Ensenada Overview

By Christopher Minster

Located on the pacific coast of the upper part of Baja California 70 miles from the border (about an hour and a half drive from San Diego), Ensenada is a well-known destination featuring beaches, dive spots, nice parks and some quality high-end visitor attractions, such as spas, golf courses and vineyards. Outside of town, several rustic hotels or “ranchos” provide a different sort of lodging experience.

Its proximity to the United States makes it a favorite stop for those traveling with RV’s, and there are full services for those who wish to hook up their trailer, camper or RV.

An underwater canyon that runs most of the way into Ensenada Bay provides nutrients for an abundant marine life in the region. It makes for clear (if chilly) scuba diving, featuring the occasional whale sighting at certain times of the year, as well as top-notch deep sea fishing. There are several dive shops and marinas.

Ensenada’s most important visitor attraction is probably “La Bufadora,” a marine geyser on the coast that erupts every minute or so, blasting water as high as 80 feet into the air. Ensenada is also a world-class surf destination. There are several well-known beaches to the north of the city which provide excellent surfing, but the real star is Todos Santos Island (referred to locally as simply “Todos”) which regularly hosts world surfing competitions, features waves that regularly reach 30 feet in height. Some of the largest waves ever ridden have been at Todos.

Shoppers will want to hit “La Primera,” or First Street, in Ensenada, as it features numerous shops where you can find souvenirs, curios, t-shirts and other miscellaneous stuff that tourists can’t get enough of. Even if you don’t shop, La Primera is where you’ll find most of the best bars and discos in town.