There is definitely something to be said for a laid back appeal of, Senor,Manana or Mister, tomorrow! For Roger and me it is a laid back port of call for us in Ensenada. We have been visiting this place for near 20 years on a route of every other year with my parks and recreation friends from Hawaii. So there is definitely a comfort level for us. Just take the ship shuttle which drops you in town and roam on our own. There are options for you to signing up for a Carnival Shore excursions** (see Roger's excerpt below on the Bufadora) if you like. But, we prefer to see, do and experience Ensenada on our own. Come join us and feel the energy as it definitely is a whole different ball game when the cruise ship hits this port. Here are some of our favorites for this port of call:
**EXCURSION TO LA BUFADORA (BLOW HOLE) shared by Roger
Now, the official spin on this phenomenon is that as the tide/waves come crashing into the rocky area, the pressure forces the sea water up and through a small circular opening in the rocks thus creating a Blow Hole where the water shoots up like a giant geyser or fountain.
However, after extensive research at both Hussong's and La Bufadora, our own U. S. Government geologist Mr.Seany-Boy (who will be joining us on this cruise) has postulated that there is a very significant correlation between the flushing of the toilets at Hussong's and the "eruption" of the Blow Hole. Personally we think he is on to something and are excited that he will be continuing his research and experiments at Hussong's on this cruise. Why else would he be going???
FISH MARKET - Mercado de Marisco, Malecon at Avenida Alvarado
If you love seafood and seeing the catch of the day you have to visit this place. Be sure to try the Fish Tacos, Clam Ceviche, Seafood Cocktails, and Mojarra - Fried Fish
STREET CARTS – 3 popular seafood street carts, don't be surprise if you might have to wait a bit.
Al Tata Marisco – Avenida Lopez Mateos & Riveroll
Marisco La Guerrerense – Costero and Riveroll
Navolato Marisco – Costero and Riveroll
CHICKEN (Pollo) LUNCH (Avenida de Lopez Mateo)
Las Brias Restaurant - Look for the Rotisserie Chicken (in the window) and a lady making fresh homemade corn tortillas - Yummy-o and a must if you like pollo!
FINE DINING
El Rey de Sol Restaurant – French cuisine (we frequent this place over our decade of visits)
Punta Morro Resort (has a restaurant with a view) Hwy Tijuana- Ensenada, from downtown Ensenada about 2 miles north
BARS & BREWS
Papas & Beers
Hussong’s
WINERY
San Tomas Winery
SHOPPING
Tons of shops on the Avenida de Lopez Mateos and Boulevard Costero
Visit a local liquor store, Checkout a local grocery, leather, purses, Mexican dresses, silver, blankets, pottery, souvenir T-shirts and other junks! Yes it can be junk, so shop with caution as many of the labeled items and jewelry you see are faux/fake. When you had enough shopping, pick one of the numerous café and have a beverage while you people watch.
Costco Ensenada, if you have done it all in Ensenada, simply curious or love Costco like Sean. Here's a new adventure, Costoc is in Ensenada. Yes, hotdogs for sale but so are bulk hot sauce, frijoles, arrozo and other Mexican delacacies. It's truly a twist on our standard institution in California. Costco Ensenada Address: Carr. Transpeninsular La Paz 4179, Carlos Pacheco, Ensenada
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – Costero Boulevard & Macheros
Plaza Civica, locally known as the Three Heads Park of Mexico’s heroes – Miguel Hidalgo, Benito Juarez and Venustiano Carranza.
Also recommend a couple of website you can click onto before you visit this port of call:
Ensenada eateries & restaurants
Photo provided by Flickr.miss'robot
