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Located in the Bahía de Todos Santos - an inlet of the Pacific Ocean - Ensenada is an important commercial and fishing port as well as a cruise ship port of call. There is also a navy base, an army base and a military airfield, which functions as an airport of entry into [wiki=8dbb07a18d46f63d8b3c8994d5ccc351]Mexico[/wiki].
The city is backed by small mountain ranges. Due to its location on the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean latitude, the weather tends to be mild year-round. Although the winter rain season is short and the area is prone to prolonged droughts, Ensenada sits in the heart of a wine country that is widely regarded as the best in Mexico. It is said that the first vitis vinifera made it to the peninsula (specifically to the San Ignacio Mission) in 1703, when Jesuit Padre Juan de Ugarte planted the first vineyards there.
Ensenada is the only deep-water port in the state of [wiki=3bd97db7eb0f4598c49db1a89aada877]Baja California[/wiki] and is part of standard shipping routes that directly link it with the Mexican cities of [wiki=acb1984e3b62f9178cf7d9cd5bf04764]La Paz[/wiki], [wiki=df35f2a88070e64d8aacc444a9815a45]Manzanillo[/wiki], [wiki=f9edb7636fa020facad8af036a2780f1]Mazatlán[/wiki], [wiki=f5e496a149928fe6d8d483a2d90b039c]Acapulco[/wiki] and Lázaro Cárdenas, as well as the U.S. cities of [wiki=a1edff17ec0464c4c048d25d25bce75a]San Diego[/wiki], [wiki=5de943f2fe978b75081984c68fee2faa]Long Beach[/wiki] and [wiki=d0aa2dffa0da83f1f34681308d04db5d]Los Angeles[/wiki], the Guatemalan city of [wiki=c364f9ad57652aea30a5b91748522b50]Puerto Quetzal[/wiki], the Chilean city of [wiki=967eeda795c87e712418afbf0a74bc44]Valparaíso[/wiki], the Japanese city of [wiki=964ba3c4bd69b63da15c2f02790dd68f]Yokohama[/wiki] and the Chinese city of [wiki=8b476ff778119b8d49588f3daadf69a1]Hong Kong[/wiki].
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Take the Bus from [wiki=f8abf41bf5d4f0064441e43046f7010f]Tijuana[/wiki] for roughly $15.
* Drive across the border from San Ysidro. Go in the morning and you will be going the opposite direction of the nigthmare traffic of over an hour wait trying to get into the U.S.. Once in Tijuana, follow the signs to Rosarito and Ensenada on Route 1. There will be three toll stops en route to Ensenada. These tolls cost $2.50 each or 30.00 pesos. You can pay with US dollars or pesos, but no mixed currency. The road is well maintained and is an enjoyable ride along the beautiful Baja coastline. If you go in spring and early summer, the wildflowers on the hillsides are gorgeous.
The ride from Tijuana to Ensenada takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. Stop in Puerto Nuevo for some Mexican lobster dinners. There are many rest areas and vista points along the way. AAA and other travel mags recommend that you only drive in Mexico during the day for safety reasons. The freeway (tollroad) is somewhat winding compared to divided highways in the [wiki=1f122dd19db580fd03635dd699fb49de]United States[/wiki] or [wiki=912d59cdf1d3f551fae21f6f0062258f]Europe[/wiki], but a great improvement over two lane roads south of Ensenada. In August 2014 the toll road suffered a major landslide about 20 miles north of Ensenada and is now undergoing major repairs. All traffic is diverted onto the old two-lane highway, a winding route that adds at least 45 minutes to the trip, partly due to the slow traffic and the scarcity of opportunities to pass other vehicles on the curves.
* Cruise Ships Ensenada has the only deep water port in Baja California and has become a regular stop for several cruise lines since the 1980s. The Port of Ensenada is Mexico's second busiest port as well as the second most visited port-of-call for major cruise lines and pleasure boats in Mexico. It's a short 10- to 15-minute walk from the industrial port to the main tourist street of Avenida Lopez Mateos, which runs parallel with the bay. Once you move one block inland, remember that the Calles (Streets) run parallel with the bay, and the Avenidas (Avenues) run perpendicular to the bay. See the cruise port wiki[http://cruiseportwiki.com/Ensenada] for more information and a clear downtown map. Taxis are available at the port.
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By foot Most of Ensenada's downtown tourist attractions can be accessed by foot. Ensenada's downtown street grid layout gives visitors an opportunity to walk the city and the tourist zone without too much trouble. The Malecon -- a walkway running along the bay for a half mile from Boulevard Azueta (on the west end) to Avenida Castillo (on the east end) -- is where you'll find the tourist office, the sports-fishing piers, Plaza Civica with massive gold-painted busts of Mexican luminaries, the world's largest Mexican flag on an enormous flagpole, and the Cruise Ship Terminal. As you move inland, the next street is Boulevard Costero (also known as Hwy 1-D), and then Avenida Lopez Mateos, which is also known as Calle 1. Remember that the Calles (Streets) run parallel with the bay, and the Avenidas (Avenues) run perpendicular to the bay.
*By bicycle Most of the Boulevard Costero and the scenic highway can be traveled by bike. Take precautions for the scenic highway north of Costero is a freeway and trucks and cars travel at high speeds. Ensenada's south is not very bike friendly.
*By car The city is extremely easy to navigate by car and parking is free and available everywhere. Keep in mind that on highways, the left lane is just for passing and local drivers will tailgate you if you coast on the left lane.
*Taxis and buses Radio taxis are available and will take you anywhere. Route taxis and buses serve mostly suburban routes and are not very useful for tourists, although are very cheap ($0.75 USD, 8 pesos). Some attractions, like La Bufadora and wineries, are too far away to walk to, but tours will take you there for a fee. If your espanol is "malo" you could take the local buses inexpensively out and back to La Bufadora.
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The city of Ensenada is on the Ensenada Harbor, so you'll have to drive south or north to get to a local beach. Private beaches like Estero Beach and Mona Lisa have resort accommodations and facilities, but public ones like San Miguel and El Punto are free for anyone who wishes to walk by the sea.
Ensenada area has several celebrated surfing spots, such as San Miguel Beach, California Trailer Park, Stacks and 3 M's (Spanish:Tres Emes), which are located in the north coast of the city. Todos Santos Island a small island located west of Ensenada (about 2 hours by boat), and a world-famous surfing spot. The Billabong XXL surfing contest has been held at Todos Santos Island several times. Wave faces can reach above 60 feet on the island. Brad Gerlach, 2006 winner of Big XXL, surfed a wave of 68 feet in December 2006.
* La Bufadora or "blow-hole" is in a small village about nineteen miles southwest of town. The road from Ensenada, especially in the area close to the Bufadora, offers beautiful views over the sea and cliffs. The narrow main street leading to the viewing area is crowded with tourist-trap shops selling curios, take-away food, and prescription medicines, but the Bufadora itself is a rather remarkable natural sea vent. However, it is not possible to see the actual blow hole from most parts of the viewing area due to the angle of the cliff face; the impressive columns of water that shoot up are visible. On busy days, local Mexican tourists in the hundreds cram the viewing area. The local cove offers camping, swimming, kayaking and scuba, including a small dive shop with rentals; the cove is especially cold water. Locals report that sea lions are sometimes seen swimming about. Locals eat at Celia's, also available are the Bufadora, Pancho's, and Habana Banana restaurants.
* Ensenada Wineries Many wineries exist on the outskirts of Ensenada in the Valle de Guadalupe and an hour south at Santo Thomas. The wineries are located along highway 3 to Tecate (exit just south of last toll gate, north of town). Most offer tours and tastings, however some wineries require that you make an appointment before.
*Hiking can be done on the nearby Canon de Dona Petra, and on the near Laguna Hanson. Arrangement with local eco tours needed
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Ensenada is a city best experienced by car. The greatest experiences in Ensenada involve going out early to Bufadora, having ceviche at Avenida Lopez Mateos (also known as Calle 1), drink at Hussong's, then go to a beach and end back in a club or bar. All of these require independent transportation so it would be wise to rent a car, and have a designated driver.
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Locations
was the location for much of the at-sea filming of James Cameron's "Titanic," which gave this studio location its start. Since then many films have been shot here including "Master & Commander," which the ship from that film remains on site. They offer tours.
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Beaches and Surfing
A small rocky beach that offers a great night view of the city. Great for camping and drinking, locals favor it for it's relaxed nature and private nature which means you won't be disturbed unless you make a lot of noise.
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Hiking, Nature and Off-Road
Its a beautiful canyon, excellent for rock climbing, rappel and hiking; and in rain season you can view a spectacular +100ft. waterfall. You can find it at KM 76 in the Tijuana - Ensenada Libre Highway. Camping Facilities.
*Every first Sunday of the month, locals hike through this 10km hike. It's free and you can find many people. It takes about 3 and a half hours at good pace and it's of moderate difficulty. At the end of the hike, you can take the bus back to Ensenada for about $1 USD.
* Features pipe-fed hot pools, cold pool, and mud pool as well as cabins, showers and camping, is popular with the locals, despite a 10-mile rocky dirt road with 13 (or so) shallow water crossings; medium-clearance vehicles are recommended.
* Off road adventure tours for people of all riding abilities. Everyone welcome: families, couples, friends, single riders, bachelor and corporate groups. Full day excursions or longer tours available also. Ride in the dunes and then enjoy a guided adventure into the surrounding mountain trails. Contact the office for reservations.
*The gray whale's annual migration from [wiki=e15997c74a71c5d9263df6f7a21bc191]Alaska[/wiki] to the lagoons of [wiki=cfb3b26a888b261fbd445618eebbcf4a]Baja California Sur[/wiki] between the months of December and March, and back in the months of April and May, can be seen from the coast of Ensenada. Sightseeing tours are available every day during migration season. Whale watching not guaranteed
*La Bufadora is a marine geyser and the largest blowhole in the world, often shooting upwards more than 100 feet above sea level. The exhibit hall roof top is approximately 80 feet above sea level and the blowhole frequently sprays above it.
*Ensenada Baja California has been known for sport fishing over fifty years. Each year hundreds of anglers head for Ensenada to go fishing and take advantage of the shorter distances needed to travel by sea to get to the big catch. The short range day trips are good for cranking in Bass, Bonita, Barracuda, Cod and Yellowtail, while the long range trips pull in Tuna, Albacore, Dorado.
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Events
This important race held in November as well as the Baja 500 Off-Road race held in June start in Ensenada. While the Baja 500 almost always ends in Ensenada the Baja 1000 ends in Ensenada in odd numbered years while in even numbered years ends at the tip of Baja, usually in [wiki=83aaec9fcb83002122217a3c321a39d9]Cabo San Lucas[/wiki]. Amenities are extended during the days prior to the start. Race info including course map updated regularly at .
*Every year, before the end of spring and until the end of August, the wine harvest season is celebrated around the Guadalupe Valley and in the city of Ensenada with a series of events. These events range from private wine tastings and galas, to concerts of both classical music and famous pop artists at the wine yards. The end of the harvest season is commemorated by a two day free event at the Santo Tomas winery in Ensenada with a festival that is preferred by the locals. Be sure to check out the site for there is an event almost daily.
*The Ensenada Carnaval is one of the country's largest, as thousands of people gather in the streets for six days and nights.
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Many regional art pieces for cheap can be found on Avenida Lopez Mateos (also known as Calle 1)
*Mall with clothing and supermarket options. If you want to see a movie and don't mind spanish subtitles, go to a Mexican movie theater. $5 USD tickets is a steal compared to USA prices
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Baja's largest seafood market. Located near the oceanfront. Most of the market's open air stalls sell catches fresh off the fishing boats that dock nearby. This is also a great place to try a famous fish taco.
* - The Fish Taco is said to have been born in Ensenada (or possibly [wiki=534e46cc02d4c1fe079d331955820fe6]San Felipe[/wiki]). The local style includes deep-fried seafood, with a white sauce and a shredded-cabbage topping, along with several salsas. Dining at the row of fish and shrimp taco eateries by the pier is an Ensenada must.
* is a local favorite and serves delicious tacos, both shrimp and fish.
* Incredible fine dining. Located in the heart of Ensenada on the cobblestone street, across the road from Hussongs (whether it is the original or not is unknown). It also serves delicious burgers on a back grill.
* - really good sandwiches with either pork, ham, carne asada, or all three, very delicious, kind of a little walk away from the tourist area, look for the counter with a big line of people. Located on the corner of Juarez and Castillo across Castillo from Calimax
* - Great street ceviche car that serves a huge variety of ceviches for $1 USD each. It also has a huge variety of salsas ranging from light to super hot. Be careful with those and ask for assistance. Also serves cocktails. Located on 1st street and Alvarado
*If you want to have the TRUE Mexican taco experience, go to this place. Favored by locals, it offers $1 USD tacos. Carne Asada, Adobada, Tripas and Cabeza are available as quesatacos, tortas, and huaraches. A must taste that will scratch that Tex-Mex flavor you are used to. With everything
*Delicious Fish tacos with all the traditional toppings, and on Mondays (Students Only) and Thursdays (Everyone) Fish and Calamar tacos are only $0.64 USD
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Legendary and historic bar. Established in 1892 Hussongs is the oldest bar in the Californias, Hussong’s was originally a stagecoach stop built by its German founder Johan Hussong. Some say that the city of Ensenada was built around this bar. Rumor has it that the Margarita was invented here.
*Another legendary and historic bar right across the street from Hussongs.
*A place to dance caribean and norteno rythms
*Rock oriented bar serves cheap drinks and good music with a metal mood
*Located on 1st Steet (half a block away from McDonald's), the Tijuana Brewery Tavern offers award-winning draft beer in many varietals, ranging from light lagers to dark ales. This is a local favorite hangout for all sorts of people, and happy hour is available at least two nights a week.
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Hostal Todos Santos (New Hostel & Hotel) - Bahia Magdalena 245, 22890. Cheapest home away from home. Dormitory beds = 12 dollars/ night. Private rooms from 22 dollars. Three blocks away from the nicest stretch of beach in Ensenada, nearby the dunes. Excellent location. (0052) 646-206-0468
* El Coral is a beautiful hotel with amazing bathrooms and views. Located on the main road between the end of the toll road and downtown.
* Playa Saldamando Trailer and campground located 8 miles north of Ensenada. Over one mile of coastal property, all fenced and gated to enhance security. Employees are on the property 24 hours/7 days a week providing friendly service. Campsites available on the beach and on the cliffs above. All sites have beautiful ocean views. Large sites available to accommodate large groups. Clean, maintained camping areas and our clean restrooms with flushing toilets and showers.
*The Ensenada Backpacker is located a few blocks from Ensenada's most popular attractions. They offer dormitory rooms.
*Su Casa is set on a hillside with a spectacular panoramic ocean view of Todos Santos Bay and its islands in the gated secure community of Cibolas del Mar. It is located 15 minutes north of Ensenada, where the toll road ends. This Spanish style home with tile roof has a large flagstone deck and covered outside area. It is in an area of private family homes in a quiet neighborhood.
*Hostel Sauzal feels like more of a bed and breakfast than a hostel with a gracious host, and a sweeping ocean view from the huge flower garden. Just north of Ensenada in El Sauzal, $15/night. Don't come here expecting a party. Do come here to relax and recharge.
*A resort with a marina for your yacht and many amenities. Shuttle service into town (3 miles away), $4 for a taxi.
*By the sea hotel that is a good spot for a wedding.
*Ultra Marino has live music nightly and a great variety of beer and other drinks. It's a fun place for young travelers looking to have a great night of dancing and singing. During the day they have tables set up in the back to dine and the shrimp burritos are some of the best in Ensenada, they also serve tapas in the bar. Ultra Marino is a more comfortable and smaller bar then the tourist hang outs.
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[[WikiPedia:Ensenada, Baja California]]
[wiki=e28623cc33e191f8b6574d21fd387e2d]World66:northamerica/mexico/ensenada[/wiki]
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