Ensenada Tips

Many major cruise lines dock in Ensenada, often on short 3-5 day trips from San Diego and Los Angeles, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

Baja’s largest bike race draws 7,500 riders twice a year for the 50 mile coastal ride from Rosarito to Ensenada. The race ends in all out fiestas with food, drinks, and live music. For a fee of about $40, anyone can ride – just show up the day of the race. www.rosaritoensenada.com

When the bartender at Papas and Beer (and other party bars) grabs a microphone, pay attention! It usually means that if you sing, dance, take a body shot, or get your T-shirt wet you can find yourself with a much smaller bar tab. www.papasandbeer.com

Upon crossing the border your car insurance becomes invalid. Rather than get held up trying to deal with it at the border, buy insurance ahead of time in the U.S. with Baja Bound. www.bajabound.com

North Americans don’t need a tourist card from the border (the equivalent of a visa, minus the fee and the paperwork) to enter Baja if going for less than 72 hours. Visitors are allowed to return home with $400 worth of duty-free goods, including 1 liter of liquor, per person once every 30 days.

The food along El Malécon and Avenida López Mateos is very touristy and not terribly authentic. For a taste of some serious regional specialties ranging from tripe to tacos, hit up the food stands and small restaurants at least five blocks inland.

If a cruise ship is at port forget about getting a good deal from the markets and small shops. Wait until after it leaves to haggle and you’ll see prices knocked down anywhere from 10 to 25 percent.