Ensenada has it all, almost! And sometimes information is hard to find for visitors without family and friends network, so here is my local share on best beaches for different activities.
I will be updating this with location pins and more info as I explore and surf the best beaches here, so please forgive my work in progress and come back. Send me comments too with what you discover and I will update.
Are the beaches in Ensenada open?
Yes! As of 9/26 the beaches are open. This may change. I don’t know about La Mision or Rosarito, but Ensenada Playa Hermosa was full of families and shade umbrellas.
Playa Hermosa, Malecon Section
Characteristic: Long and wide sandy beach along the major city road and sidewalk. City cleans seaweed daily? A few palapas and nonfunctional showers.
Access: Public beach with street parking, wooden walkways, mini-mart OXXO within walking.
Bano Situation: Public toilets available for a few pesos, and outhouses.
Best activities: common family playtime, surfing the consistent moderate beach break, fishing, horseback rentals nearby, bike lane for biking/running. 3-mile jog on beach is great.
Locals tip: live music bands near 7-11 Saturday and Sunday afternoon near busy oxxo section. Pacifica beach entrance is much quieter.
Google pin Oxxo and Concrete steps:
Google pin quiet entrance end of bike path.
Keep in mind local beach culture is different than Southern California, so you won’t find as many beach sunbathers and sporty types. Signs posted request dogs on leash on city beaches. Other places dogs are often of the leash. Camping and beach fires are allowed. Camping is not 100% safe in public areas.
Playa La Jolla, Punta Banda
Characteristic: Long sandy beach in private rental and RV area. No big waves, so great for SUP, kayak and wading.
Access: Entrance is through a private community.
Bano: nada
Best activities: digging in the sand for thermal water, kayak, SUP, swimming, long walks, horseback riding.
Locals tip: during low tide, dig in the sand to get thermal warm water to well up.
Google Location Pin:
For an Ensenada Beach with Sand Dunes and Estuary in Ensenada, Use Pacifica Condo Entrance
Quintas Papagayo:
Characteristic: Long rock cliff/wall with public walk way infront of nice homes. Begins in Coral Marina to Quintas Papaguayo. In Sauzal
Access: Entrance is 1) Northern enterance thru Coral Marina Hotel, enter and go back parking to left behind hotel. Hotel security closes the fence gate at 6pm? 2) Southern entrance through a Service road along Highway 1, just between some houses with a metal bar gate, usually unattended. No parking or car access at 2nd entry point.
Bano: nada
Best activities: walking, chatting, moutain biking, dog walking. Cover is good for kayak and swimming, but smooth rocky shore - no sand! Coral Marina has rentals that you can take in their private cove, but separate area and cove than public area.
Locals tip: during summer days, gets a bit crowded with people hanging out, not doing beach stuff. Music, chatting, eating, socializing.
Google Pin:
Tres Ms Industrial Beach and Surf Break:
Characteristic: Small sand, then smooth rocky beach under steep cliff. Point break for intemediate and advanced surfers. Beach is fine to hang out in. It is surrounded by industrial buildings, with brewery across the street.
Next to Wendlant’s brewery, great for walk before or after beer, or dog walk. In an Industrial Area, surf break in distance in picture. . .
Access: A bit tricky. The off/on ramp between D1 (north south rosarito-enseanda transpenninsular) and D3 (east-west Ruta del Vino) follow sign to Wendlant’s Brewery. Past stop sign and straight through industrial area to ocean. Wendlants on left, parking and beach access on right.
Bano: no shower, toilet, or bathroom
Best activities: Surfing, catch the sunset before/after a visit to the brewery, or on way to/from Valley de Guadalupe.
Locals tip: Wendlants has nice tasting room. Long walks along the sidewalk to industrial port. Not a particularly beautiful area. There is security at entrance for the industrial port, so cars and stuff should be safe. Also long sidewalk along the rock barrier to the port, good for walking and seldom used.
San Miguel Camp and Surf Point:
Characteristic: Rocky point with great point break for experienced surfers. Large parking lot for camping, hanging out.
Access: Easy car access with 100 peso entrance. Camping allowed for more. Just after the toll booth entering Ensenada.
Bano: Bathroom and showers in stinky condition.
Best activities: Surfing, chilling, Sunsets, camping, dog walking. A classic surf point, may be crowded for surfers when conditions are good.
Locals tip: Dry river/ estuary next to the parking lot is nice for long walk/ scramble with dogs. There is a bit of sand on the river. Mini mart and restaurant within walking distance. Since it is private, more secure for camping, and not as many locals as other places.
Google Location Pin:
Stacks: Another rocky/sandy break for intermediate/advanced surfers. NO facilities, NO parking. Lots of car's break ins.... so...NO!
Other useful info: Best Taco