, and we hope to return to this restaurant someday. After dinner, we returned to our Airbnb for the night.
Sunday morning Antonio picked us up and drove us to Hacienda Guadalupe restaurant where we had great breakfasts. We next went to the Wine Museum, which we all enjoyed. We also went to the local Russian museum that was OK but not great. I highly recommend Hacienda Guadalupe for breakfast, and a visit to their Wine museum. When we started our trip, we told Antonio where we wanted to go, only allowing him to determine the order. Antonio knows the Guadalupe Valley well, and therefore has his recommendations for wineries and restaurants. If/when we return, we may let Antonio at least propose his favorites to us. On our trip, he especially promoted a winery J.C. Bravo, for their dry-farmed wines, so we decided to visit his recommended winery in lieu of planned L.A. Ceto winery that has high ratings for both wines and winery. L.A. Ceto is a large winery, and we prefer smaller wineries such as J.C. Bravo. We enjoyed this winery; it was OK, not great. We then went to La Lomita and Vino de Piedra wineries, both very nice wineries with great wines. We recommend both of them.
Before heading home, we had lunch at Finca Altozano restaurant. Lunch and the restaurant were great. After lunch, Antonio drove us with some wine that we had purchased at wineries back to PedWest where he dropped us off and we paid him. We walked back thru PedWest, then Ubered home, arriving home about 7:30pm, very tired. It was a great trip that we hope to repeat sometime.Written May 23, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Michael GLampang, Thailand371 contributionsEnsenada has changed since I was here before it is a hopping place on the Saturday I was there , lots of young people gave ing a great time in lots of bars .I went to the oldest canine in Mexico housings it was a little more my style thoWritten March 6, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sheri P6 contributionsOne of the best experiences we had during our visit to Valle de Guadalupe. Alex's warm and welcoming personality left us with very full hearts. The wines are excellent, and we took many bottles with us! Highly recommended. We will definitely visit again on our next trip.Written March 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- beth ann kHalstead, KS1,641 contributionsThis has an interesting history, and is a nice place to stop in and have a margarita. In addition to touring the building. there's a small market on the courtyard.Written January 24, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- miniFremont, CA175,391 contributionsWe enjoyed going to Rivera del Pacfico and taking a tour. We also saw a very good entertainment show. There was Mexican dancing, singing, and an amazing 80 year old plus who did rope tricks.
Rivera del Pacifico was a former hotel and a favorite to stay at by many Hollywood entertainers and people like William Hearst.
We also were given our choice of beverage - Mexican Coca-Cola, Pino Colado, or a Margarita. Vendors were also there selling their wares.Written February 1, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Maguide75Chihuahua, Mexico53 contributionsReservation is needed if you want to go to up to the mountain to Bar Bura.
Drinks are so good, I fully recommend the Merlot wine.
Prices for me as a mexican are expensive. I ordered tacos, they were delicious.
Service was not very good.
The view from there is a must to see.Written October 20, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Marcia L30 contributionsNice relaxing day trip, thin crust pizza and good, pasta, Mexican, lots of variety. Wine tasting, lots of olive oil, chi/cracker spreads and salsas, breads, all made on site (you can view product prep from large window outside) Tourist shopping, walk around vineyard. Saw a warning below about security in parking!?!Written March 3, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- bucketlisttravellersSydney, Australia3,783 contributionsThe highlight of this park is a water feature that starts up at night time. The water fountains start up at random times and positions every couple of minutes, accompanied by lights and music. The most fun is to be had watching brave souls walk into the fountain area, essentially playing 'chicken' with the fountain, only to be drenched when the fountains burst up right from around them.Written January 7, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lola RSan Diego, CA1 contributionI personally didn't find it that big of a deal, the scenery is beautiful tho... well in general the ocean is beautiful..
and there are a bunch of sea lions in the cave; looking comfortable while you just stare at them.
so it's a nice quick stop if you're going somewhere else, just snap some pictures enjoy the view for a bit and go... :D
(I do remember however that to get there, there is this dirt/sand road that if you're going in a small/old car, you probably won't make it cause you have to pass this sort of small ravine full of sand where you car can get stuck, but it's honestly not that bad)Written May 13, 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - GlobalGypsy_13San Diego, CA2,688 contributionsPlaza Civica or "Three Heads Park" features busts of three Mexican heroes -- Miguel Hidalgo, Venustiano Carranza and Benito Juarez. There is little explanation about these three Mexicans; however, it is near the cruise port and adjacent tothe "dancing fountain". As both are located on the harbor, you can get a taste of this port city without the hazzle and buzz of the nearby shopping/dining area.Written June 20, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mike MPalm Coast, FL209 contributionsI visit this market a few times a year to shop and have acquired a few tips along the way. For starters, walk the ENTIRE market even if you think you see what you want right away. Usually I scope out 1 or 2 stalls to come back to depending on what I'm looking for,
Always negotiate the price. Don't expect 1/2 off, but you should get something.
Pay in pesos not dollars.
Fresh fish is weighed "on the fin" - so you pay for the entire fish. If you just want fillets, they will do it for you, but you still pay for the whole fish.
Speaking of weighing, make sure that they put the metal "basket" on the scale before they weigh your purchase to make sure it is fairly close to zero. A favorite "trick" is to leave the basket off and have the scale set at zero - so when the basket is put on with your selection you get shorted (paying for the weight of the basket too).
Friendly banter does go a long way here. It can be a shopping adventure!
BTW - outside of the market are several small restaurants. The 2nd one from the street is my favorite. Excellent FRESH fish tacos that are very reasonable.Written November 29, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ensenada
- The top attractions to visit in Ensenada are: See all attractions in Ensenada on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Ensenada according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- La Bufadora
- Rancho Los Bandidos
- Pai Pai Ecotourism Park
- El Parque de la Bandera
- El Salto Canyon & Waterfall
- The best day trips from Ensenada according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Round-trip Private Transportation in Valle
- Private Horseback and La Bufadora Shore Excursion
- Scenic Bufadora, Flea Shopping &Tequila Private Tour
- Valle Experience by Ansell Wine Tours
- Guadalupe Valley Wine Route Tour in Baja California
- The most popular things to do in Ensenada with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all kid friendly things to do in Ensenada on Tripadvisor
Ensenada Attractions Information
| Attractions | 187 |
|---|---|
| Attraction Reviews | 6,484 |
| Attraction Photos | 7,262 |
| Local Time | Friday 9:59 AM |