Ensenada Day Trips

The adobe ruins of Dominican missions, some dating back to the last quarter of the 18^th century, can be seen both north and south of Ensenada on the Trans-peninsular highway. There are dozens scattered along the coast, but San Miguel Arcangel De La Frontera is one of the largest and best preserved.

Late November to March, when gray whales look for shallow water for calving, is whale watching season along the lagoons and bays of the Baja coast. Sergio’s is one of the many operators that run half-day tours to Bahia de Todos Santos from the sport fishing piers. Tours run every day during the season; reservations recommended.

The Yellowtail capital of the world is a mecca for sports fisherman who descend upon the downtown piers every morning before 7am and head out across the bay on 8-16 hour charters to catch marlin, rockfish, sea bass, and numerous other finned-creatures. Gordo’s Sportfishing company runs trips on open party boats.

Unless you come with a tour group, you’ll likely be the only one at this 177,840 acre national park south of Ensenada. The goal for many visitors to the mountainous desert and alpine terrain is the overnight hike to the top of Picacho del Diablo (the Devil's Peak), the highest mountain in Baja at 10,154 feet. Sign up for a tour with U.S.-based California Alpine Guides or risk getting lost among the poorly marked trails.

The Cochimí Indians are responsible for the abstract red, yellow, and brown paintings, believed to date as far back as 600 to 1,000 years ago, in a cave near the town of Catavina.  The drive to the paintings takes you through a beautiful stretch of Sonoran desert, an experience that will likely eclipse the caves themselves.

Ensenada is Mexico’s premier wine growing operation with its center spread out in El Valle de Guadalupe along Route 3 towards Tecate. The Mediterranean like climate, similar to Napa Valley, is ideal for the production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Chenin Blanc. Most vineyards hold tasting and tours for a small fee, including the friendly LA Cetto.