Just a two-hour drive south of San Diego, Ensenada is one of Baja California’s most accessible and rewarding coastal destinations. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, fresh seafood, local wine, and scenic coastline, Ensenada offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, culinary discovery, and cultural charm. A week in Ensenada offers something for every type of traveler—whether you’re sipping wine in picturesque vineyards, hiking through remote mountains, or savoring the world’s best fish tacos by the ocean. With its mix of culture, nature, and flavor, Ensenada is an unforgettable gateway to the magic of Baja. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore deeper, this 7-day itinerary will guide you through the best of what Ensenada has to offer.
Day 1: Arrival and Malecón Stroll
Highlights: Downtown, Malecón, Seafood
Settle into your hotel (see some of our recommendations below) and after checking in, take a walk along the malecón, the city’s lively seaside promenade. Watch fishing boats dock, browse artisan stalls, and enjoy views of the bay.
Grab your first taste of Ensenada at La Guerrerense, a legendary street cart (made famous world-wide by Anthony Bourdain) known for its inventive seafood tostadas. Or try one of the city’s famous fish tacos at Tacos Fénix.
Day 2: Valle de Guadalupe Wine Country
Highlights: Wine tasting, vineyard tours, gourmet lunch
Spend the day in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s premier wine region, just 30 minutes from Ensenada. The valley is home to over 150 wineries, from rustic family-run spots to modern architectural marvels. There are a number of newly-awarded Michelin rated restaurants that should not be missed.
Top stops:
- Lechuza – Incredible wines in a boutique setting
- Vena Cava – Known for its unique, sustainable design and natural wines
- Animalón – A popular open-air restaurant under an old oak tree with a Michelin star
- Fauna – Consistently rated one of the world’s best restaurants
Book a driver or tour from Ensenada (inquire at your hotel) if you plan to sample freely, and don’t rush—savor the landscape and flavors.
Day 3: Ensenada’s Cultural Core
Highlights: Museums, markets, historic sites
Start your day with coffee and a pastry at Panadería El Rey Sol, then explore the Museo de Historia de Ensenada or the Caracol Science Museum for a look into Baja’s past and natural environment.
Visit the Mercado Negro (Fish Market) for a walk through local seafood culture—shark, lobster, octopus, and more. For lunch, try a ceviche cocktail or fish taco at one of the nearby mariscos stands. Then check out the historic Riviera del Pacífico, a glamorous former casino-turned-cultural center from the Prohibition era. While there, stop by Bar Andaluz, one of the spots in Ensenada that claims to be the birthplace of the margarita.
Day 4: La Bufadora & Coastal Drive
Highlights: Marine geyser, local crafts, ocean views
Take a morning drive south along the coast to La Bufadora, one of the world’s largest marine blowholes. Watch the ocean spout through a cliffside crevice, sometimes up to 100 feet high. Along the way, stop for snacks like coconut shrimp, churros, or queso fundido at the roadside stalls, and shop for handmade crafts. Visit in the morning to avoid larger crowds.
Day 5: Beach Day at Playa Hermosa
Highlights: Sunbathing, surfing, tacos on the beach
Enjoy a laid-back day at Playa Hermosa, Ensenada’s most popular beach. Rent a paddleboard, go for a swim, or just relax with a cold drink and a good book. For a super fun experience, book surf lessons with Surf Ensenada. Local vendors often walk by selling coconuts, mango slices, or chicharrones.
Day 6: Adventure in the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir (Optional Day Trip)
Highlights: Mountain hiking, observatory, condor spotting
If you’re up for a longer day trip, head inland to the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park. About 3 hours from Ensenada, this pine-covered mountain range offers cool temperatures, breathtaking views, and the chance to see California condors soaring overhead. Visit the National Astronomical Observatory, go hiking among granite peaks, or just enjoy the serenity of nature far from the coast.
If you prefer to stay local, opt for a kayaking tour or charter a boat for a sportfishing excursion. Finish up the day by catching sunset at of the local breweries such as Agua Mala.
Day 7: Souvenirs & Farewell
Highlights: Coffee, artisan shopping, gourmet dining
Spend your final morning downtown at Cafe con Leche a popular local café, before heading over to Plaza Santo Tomás to peruse some of the shops carrying local artisan foods and goods (such as cheeses, sausages, chocolates, mezcal, wines, coffee, etc.). Then browse for souvenirs at any of the street stalls—look for blown glass, hand-painted pottery, or woven textiles. Catch comida (a late lunch) at Michelin-recommended restaurant Madre before heading to Baja’s most famous bar, Hussong’s to enjoy a margarita or a beer in the fun and casual spot.
DBTC Insider Tips
Where to Stay: Lucerna, Las Rocas, and Hotel Coral & Marina offer some of the nicest accommodations in Ensenada. Corona Hotel has an incredible location downtown where you’ll be able to walk to most of the city’s best attractions.
Where to Eat: Ensenada is full of incredible eateries (including a number that are Michelin recommended) such as nice sit-down restaurants like Madre, Manzanilla, and Boules. Ensenada is also full of incredible street food (with a heavy emphasis on seafood) with places like La Guerrerense, Taqueria El Trailero, and Tacos Fenix.
Where to Drink: There are two popular bars in Ensenada that claim to be the birthplace of the margarita and both are worth checking out—Hussong’s and Bar Andaluz. The city is home to a number of excellent craft breweries (many that boast beautiful ocean views) such as Agua Mala, Wendlandt, and Lucky Irish Beer Garden.