Ensenada is an easy to navigate port because your ship docks right outside of town, with no tender boats or water taxis needed. You simply walk off the ship and you’re immediately surrounded by tourist friendly spots, making it easy to wander, explore, eat, drink, and shop until it’s time to head back onboard.

From my many visits to Ensenada, I’ve put together this guide with personal recommendations for things to do, whether you’re into history, wine, tequila, or great food.

These places are based on my real experience to help you make the most of your time ashore. I’ve also included a few things I suggest avoiding so you can spend your time on what’s worth it.

If you’re into history and tequila, Ensenada is the port for you as it’s famously known as the birthplace of the margarita. Two different bars in town claim to have invented the drink, and both are an easy walk from port. You can also visit a local distillery offering tequila tastings along with a small museum-style display, all just steps from the port.

DISTANCE FROM PORT: .7 Mile

Doña Engracia is a family founded tequila brand rooted in traditional Jalisco distilling, created to honor the family matriarch and her legacy. One of the highlights is their small tequila history exhibit, where you can learn how tequila is made and how the spirit evolved over time.

Their Ensanada store and tasting room offers an easy way to sample their lineup of blanco, reposado, anejo and flavored tequilas. Tastings are simple to join; you can sign up at the door or through street-side promoters. The whole experience is fun and informative and usually takes about 15-20 Minutes. It’s a fun stop if you want a little culture and a little tequila education.

NOTE: The store sells more than just tequila! They also have excellent quality Mexican vanilla for sale along with other local products including local honey and gourmet salts.

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DISTANCE FROM PORT: .8 Mile

Bar Andulúz, inside Ensenada’s Riviera Centro, is the elegant counterpart to Hussong’s in the city’s long‑running margarita origin story. This bar credits bartender David Negrete with creating the drink for Margarita King, a glamorous Ziegfeld showgirl and socialite who frequented the Riviera during its golden era. The setting still carries that old‑Hollywood charm, making it a memorable place to enjoy a margarita in the very spot tied to one of its most enduring legends.

PRO TIP: There is a patio with tables, chairs and umbrellas so you can enjoy your drink outside in a historic Mexican courtyard. Also, they have complimentary restrooms for guests.

NOTE: They do not serve food at this bar.

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DISTANCE FROM PORT: .8 Mile

Hussong’s Cantina, founded in 1892, is Ensenada’s oldest and most legendary bar that’s been a local hangout for more than a century. It’s famously one of the two places that claim to have invented the margarita, crediting bartender Don Carlos Orozco with creating the drink in 1941 for Margarita Henkel.

The vibe is classic cantina décor and occasional live norteño music. It’s a quick, fun stop if you want a taste of Ensenada’s history and a margarita in the spot where the story began.

PRO TIP: Their Margaritas are fairly small considering the price. Go here if you’re looking for history, not value.

NOTE: They do not serve food at this bar.

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Ensenada offers plenty of great food, but these are the spots I personally recommend for great food. Start your day at a cozy breakfast café known for its waffles and crepes, then enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine and refreshing drinks at a lively local favorite. Before heading back to the ship, don’t miss the small churro stand near the port; their churros are truly the best!

DISTANCE FROM PORT: .8 Mile

Mr. & Mrs. Waffle in Ensenada is known for its warm hospitality and consistently excellent food. Owned by a local couple passionate about creating a cozy, welcoming space, the restaurant features a covered patio that’s perfect for starting your day. Alongside their signature waffles, they serve giant crepes, indulgent French toast, and specialty coffee that make every visit feel like a treat.

PRO TIP: If you’re not terribly hungry but just want to try the waffles, you can order off the kids menu

NOTE: They also have a Mr. & Mrs. Waffle location in Puerto Vallarta.

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DISTANCE FROM PORT: 1 Mile

There are plenty of Mexican restaurants in Ensenada, but El Corralito stands out as my personal favorite. The food is consistently excellent, the service is fantastic, and the prices stay reasonable even though it’s right in the heart of the tourist zone. They have a full bar and their guacamole and enchiladas are the star of the menu. The walls are completely covered in signed dollar bills, giving the place a fun, memorable atmosphere that adds to the experience.

PRO TIP: Choose to sit INSIDE to avoid interruptions from street vendors and the chaos of the street.

NOTE: Although the restaurant is located in the heart of the tourist area, the atmosphere is NOT a party atmosphere like Senor Frogs or Papas and Beer.

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DISTANCE FROM PORT: .6 Mile

Churros El Tío Gelos is one of Ensenada’s sweetest hidden gems, especially because they’re one of the only places where you can get stuffed churros aka churros rellenos. They offer delicious options like chocolate, strawberry (fresa), caramel (dulce de leche), and vanilla cream, all piped fresh into warm churros right out of the fryer. They’re also just steps away from the cruise port and we’ve literally hopped off the ship just to grab churros and climbed right back onboard afterward. It’s a quick stop, but absolutely one of the most memorable treats in Ensenada.

PRO TIP: Though they sometimes set up satellite stands during nearby events, the original location is the only place where you can get them “relleno-syle”.

NOTE: They also sell fried plantains and you can order a plantain and churro combo plate.

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There are many historical locations within easy walking distance of the Ensenada cruise port, making it simple to explore the city’s heritage in a short visit.

DISTANCE FROM PORT: .7 Mile

The Centro Social, Cívico y Cultural Riviera de Ensenada is one of the city’s most beautiful and historic landmarks and it’s completely free to explore on your own. Once a glamorous 1930s beachfront resort and casino, the Riviera still feels like stepping into Ensenada’s Golden Age, with tiled courtyards, arched hallways, hand‑painted murals, and peaceful gardens you can wander at your own pace.

PRO TIP: There are complimentary public restrooms here.

NOTE: This is also the location of Bar Anduluz [from the TEQUILA] section. There is also a coffee shop onsite that sells pastry, sandwiches and snacks.

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DISTANCE FROM PORT: .8 Mile

Plaza Cívica de la Patria is one of Ensenada’s signature waterfront landmarks, known for its towering civic monuments and open coastal views. The plaza features the famous three bronze heads of Mexico’s national heroes and sits directly beside Ensenada’s massive coastal flagpole, which is visible from much of the shoreline..

NOTE: This park is just outside of the the cruise port, classic Ensenada sign photo spot and splash pad for the kids. There are usually local vendors nearby with food and souvenirs .

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DISTANCE FROM PORT: 1.3 Mile

Plaza de Santo Tomás is a small historic square built around the original facilities of Bodegas de Santo Tomás, Baja California’s oldest winery, founded in 1888. The plaza was developed to showcase the winery’s heritage and create a public space where visitors can enjoy local art displays, small shops, and seasonal events, making it an easy and enjoyable place to explore at your own pace.

NOTE: Bodegas de Santo Tomas is a bit of a walk from port but this area is filled with shops and restaurants. Also, it’s a short walk from here to the Cathedral [BELOW]

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DISTANCE FROM PORT: 1.3 Mile

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The Our Lady of Guadalupe Co Cathedral is a 1940s landmark that shares primary cathedral status within the Diocese of Ensenada. Visitors can take a brief self guided walk through its sanctuary with colorful stained glass windows, carved woodwork, and an altar dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe. It’s a quick, worthwhile stop for anyone interested in historic churches or architecture and easy to skip if those themes aren’t a priority.

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La Bufadora is a natural blowhole formed by a sea cave that channels incoming waves into a narrow opening in the coastal rock, forcing water upward in a dramatic spray. Though geologically interesting, it’s over 1 hour away from port and accessible only by organized tour or excursion. All visitors must walk through a long stretch of shops and restaurants where vendors can be quite aggressive. The “public” restroom is a pay toilet, and the blowhole itself is small and often underwhelming compared to its reputation. Overall, it’s not a recommended use of limited port time given Ensenada’s many more enjoyable experiences.

PRO TIP: Be sure you take singles or pesos with you on your excursion so you can use the restroom

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