So you’re on a cruise on Princess or Celebrity from California to Hawaii and back, or one of Carnival’s short little 3 or 4 day jaunts from Los Angeles to Catalina Island. But there’s this pesky law called the Jones Act. The Jones Act requires cruise ships that travel within the USA, including Hawaii, must make a stop at a foreign port. So, for cruises originating in California, there’s a need to make a stop in northern Mexico. Since Tijuana isn’t a nice destination, the ships stop in the lovely Ensenada, Mexico. These are the best things to do in Ensenada while on cruise – the best things to do with one day in Ensenada.
Ensenada Self Walking Tour
It’s possible to do your own walking tour, the total walking time is about 1 hour which leaves plenty of time to make stops along the way. This post details the best things to do in Ensenada, which are all along the path marked in this Ensenada walking tour map, and these items are in order if you do a counterclockwise trip along this path.
Take Your Photo at the Ensenada Sign
As you walk towards town, the first notable sight is the Ensenada Sign. If you leave the ship early, you should be able to get some pictures without loads of people in them.
Visit the Hotel Riviera del Pacifico
From the sign, you will walk over to the Hotel Riviera del Pacifico. This hotel was all the rage during the US prohibition. Americans would come down to Ensenada to imbibe in tequila and other drinks. This hotel was a hangout for movie stars and mobsters. If there’s no event going on, you can wander the halls of this place that’s now an event center. There are some interesting murals and chandaliers. The hotel is supposedly haunted so watch out for the ghost! There are several souvenier shops in the courtyard and the Bar Andaluz that is one of the two places in town that claim to be birthplace of the Margarita, the limey, tequila drink.
Go Shopping
From the hotel, you’re going to head towards Hussong’s Cantina via Primera Street, the main shopping street in Ensenada. There are loads of shops along this street with everything from Mexican goods to knock-off NFL stuff.
One of the recommended shops is Bazar Casa Ramirez, a 2-story shop with some unique Mexican crafts. Check out the snack and drink selection at 7-11. They have loads of products that aren’t available in the USA. Pop into a drugstore where you can buy many drugs without prescriptions, at a fraction of the prices of the USA. Hey, you might even pay for your cruise by the savings!
Hit a Bar
When you’re done shopping, head up to Ruiz Avenue. It’s time for an alcoholic refreshment. If you want to visit a historic cantina, head over to Hussong’s Cantina. Hussong’s also claims to be the birthplace of the Margarita. If you want loud music and something more modern, head over to Papa’s & Beer, just next door. There’s also a gift shop in the vicinity if you want to bring home some Hussong’s or Papa’s gear.
Go Look at the Seafood at the Fish Market
From the bar you will head towards the pier. At the pier, look for the big white arches which are the entry into the Ensenada fish market. The market is in a big blue building, with the names “Mercado Negro” and “Mercado de Mariscos” painted on the side. You will see the catch of the day including fish from small to large and all kinds of weird seafood. While you probably shouldn’t buy fish to bring back to the US, you likely could purchase something to have cooked at one of the restaurants flanking the fish market.
Eat Fish Tacos
If you want some authentic food, stop at one of the restaurants next to the fish market. I walked around and selected one that had more locals eating. Despite the cruise ship in town, I didn’t see any of my fellow cruise mates dining at the fish market. Prices are moderate, I paid about $4.50 for a beer and two fish tacos with a wide selection of salsas and other condiments.
Go for a Harbor Cruise With Locals
From the fish market you will go back out to the waterfront. Walk about a block towards the cruiseship and look for a sign on a wooden building with a sign that says “Juanitos”. If you walk around here, you will likely have a guy come up to you and offer you a private harbor cruise (i.e. you pay for the whole boat), but if you look around and see a bunch of Mexican people getting on a boat, this is likely a boat taking tourists. Go down the ramp and ask the boat captain “Puedo?” which is “may I?” If he says “Si” then grab a seat on the boat and put on a life jacket (required in the port). They will come around and collect the fare for the 45-60 minute ride, which is 50 pesos, or about $2.50 USD. I paid my money and sailed away, the only non-Mexican passenger.
As we pulled away from port, they cranked up the volume on lively Spanish music and I danced in my seat. The boat pretty much drove under the bow of the cruise ship. It’s amazing how small I felt under the bow. The tour boat honked at the ship and I waived at the cruise ship passengers as we sailed by. From there, we went out further and cruised by some buoys and platforms that had California seals. I wasn’t very animal-friendly, but the boat bumped into one of the platforms gently, so the seals jumped in the water. This is the most fun you can have for about $2.50 in Ensenada!
Hit the Park and More Shops Before You Head Back to The Ship
There is a park and a few more shops to check out are you near the ship. Into perfumes? The best perfume shop is near the port… a big white building called French Parfum Perfumería.
Watch the Seals
Seals seem to love the rocks near where the cruise ship docks. You can either watch them from the shore or spy on them from the ship. It’s so fun to watch them play in the waves and watch them warm themselves in the sun.
Want to Travel Further?
Lots of people like to visit the wineries or Walmart. There are tours, shuttles, and taxis available at the port or thru the cruise line. If you want to get out of town, you can get a tour to La Bufadora, a blow hole that blows up to 100 feet in the air!
Can You Use US Dollars in Ensenada?
Every time I spent money in Ensenada, I was able to spend USD. You may get change in either Pesos or USD. You might get a slightly better rate if you pay in pesos, but it’s not worth an ATM fee if you’re only going to be spending a few dollars (I spent less than $10 on my Ensenada walking tour).
Is Ensenada Safe?
I felt very safe walking around Ensenada using the route mapped above. The least comfortable thing about walking around is the aggressive salespeople on the shopping street, but it’s fine if you have a sense of humor about it.
This post contains affiliate links. This website earns a small commission for items purchased through these links with no additional cost to you.
Not visiting on a cruise and have more than one day in Ensenada? Check out Rates and Availability for Hotels in Ensenada
Check out other things to do in Mexico.
Like this post? Click on the picture below to save to pinterest.
2 comments
I’ve taken many cruises, but haven’t made it to the Pacific Coast of Mexico yet. Pinning this for when I finally make it there!
Great blog. Thanks for sharing. Yes … the seafood photo doesn’t look very good)