Attractions in Ensenada, Mexico: What to do and where to go

The Bay of All Saints

On this beautiful bay's beaches, located less than 13 miles south of Ensenada, many water and land activities can be enjoyed, such as cycling, jogging, swimming and fishing, among others. Also, the surf on this 30 mile stretch of coastline can swell up to 3 meters, a great height for surfing!

Gray Whale Watching

This extraordinary natural phenomenon takes place between the months of December and April in the Bay of All Saints. The whales leave Alaska's cold waters at the beginning of November and travel in groups led by the pregnant mothers, traveling 6200 miles to give birth in the calm lagoons and bays of Baja California, their winter sanctuaries. In and around Ensenada you will find many different tours organized by the local fishermen to experience this unique phenomenon.

The Blowhole

The Blowhole is one of the three most important geysers in the world; it is a natural crevice originating from erosion and connected to an underwater canyon. When the waves reach the crevice a huge explosion of water occurs, rising 20 meters high into the air and producing a peculiar sound, hence its name La Bufadora (the blowhole). This popular and impressive site is located 22 miles south of Ensenada. You can also enjoy a delicious seafood meal and shop for handcrafts and souvenirs while you are there.

The Valley of Guadalupe

The Valley of Guadalupe, located north of Ensenada, is the largest and most important wine-producing valley in the country. Thanks to the quality of the fertile earth and the temperate climate, grapes and olives grow better here than in any other region of Mexico. This area used to be occupied by Dominican missionaries who originally started the winemaking tradition, which has now become a very prosperous international industry. At the beginning of the twentieth century many Russian immigrants came to the area, hence the Museo Comunitario Ruso (the Communal Russian Museum) is found here, where you can get to know their heritage and taste some of their traditional dishes, such as homemade cheese, wine, and bread.

The Wine Route

The wine route is a tour through the San Antonio de las Minas and Valle de Guadalupe vineyards, designed to teach you everything about the regions fantastic winemaking culture. This tour includes the large wine houses such as Domecq, LA Cetto, and Monte Xanic, and also the small family run cellars such as Santo Tomas, Casa Bibayoff, Chateau Camou, and La Casa de Dona Lupe, where you can witness the fascinating wine production process. They will teach you about the harvest and the different varieties of grape, and show you around the cellars where the huge barrels are stored. The host sommeliers will also provide you with an explanation about the time, temperature and special care needed for bottling the wine so it reaches optimum maturity.

During your visit you will be able to taste a diverse variety of wines and maybe purchase a bottle or two. In all the wineries there are shops offering regional products and winemaking paraphernalia, for a souvenir of your trip. The wine route is a voyage through the secrets of the vineyards, giving you a chance to enjoy the marvelous landscape surrounding Ensenada and some wonderful wines as well.

The Constitution of 1857 National Park

Located 45 miles north of Ensenada, on a 12,350 acre piece of land high in the Sierra Juarez mountain range, this national park is considered a very important natural reserve in Baja California. The flora consists of beautiful coniferous and evergreen forests; and the fauna is made up of more than 100 species, some of them endangered, including birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and a fantastic variety of insects and spiders. The stunning Hanson lagoon, surrounded by pine trees and a very special rock formation, is great for trekking and, at night, stargazing. If you enjoy eco-touristic pursuits then a visit to this wonderful national park is highly recommended.

Rustic Paintings

Throughout the region of Ensenada, various cave paintings can be found in the caverns and cliffs, along with petroglyphs and monoliths in the mountainous zones. They are believed to have been made by the Cochimies, the first tribe to inhabit the area. These paintings can be seen in the Guadalupe valley, the Catavina region and the Alamo mine, among others.

Missions

Throughout the territory of Ensenada there are many missions from the 17th and the 18th centuries. Some of them are bare adobe remains and others, such as San Francisco de Borja Adac and Santa Gertrudis La Magna, are still intact and in use. Founded by the Dominica and Jesuit religious orders, these ancient buildings exhibit the classic architectural style of the colonial era and are a rich tapestry of Ensenada's intriguing history.

Bajamar Golf Course

Bajamar is located on the scenic Tijuana - Rosarito Road, facing the sea. It features three courses with a total of 27 holes, which guarantee an unforgettable round for amateur and professional golfers alike. The high-quality facilities and the unbeatable location make for an ideal round of golf.

Seaside Promenade

Less than a mile long, Ensenada's small seaside promenade is a popular place for locals and tourists from all over the world. This path begins near the famous Black Market and ends just past the Flag Park. Enjoy incredible sunrises and sunsets, walk along the incredible Bay of All Saints and admire the magnificent landscapes, or simply watch the sea lions resting on the pier. Many excursions such as bay tours and whale watching trips ship of from the seaside promenade every day.