Local Gems In Ensenada Downtown

Looking for quirky things to do in Ensenada while on a cruise or just exploring downtown? Scroll to the bottom!

As someone who lives here full-time and also travels (including the occasional cruise), I’ve gathered a local’s take on Ensenada—quirky, fun, and a little off the beaten path. This is the same insider info I share with my massage and tour clients.

For each spot, I include the “Easy Touristy Option” and my “Local Gem” alternative.

Because let’s be honest: sometimes you’re in the mood for convenience, and other times you’re up for a little adventure and charm—minus the polish.

This guide is always a work in progress—kind of like life, right?

How to Get Around First:

Go for a stroll along La Primera (First Street) or the Malecon (harbor walk), or take the shuttle from the cruise port.

🚐 Shuttle Tips:

Las Dunas drops you at Three Heads Park (right near McDonald’s).
Misioneros drops you at Pueblo Antiguo, directly into a classic souvenir zone.

Eat Tacos & Churros!

Food is half the fun in Ensenada—and if you’ve already tried the famous Buffalo Milk on Catalina Island, churros and tacos are the perfect Mexican counterpart.

Churros

Easy Option: Café La Churrería – A clean, sit-down spot with a coffee shop vibe, great for pairing crispy churros with espresso or hot chocolate.
Local Gem: Street cart on the Malecón – Follow your nose! You'll find a small churro stand between the cruise port and the Mercado Negro (fish market). Simple, hot, sugary goodness.

Mexican Candy

Local Gem: Just around the corner from Hotel Santo Tomás, there’s a small stand loaded with coconut treats, tamarindo snacks, and all kinds of Mexican sweets.
Easy Option: Pop into an OXXO or 7-Eleven and explore the local candy aisle—try a Pulparindo or Lucas for a true taste of Mexico.

Diner Food – Comfort & Local Flavor

Local Gem: Buen Provecho Café
A super simple, no-frills working man’s café inside Villa Mexicana, next to El Portero Viejo. I love the buffet setup and the fresh juice options. It’s where locals fuel up—good food, fast, and cheap.

Easy Tourism: Hogaza Hogaza
Right on La Primera, this cozy café offers salads, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. A soft landing if you’re taking a break from tacos and want something a little more familiar and polished.

Best Tacos in Ensenada

Fish Taco

Local Gem: Mako’s Tacos – Just one block south of the cruise port. Walk to the main street (Blvd Costero), turn right, and it’s on the right. Super fresh.
Also try: Mariscos Pez Urbano for more seafood flair.
Easy Tourism: Bullos on La Primera – Crispy tacos with beer & margarita packages. Tourist-friendly with sit-down seating and solid reviews.

Meat Taco

Easy Tourism: Ranchito Fénix – A sit-down spot just a block from Tacos Fénix. Easier for groups, with fast service.
Local Gem: El Paisa on 10th and 20 de Noviembre – Local favorite for carne asada with handmade tortillas and lightning-fast taco assembly.
When You Want Pork: Carnitas Riviera – Great street-style carnitas, just a few blocks from the port.

Seafood Tacos / Mariscos

Easy Tourism: La Guerrerense – Anthony Bourdain’s famous pick. Tons of flavor combos and toppings. Grab a bite from the cart or sit down in their nearby restaurant. Always a line, but worth it.
Local Gem: La Doña – Hidden behind CEARTE near the Riviera Cultural Center. Local favorite for fresh seafood. Bonus: it’s just down the block from Carnitas Riviera, so you can try both in one go. Only 3 blocks from port security!

Lobster & Seafood Delicacies

Lobster Tacos & Plates

Easy Tourism: Mariscos Bahía – A casual and comfortable seafood spot right on the Malecon. Good portions, sidewalk patio seating, and easy to find.
Local Gem: Cocedora de Langosta – Known for their lobster tacos and fresh prep. A go-to for locals wanting authentic flavor without the tourist crowds.

Smoked Tuna or Marlin

Where to Go: Mercado Negro Fish Market – Located along the harbor, this is your stop for smoked tuna, marlin, and other ocean treasures. Affordable (around $13 USD/kilo), flavorful, and easy to pack for the road. Perfect for adventurous foodies.

Shop Like a Local (or a Tourist Who Knows Better)

La Primera (First Street) is your main shopping strip—packed with souvenir shops, jewelry, clothing, and quirky gifts tailored for cruise visitors. Expect lots of NFL gear, novelty items, and the kind of silly-but-fun trinkets tourists love.

Leather Goods:
Check out the leather store right on the corner of Miramar and La Primera—and another across the street—for quality belts, bags, and wallets.

Specialty Foods & Health Stores:

La Milpa (3 blocks behind the Riviera) carries Mexican herbs, teas, and health foods. Don’t expect much fresh produce, though.
El Roble inside Santo Tomás wine building focuses on vegan/vegetarian items—mostly imported goods from the U.S.

Local Markets & Thrift Finds:

Los Globos Tianguis is a sprawling 5-block market of secondhand treasures, budget clothing, and a produce & spice section. Great for bargain hunters and local flavor.
Avenida Ruiz (the route to our spa) has authentic small shops for the first 8 blocks—after that it’s mostly schools and dentists.
Gastelum Street offers no-frills local stores. Walk past 5th and you’ll see the real Ensenada—bus stops, commuters, and local buzz.

Big Box Stores:

Macroplaza has a Walmart, Home Depot, and modern shopping. It’s far from the cruiseport and lacks much local character, but it’s an option if you need basics.

🍨 Vanilla & Cigars

Vanilla:
Mexico produces some of the world’s best vanilla. Many souvenir shops along La Primera carry decent bottles—just check for “pure extract” on the label.

Cigars:

Local Gem: Habanos Cigar Shop on Blancarte has a solid selection. Their Cuban cigars are legit. I personally go for the hand-rolled Mexican cigars at the entrance—they’re budget-friendly (~$4) and wrapped in paper, not plastic.
Upscale Option: There’s a newer coffee-and-cigar lounge on La Primera if you prefer a more polished experience.
Skip: The wandering salesmen and souvenir shop cigars—quality is questionable.

Jewelry & Silver Shopping in Ensenada

Mexico is known for its beautiful silver craftsmanship, and Ensenada is no exception.

Easy Tourism Tip: Stick to shops in downtown Ensenada rather than tourist traps like La Bufadora. While the blowhole is fun, the silver sold there is often overpriced and may not be genuine. For better quality and value, browse the jewelry stores along La Primera or check out trusted shops near the Riviera Cultural Center.

Looking for something authentic? Ask if the silver is stamped ".925" — that means it's genuine sterling silver.

Sip Local: Tequila, Mezcal, Wine & More

Mexico invented tequila—so if you haven’t tried mango or chocolate tequila, now’s your chance!

Tour + Tasting: Doña Engracia offers a great tequila-making tour with generous tasting sizes. We often include this stop after ATV, horseback, or zipline tours.
Downtown Sample Stop: Tequila Room on First Street is a fun, energetic stop offering free samples (and a friendly push to buy a bottle). Ask for the mango and chocolate tequila here—or at Pai Pai and La Bufadora.

Mezcal
If you prefer something smokier, mezcal is Mexico’s other beloved agave spirit.

Local Gem: Loca Bar is a dark, cozy mezcal tasting room tucked inside the Bodegas Santo Tomás complex, 7 blocks up from First Street. Pair it with a coffee next door—vacation mode on!
- Note: Opens around 5 PM, or try AltaBaja Bar upstairs, a rooftop spot that opens at 3 PM (give or take—Google hours aren’t always reliable here).
Easy Tourism: Mitos on Costero Blvd (just before La Primera) offers mezcal and tequila in a stylish upstairs space.

Wine Tasting
Ensenada is the gateway to the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s wine country.

Local Gem: Bodegas Santo Tomás downtown is your best in-city option. Beautiful architecture, fountains, and an upscale setting make it worth the walk—7 blocks from First Street.
Easy Tourism: For the real wine experience, head out to Valle de Guadalupe on a wine tour.

Craft Beer

Phosphorus on La Primera has rotating taps and a trendy vibe. Great if you want a break from tequila.

🍸 Margaritas

Easy Tourism: Bar Andaluz inside the Riviera Cultural Center offers classic margaritas in a beautiful, historic setting.
Local Gem: Hussong’s Cantina is legendary—gritty, iconic, with peanut shells on the floor and mariachis in the background.

Spa & Self-Care in Ensenada

Easy Tourism:
Our spa offers convenient cruise port pickup and drop-off, international-quality massage, and top-tier cleanliness. We’re proud to be the “easy tourism” option—highly rated on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google. Midweek discounts are available for larger packages, making it even easier to relax without breaking the bank.

Local Gem:
Matty’s Spa is a beloved neighborhood spot for manicures and pedicures, with a small massage space perfect for individuals (not ideal for couples or groups). It's cozy, no-frills, and very local.

A Note of Caution:
Avoid places with covered windows or those advertising “shower service”—these typically offer sensual services. Always check TripAdvisor or Google for legitimate reviews to ensure a professional experience.

Compared to the Ship Spa or Catalina’s Sea Spa:
Our prices are significantly lower, though we keep it simple—not overly luxurious. You’ll still get an excellent massage and warm service from local professionals.

Bonus: Thinking About a Tattoo?
Several clients have recommended Black & Gold Tattoo Studio on La Primera. It’s clean, professional, and delivers high-quality results. You can check out their work here: @blackgoldmx.ttt

Collect Your Selfies with the Ensenada City Signs!

There are at least five colorful “Ensenada” signs scattered around town—perfect for memorable photos!

One at the entrance to town, at the far end of La Primera (furthest from the cruise port)
One on the Malecon, just to the left of the ship dock
One inside the cruise port security area
One on Playa Hermosa beach
One at La Bufadora (the blowhole)

The first three are all within walking distance from the ship, so you can check them off easily during your visit.

Get Some Culture in Ensenada!

If you're looking to soak up some local history, art, and quirky fun, these cultural stops offer a great mix of authentic and entertaining experiences—all walkable from the cruise port where Carnival and others dock.

Cultural Highlights:

Riviera Cultural Center & historic Bar Andaluz – Charming gardens, regional architecture, and the birthplace of the margarita (allegedly!)
CEARTE Art Museum – Contemporary art and regional exhibits with a focus on Baja’s cultural roots
Regional Historic Museum – Housed in an old jail, this compact museum shares the history of the area, its people, plants, and traditions

Self-Guided Walk (Do These in Order from Cruise Port):

Capone’s Hideout
Funky Furniture Store
Fresh Churro Stop
Decorate Ensenada with a US Dollar Bill at El Corralito
Get a Mexifornia Driver’s License (just for fun!)
Meditation Gardens behind the Riviera
Hipster Shops Collection in Villa Mexicana
CEARTE Art Museum

Have updates?
Ensenada is always changing, so if you notice something new or outdated, let me know! I want to keep this guide fresh and helpful for everyone exploring this awesome town.

Explore the Riviera Cultural Center
Step into Ensenada’s past with a visit to the beautiful Riviera Cultural Center, known for its colonial architecture, lush gardens, and fascinating history. Originally built as a casino by none other than Al Capone, this historic building is now home to a small museum, cultural events, and the legendary Bar Andaluz, which claims to be the birthplace of the margarita.

Wander the well-maintained public gardens, admire the colorful wall murals, and soak up the charm of one of Ensenada’s most iconic buildings. Entrance to the gardens is free, and the museum has a small admission fee.

How to get there:
It’s just a short, easy walk from the cruise port. Walk straight from the ship, and you’ll spot the large white building—can’t miss it.

Bonus:
On Sundays at 4 PM (when Carnival Imagination is docked), the plaza comes alive with live music and dancing. A local group of golden-age dancers takes the stage at 3 PM and encourages everyone to join in. Whether you're into Latin tunes or old-school American classics, it's a feel-good experience that doesn’t interfere with your cruise sleep schedule—and yes, dancing with strangers is encouraged!

Funky Design & Art at Fausto Polanco Furniture
Looking for something totally unique? Stop by Fausto Polanco Furniture at the quiet end of La Primera (just over the little river/bridge). This funky designer furniture and art shop blends bold Mexican style with quirky creativity.

Some pieces will make you laugh, others might just spark your next home redesign idea. Whether you’re redecorating or just window shopping, it’s a fun stop for color, texture, and inspiration.

📍 Corner of La Primera and the bridge—on the quieter side of downtown.

Eat a Fresh Churro
Fresh churros in Mexico are like Krispy Kreme at their best—crispy, sugary, and totally addictive. When they’re hot out of the fryer, they’re pure joy.

My go-to spot? A tiny churro window on La Primera, tucked between larger shops next to El Rey Sol. It’s easy to miss, but unforgettable once you find it.

Another local favorite is the churro vendor near the Roma Pharmacy at Three Heads Park (by the giant flag plaza). You’ll usually find him set up near the horse carriages.

Trust me—ask for them fresh and try one stuffed with cajeta (caramel) if you want to level up the experience.

Leave Your Mark at El Corralito!
Bring a dollar (or two) and post it on the wall at Restaurante El Corralito—but don’t forget to write a message! A wish, a goal, a rant, or even just your name and the date. It’s like carving your initials in a tree… but tastier and less destructive.

Next time you visit Ensenada, come back and find your bill—like checking in on a time capsule.

The vibe here is fun and casual, with a menu that blends Mexican favorites and classic diner-style plates. A great little memory to create while you eat!

Get Your “Mexifornia” Driver’s License
Want a souvenir that’ll raise eyebrows and spark laughs? Grab yourself a fake Mexifornia driver’s license—a hilarious little keepsake that costs about $10 and takes just 10 minutes to make. You’ll find it at Rudy’s Curios, right across from McDonald's on La Primera.

Bonus: they sell fireworks too (just don’t light them near the port!).

Rudy’s Curios is one of many quirky souvenir shops along the street. Most carry similar oddball treasures—perfect for a fun gift to a young niece or nephew, the kind that will be adored for five minutes and forgotten in five months. But hey, it’s the thought (and the laughter) that counts.

Visit a Park in Ensenada

Easy Tourism:
Start with Three Heads Park and the Flag Pole (Parque de la Bandera)—just steps from the cruise port, right on the boardwalk. The enormous Mexican flag is an iconic sight, and there are playful water fountains, vendors with coffee and tacos, and space to relax by the harbor.

Local Gem #1: Parque Revolución
About five blocks inland from Hussong’s Cantina, this is a newly revitalized neighborhood park. It’s where locals gather for casual strolls, kids run around the playground, and seniors play chess under the gazebo. There are street food stands, and it’s right next to Boules, one of my favorite spots for outdoor lunch under the magnolia trees. On Sundays, expect vendors, balloons, maybe a live band—this is local life in full swing.

Local Gem #2: Keiki Ecological Park
Ready for a light urban hike? Head 13 blocks uphill from the Papas & Beer side of La Primera to this peaceful botanical garden. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Ensenada, plus a unique statue of Princess Tara, a Buddhist gift from Nepal in the 1980s. The trail is safe and runs through residential neighborhoods, or you can grab a cab for about $8.

Bonus: This park is just a block from our massage studio and two blocks from my favorite taco stand (El Paisa!). If you're booking a massage with us, request an early pickup so you can explore this authentic slice of Ensenada before or after your session. We’ll still get you back to the ship with time to spare.

Keiki Park features labeled native plants and occasional events like organic markets on Sundays. It’s a peaceful alternative to the buzz of La Primera.

And on your way up, don’t miss another great stop: Parque Revolución, on Sexta and Obregón. Big shady trees, a playground, food vendors, and—on Sundays—live music and a joyful local vibe.

Hipster Food + Lifestyle: Villa Mexicana

Tucked just behind La Primera, Villa Mexicana is a low-key, revitalized complex of modern shops, cafés, and eateries that feels more like local life than cruise-tourism. If you’re craving something stylish, chill, and Instagram-worthy—but still 100% safe and local—this is it.

You’ll find everything from ceviche spots, juice bars, and bakeries to wine and cigar shops, all wrapped in charming, walkable architecture. I love wandering the alleyways to see what’s new. It’s not brand-new construction, so it has an established charm, but most shops are fresh, modern, and designed with care.

The vibe is completely different from the busy cruise strip of La Primera—less pressure, more personality. Shops here are owned by young locals with a sense of style and quality. Think less dusty old-school panadería, more curated panini and pour-over coffee.

Getting There:
It’s a pedestrian-only zone bordered by Riveroll, Alvarado, La Primera, and Segundo. You can’t walk in from La Primera directly—shops block the way—so you’ll need to enter from one of the side streets.

I recommend this spot for anyone who wants to slow down, support small businesses, and experience Ensenada beyond the souvenir stands.

More guides on artsy things, kid-friendly stops, and walkable adventures coming soon—I’ll link them here as they go live.

CEARTE State Art Museum

I always appreciate a little extra art in my life—especially when it’s free. (Confession: I once bought a piece at the Carnival Art Gallery mostly because the hype and salesmanship got to me… oops.)

For a more relaxed and genuinely enriching art experience, take a short 2-block walk from the cruise ship to CEARTE. This modern cultural center features two large exhibition halls with rotating art shows, an airy outdoor sculpture plaza, and a peaceful café with outdoor seating.

There’s also a small bookstore, and while the performance space usually activates in the evenings, the daytime visit is still a worthwhile cultural pause during your walk around town.

🎨 Tip: Check their Facebook page for current exhibits and events.

Other Useful Blogs:

Best Taco in Ensenada

Best Ensenada Excursions Recommendations

Beach Options in Ensenada

Visit Ensenada Downtown with us on a City Tour!

Jesse Atkinson is an expat from Wisconsin who has called Ensenada home since 2011. He’s the founder of Ensenada Massage and Ensenada Excursions and Tours, and spends his days building a life by the sea—raising his dogs, Tina and Lola, on Playa Hermosa.

Things to do in Ensenada Port Near Downtown Cruise Terminal

Local Gems In Ensenada Downtown