Overlooking beautiful Bahia de Todos Santos, Ensenada is a congenial blend of fishing port, tourist center, and industrial development. With an estimated population of 370,000, you'll find that Ensenada can accommodate your every need and can be quite cosmopolitan. It's also a great place to begin exploring Baja's rugged outback. Every year Ensenada is the site for over 75 sporting, cultural and culinary events. Lovers of the outdoors delight in the many nearby campsites for mountain climbing, beachcombing and hiking activities. For those interesting in the natural beauty of the region and having a couple of extra days, there are the pristine pine forests of the Constitution of 1857 National Park and the rock and cactus gardens of Catavina.Just a short distance away, to the northeast is the Valle de Guadalupe, noted for its vast vineyards, source of some of the very best Mexican wines. In fact almost 90% of Mexican wines come from this region. In winter, Ensenada Bay provides a truly awe-inspiring spectacle; gray whale watching from January to March.
Just a few miles south of town is La Bufadora, the remarkable sea geyser that spouts a stream of saltwater more than 60 feet up into the air. It's one of biggest blowholes in North America. You can reach Ensenada by car or bus along the spectacular scenic toll highway from Tijuana or you can come in by plane or on board one of the huge, luxury cruise ships which make Ensenada a regular port of call on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Whenever you are planning a convention or meeting, consider the extraordinary facilities of Ensenada's Riviera del Pacifico Cultural & Civic Center. It is also one of the most famous structures on the Pacific coast of Baja California.Ensenada is also famous for it's tourist area, with shopping, cantinas & restaurants. International, seafood and Mexican cuisine is served in many of the cities famous restaurants. The city is also popular for it's many discos and bars, including the landmark Hussongs Cantina, which has been in business since the late 1800's. The area around Lázaro Cárdenas and Lopez Mateos is considered the prime tourist zone.
Ensenada is host to international events like the famous Baja 1000 Off Road Race, the Newport - Ensenada Regatta, the Fiesta de la Vendimia wine festival, the Estero Beach Volleyball Tournament, the Rosarito - Ensenada Bike Ride, and many other events & festivities through the calendar year. See the events section for details.