Things to do in Valle de Guadalupe Beyond Wine (Copy)

Is the Valle de Guadalupe Open?

Yes, the Valle de Guadalupe is open. Hotels and Restaurants have changed their seating operations and made investments for covid. Many take reservations, so you will want to call ahead.

Things to do in Valle de Guadalupe Beyond Wine and Food

Updated 5/2021

In my 10 years living and working in Ensenada as an Expat, I have grown to love escapes to the Valle. I have come to love the Valle de Guadalupe for many things I already love, which don’t tend to be wine and fine dining, so I wanted to offer a few ideas to diversify your options.

Craft, Artesanal Beer. Yes, Ensenada has a hoping microbrew scene and you can find some in the Valle de Guadalupe. Check out Wendlant’s brewery and tasting room for a sunset beer. It is on the ocean just at the end of the D3 highway that goes through the Valle.

Kombucha in Valle De Guadalupe: My friend Todd opened a cool little place with fresh Kambucha and some tasty meats in San Antonio de las Minas, on the right straight back from the stoplight.

One of my coolest massage clients, Kino has Big Mountain Kombucha. The band leader with a reggae image lives a wild and healthy life.

Bike Ride:

Several of the resorts have bike ride options: Hotel Boutique and La Tierra have those options, allowing you to use their bikes to pedal around on the dirt roads and visit local wineries. It’s fun. As for biking on the roads, I don’t recommend it. Although the highway is well paved, and the shoulder is large in some areas, traffic is not accustomed to respecting bikes. Usually, you only see road bikers with a lead and follow vehicle, which seems like a lot of hassle to coordinate for me. And on the weekend the one-lane roads get backed up when biking groups are riding.

Mountain biking or gavel biking is AWESOME in the Ensenada area. Bring your own gear.

Zipline:

Cuatros cuatros resort has Desert Nest Zipline. They are not quite as big and awesome as Las Canadas 40min south of Ensenada but are much closer.

Hot Air Balloon Ride:

Valle is beautiful, why not get a new perspective.

Animal Life for the Kid in You

Ranch life in Valle de Guadalupe has a couple of options for animal viewing or petting.

The Valle features a kids zoo ‘Zoologico Parque del Niño’. It’s on the Porvenir side of the Valle.

And many other places have random ranch animals. My favorite is Casa Vieja, with goats that love to be rubbed, and ostriches.

And you may see road runners on the unpaved roads.

Hike to Waterfall/ hot springs

Still getting info for closer options. El Salto, 20 min north on road to La Mision is an interesting 30min walk hike to along canyon floor to rocky gorge, with an option for a steep uphill section of the hike. Camping options are available too.

Cheese tasting in Valle de Guadalupe

The cheese room in San Antonio Las Minas has a sampling of cheeses, jams, and such. Fun little stop and cheese wine combos are legendary to melt the fat of cheese with the acidity of the wine. Check out fresh apple pie in the cafe a couple of stores down.

Wine museum:

Valle de Guadalupe has a wine museum that is new and well run. It has great displays on the history of the region and winemaking. However, they have restricted hours during covid.

Get your Art on

Tres Mujeres has a great art cave. The owner Yvette is a ceramic artist.

My friend Jo Ann Knox runs a nice art collectivo in the rustic and authentic Casa Vieja. Several artists are on display/ for sale with a couple of food options. Find them by navigating to Cava VinTango near San Antonio Las Minas.

The adobe-style of the house and sprawling restaurant, rusty tractor, is a treat to meander around.

Live music in the Valle de Guadalupe is available, and you will have to search and call ahead. Check out Brent at JazzLite, he also runs the coffee cart at the highway exit for Maglen Guru Resort. Valle Girl Wines has a Sunday afternoon outdoor concert. Ochentos Pizza has Saturday night bands and is actually one of my favorite spots.

For hip electronic music, check out Casa Frida’s DJ sets and Agua de Vid. Saturday nights my buddy and Las Vegas-based DJ Arron Feld has been playing around the Valle this spring. Check his facebook for when he is playing.

Yoga and Pilates

Yes, Luna de Sol has some yoga offerings at Hotel Boutique. Michelle is a gentle and authentic soul. They are still in construction on the wellness center.

For private yoga classes in your rental, Ensenada Tours and Excursions can arrange a teacher, about $8-10 USD a person.

Spa Experiences in Valle

Most of the physical Spas are closed for Covid. However, there are mobile massage options that allow you to stay in your amazing rental and request a massage and facial at your place. And take the best nap ever after, without driving. Valle Mobile Spa offers packages for couples and groups from $99usd a person in Valle.

ATV Tours in Valle de Gudalupe

El Cielo has run some ATV Tours, however, it is unclear if nonguests can access them.

Horseback riding:

Many places have horseback riding, Hotel Boutique has good options. For a private guide, Contact Rosabella in Valle de Guadalupe, Marty Harriman in La Mision, or Chrystal B at Desert Trails south of Ensenada near La Bufadora.

The Valle runs on Baja Time, so for a larger, group with a budget, you may want to use a travel concierge

Best Ensenada Beaches for Surfing, Swimming, Walking (Copy)

Ensenada has it all, almost! And sometimes information is hard to find for visitors without family and friends network, so here is my local share on best beaches for different activities.

I will be updating this with location pins and more info as I explore and surf the best beaches here, so please forgive my work in progress and come back. Send me comments too with what you discover and I will update.

Are the beaches in Ensenada open?

Yes! As of 9/26 the beaches are open. This may change. I don’t know about La Mision or Rosarito, but Ensenada Playa Hermosa was full of families and shade umbrellas.

Playa Hermosa, Malecon Section

Characteristic: Long and wide sandy beach along the major city road and sidewalk. City cleans seaweed daily? A few palapas and nonfunctional showers.

Access: Public beach with street parking, wooden walkways, mini-mart OXXO within walking.

Bano Situation: Public toilets available for a few pesos, and outhouses.

Best activities: common family playtime, surfing the consistent moderate beach break, fishing, horseback rentals nearby, bike lane for biking/running. 3-mile jog on beach is great.

Locals tip: live music bands near 7-11 Saturday and Sunday afternoon near busy oxxo section. Pacifica beach entrance is much quieter.

Google pin Oxxo and Concrete steps:

Google pin quiet entrance end of bike path.

Keep in mind local beach culture is different than Southern California, so you won’t find as many beach sunbathers and sporty types. Signs posted request dogs on leash on city beaches. Other places dogs are often of the leash. Camping and beach fires are allowed. Camping is not 100% safe in public areas.

Playa La Jolla, Punta Banda

Characteristic: Long sandy beach in private rental and RV area. No big waves, so great for SUP, kayak and wading.

Access: Entrance is through a private community.

Bano: nada

Best activities: digging in the sand for thermal water, kayak, SUP, swimming, long walks, horseback riding.

Locals tip: during low tide, dig in the sand to get thermal warm water to well up.

Google Location Pin:

For an Ensenada Beach with Sand Dunes and Estuary in Ensenada, Use Pacifica Condo Entrance

Quintas Papagayo:

Characteristic: Long rock cliff/wall with public walk way infront of nice homes. Begins in Coral Marina to Quintas Papaguayo. In Sauzal

Access: Entrance is 1) Northern enterance thru Coral Marina Hotel, enter and go back parking to left behind hotel. Hotel security closes the fence gate at 6pm? 2) Southern entrance through a Service road along Highway 1, just between some houses with a metal bar gate, usually unattended. No parking or car access at 2nd entry point.

Bano: nada

Best activities: walking, chatting, moutain biking, dog walking. Cover is good for kayak and swimming, but smooth rocky shore - no sand! Coral Marina has rentals that you can take in their private cove, but separate area and cove than public area.

Locals tip: during summer days, gets a bit crowded with people hanging out, not doing beach stuff. Music, chatting, eating, socializing.

Google Pin:

Tres Ms Industrial Beach and Surf Break:

Characteristic: Small sand, then smooth rocky beach under steep cliff. Point break for intemediate and advanced surfers. Beach is fine to hang out in. It is surrounded by industrial buildings, with brewery across the street.

Next to Wendlant’s brewery, great for walk before or after beer, or dog walk. In an Industrial Area, surf break in distance in picture. . .

Access: A bit tricky. The off/on ramp between D1 (north south rosarito-enseanda transpenninsular) and D3 (east-west Ruta del Vino) follow sign to Wendlant’s Brewery. Past stop sign and straight through industrial area to ocean. Wendlants on left, parking and beach access on right.

Bano: no shower, toilet, or bathroom

Best activities: Surfing, catch the sunset before/after a visit to the brewery, or on way to/from Valley de Guadalupe.

Locals tip: Wendlants has nice tasting room. Long walks along the sidewalk to industrial port. Not a particularly beautiful area. There is security at entrance for the industrial port, so cars and stuff should be safe. Also long sidewalk along the rock barrier to the port, good for walking and seldom used.

Google Location Pin:

San Miguel Camp and Surf Point:

Characteristic: Rocky point with great point break for experienced surfers. Large parking lot for camping, hanging out.

Access: Easy car access with 100 peso entrance. Camping allowed for more. Just after the toll booth entering Ensenada.

Bano: Bathroom and showers in stinky condition.

Best activities: Surfing, chilling, Sunsets, camping, dog walking. A classic surf point, may be crowded for surfers when conditions are good.

Locals tip: Dry river/ estuary next to the parking lot is nice for long walk/ scramble with dogs. There is a bit of sand on the river. Mini mart and restaurant within walking distance. Since it is private, more secure for camping, and not as many locals as other places.

Google Location Pin:

Stacks: Another rocky/sandy break for intermediate/advanced surfers. NO facilities, NO parking. Lots of car's break ins.... so...NO!

Other useful info: Best Taco

Fun Things to do in Ensenada While on Cruise Shore Day (Copy)

A Local’s Tips On Things to do In Ensenada Downtown near Cruiseport

Looking for Quirky things to do in Ensenada while on a cruise or just hanging around downtown? Here are 8 almost free fun ideas. You could always do Excursions, but try these ideas near cruise port and budget-oriented. If you do 1-5 in order, it’s a walkable journey from cruise port where carnival and others dock.

1) Capone’s Hideout 2) Funky Furniture 3) Fresh Churro 4) Decorate Ensenada with US Dollar Bill 5) Get Mexifornia DL 6) Mediation Gardens 7) Hipster Collection of shops 8) Art Museum

Please let me know if any of this info needs updating - things are always changing here and I hope to give accurate, updated info so others can enjoy things to do here in Ensenada.

Riviera Cultural Center by Al Capone and Birthplace of Maragrita!?

1) Explore Riviera Cultural Center. Built by Al Capone as a casino, this building and grounds has great architecture, mini museum and well kept public gardens. Also hidden Bar Andaluz inside that claims to have invented the Margarita?? . . . .and check out that cool wall mural and public green gardens are best in town. To get there, it’s right off the cruise ship, keep walking straight and huge white building. It is free to walk around, and the museum has a small fee.

As a bonus on Sundays afternoons at 4pm (Carnival Imagination is in), there is group dancing by Golden Agers - 3pm and after they dance to latin and a few american oldies. Everyone dance with anyone who asks, so if you are a dancer and would like go move a bit it’s a fun option. I love it because I get to dance and it is a day even, it doesn’t kill my sleep schedule.

Funky Mexican Style Art Furniture

2) Funky design and art at Fausto Polanco Furniture store. This designer-art-furniture place has some cool stuff to browse from the Mexican style. Some of it makes me laugh, some of it inspires new home ideas. On the quiet end of La Primera on corner just over the river/bridge. Redecorating is always fun to get new ideas for your living space.

This shop has a few other locations in Rosarito and around mexico.

Now That’s a Churro!

3) Eat fresh Churro. Churros are the Mexican equivalent of Krispy Creme. When they are fresh - Amazing crispy sweetness for your mouth. I love churro shop on La Primera next to Rey del Sol. It’s literally a tiny window sandwiched between bigger businesses.

As an alternative, next to Roma pharmacy on Three Head’s Park, there is a Churro guy that is good too. You should see the horse carriages there.

Leave your mark on Ensenada - Post $1 Bill.

4) Post dollar bill in Restaurante Corralito with a message. You pick the message! Could be a wish or a grievance. So it will cost you a $1 or $2. But then you can come back next year and check on the status. It’s kinda like leaving your mark, but not in a tree carving. And you are in Mexico, so defacing government property of $1 is not punishable by Uncle Sam.

El Corralito has a fun atmosphere and pretty good with some mexcian dishes and some standard plates as well.

Mexifornia Driver’s License!

5) Get a Mexifornia Driver’s Liscense. What better way to confuse your pals than with a weird souvenir from Ensenada. Opps, again not entirely free. Price is $10 and takes Ten Minutes inside Rudy’s Curios, Across from McDonalds on La Primera. Fireworks available too . . .

This place - Rudy’s Curios - is a non descript souvenir place. There are about 10 of theses places along the street selling about the same inventory of oddities, souvenirs, and such. The kind of stuff that is good for gifts for my 5 year old neices that are soo excited to get a gift, and it can be forgotten or destroyed in 5 months.

I will post my Shopping ideas here:

Keiki Statue and Ecological Park for city views

6) Walk/Hike up to Keiki ecological Park offers great views of the city, a botanical garden and statue of Princess Tara, a Buddhist sculpture gifted from Nepal in 80s. You will have to walk here through safe neighborhoods. It is 13 blocks back from Papas and Beer end of La Primera. You could cab it too and spend a few pesos. It is near best massage studio in Ensenada (mine) and best turkish coffee as well at Cocina Azzi.

The gardens have a variety of labelled plants that are endimic to our semi arid environment. Currently on Sundays once a month, they host a local organic farmers/ craft market. It’s worth a visit if you are tired of the hubub of La Primera.

If you take the walk, you will also pass a nice park; Parque Revolucion on Sexta and Obregon. It’s an urban park with huge shade trees, some statues, playground, and authentic local street food - burritos, tortas, random sweets and coffee. On Sundays it’s pretty lively with locals with their kids. Summer time has public dancing occasionally.

7) Hipster Collection of Food and Lifestyle: Villa Mexicana is a revitalized collection of hip shops just behind La Primera. As a cruiser, the entrance is off the beaten path, but’s is a nice slice of local life compared to La Primera. I recommend it.

You will find cool little bakeries, cigar and wine shops, ceviche places, juice bar, several restaurants, and all in an nice architectural area built for outdoor walking. I like roaming the alley ways seeing whats open and new. The area is not new so it has a classic feel, but many of shops are new so I like it. Since it is not built for toursim like La Primera, the people are chillax and things are quieter. Yes, it is 100% safe.

The new places are opened with style, modern marketing and quality. That is to say, it’s not the arguabley more authentic, dusty local panaderia built 35 years ago.

To get there for this coolish thing to do, it is bordered on four sides by Riveroll, Alvarado, La Primera, and Segundo. You can’t enter from Primera since there are solid shops, and you can’t drive in. Here is are walking directions from cruiseport

I will be posting Things to do with Artsy, Kids, Walking . .. . . and will link when those are written;)

8) CE Arte State Museum I always appreciate a little extra art in my life, especially when it’s free. I actually bought my a piece from the Carnival Art Gallery during my curise, but mostly because the hype and salesmanship overtook me, lol. For a more relaxed art museum, take 2 block walk from the boat to CE Arte. It’s free with two large exhibition rooms, rotating exhibits. It has a nice cafe with outdoor seating and bookstore, and an outdoor statue in the center of huge plaza. There is a performance space and different activities, but usually in evening.

Check Facebook here for events and location:

Jesse Atkinson is an Expat from Wisconsin, and has lived in Ensenada since 2011, building life Ensenada Massage and raising his Dog, Tina.

Ensenada Tours and Shore Excursion Recommendations (Copy)

This is my two pesos of advice on Ensenada Tours and Shore Excursions

As an ex-pat massage therapist living and working here for 9 years, listening to cruisers chat about tours and cruising myself (Carnival Imagination 4 day Dec 2018!!), I have seen all sides of the Tours business in Ensenada. I frequently take adventures on my own and with my friends that visit by land. And I even took a cruise to Ensenada - yeah I know, who cruises to their own home town:)

Shore excursions are readily available on the boat, but generally large buses. When I cruised the 4-day cruise in Dec 2018, I was ready to get away from the crowd. A private excursion is a good option, especially if you want to get several things in, or want the flexibility to stop for tacos/tequila/ change your mind depending on how your other half/kids feel.

Whether you drive into town or are on the ship, you could make an inexpensive day of just wandering around for a few hours. The Malecon is nice for a walk, the 3 heads park “Tres Cabezas'“, then a quiet coffee, or taco and beer on the first street (La Primera), and meander through Riviera Cultural Center, CEArte museums. For tours, Jump below; I recommend a half-day tour and a massage before getting back on board.

La Primera (First Street): Just a block from the Harbor, this 5 block stretch is an area of Ensenada where the shops and vendors have been built up over the years for day tourism from the Carnival ships. At night it is a different scene. It’s a bit fun, a bit of a free for all of the stuff for sale and guys offering tacos and beer and other items you might want to sell. Plenty of pharmacies, taverns, shopping, coffee shops. It’s a safe, nice stroll close to the ship, and entertaining. Skipworthy if you are more annoyed than entertained by curiosities for sale, cheap beers, and crowds. And after squeaky clean Catalina, you may notice we don’t sweep the streets, or destroy old buildings as quickly. You will encounter sidewalk vendors offering tacos, tequila, tours, excursions, and happy ending massage.

Casa Ramirez: They have high-quality stuff from all over Mexico - a huge country with a diverse culture. Visit and check out the handmade goods, and ask questions of the knowledgeable staff. Street items are fun, usually much lower quality and imported often.

Best Coffee and Salads: Hogaza Hogaza: German-style bakery with fresh-squeezed orange juice, Keifer, amazing salads, and great coffee. Run by a Canadian scientist, Rodger. He’s a buddy;)

Tequila Room for tasting is a cornerstone of La Primera street. Angel speaks perfect English and gives great education on the amazing tequila culture of Mexico. Tastings are free and, after you are tipsy, he will offer you a bottle of high quality sipping tequila to buy. Perhaps a go is a good souvenir you can pack away as a memory. Don’t open it to avoid Carnival complications.

Tacos (both fish, shrimp, and steak) are great pretty much anywhere. La Guerrenense is a pretty renowned local tostada/ceviche spot.  For fried fish taco, I love the crunch at California Taco Bar. After massage or excursions, I drop off many folks here.

Cultural Highlights: At the end of First Street, and across the street from the cruise port, you will find La Riviera, a cultural center and best gardens and architecture, supposedly built by Al Capone as a casino originally. The bar inside invented the margarita purportedly. But there are several claims on that invention. Across the street, you will see CEARTE, our free modern art museum. Small museum with rotating exhibits, I like it. The State Tourist office is in front of CEARTE with info, but not much help for day of planning.

Ensenada Tours and Shore Excursions:

These excursions and tours linked here should give you more personal service than larger tour providers I have seen (cruise websites) and get you back on the boat on time. The cruise ship would like you to book with them, so they warn you about safety and getting on the boat to play on your fears. Walking off the ship you can book find some tours with about 20% discount to ship prices, and you may have to deal with cross-culture communication and stressful negotiations. You will probably get a more service rather than a bus. Some are taxi tours are good, some are so so.

ATV Ensenada:

Where can you ride ATV’s on-street and ocean anymore? Not in California for sure. I grew up with three-wheelers before they were outlawed. Riding is great, and should be done safely.

ATV’s that are rented in the street are kind of a free for all. You can make up your own route. Although that sounds great, riding in traffic on streets is not so great. I recommend excursions where you get a guide and ride in area that is off street and designated. There are a few near the zip lines and in the Wine Valley.

If you decide for the street ride, be responsible in traffic and of natural areas.

Zipline Tour:

Las Canadas is fun outdoor park. Zipline excursion is the best I have done here in Ensenada, and safer than Guatemala. Let’s face it, soo many rules in US that the adrenaline as been taken out of some adventure. These bridges and zips are killer fun. My friend Arturo gives a good tour and transportation there. I can refer you to him.

There are several Zip Line options, Las Canadas is the biggest and easiest to access. They have a combination of zipline and suspension bridges. Desert’s Nest has some great zip lines near Valle de Guadalupe. Further north near Las Gaviotas is an option, but I actually have never heard of anyone going there.

Zipline Suspension Bridges are awesome!

Ensenada Massage: How about a day spa excursion with private pick up/drop off, great facilities, pricing at $99 a couple in the afternoon compared to about $250 a couple on the ship spa. Fit a massage in before or after your other tours. Yes, I own the place and ensure quality and amazing service. Our #1 TripAdvisor and Yelp, and Google Ratings speak for themselves. My team rocks;) We started offering groups of 5 massage for family and girlfriend parties, and kids get a discount now too.

Wine Tour Excursion in Valle de Guadalupe:

It’s awesome and much younger than Napa and Sonoma the energy of the outdoors, great food, investment, interesting architecture, and eco friendly is remarkable. Over that last decade, the area has grown to world destinations for food and wine. Sweet views, delicious food, and wine to lighten your mood….. Can you do it in an excursion day? Heck yeah, schedule a morning pick-up private tour, lunch, guide. You can find a trained wine specialist like Valley Girl Wine Tours, or take a more budget route with the packaged tour.

I prefer the small tour approach using a private excursion tour for flexibility.

Scuba/snorkel/kayak: I have scubaed here and had great experiences in kelp forests. Keep in mind waters are pretty cold, and visibility is limited since we get good waves from the pacific. Diego at Baja Blue Diver and Dale have well-run operations. If your cruise passes through Catalina, consider diving/scuba there with Ron Moore, a legend in the dive community. Kayaking with is my preferred way to see the La Bufadora and the amazing cove there.

Horseback Riding Excursion:

Our guests have had great experiences with Chrystal’s Desert Trails ocean view rides on the beach. Some of the other horse care and cleanliness practices on other tours may be different from US standards, (this is partly why I recommend Chrystal). For rides in Valle de Guadalupe, $45 a person, I can connect you with Rosabella.

We actually offer a massage and horse ride package too so you can easily get them both in and logistics are easy between horse ride and our massage studio.

Horseback Riding On The Beach

Blowhole and Bufadora Excursion

La Bufadora is a natural blowhole geyser on the end of the geographic bay that protects Ensenada city. Cool scenery on the way out there and the waves spouting up is fun by the ocean. To get from parking to blowhole, you will pass through an exciting barrage of souvenir vendors selling entertaining junk in a Mexican carnival-like style. I like to call it the gauntlet. If you can get through without a free sample of pina colada or candied nuts, or weird, inappropriate coffee mug or shirt, you win!

Transportation: Uber or private driver and tour guide, white car street taxis are a pain here.

Dune Buggy Excursion: My friend Dusty from the Carnival Imagination Facebook group says it’s overrated. The vehicles have a limitation on the throttle so you can’t really let loss and go fast. Having said that, the outskirts of Ensenada are beautiful and very different from downtown and La Primera.

Adult Beverages: Since Alcohol is a bit pricey on the ship and you won’t be driving, you may want to consider some drinks while onshore. Craft Beer: Lucky Irish 4 is a hot new addition to Ensenada Craft Beer Scene. Tons of craft beers on the killer Ocean Patio. 1 pm opens Cantina: A tavern rooted in Mexican heritage with consistent mariachi bands, Hussong’s stands alone as an interesting experience. Other places on the La Primera first street just aren’t as interesting. Tuesday and Thursday 2 for 1 beer. Amigos is a good choice for rowdy beers on the street. Interesting Dive Bar: La Cueva de Pirata. Just a block from the cruise port, and totally for locals and musicians after their nightly gigs. So local that I am the only one to leave a google review. . . . . If you want to drink on the street in the sun with US music and a rowdy scene, try Amigos on First Street, near Papas and Beer.

Wine without leaving Centro: Santo Tomas Bodega wines for tasting, lunch place, and collection of cool shops nearby with the best coffee, a vegan bakery, hidden mezcal shop and upstairs joint Alta Baja with cool city views. On 6th and Miramar, it’s a walk from the La Primera first street. Think of it as boutique upper-class shops. Not old school Mexican, and not dusty middle-class shops either.

Cigar: Legit Cubans at Habanos with a semi-cool cigar lounge, Are they legitimate Cubans? I think so for these that are sold in the store - not the guys occasionally up and down the street. Daniel at Habanos across from Villa Marina parking entrance runs his own shop and is my source for an occasional smoke.

Surf Lessons: Why not? Yes, I learned to surf here. Winter waves are plenty for beginners. Water is clean enough. Beach Playa Hermosa works well for beginners with an easy beach break. Guides are fun and equipment (boards and wet suits for cold winter water) new and reasonably priced. For higher-level surfers custom tour on Request. Elsa at Playa Hermosa Surf and Sup has the best operations and Carnival outsource to her. So she is moonlighting direct to clients (Carnival takes a HUGE cut). Ask her about Surf and Massage Package.

Skydive: Safe and fun, skydiving is amazing. Fabricio at Skydive Baja is the man in Ensenada. Yes, they can do pickup and dive during your cruise stop. He was my first roommate in Ensenada, so I can vouch he is adrenaline junkie. And safe enough run the best operation around.

Fun Eats:

da Toni - the best Italian seafood spot in Ensenada. Super authentic, high end of local pricing, and cute.

Planta Baja - great views/good dinner/right next to Baja Brews out in Sauzal.

Boules - great dinner spot. Off the ocean next to nice city park.

Parque Revolucion: It’s a city park for the residents, huge magnolia trees, music on Sundays, guys playing chess, kids on playground, sandwiches for sale.

Ecological park and Buddhist statue with views of city. Keki is Fifteen blocks from the first street and a block for office. I am considering planning out a self-guided walking tour to this and Parque Revolucion as part of hidden cultural side of Ensenada. Great maintained gardens and city views.

The first five cruisers to leave a comment here, I will buy a taco and beer!! Give me a virtual hug by leaving a comment;)

Map of Ensenada Save on your phone if you like to orient yourself:)

Tips in Other Posts

Is Ensenada Safe?

Prescription Medicine: Pharmacy’s here sell lots of stuff at cheaper prices. I have never heard of a problem with quality. What you are sold in pharmacy is the actual product labeled. Taking medication back Rule: . . . Not everything is available without restriction. Many medicines are controlled and the pharmacies are regulated, so no shady practices. You can bargain of course and prices.

For more adventure (or relaxation massage) consider an excursion/tour:

Kayak Excursion to Blowhole

9 Best Tacos in Ensenada Downtown (Copy)

Best Taco Food Stops Near Downtown

A great travel experience should include great food, and by food, I mean tacos! Ensenada has some superb treats of street tacos and sit down dining experiences They are a bit hard to find, so. Massage clients and cruise excursion groups often ask for my local recommendations. Each recommendation below has links so you can handily track them down and plot your own food quest.

1) Best Fish Taco in Ensenada on Open Flame

Yiyo’s taco cart food stand has awesome fish tacos. It’s a cool place on Beachfront Playa Hermosa, so you can sit in front of the beach and chow down, and take a stroll before or after. Each day he sets up a taco marisco stand. But the fish is not deep-fried, it is on steel grill with open flame. Fish is tender and ceviches are fresh. Awesomely, the firewood is plywood cut-outs of guitars, probably harvested from the local Fender factory. It’s a well-run food stand, so very clean and several employees there. He is a cool guy, almost always there and has been there since I started visiting 8 years ago, and he keeps the local parking lot semi-clean for local surfers.

The shrimp cocktails are great too, but not unique like his open flame fish taco.

It is walkable from Cruiseport if you are up for 1/2 mile on street and 1/4 mile on the beach. The first 1/2 mile is on the sidewalk in front of marine base and cement factory, then you can walk along the beach. Or just uber there.

2) Best Authentic Mexican: Portrero Viejo

For travelers wanting Mexican food, this is great option, just off La Primera in trending Villa Mexican. It is tucked away so not so much traffic and the decor and menu still caters to locals. Prices are great.

I wouldn’t expect a polished tourist experience, but food and atmosphere is a nice change. Gorditas, birria, many classic Mexcian dishes made with care.

And there is a mariscos place next door if you need that in your diet.

3) Healthy Vegetarian: Falafel Comida Israeli

Killer fresh, simple, healthy, lovely flavors. Outdoorish seating and low prices. On Costero Walkable for cruisers and it’s on my way home from Playa Hermosa, so it’s my go to post-beach/swim/surf spot.

Next door is a cool local artist and some other local shops, including the money exchange place closest to the boat. I will post more vegetarian/ vegan options soon.

Legit Israel Falafel Just Off Ship

4) Margaritas at Bar Andaluz:

Margarita Margarita. Say it 5 times fast. The clean, gardens and grounds of Riveria make this place memorable, fireplace in the corner, mexican tile work make a drink and wandering conversation a pleasant experience. And you can get your selfie at the birthplace of the margarita - do I believe it? I like this place with old school Mexican drinks and a fireplace for the atmosphere. Tucked inside the Riviera, it is very close to the cruise port, so easy to start/end walking journey here. The public gardens are nicely maintained there is a small museum in the Rivera cultural center.

Birthplace of Margarita? Maybe . . . .

5) Muelle 3 on Harbor

Ensenada is known for the freshness of the seafood. For sit down sea food, I gotta go with Mulle 3 for it’s high quality and prime location on the waterfront. The walk to arrive is nice, sunset on a warm day, and a new art installation there where the small fishing boats depart. There is often a wait, but there is plenty to see and people watching is great.

6) Churros:

As I mentioned in my quirky cheap things here, Fresh churros are better - much better - than fresh Krispy Kreme. Get you sugar rush on! Try them stuffed with cajeta - carmel.

7) Best Meat Tacos: El Paisa

on 10th and 20 de Noviembre is my local taco hang out and off la Primera, but worth it. I think the thick corn tortillas are the secret to it’s deliciousness. Always full. Tuesday’s closed. Handy ice cream joint next door for when you want local sweet. When I relax my healthy plant-based food habit, I stop here for a meat bing. I think the secret is the corn tortillas, hand made.

Also check out the speed of the taco assembly operation. The carne asada guy is amazing with speed and assembly of tacos. The ladies in the back assemble other elements like onions, radishes, and tortas. Tacos are about a $1 each!

Tacos El Paisano is Local favorite

8) Best Crispy Fish tacos

with a cool atmosphere of fun people and sidewalk seating available. Bullo’s Place California Bar Fish B Taco on Primera easy option. It’s got a tourist flair, but it’s well done, great service and clean as a whistle.

Prices are slightly more than El Paisa since it is one first street tourist district. But, with the location, there is no need to wander far. Several beer and taco packages daily to reduce your decision fatigue. My friend has a massage parlor next door, and it’s okay for budget shoppers if you want a quality experience - discover our massages and facials. Reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Facebook, and Google rank us higher.

Bullos Fish Tacos next to cheap massage

9) Lunch under Magnolia Trees: Huitlacoche Vegan Taco

Enjoy a walk in the park and outdoor dining at Boules with cool ceramic plates made by local artists, an interesting mix of binational people. They have great food and I love the vegetarian options and huitlacoche vegetarian tacos.

The atmosphere is a huge wooden deck with magnolia trees and vines all around. It is located 5 blocks off La Primera, so cruisers don’t stumble in by mistake. This is my favorite place to relax and feel the lively conversation of happy binational people dining. Pleasant music, a variety of interesting international and vegetarian foods like artichoke heart appetizers. The huitlacoche tacos are totally unique and if you have never had moldy corn treat, it is disgusting and tasty at the same time. Try it.

Tues - Sat 2 pm and after, usually. It is a 6 block walk from La Primera, 4 blocks to La Paisa Meat Tacos listed above.

Boules Under Magnolia Trees

It is also dog-friendly, and with outdoor sitting, cigar smoking is welcome. It is locally owned by Javi, who is often there to greet folks. The entrance is a door through a wall on 5th, or through the wine store that is adjacent to it. If you want a bottle of local wine, as a souvenir, they have a good selection.

Bonus: Best Ensenada Tacos Castillo and La Guerrerense

I love La Guerrerense, and it is priced for travelers at about 2x local prices, but the quality and diversity of flavors make it worth it. Anthony Bourdain’s visit made it semi-famous, RIP AB. Tacos Fenix never impressed me that much so I am putting Tacos Castillo on my list. They have a new stand and super hygienic.

Bonus food item: Smoked Tuna or Marlin at Mercado Negro

The Mercado Negro fresh fish market along the harbor has tasty smoked tuna and smoked marlin at about 200mn or 10$ a kilo. I love it because the price is budget-friendly and the flavor is awesome! And since it is already cooked and smoked, it doesn’t go bad in the fridge and travels well in a couple of plastic bags. You will have stinky breath, of course.

Other fresh seafood is fun to look at and great prices. I sometimes love some white wine garlic sauteed mussels. If you buy, I suggest you cook it the same day since freshness standards vary by the day and vendor. There are a bunch of fish taco places there just above the market. They are all clean and won’t cause stomach issues.

Traveler Advice:

Things to do with Kids In Ensenada

How to deal with Gringo Pricing Negotiating Like a Pro

Travel Safety and Transportation in Ensenada

Dollars, Pesos, ATMs in Ensenada?

Jesse is full time resident of Ensenada since 2011 and Baja since 2009. As owner of Ensenada Massage and Valle Mobile Spa, he does massage, and helps travelers enjoy Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe, the gem of the Pacific. Bio here.