An Ensenada vacation will appeal to everyone from resort-goers and surfers, to vacation homeowners and wildlife watchers. Moderate temperatures and plenty of fun activities make this port city a popular weekend getaway at just 90-minutes south of San Diego.
Getting from San Diego to Ensenada for a Weekend Getaway
At 70 miles (112 km) south of San Diego (via Tijuana), Ensenada is within easy reach for a weekend getaway. For those driving, Mexican auto insurance is highly recommended by the local tourism board. Taking the bus is a stress-free alternative with departures from San Diego daily.
Ensenada Weather is Warm and Clear
The weather in this coastal center appeals to many active travelers who prefer to sample the city over sitting on the sand (although the city also has great beaches—more on that later.)
For most of the year, dry and warm northern Baja days give way to refreshing evenings. The cool ocean breezes keep the summer temperatures moderate with average highs above 68°F/20°C from May–November. The ocean also ensures winters stay mild.
Ensenada Hotels Range From Luxury to Low-Key
Beach-side resorts dot the coastline offering everything from honeymoon suites to ocean-side trailers. Estero Beach Resort, located a short drive to the south of the town, provides a vast array of activities and a golden strip of sand.
The stately Corona Hotel lies near the marina, within a short walk to the town center. With views of the bay and on-site car rental, it’s a great spot from which to explore the region. Plus, the hotel's restaurant serves up potent and ice-cold margaritas.
Ensenada Dining: Delights of a Fishing Port
The must-taste Ensenada restaurant experience is sampling the Baja-style fish tacos from the stands near the waterfront seafood market. Crispy batter and homemade salsa make the tacos de pescado a cheap, delicious, and authentic taste to complement the scenery. This pairs well with taking an afternoon stroll through the fish market to admire the catches of the day.
Have Fun on a Weekend Getaway in Baja Ensenada
The Sights: On the Punta Banda peninsula to the south of the bay, La Bufadora—a natural blowhole—spurts water as visitors wait with great anticipation on the surrounding viewing platforms. A hidden-gem lunch spot sits up the stairs at the end of the busy market street filled with stalls of curios. From the ocean-facing patios watch the bustle of this popular spot.
Winery Tours: The Frontera Region (meaning border region) boasts the best vineyards in Mexico as well as the Tecate brewery. Explore a loop along the coast north through Rosarito and Tijuana, then south through Tecate and the winery valleys of San Vicente, Santo Tomas, and Guadalupe. Read more about a winery tour here.
Surfing: Many surfers take to the waves along the coastline. Popular breaks include San Miguel and La Fonda with a rare few tackling the mega-waves at Todos Santos—the lone islands off the coast.
Other Activities for a Ensenada Weekend Getaway
For those who are Baja-bound there are plenty of options to fill a weekend or week-long itinerary, be it watching for whales, visiting the luxury Riviera del Pacifico Casino, or admiring panoramic views from the Mirador viewpoint.
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