Ensenada is located on the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula in Mexico. The beautiful coastal town was one of the first settlements founded in the Californias and is a popular wine-producing region because of its amazing Mediterranean-like climate. With the blue waters of the Pacific on one side and small mountain ranges on the other side, Ensenada is a popular place for tourists coming from the US by car or tourists coming in by cruise ship. If you’re in the area and wondering what to buy in Ensenada, Mexico, to remember your time in this lovely little city, check out some of these great items to purchase.
1. Silver jewelry
Silver is a popular product in this part of Mexico so if you’re looking for a unique and (potentially) expensive gift, then try heading to one of Ensenada’s many silver shops. Anything from rings to watches and necklaces can be easily found here and usually for a pretty good price. Plus the quality is a lot better than the stuff you’ll find closer to the border.
2. Tequila
Tequila is the national drink of Mexico and one of it’s biggest exports. Made with locally grown agave, Tequila is a drink that is popular the world over and if you’re going to go to Mexico, why not pick up some of this renowned spirit. Variations and styles can be found from anywhere between really high-quality to less expensive bottles. Check out the Tequila room on Primera to find some local specialties.
3. Mexican rugs and carpets
Going to any store back home is a fine place to get things for the home but if you’re touring around Ensenada why not stop by one of the rug and carpet places for a quality hand-woven rug. Arts and crafts are a big part of life with lots of people selling their wares here. They’ll be one of a kind and a great conversation piece for your home. Brush up on your haggling skills because it is encouraged here.
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4. Wooden handicrafts
Wooden handicrafts are also a great souvenir to spice up your living space a little. Intricately designed wooden sculptures also make a great thing to bring for some friends or family back home. Heading down to the local outdoor market or flea market is a great way to spend an afternoon and pick up some delightful handicrafts that represent Mexico and Mexican identity. Once again, be prepared to haggle.
5. Pottery
Pottery is another great thing to pick up while you’re here in Ensenada. Pottery can range from the decorative like a vase or the functional items such as a bowl or a mug. Prices vary, but of course, that depends on what you decide to buy. Many flea markets and shops will carry an assortment of either handmade pottery or commercial which will also affect the price. Check out Ceramica Sara Hdz on Alvarado Street for some great local pottery.
6. Local clothes
Make sure to pack light on your trip to Ensenada because you will leave with lots of good stuff. If you’re looking to stock up on some new threads, Ensenada has a lot of great places to buy cheap clothes. Vincollect and LOB are two great shops to check out if you’re looking to pick up some new items but there are so many stores around town that just by walking around the city, you’ll surely come across some fantastic stores where you can find nice and unique items.
7. Ceramics
Ceramics fall under the same category as other arts and crafts and much like the pottery, it can be a great gift either for yourself or as something to bring home to some friends or family. Of course, depending on what you buy will affect the price you’re going to pay for it but as in most cases, haggling is not frowned upon. Ceramics can include things likes dishes and plates to decorative statues so make a shop around a little bit and find something you like.
8. Leather goods
Continuing on the trend of locally produced goods is leather. There are plenty of shops around the city specializing in a certain thing and leather is no exception. Whether you’re looking for a nice new leather jacket or perhaps a purse or wallet, there are a lot of options in Ensenada. A lot of these pieces will be unique and sometimes even hand made. The appropriately named “Leather Boots and Silver Shop” in Zona Centro will have you covered for as you can guess, leather goods and silver, check it out or head to one of Ensenada’s many shops.
9. Paintings
Paintings are a great and creative way to not only support local artists but also bring back a little piece of local culture with you. Paintings may be a little bulky to transport so it’s probably better to get if you are traveling with a vehicle and have the means to transport a painting but there are a lot of small canvases from artists that are a little more easy to transport during your travels.
10. Metal animal sculptures
Metal art is a cool and different kind of souvenir to bring back with you after visiting Ensenada. Primarily used using scrap metal, these animal sculptures are very cool and will make a great addition to any home or office or literally anywhere. From birds to land animals and sea creatures there are lots of variety and many places around the city carry these cool souvenirs. Pick up a couple for yourself or your friends and bring back some unique folk art.
Shopping in Ensenada
Ensenada has some amazing places to check out both for shopping and for fun. If you’re going to be spending some time in this beautiful coastal city why not check out some of the local areas to get a souvenir or two. Ensenada is great for buying local goods and handicrafts that are always super unique and special in comparison to things you get back home. So bring a little extra money and indulge in some souvenirs from Ensenada.