Ensenada, Mexico
Ensenada
Ensenada is located in the Mexican state of Baja California, 70 miles south of San Diego. It is the third largest city in the state. Ensenada was first discovered in 1542 by a Portuguese explorer who named the city San Mateo. It was then rediscovered in 1602 at which time it was named Ensenada de Todos Los Santos. Neither discoverer made mention of any inhabitants. It was not until 1769 when a priest passed through that any mention was made of inhabitants. The area remained virtually uninhabited. In 1854, there was only one house in the area. The area did not begin to be inhabited until 1887 at which time prospectors moved to area because of Baja’s gold rush.
Ensenada is often referred to as the “Cinderella of the Pacific.” The city is estimated to have a population of over 250,000. Today, fishing, industry and tourism are Ensenada’s main sources of support. Ensenada was recently selected as “Baja Norte’s weekend hot spot.”
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Bahia de Los Angeles is filled with water activities. Visitors to the bay, which is located one mile from the center of Ensenada, will enjoy windsurfing and kayaking. It is also possible to watch whales from Bahia de Los Angeles. Punta Banda Peninsula, which is located in west Ensenada has a great beach and is a great place to watch seals and sea lions that often lay on the rocks for sun. Museum lovers will want to visit the Cultural Center of Ensenada. The center is located in an old casino and features a natural history museum, featuring pieces of Ensenada history. The most popular event in Ensenada is the internationally known Baja 1000. This is an off-road race featuring different types of vehicles and is held every fall.
Bodegas de Santos Tomas is Baja’s oldest winery. The winery, which was founded in 1888, is a great place to sample wine and cheese. Bodegas de Santos Tomas is located two miles from the center of the city. Shoppers will want to visit one of Ensenada’s shopping streets, which are First Street, Avenida Lopez Mateos and Avenida Ruiz. At First Street, shoppers will find many items including souvenirs for under $5. Avenida Lopez Mateos features small shops that sell everything from clothing to accessories. Avenida Ruiz features the more upscale shops and cafes.
Visitors to Ensenada will not want to miss Papas & Beer. However, women are warned not to wear dresses as energetic waiters often turn their guest upside down to serve them their drinks! Margarita lovers will want to visit Hussongs Cantina. Hussongs is famous all over the world as being the place where the margarita was invented in 1941.