Ensenada Activities & 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 lagoons 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

RIVIERA DEL PACIFICO
Once a plush gambling casino in the '30s, now a center for social and cultural events open 8:30am-7pm. Stroll the gardens landscaped with monuments detailing Baja California history until 10pm. Visit Bar Andaluz, the Museum of history and Galeria de la Ciudad. Centrally located on Blvd. Costero, tel. 76-4233, fax 76-4310. The adjacent Parque Infantil (Children's Park) with a playground and BBQs/tables opens Tues.-Sun. 10am-6pm.

HUSSONG'S CANTINA
The oldest bar in the Californias established in 1892 and a designated historical landmark. Open daily 10am-1am. Av. Ruiz #113, tel. 78-3210.

PASEO CALLE PRIMERA The newly remodeled shopping & dining promenade stretching along Av. Lopez Mateos from Av. Castillo to Av. Ryerson. Stroll through this colorful shopping district, then relax and enjoy al fresco dining and people-watching.

BOULEVARD COSTERO Once a sandy beach, now the coastal route through Ensenada also known as Lazaro Cardenas. View the Riviera del Pacifico and other sights along the palm-lined boulevard from the comfort of a calandria (horse-drawn carriage). Rides available daily 9am-6pm at Blvd. Costero & Macheros, tel. 71-4306 (cellular).

EL MALECON
The new boardwalk along the downtown waterfront from Azueta to Av. Castillo. Relax and enjoy the view at Parque Ventana al Mar (Window to the Sea Park) with its monumental Mexican flag.

OPEN-AIR FISH MARKET
Northern Baja's largest seafood market with many types of fish and shellfish plus Ensenada's specialty-fish tacos. On the waterfront malecon.

PLAZA CIVICA
An attractive park on Blvd. Costero & Macheros with giant golden busts of Mexican heroes Benito Juarez, Miguel Hidalgo and Venustiano Carranza. It is locally known as "Three Heads Park." CHAPULTEPEC HILLS
A fabulous panoramic view of Ensenada from one of the city's most attractive residential areas. Follow Calle 2 up.

STATUE OF TARA & ECOLOGICAL PARK
A huge handpainted statue symbolizing Mother Nature, a gift of peace and friendship from a Nepalese cultural organization. Overlooking the city on the original site of the 1930s Fort Keki on Calle 13 between Av. Obregon & Moctezuma.

PARQUE REVOLUCION
A lovely park with numerous species of shade trees, a playground and Mother's Monument. Av. Obregon between Calles 6&7.

FLEA MARKETS
Search for trash and treasures at Los Globos, Ensenada's largest outdoor swap meet on Calle 9 three blocks east of Reforma. Open daily but weekends are best.

FIESTA FARMS ORGANIC HERB & FLOWER RANCH
Over 180 plants grown on premises. Dried flowers and herbal, chile and garlic wreaths at wholesale prices. Open Mon.-Fri. 8am-3:30 pm, Sat. 8am-noon. Bilingual guided herb tours every Sat. 11am-noon. Located in  San Antonio de Las Minas at Km. 90.5 on Highway 3 to Tecate.

EL MIRADOR
An extraordianry observation point with panoramic views of Ensenada Bay and Todos Santos Island. At Km. 84 on the Tijuana-Ensenada toll tighway, 17 miles north of Ensenada.