|
Ensenada travel information.
Known as the "Cinderella of the
Pacific", Ensenada is located 70 miles south of the
international border, a 90-minute drive from San Diego. Its warm
Mediterranean climate, friendly atmosphere and accessibility by
land, air, and sea have made Ensenada a favorite tourist
destination for many years, and Mexico's second most-visited
port-of-call for major cruise lines and pleasure boats.
Ensenada's romantic past, dynamic present, and promising future
provide wide appeal for cultural visitors, vacationing families,
and business travelers. With a variety of accommodations ranging
from modern hotels with Old World charm to full-service resorts
with convention centers to RV parks with complete amenities,
Ensenada easily suits every taste or budget.
To really get to know Ensenada we suggest you tour the following
points of interest. They will allow you to walk thru Ensenada's
past and present. If you are more sports-oriented there are many
options for watersports, as well as on land activities.
Here are some Points of Interest to get you started!
GRAY WHALE WATCHING
The gray whale is the most common species seen near the coast of
Baja. Other whales are present but tend to seek deeper waters
while the gray whale's swim in shallow waters seeking Baja's
many lagoons for calving. The Baja California coastline is
teeming with whales during the calving season from late November
to late march. The greatest number can be seen in February
RIVIERA DEL PACIFICO
Once a plush gambling casino in the '30s, now a center for
social and cultural events open 8:30am-7pm. Stroll the gardens
landscaped with monuments detailing Baja California history
until 10pm. Visit Bar Andaluz, the Museum of history and Galeria
de la Ciudad. Centrally located on Blvd. Costero, tel. 176-4233,
fax 176-4310. The adjacent Parque Infantil (Children's Park)
with a playground and BBQs/tables opens Tues.-Sun. 10am-6pm.
HUSSONG'S CANTINA
The oldest bar in the Californias established in 1892 and a
designated historical landmark. Open daily 10am-1am. Av. Ruiz
#113
PASEO CALLE PRIMERA
The newly remodeled shopping & dining promenade stretching along
Av. Lopez Mateos from Av. Castillo to Av. Ryerson. Stroll
through this colorful shopping district, then relax and enjoy al
fresco dining and people-watching.
BOULEVARD COSTERO
Once a sandy beach, now the coastal route through Ensenada also
known as Lazaro Cardenas. View the Riviera del Pacifico and
other sights along the palm-lined boulevard from the comfort of
a calandria (horse-drawn carriage). Rides available daily
9am-6pm at Blvd. Costero & Macheros
EL MALECON
The new boardwalk along the downtown waterfront from Azueta to
Av. Castillo. Relax and enjoy the view at Parque Ventana al Mar
(Window to the Sea Park) with its monumental Mexican flag.
OPEN-AIR FISH MARKET
Northern Baja's largest seafood market with many types of fish
and shellfish plus Ensenada's specialty-fish tacos. On the
waterfront malecon.
PLAZA CIVICA
An attractive park on Blvd. Costero & Macheros with giant golden
busts of Mexican heroes Benito Juarez, Miguel Hidalgo and
Venustiano Carranza. It is locally known as "Three Heads Park."
CHAPULTEPEC HILLS
A fabulous panoramic view of Ensenada from one of the city's
most attractive residential areas. Follow Calle 2 up.
STATUE OF TARA & ECOLOGICAL PARK
A huge handpainted statue symbolizing Mother Nature, a gift of
peace and friendship from a Nepalese cultural organization.
Overlooking the city on the original site of the 1930s Fort Keki
on Calle 13 between Av. Obregon & Moctezuma.
PARQUE REVOLUCION
A lovely park with numerous species of shade trees, a playground
and Mother's Monument. Av. Obregon between Calles 6&7.
FLEA MARKETS
Search for trash and treasures at Los Globos, Ensenada's largest
outdoor swap meet on Calle 9 three blocks east of Reforma. Open
daily but weekends are best.
EL MIRADOR
An extraordianry observation point with panoramic views of
Ensenada Bay and Todos Santos Island. At Km. 84 on the
Tijuana-Ensenada toll tighway, 17 miles north of Ensenada.
LOCAL BEACHES
San Miguel Last toll gate in Ensenada-Tijuana highway, good surf
spot
El Faro Beach Kilometer 14.9 in the transpeninsular highway
Baja Beach 16 miles south of Ensenada on road to La Bufadora
Estero Beach 6 miles south of downtown Ensenada. Good family
spot
SAN QUINTIN
Colorful and bustling agricultural center that stretches along
both sides of the transpeninsualar highway. With sandy beaches
along both ocean and bays, it is also a seasonal paradise for
outdoor and wildlife aficionados with excellent fishing, hunting,
hiking and birdwatching. San Quintin provides a wide assortment
of restaurants, hotels, RV parks, stores and services
EL ROSARIO
Tranquil village in a wide valley, the last town along the
transpeninsular highway with a full range of lodgings, stores
and services untill Guerrero Negro in Baja California Sur. Visit
the local museum and mision ruins
CATAVIÑA
Tiny community situated in a desert garden oasis of unusual
granite rock formations. Cave paintings, old abandoned ranches,
mission ruins and many species of cacti and desert plants found
nowhere else make Cataviña unique.
BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES
One of the spots in Baja California where deserts and mountains
meet the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. With its clear
turquoise waters, miles of silky beaches and proximity to cave
paintings, deserted mines and Mision San Francisco de Borja,
Bahia de los Angeles is popular among anglers, water sports
enthusiasts, hikers and explorers.
Ensenada is the most extensive municipality in Mexico and has
the most varied micro climates in Baja California. Ensenada
offers to its visitors a wide array of natural attractions
covering, sea, mountain, valley and desert scenarios. The cities
heritage is found in its historical buildings, and the missions
found around Ensenada. Here you will also find the Valle de
Guadalupe and its many wineries, in a land known to be the best
wine producer in all Mexico.
Of course, you are in a port town and seafood is abundant and
varied. A must is to eat fish and/or shrimp tacos, but also
don't miss out on the excellent and award-winning gastronomic
experiences that Ensenada has to offer
You can drive to Ensenada via the modern Tijuana-Ensenada scenic
toll road offering some of the most spectacular views on the
Pacific coast. You have the option of taking a tour bus in to
the port or a boat out of California's ports. While in the city
you can use car rentals, tour companies or taxis to move around.
In Ensenada there are lodging facilities that cover the spectrum
from the sophisticated and elegant to serene camping grounds
that allow you an intimate contact with nature. In any case, you
will find courteous and friendly Ensenada style hospitality!
|
