How To Spend 48 Hours In Ensenada Baja California

Ensenada may not be the prettiest of Baja California’s towns, but it has two very big things going for it: some of the peninsula’s best seafood, and award-winning wineries. From fish taco feasts to tequila and wine tasting, here’s how to spend an awesome 48 hours in Ensenada, Mexico.

Go wine tasting in Valle de Guadalupe

Not everyone knows this, but Baja California produces some excellent wine. The stunning Valle de Guadalupe, just 20km (12.4 miles) north of Ensenada, is mile after mile of independent wineries; many offering vineyard tours and tastings for as little as 45 pesos (USD$2.25) if you arrive independently. L.A Cetto, Mexico’s biggest wine exporter, is one of the most established, well organised and, surprisingly, cheapest wineries to visit. If you prefer an organised tour (which normally includes transport, a guided tour and lunch), you’ll have to pre-book this online or ask your hotel to help you book it once in Ensenada (be warned though, they’re not cheap!).

Wine tasting at L.A. Cetto winery, Baja California

Visit the bustling Mercado Negro

Stroll the Malecon

The Malecon – Ensenada’s pedestrianised seaside walkway – is where all the action happens. It’s where fishermen disembark their boats to sell their fish at the market, where mariachis play their sets in the hope of a tip, and where local families take an afternoon stroll over an ice cream; join them!

Feast on fish tacos at Tacos Don Zefe

No-nonsense Tacos Don Zefe, an ever-popular choice with the locals, might just be one of Baja California’s best fish taco joints. The freshest flaky fish, crispy batter seasoned to perfection, and a huge choice of salsas make this place an absolute must-visit if you’re in Ensenada. At 25 pesos (USD$1.25) apiece, you can’t beat the price either.

Check out Mexico’s biggest flag

At 50 metres (164 feet) long and 28 metres (92 feet) wide, the Mexican flag that flies over Ensenada is one of the country’s largest, and an impressive sight to see. Due to its monumental size, you’ll be able to spot it from almost any part of the city. However, to truly get an idea of its size, head down to the Malecon.

Ensenada’s flag can be seen from anywhere in the city

Sip margaritas at Hussong’s Cantina

Serving eye-watering margaritas since 1892, Hussong’s Cantina is the Californias’ oldest drinking hole. With waistcoat-clad waiters, swinging dark green saloon doors, and sepia photos of mariachi legends adorning the peeling walls, you’ll feel like you’ve just walked into a wild west movie. At weekends, the place livens up with old-school mariachi bands (clad in their elaborate shirts and huge sombreros) and locals ready to party. Don’t miss it!

Hussong’s Cantina is Baja California’s oldest drinking spot

Get tipsy in the Tequila Room

Selling only Mexico’s best tequila (you won’t find any mainstream brands in here!), Tequila Room is a must-stop for any spirit aficionado. The best bit? Tastings are free! (although they do accept tips). Even if you’re not all that into tequila, it’s worth stopping here just to check out the bottles, many of which – with their elaborate, brightly coloured designs – are pieces of art in themselves.

Taste Mexico’s best spirits at Tequila Room, Ensenada

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.