About Ensenada in the state of Baja California Norte, Mexico

Ensenada is the third-largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California. Ensenada is located about 70 miles south of Tijuana.  

Ensenada is locally referred to as La Bella Cenicienta del Pacifico which means "The Cinderella of the Pacific." The port of Ensendada is one of the most important ports of all of Mexico and to this day is still a very popular expat location.  

A brief history about Ensenada

A Portuguese explorer sailing under the Spanish flag discovered Ensenada on September 17, 1542. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo named the area San Mateo. It remained San Mateo for 60 years. In 1602 Spanish captain and explorer Sebastian Vizcaino rediscovered the area. He renamed it Ensenada de Todos Los Santos. Ensenada was one of the first settlements founded in what the larger Mexican California territory. 

The first permanent settlement was established by the Jesuits during the seventeenth or eighteenth century. The twentieth century development of Ensenada was assisted by prohibition, which sent Americans and Canadians south of their border in search of entertainment and alcohol which developed Ensenada as a tourist destination.
The Hotel Riviera del Pacifico was opened in 1930, which briefly placed Ensenada on the international glamour map and was visited several times by President Miguel Aleman, international artists, and political personalities. The city really flourished in the 1950’s at which time Ensenada’s population had risen to 20,000 and as of the 2005 census the city population has grown to approx. 460,075

Ensenada tourism

Ensenada is an important commercial and fishing port as well as a cruise ship stop. There is also a navy base, army base and a military airfield, which functions as an airport of entry into Mexico. The city is backed by small mountain ranges. Due to its location on the Pacific Ocean and Mediterraneann latitude, the weather tends to be mild throughout the year. 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. 

Ensenada is extremely easy to access and only 68 miles south of San Diego, California of the United States, and it is connected via a four lane toll road and a two lane free road, which makes it a natural destination for tourists on short vacations by car. Ensenada's proximity to California also makes it a destination for short cruise ships trips from the Los Angeles area. A few minutes south of Ensenada downtown is the second-largest of three known major marine geysers in the world, known as "La Bufadora" ("The Blowhole").  

The beautiful port of Ensanada is full or warmth and tranquility and has something for everyone including diverse activities that are unique to the city such as fishing, water sports, wine country, including major export and import industries and business. Ensenada has different seasonal events such as Grey Whale watching during the winter. When it comes time to eat in Ensenada there is no shortages of options. Because of the great fishing in the area you will have your choice of some of the freshest seafood. If you are looking for something more traditional then the street taco’s are a must try. Being a business port and long time tourist destination there are many options when it comes time to decide where you are going to stay while on your trip. Ensenada has city hotels, hostels, beach hotels, ranch hotels, boutique hotels and even wine route hotels.

Travel information

Airport: Tijuana International Airport 
Address: Carretera Aeropuerto S/N, Nueva Tijuana, 22435 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
Local phone number: +52 664 607 8200

Is a passport or travel visa required? This depends on your nationality and your country of origin. We recommend that you check with your travel agent or Mexican Consulate in your area to know what documents you need to travel to Ensenada.
Read about the next beach destination > or select another beach destination yourself using the quick links below:

Cancun | Cabo San Lucas | Puerto Escondido | Puerto Vallarta | Zihuatanejo | Ensenada | Mazatlan | Playa Del Carmen | Guaymas
Advertisement

You may also like to view

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Mazatlan, Mexico
Advertisement

Other beach destinations