Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico Baja Norte's weekend Hot Spot

Looking for a vacation rental in Ensenada?
Ensenada is a party town, home to Hussongs Cantina and Papas & Beer

Ensenada, Baja California, located just 70 short miles south of San Diego is the perfect weekend getaway. First discovered in 1542 by Portuguese navigator Don Juan Rodriguez, Ensenada was known as a small fishing village and the home of Hussongs Cantina and Papas & Beer until just recently, when it was selected from a handful of elite Baja cities to become Baja Norte's weekend Hot Spot!

Known as the "Cinderella of the Pacific", Ensenada is located 70 miles south of the international border, a 90-minute drive from San Diego. Its warm Mediterranean climate, friendly atmosphere and accessibility by land, air, and sea have made Ensenada a favorite tourist destination for many years, and Mexico's second most-visited port-of-call for major cruise lines and pleasure boats.

Ensenada's romantic past, dynamic present, and promising future provide wide appeal for cultural visitors, vacationing families, and business travelers. With a variety of accommodations ranging from modern hotels with Old World charm to full-service resorts with convention centers to RV parks with complete amenities, Ensenada easily suits every taste or budget.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
Gray Whale Watching The gray whale is the most common species seen near the coast of Baja. Other whales are present but tend to seek deeper waters while the gray whale's swim in shallow waters seeking Baja's many laggons for calving. The Baja California coastline is teeming with whales during the calving season from late november to late march. The greatest number can be seen in february

La Bufadora An amazing natural blowhole spouting seawater 70 feet into the air. Newly renovated with botanical gardens and various observation decks, several with handicapped access. 22 miles south of Ensenada near the tip of Punta Banda peninsula. Small parking fee.

• The paved Transpeninsular Toll Highway curving along the coastline from Tijuana to Ensenada is noted for its breathtaking ocean vistas and viewpoint rest stops. Free motorist assistance is provided by Mexico’s friendly fleet of Green Angels (Angeles Verdes) from 8am to 8pm.

• Mexican auto insurance is highly recommended. Motorists should carry a valid driver’s license and proof of vehicle ownership. Always wear seatbelts.

• If you are stopped by the police for a traffic violation, follow the officer to the nearest station to pay your fine. It is illegal to offer a bribe (mordida). The penalties for carrying guns or drugs in Mexico are extremely severe.

• Foreigners require tourist cards for visits to Baja California exceeding 72 hours, or for travel more than 100 kilometers south of the border. Cards must be validated by Immigration ( Migracion) at the border or in Ensenada. Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport) is required.

• Baja California’s Added Value Tax (IVA) is 10%: hotels and RV parks charge an additional 2% Lodging Tax. Taxes are usually included in quoted prices but if in doubt, ask.

• Each U.S. and Canadian citizen may return to the U.s. with $400 dlls. worth of merchandise provided it is for personal use. Adults over 21 are allowed one liter of beer, wine or liquor. This duty free exemption is allowed once every 30 days.

• The state of Baja California uses Pacific Standard Time and Daylight Savings Time. Baja California Sur observes Mountain Standard Time and Daylight Savings Time.

• Ensenada’s coastal climate is similar to San Diego’s with sunny summers cooled by ocean breezes, and mild winters accented with occasional rainfall. Casual or resort wear is accepted at most restaurants and nightclubs, but visitors may wish to dress more formaly for business or special occasions.

• Avoid littering or leaving graffiti. Help preserve Baja California’s fascinating yet fragile natural environment.