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Ensenada is not as much a tourist town as it is a genuine Mexican city, yet it does have much to offer the visitor who drops by. The 75 mile stretch of highway leading to Enesenada from U.S. border is in excellent condition and can be traveled in just over an hour.

It has been said that Ensenada is a town built around a bar. Although this is a bit of an exaggeration. Hussong's Cantina, which opened in 1892, has been a major influence in the development of this port town since opening.Today, over 100 years later, it's hard to beat the $2.00 margaritas and the live mariachis that help make this fine drinking establishment one of the most famous bars in the world.

Ensenada offers all of the services you would expect in a big town. Supermarkets, hospitals, plenty of shopping, and much more. The large harbor is the third largest seaport in Baja, and fishing is a big industry here.

If you are headed further south into Baja, Ensenada is the last big stop for loading up on the essentials that start to get scarce as you enter Baja's wide open spaces. Enjoy your hotel with that satellite TV this might be your last chance to watch Seinfeld for a while.

A few miles south of Ensenada is Estero Beach, a landmark of sorts for many years. A clean hotel, a trailer park, and a camping area have accommodated young and old here for many a good time. The large calm bay is perfect for water sports.

Further south, 12 miles west of the main road nestled against the coast, is a quaint campo known as Punta Banda. Although the blow hole 'La Bufadora' is the main draw here, restaurants and curio shops also help make this a great half day excursion from Ensenada. Snorkeling and diving here are excellent.

          
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Ensenada Beaches 

Ensenada offers miles of nice beaches, due to the large harbor, most of them are south of town. As you travel south on the main road, most roads leading west from the highway will get you to the beach.

          
    BAJA.TV / practice your own brand of freedom tm / Ensenada
CAMPING - RVs:

There are probably more camping and R.V. areas near Ensenada than any other area on the west coast of Baja.  Close proximity to the U.S. border makes this a fun destination.

          
    BAJA.TV / practice your own brand of freedom tm / Ensenada
FISHING - BOATING: 

Offshore fishing can be arranged at several locations in Ensenada. If you are staying in a hotel check at the front desk. If they cannot recommend a skipper or a charter operation, try the shops on Ensenada's two main streets, or the pier at the end of Lazaro Cardenas.

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    BAJA.TV / practice your own brand of freedom tm / Ensenada
HOTELS - LODGING:

Ensenada offers every type of hotel and lodging Baja travelers will need. The larger hotels cater to English speaking travelers, as do some of the smaller operations. Like most big towns, securing your vehicle during an overnight stay is a good idea. Lodging Tips

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    BAJA.TV / practice your own brand of freedom tm / Ensenada
RESTAURANTS - BARS:

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    BAJA.TV / practice your own brand of freedom tm / Ensenada

SHOPPING:

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    BAJA.TV / practice your own brand of freedom tm / Ensenada
TRANSPORTATION:

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    BAJA.TV / practice your own brand of freedom tm / Ensenada
SIGHTS OF INTEREST:

Visiting the fish market is truly a unique experience! Baja has a very efficient cooperative fishing system that connects the entire peninsula. All of the fishing camps scattered along the Baja coast are connected by a distribution system. Trucks pick up the daily catch and then truck the inventory to the nearest large fish market. The fish and seafood are put on display for wholesalers and tourists alike, and prices are very good. Ensenada's fish market is right at the entrance to town at the harbor. Follow the seagulls!

          
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RECREATION:

Even though Ensenada is a working town, there are many recreational opportunities in the area for Baja travelers. Just a few of the more popular include:

BIKES, The Rosarito - Ensenada 50 Mile Bike Race is one of the biggest annual events in the city! See 'Rosarito - Local Interest' for more information.

BOATING, The Ensenada Marina is located at the entrance to town. Service and fuel are available, and this is a great place to provision before heading further south. The next good harbor is over 400 miles south at Bahia Tortugas.

DIVING:

PUNTA BANDA, Head south of town 12 miles, right at the Punta Banda sign, then drive to the end. This bay has easy parking, easy water access, and is fairly protected from the open sea  The dive shop is not always open so make sure you come preparred. The first bay you will come to is the Main bay Bahia Papalote, the next bay is Puerto Escondido, and finally Punta Banda.

ISLA TODOS SANTOS, 4 miles off of Punta Banda is Isla Todos Santos. The waters here offer good visibility.   Becareful as there are some currents and the only access is by boat access.

GOLFING, at BAJAMAR and the BAJA COUNTRY CLUB

OFF-ROAD RACING, TECATE BAJA 1000, The title 'The most prestigious off road race in the world' is well deserved.

SURFING:

SAN MIGUEL, 7 miles north of town, just before the toll gate.  Good rights on a rocky beach, some shoulder hopping lefts with a south swell.

TODOS SANTOS,  5 miles off shore, due west of town. These waves come in uninterrupted from the ocean, and really pump. Boat access only.

WATERSPORTS, Estero Beach is on a calm bay and perfect for all types of water sports, including water skiing, boardsailing, and personal watercraft.