Ensenada

The Greater Ensenada area, including nearby Baja California islands, is home to many unique terrestrial and marine species. Guadalupe Island, located off the coast, is world-renowned as one of the best spots globally to observe great white sharks.

Ensenada’s coastal waters host diverse aquatic mammals such as gray whales, Guadalupe fur seals, and California sea lions. On land, mammals include squirrels, river otters, ring-tailed cats, coyotes, bobcats, pumas, and occasionally ocelots.

Birdlife is abundant with species like hawks, pelicans, roadrunners, and various waterfowl and seabirds. Fish species around the region include tilapia, rainbow trout, leopard sharks, and, notably, the great white shark.

Ensenada has a mild semi-arid climate typical of northwestern Baja California.

The city experiences moderate temperatures year-round. Winters (November to February) are cooler, with average temperatures around 13 °C and most of the annual rainfall—about 280 mm – occurring during this period. Rain is generally limited and concentrated in the winter months.

Summers (June to September) tend to be warmer and drier, with average temperatures near 21 °C. Despite the summer warmth, temperatures during this period remain moderate due to the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean.

The warmest times usually occur in late summer and early fall, often intensified by Santa Ana winds. These winds can occur any time of year and bring hot, dry air from the interior deserts to the coast, causing sudden temperature spikes.

Snowfall here is extremely rare; the last recorded snow event was in January 2007.

Similar to Southern California’s coastal regions, Ensenada experiences marine layer phenomena known as “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” bringing cool, cloudy mornings during late spring and early summer before clearing into sunnier afternoons.

The city was founded under the name San Mateo.

In 1602, while mapping the coast of the Californias in search of safe harbors for returning Spanish galleons from Manila to Acapulco, the city was renamed Ensenada de Todos Santos by Sebastián Vizcaíno. Ensenada means “bay” or “cove” in Spanish.

The region around Ensenada was inhabited by indigenous Yumana-speaking peoples, including the Kiliwa, Paipai, and Kumeyaay tribes. These semi-nomadic groups lived in the bay area and the interior valleys of the Sierra de Juárez and San Pedro Mártir mountains.

The first European to reach Bahia Todos Santos, where Ensenada now sits, was Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542. He arrived aboard the ships El Salvador and Victoria. The settlement was originally named San Mateo when founded on September 17, 1542.

In 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno renamed the area Ensenada de Todos Santos while mapping the Californias’ coast to find safe harbors for Spanish galleons returning from Manila to Acapulco.

Permanent European settlement began with the Jesuits in the 17th or 18th century. After their expulsion in 1768, the Dominicans took over ecclesiastical duties in the region.

In 1805, José Manuel Ruiz Carrillo was granted permission to settle in Ensenada, becoming the governor of Baja California. His house stood until the end of the 19th century, despite a brief stay by William Walker, self-proclaimed “president” of the Republic of Baja California, in 1853–54.

Ensenada was named the capital of Baja California in 1882, and development attempts were made by the English Mexican Land and Colonization Company. However, the Mexican Revolution halted progress and left the region devastated.

In 1915, the capital was moved to Mexicali. By 1930, Ensenada’s population was only around 5,000. Around this time, the city’s name was shortened from Ensenada de Todos Santos to simply Ensenada to avoid confusion with Todos Santos in Baja California Sur.

The city’s growth accelerated during the Prohibition era, as Americans and Canadians crossed the border seeking entertainment and alcohol. This contributed to the rise of tourist destinations like Tijuana, Rosarito, and eventually Ensenada.

The famous Hotel Riviera del Pacífico opened in 1930, briefly putting Ensenada on the international map. It attracted celebrities and political figures. Although it never achieved long-term success, it is linked to the legend of the margarita’s invention.

The hotel closed in 1964 but later reopened as a cultural center and museum.

By the early 1950s, Ensenada’s population had grown to around 20,000, with expanded economic activities and more hotels opening. The city continued to develop into the vibrant port and tourist destination it is today.

On January 26, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI established the Diocese of Ensenada, carved from the Archdiocese of Tijuana and the Diocese of Mexicali, making it a suffragan of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tijuana.

Ensenada is characterized mainly by mid-rise buildings, with its skyline gradually evolving thanks to new resorts like Entremar, La Costa, and Viento in the northwestern part of the city. The Villa Marina Hotel remains the city’s only traditional high-rise within the central area.

The city’s emblematic Civic Plaza, also known as Plaza de las Tres Cabezas, honors Mexican heroes Benito Juárez, Venustiano Carranza, and Miguel Hidalgo through impressive sculptures.

Nearby, the iconic Malecon boardwalk stretches along the bay, offering scenic ocean views, lively street performers, and easy access to marinas such as Ensenada Cruiseport Village, Hotel Coral & Marina, and Punta Morro Resort.

Just north of the city lies the Bajamar Oceanfront Golf Resort.

Ensenada’s close connection to the ocean defines its tourism and economy. The city and nearby coastal areas boast popular surfing spots, including San Miguel Beach, California Trailer Park, Stacks, and Tres Emes, known for their challenging waves.

Maritime culture thrives here with events such as the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, the world’s largest international sailing competition, drawing sailors and spectators annually. Motorsports enthusiasts flock to the Baja thrilling off-road events held nearby.

From December to March and again in April and May, visitors can witness the annual gray whale migration from Alaska, often visible from Ensenada’s coastline, offering spectacular whale watching experiences.

Ensenada reflects a rich cultural tapestry shaped by Spanish missionaries, Russian settlers, and American influences. The nearby mission town of Guadalupe was revitalized in the early 20th century by Russian Spiritual Christian immigrants, whose legacy lives on through local museums, wineries, and cultural tours.

Ensenada’s wine country, centered around Valle de Guadalupe, is internationally acclaimed. Each August, the city and valley celebrate the Fiestas de la Vendimia, a two-week wine harvest festival featuring tastings, music, and culinary delights that attract visitors worldwide.

For urban exploration, La Calle Primera (Adolfo López Mateos) is a vibrant tourist hub lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots. Just a block away is Ventana al Mar, a scenic seaside promenade marked by a monumental Mexican flag.

The Port of Ensenada, Baja California’s only deep-water port, plays a vital role in regional trade and tourism. It connects the city with major Mexican ports such as La Paz and Mazatlán, as well as international hubs including San Diego, Los Angeles, Yokohama, and Hong Kong.

Just south of Ensenada along Highway 1 lies La Bufadora, one of the world’s largest marine blowholes. This natural wonder shoots seawater high into the air with dramatic force, creating a spectacular display especially on windy days.

The area around La Bufadora is lively, with vendors selling authentic Mexican crafts, delicious street food like churros, and fresh seafood in nearby restaurants. Bargaining is part of the fun when shopping here, adding to the vibrant local atmosphere.

A short boat ride west takes you to Todos Santos Island, a world-renowned surfing destination. Famous for its consistent waves and stunning scenery, it hosts prestigious surf competitions. The island’s natural beauty attracts surfers and nature lovers alike.

Sierra de Juárez and San Pedro Mártir National Parks are nearby gems. Established under the 1857 Constitution, these parks offer hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and one of Mexico’s premier astronomical observatories, providing incredible views of the night sky far from city lights.

Ensenada is renowned as the birthplace of the iconic fish taco – crispy or grilled fish served on a warm tortilla with fresh cabbage, creamy sauce, and salsa. Alongside fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and ceviche are local favorites, often accompanied by creamy avocado and tangy salsas.

Another notable dish unique to Ensenada is carpaccio, typically made with thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, seasoned with citrus, herbs, and olive oil – offering a fresh, light taste that reflects the coastal flavors of the region.

Don’t miss tasting “marlin empanadas,” flaky pastries filled with smoked marlin fish, a beloved snack reflecting the port’s fishing culture. Also, try “caldo de mariscos,” a hearty seafood broth rich with shrimp, clams, fish, and local spices—perfect for warming up after a day by the sea.

The Wine Harvest Festival (Fiestas de la Vendimia), held in both the city and the nearby Valle de Guadalupe. This festival marks the grape harvest season with wine tastings, vineyard tours, gourmet food, music, and cultural activities, attracting wine lovers from around the world.

Another key event is the Ensenada Carnaval, a lively pre-Lenten celebration featuring colorful parades, live music, traditional dances, and street parties that showcase the city’s joyful and welcoming atmosphere.

Ensenada is famous for its vibrant traditions and festive spirit. Throughout the year, Ensenada also hosts cultural fairs, religious festivities, and maritime events, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic Baja California traditions and vibrant local life.

Ensenada is well-connected and easy to reach by land, sea, and air.

The city’s deepwater port, Puerto de Ensenada, serves commercial shipping, cruise liners, and sport fishing vessels. Several marinas like Marina Baja Fiesta, Marina Cruiseport Village, and Marina Coral accommodate pleasure boats and yachts.

By road, Ensenada sits at the junction of Federal Highway 1 and Federal Highway 3, linking it northwards to Tijuana and Mexicali, and southwards to Cabo San Lucas and La Paz. Main city roads provide easy access within the urban area.

Cruise ships traveling the U.S. Pacific coast commonly stop at Ensenada due to cabotage regulations, making it a popular port of call for tourists. Bus services run regularly from Tijuana and other Baja California cities, providing an affordable travel option.

Though Ensenada has a small airport (Ensenada Airport, ESE), most travelers arrive by car, bus, or cruise ship. Within the city, taxis and local buses are common, and car rentals are available for exploring nearby attractions and vineyards.