Before the arrival of the Spanish, the indigenous people of the region lived semi-nomadic lives. They grew corn and herded cattle. Founded in 1542, Ensenada still had the Yuman Indian tribes living throughout the region. It would take centuries before Europeans would remain permanently in the area. The first people to settle permanently were Jesuits, followed by the Dominicans. The settlement of the Baja Peninsula was slow due to the mountains, deserts, and sea. The terrain allowed it a more extended period of isolation than most other regions of Mexico. For many years Ensenada was the capital of Baja until Mexicali took over.
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Once the Capital of Baja California: For many years Ensenada was the capital of Baja until Mexicali took over in 1915.
- Prohibition : When Prohibition passed in the U.S., Ensenada saw a boom as a tourist destination. While Tijuana, much closer to the border, experienced a higher population boom during Prohibition, Ensenada finally began to explode in the 1950s. Today, much of the city’s economy is tourism, fishing, and agriculture.
TOURISM IN ENSENADA
Ensenada is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations. Its wide range of activities and venues attracts many outdoor enthusiasts seeking a holiday by the sea. From outlying islands to mountain terrain, Ensenada boasts many recreational activities and events; its cosmopolitan center is also home to world-class hotels and luxury spas and resorts. Many visitors flock to Ensenada for shopping, surf adventures, wildlife sightings, snorkeling excursions, off-roading races, bicycle rides, the vineyards, and so much more.
Things to See and Do in and around Ensenada
Sport Fishing: Ensenada is a popular destination for any fisherman hoping to catch Mahi or Yellowtail.
El Mirador: Majestic views of the city and port. Be sure to climb up the hills west of the downtown area for unique sightseeing.
Museo Historico Regional: Filled with Mesoamerican relics of the region’s ancient past, this museum is the ideal place to break from the sunny beaches for an afternoon.
Guadalupe Island: According to experts, this island is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the Great White Sharks. Two hundred fifty miles from Ensenada, this is a famous wildlife sanctuary that is one of Mexico’s top eco-destinations.
Todos Santos Island: This surfing paradise has the biggest waves in North America. Surfing contests like the Billabong XXL are held here to worldwide acclaim.
Baja 500: This primary off-roading race is the most famous. It begins and ends in Ensenada, making the city the best place to witness this monster race!
Ensenada-San Felipe 250: This major off-road race is a highlight of the year. Participants start the race on the Pacific Ocean near Ensenada and traverse the Baja terrain to finish at the Sea of Cortez in San Felipe. This event is usually held in late spring to early summer.
Maritime Museum: Ensenada’s Maritime Museum is a fascinating place to visit and is situated in the city’s oldest public building. Its exhibits recount various segments of the history of seafaring and life in Mexico near the sea.
Watch for Whales: Whales visible from the beaches of Ensenada. For this reason, the city is a favorite destination for people hoping to see whales migrating. Various boats offer tours of the waters to allow eco-tourists to see these ocean-going mammals.
Visit the Vineyards: Various wineries offer tours of the vineyards and wine-tasting events. Check the Valle de Guadalupe Map and page for more details. Active Things to Do in Ensenada
Chapultepec Hill: With its incredible views, this is where to come to take your postcard photographs of the city to show family and friends where you visited.
Avenida López Mateos: While the beaches of Ensenada usually get top billing among tourists, this major thoroughfare is filled with shops, hotels, restaurants, and cafes. It’s the perfect place to spend a morning strolling through the city.
La Bufadora: This marine geyser is famous throughout the western hemisphere. Its proximity to Ensenada makes it a celebrated tourist attraction for vacationers of any age.
Centro Cívico, Social Culture: Located right off the beach, this event center always has something going on. Be sure to see if there is an outdoor concert or event to attend here during your visit.
Water Sports: Like other coastal towns on the Baja Peninsula, the beaches offer many enticing activities. Go for a swim or enjoy some great surfing. Getting into the water is one of the most popular things to do!
Spa Treatments: Ensenada is home to some truly elegant spas like the Casa Natalie Hotel Spa and the spa at the Las Rosas Hotel.
Horseback Riding: Riding horses is popular throughout the Baja Peninsula. There’s nothing like riding along the Pacific on a beautiful horse with the sea breezes spurring you from one beach to the next.
Luxury villa: If you are vacationing or even honeymooning in Ensenada, consider renting a beachside villa. These luxury rentals offer resort-style features but with the privacy one expects to have in a home away from home.
Exciting Nightlife: While Papas & Beer is one of the most popular clubs in the city, there are many other clubs where dancing and cocktails are accompanied by live music and a party atmosphere.
Delicious Cuisine: Vacationers have a myriad of cuisine options in this city. Fresh seafood is a staple and many regional favorites like fish tacos. Check out some of the city’s best restaurants, like Restaurant Embarcadero or Cinco Sabores.
Kayak: Kayaking is a great way to explore the coastal area of Ensenada as well as to get out on the glittering water! HikingAfter you’ve spent time on the beaches, give hiking a try. The Canon de Dona Petra is a celebrated place for hiking and is filled with the flora and fauna of the region.
NOT TOO FAR AWAY
- The Valle de Guadalupe is in Ensenada and is known for its boutique wines and vineyard tours. In short, tourists flock to the local wineries and boutique hotels where wine tastings and delicious foods are hallmarks of vineyard tours.
