Ensenada is a beautiful port city on the Pacific coast of Mexico’s peninsula. Much of its activity is concentrated at its harbour and waterfront area, with the Ventana al Mar waterfront park and the Oceanic Aquarium being key places of attraction to visit by the harbour. However, Ensenada is a tourist destination famed not just for its sunny waterfront promenade, but also for its rich culture and history. The Ensenada Museum of History and the Regional Historical Museum give travellers a deeper understanding of the area’s people and past. If you plan on visiting this lovely coastal city on your next trip to Mexico, below are some of the best things to do in Ensenada, Mexico. Be sure to check them out today!
1. Discover your love for nature at Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park is a beautiful and mountainous national park known for its breathtaking scenery. Many locals choose this Ecological Park to take morning walks or hikes during the weekends with friends or visit for a relaxing picnic with family. If you want to immerse yourself in nature and take some beautiful snapshots with river gorges and a mountainous backdrop, this is the place to go.
Canon De Dona Petra Ecological Park
Address: Av. Ruiz, Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
2. Appreciate ancient artwork at Catavina Rock Paintings
Editor’s note: There is no photo available at the time of writing.
Thousands of years ago, the indigenous settlers in the desert-like terrain surrounding the Catavina Rocks, decided to depict their stories of life, war and their interpretations of God on the rocks, forming what we know today as the Catavina Rock Paintings. If you are interested in ancient history, or simply want to admire the exotic and colourful drawings on the Catavina rocks, a short drive from the Ensenada city centre should bring you to the Catavina Rock Paintings quickly and easily.
Catavina Rock Paintings
Address: La Paz, Ensenada, Ensenada Municipality, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Soak in some culture at Riviera of Ensenada
Riviera of Ensenada was one of the most prestigious and luxurious hotels in the entirety of Mexico. Opened in the 1930s, it was put to military use during the Second World War and remains a cultural and historical emblem of Mexico. Today, the Riviera of Ensenada includes an open-air theatre, a historical museum, and a number of rooms available for bookings for functions and events.
Riviera of Ensenada
Address: Lázaro Cárdenas 1421, Bahia Ensenada, 22880 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Website: Riviera of Ensenada
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
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4. Admire stunning views of the city and the ocean from Tara Garden
Tara is a central figure in modern Buddhism known for representing the religion’s core values like the qualities of wisdom, compassion, joy and equanimity. At the Tara Garden, you can take a look at the monumental sculpture of the Tibetan princess and many other smaller sculptures surrounding it. You can even enjoy a bird’s eye view of the bay area and the city centre of Ensenada.
Tara Garden
Address: Avenida Moctezuma, Calle 13 esquina, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Website: Tara Garden
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
5. Enjoy the outdoors at El Salto Canyon and Waterfall
El Salto Canyon and Waterfall is highly rated by tourists as one of the most spectacular places of natural wonder to visit in Ensenada, Mexico. What’s more, the El Salto Canyon and Waterfall hiking trail is considered relatively easy and therefore accessible to even the most novice of hikers. If you want to immerse yourself in the wilderness and the beauty of Ensenada or engage in some rock climbing, this would be the perfect place for you to visit.
El Salto Canyon and Waterfall
Address: Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Get your shopping fix at Civic Plaza de la Patria
Civic Plaza de la Patria, also known as Ensenada’s central square, is a popular weekend hangout spot for both locals and visitors. If you are interested in history, busts of some of Mexico’s most important historical figures are scattered around the plaza, and cultural musicians play a lively tune. If you want to shop for some amazing souvenirs and gifts to bring home for family and friends, Civic Plaza de la Patria is the perfect place to go. It sells a wide variety of local books, jewellery and hand-made crafts.
Civic Plaza de la Patria
Address: Av Adolfo López Mateos 850, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Website: Civic Plaza de la Patria
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Have fun with science at Caracol Science Museum
Caracol Science Museum is a fun and engaging museum for children and the young at heart. It educates its visitors on topics such as climate change, global warming and the natural history of the Ensenada region in an interactive and simple manner. For travellers planning to bring children along, the Caracol Science Museum is a great place to stop by if you happen to be around the Ensenada city centre.
Caracol Science Museum
Address: Zona Federal, 22800 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Website: Caracol Science Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 4 USD
8. Enjoy fun times at Flyers Trampoline Park
Making a trip down to Flyers Trampoline Park with your friends, family or children is a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love while getting active. If you have always loved to jump and do flips on the trampoline, this is the place for you. A spacious jumping area equipped with safety nets is available for both kids and adults, along with a foam pool to catapult into.
Flyers Trampoline Park
Address: Transpeninsular 86, Carlos Pacheco 4, Ensenada, Ensenada Municipality 22890, Mexico
Website: Flyers Trampoline Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
9. Dive into the deep blue depths of Ensenada
Mario explicando todo sobre el uso correcto del equipo. #AcuarioOceánico #Atunízate
Posted by Acuario Oceánico on Tuesday, 23 May 2017
A trip to the Oceanic Aquarium might be one of the most thrilling and unique experiences in your life. If you want to get up close and personal with some of Mexico’s endemic aquatic species, including the elusive bluefin tuna, take a dive into the deep blue depths of Ensenada’s harbours with some of the most experienced and well-trained diving instructors in Mexico.
Oceanic Aquarium
Address: Zona Sur de la Bahía de Ensenada, Bahía de Ensenada, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Website: Oceanic Aquarium
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 8.30am - 12pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
Price: 30 USD per person
10. Giddy up at Desert Trails
Posted by Desert Trails Ensenada, Baja CA on Monday, 6 May 2013
The Desert Trails Horseback Riding Centre team maintains a small but well-trained herd of beautiful horses on the mountain ranges near Ensenada, Mexico. If you want to try your hand at horseback riding, which can take place on the Desert Trails Horseback Riding Centre’s ranges or by the beach, this is the place to go. Their 2.5-hour beach tour on horseback is a perfect chance for you to feel the refreshing sea breeze and enjoy breathtaking views of Ensenada’s beachfront while experiencing the novel feeling of riding on horseback.
Desert Trails
Address: B.C, Parcela 157 Racho Cuate Calle, Ejido Nacionalista, 22790 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Website: Desert Trails
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 30 USD
11. Pay a visit to Vinisterra Vitivinicola winery
If you want to gain a better understanding of the process required to make a delicious bottle of wine, the Vinisterra Vitivinicola winery is the place to visit. It serves up a wide variety of grape wines at its winery, where you can reserve a table to celebrate a birthday or other functions.
Vinisterra Vitivinicola winery
Address: Calle Miguel, Lerdo de Tejada 466, 22766 Villa de Juárez, B.C., Mexico
Website: Vinisterra Vitivinicola winery
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 11am - 5pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 30 USD
12. Plan the perfect beach day at San Miguel Beach
Foto por: Greg Silva Niño pescando.
Posted by Playa San Miguel on Tuesday, 16 October 2018
San Miguel Beach is a lovely public beach with scenic views of the blue ocean, gentle waves and rocky beaches. Take a morning stroll through San Miguel’s sandy beaches or play in the shallow, clear waters of the sea with your friends and family. If you want to make your trip to Ensenada an extra special one with your spouse, you can do so by renewing your vows or celebrating your wedding anniversary. The San Miguel Restaurant’s wedding venue by the beach is the perfect place to do so.
San Miguel Beach
Address: Playa San Miguel, Ensenada, Baja California
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Spend an evening at the iconic Hussong's Cantina
Posted by Cantina Hussong's on Sunday, 15 October 2017
Hussong’s Cantina is the oldest and one of the best-known bars in Ensenada, Mexico. A lively mariachi band will lighten up the atmosphere while you enjoy some authentic Mexican margaritas and beers. If you want to immerse yourself in Mexico’s unique nightlife and bar culture, Hussong’s Cantina is the best place to go. You can purchase their souvenir t-shirts as gifts or for personal keepsake too.
Hussong's Cantina
Address: Av. Ruiz 113, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Website: Hussong’s Cantina
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 2am (closed on Mon)
Price: 25 USD
14. Embark on an excursion to Bufadora Ensenada BC Mexico
Take a short walk from the beach carpark close to the cliffs, and you will be able to witness the marvellous Bufadora Ensenada BC Mexico, known in English as “the snorter.” This blowhole is, more accurately, an underwater cave that frequently sucks in seawater and spits it out of the cave’s top, drenching visitors. It makes for a spectacular picture for Instagram. Even if you miss the blowhole in action, the sea and rocky seashore of Bufadora Ensenada BC Mexico are natural wonders in their own right and will make your trip worthwhile.
Bufadora Ensenada BC Mexico
Address: Calle N, 22819 Ensenada, BC, Mexico
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
15. Tour the fascinating National Astronomical Observatory
National Astronomical Observatory of the Sierra de San Pedro Martir is an observatory in Baja California, Mexico. It was first established in 1878. The National Observatory sits on the peak of one of the highest mountains in the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park. So even if you are not an astronomy enthusiast, you can always take a trip up the hill to take a few stunning snapshots.
National Astronomical Observatory
Address: Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park, Baja California, Mexico
Opening hours: 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 3pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
16. Stroll along the buzzing Maritime Customs
Ensenada was amazing definitely would go back to visit
Posted by Bryan Collins on Sunday, 6 January 2019
Maritime Customs is one of the national ports of Mexico, located by Ensenada’s bustling waterfront. If you are looking for a breezy evening stroll by the waters, while watching ships cruise by, this is the place to go.
Maritime Customs
Address: Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, Baja California
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
17. Travel back in time at Ensenada History Museum
Posted by Museo de Historia de Ensenada on Wednesday, 28 August 2013
The Ensenada History Museum sits inside the Playa Ensenada Hotel and Casino. It was one of the largest and most successful casinos in the 1920s, purportedly attracting some famous Hollywood stars back in the day. Today, visitors can enjoy the building’s unique Mexican architecture with high, intricately painted ceilings, ornate chandeliers and Mexican tiling found throughout the grand hall. You will be able to learn more about the traditions and culture of the indigenous Mexican people and the history of the missionary era through the museum’s many hands-on displays and ancient artefacts.
Ensenada History Museum
Address: Boulevard Costero 2, Bahia Ensenada, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Website: Ensenada History Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (daily)
18. Dig in to delicious tacos from Tacos Lucero
Tacos Lucero is a restaurant known not just for its delicious tacos, but also for its amazing seafood. You can sample their signature fish tacos, have a taste of some delicious seafood bisque and hang out with your friends and family in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Tacos Lucero
Address: Miramar 16, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Website: Tacos Lucero
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD
19. Shop for unique souvenirs at Malecón de Ensenada
Malecón de Ensenada is a beautiful and quaint seaside locale perfect for last-minute souvenir shopping and sampling some of Ensenada’s most authentic delights. The food here ranges from local favourites like tacos and pizza to international cuisine like Japanese and Indian restaurants. There are also a couple of parks with playgrounds for children to have loads of fun.
Malecón de Ensenada
Address: Carlos Pacheco 4, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
20. Explore Regional Historical Museum of Ensenada
The Regional Historical Museum of Ensenada differs from the Ensenada History Museum in that the former focuses more on the history of the entire country, rather than the port city of Ensenada. You can view some unique artefacts, including the traditional garments worn by the fishermen back in the past, and the fossils of birds and mammals found around Mexico, some dating as far back as the Paleolithic era.
Regional Historical Museum of Ensenada
Address: Gastélum s/n, Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Website: Regional Historical Museum of Ensenada
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
21. Admire stunning views of the city from El Mirador
El Mirador is a lovely observation deck perched atop one of the many cliffs facing the sea around Ensenada’s port. You will be treated to stunning views of the harbour, the deep blue sea and the many seagulls which fly high above the water. If you are looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a bird’s eye view of this beautiful port city, this is the place to go.
El Mirador
Address: Cerro de Chapultepec, Fraccionamiento del Sol, 22870 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
22. Explore deep-sea sportfishing with Sergio's Sportfishing
Posted by Sergio's Sportfishing Center on Thursday, 11 July 2019
Sergio’s Sportfishing Centre offers highly recommended sportfishing tours and whale watching trips for both tourists and locals alike. If you are hoping to try your hand at deep-sea fishing, or you simply want to capture a coveted snapshot of the whales that inhabit Ensenada’s deep-sea coast, simply contact Sergio’s Sportfishing Centre via their email or Facebook page to make a boat reservation for you and your family.
Sergio's Sportfishing
Address: Callejón, Paseo Todos Santos s/n, Centro, Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Website: Sergio’s Sportfishing
Opening hours: 5am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 30 USD
23. Fly high with Skydive Baja
If you are looking for a unique but safe skydiving experience, you can try skydiving with Skydive Baja. You will be flying in tandem with an experienced skydiving instructor, who will ensure your safety throughout the experience. Choosing to skydive with Skydive Baja also gives you the chance to admire the view of Ensenada and its vast deep-sea coast from thousands of feet above the ground.
Skydive Baja
Address: Carretera Ensenada San Felipe Km 47 Aeródromo, Real del Castillo, 22771 Real del Castillo Nuevo, B.C., Mexico
Website: Skydive Baja
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 7pm (closed on Mon to Fri)
Price: 155.86 USD
24. Experience off-road adventures with ATV Ensenada Tours
Posted by ATV Ensenada on Sunday, 21 July 2019
ATV Ensenada Tours offers ATV tours to a wide range of fascinating locations around Ensenada, allowing tourists to get a glimpse into some of the key attractions around Ensenada in a unique way. Tour types include the wine tour, mountain tour, blowhole tour and hot springs tour. Prices of the tours vary depending on the location.
ATV Ensenada Tours
Address: Calle Segunda 1136, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Website: ATV Ensenada Tours
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 100 USD
25. Interact with locals at Café Torino De Ensenada
Posted by Café Torino De Ensenada on Friday, 18 January 2019
Café Torino De Ensenada is a great place to enjoy coffee, gelato or tea. The café is known for being very popular among locals for their intricate latte art, cosy atmosphere and free Wifi. This cafe makes for a perfect tea time break after a long and fun day sightseeing.
Café Torino De Ensenada
Address: Av Adolfo López Mateos 1076, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Website: Café Torino De Ensenada
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD
26. Zipline with Desert Nest Zip Line Baja
¡Una aventura que no debes perderte! Reserva en info@desertnest.net
Posted by Desert Nest Zip Line Baja on Sunday, 12 May 2019
Desert Nest Zip Line Baja gives you the chance to explore the Valley of Guadalupe in Ensenada while whizzing through the air, hundreds of feet above the ground. If you are a thrill-seeker looking for an exhilarating experience, you should try out the Desert Nest Zip Line Baja. To reach the top of the zip line, you will have to complete a series of unique obstacle courses, which help to test your sense of balance and strength.
Desert Nest Zip Line Baja
Address: Km 89 Ejido El Tigre, 22760 El Sauzal, B.C., Mexico
Website: Desert Nest Zip Line Baja
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 24 USD
Many great things to do in Ensenada
There is something for everyone in Ensenada, Mexico. Whether you are an outdoor activity junkie looking for gravity-defying activities like skydiving, or a history buff hoping to gain a deeper understanding of Ensenada’s history, there will be many amazing activities for you to try out. Be sure to check out the best things to do in Ensenada, Mexico!
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