BajaNomad

Rosarito/Ensenada day trip advice

vetra - 3-13-2008 at 08:38 AM

My wife and I will be making a short 3 day trip to San Diego at the end of this month and while there, would like to take the opportunity to do a day trip to Rosarito/Ensenada in part to soak in some different sites—I understand the drive down is quite scenic and in part to get a feel for the area as a possible retirement destination in the not too too distant future. Our mission over the next couple of years is to at least see some areas we read about as retirement possibilities so that we can narrow down the list for further, more in depth exploration.

Other than a brief walk over the border to Tijuana on a business trip to San Diego shortly after 9/11 I’ve got some newbie questions that maybe you folks can help me with:

1. We will be driving over. I know about the need to get Mexican insurance, obeying speed limits, and pretty much limiting driving to day time hours. From what I have read, the toll road is the way to go and most places report that once on the road the drive is pretty easy and the road is in good repair. (Though actually a couple of posts here have indicated the need to watch out for potholes and instances of vandalism—rocks placed on the road, etc.) Anything in particular I should be concerned or particularly cautious about on the drive down?

2. What do you do with the vehicle when in the towns—do you need to find secure parking or is parking on the street ok?

3. We would like to visit some beach areas while visiting are there usually convenient parking areas in these locations? Parking while exploring Punta Banda?

4. From what I have read, it seems that Ensenada is the furthest point south of the official tourist zone—does this include Punta Banda and La Fudora?

5. Would like to explore Ensenada a bit—beyond the tourist zone—either by foot or by car—are there particular neighborhoods we should definitely stay out of and may be more importantly some areas we definitely should see—for instance, I can’t think of the name right now, but I did run across mention of an area up in the hills (I think it is marked by a big flag or something that is supposed to provide a scenic overlook on the town and the ocean.)

6. One of the things we had hoped to do during this trip is some whale watching—though I understand that late March is probably pushing the season a little bit. I checked into some tours, but unfortunately they are about 4 hours in length which will eat up way more time than we have on this all too brief visit. Nonetheless we would like to get out on the water a bit—would it be possible to hire a panga to go out for an hour or so?

7. Same sorts of questions apply for Rosarito regarding walking around or exploring the town by car—any neighborhoods we should avoid, what should we do with the car? Any places of particular interest we should see—even if it is just neighborhoods that might give us a feel for how the gringo community lives dwon here>

8. Is this a doable itinerary?

a. Leave San Diego early in the morning—somewhere between 7-8am arrive Ensenada sometime mid morning (10:30 ish?) Probably traveling on a Sunday.
b. Spend 4-5 hours in Ensenada, walking around, Punta Banda, maybe brief harbor tour.
c. Leave Ensenada to Rosarito sometime mid afternoon—3-ish? Maybe stop in Puerto Nuevo for some lobster.
d. Spend a few hours in Rosorito and head back to San Diego.

Sorry for the long post. Any suggestions or advice on any of the above will be a great help!

beachbum1A - 3-13-2008 at 09:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by vetra
e ocean.)
8. Is this a doable itinerary?

a. Leave San Diego early in the morning—somewhere between 7-8am arrive Ensenada sometime mid morning (10:30 ish?) Probably traveling on a Sunday.
b. Spend 4-5 hours in Ensenada, walking around, Punta Banda, maybe brief harbor tour.
c. Leave Ensenada to Rosarito sometime mid afternoon—3-ish? Maybe stop in Puerto Nuevo for some lobster.
d. Spend a few hours in Rosorito and head back to San Diego.

Sorry for the long post. Any suggestions or advice on any of the above will be a great help!

Absolutely NOT. You're trying to cram way too much into one single day. You never said where you were currently living nor how often you could get to San Diego with the intent of exploring into Baja but you really need to reconsider an itinerary that would afford you more time in each of Rosarito Beach and the Ensenada area. Concentrate your efforts on one area and then stretch it out into at least a 3-4 day weekend. Maybe then you could get some ideas from locals on things that are ireally mportant to you.

wilderone - 3-13-2008 at 09:23 AM

Go out on whale watching boat in San Diego - some whales are returning now. Cross in Tecate, stop at a couple wineries. Have fish tacos in El Sauzal. Go to Ensenada for shopping, walking around. Drive to Estero Beach if you want for a little beach time, beer at the restaurant. Head back via Mex. 3, have dinner at Los Naranjos, cross in Tecate.

vetra - 3-13-2008 at 12:31 PM

yeah, I guess I was thinking we might have been pushing it with all the things we had hoped to do on a one day tour--given that our time is short, which might be the more interesting town to spend our time in Ensenada or Rosarito. Again, I realize we are not going to get the full flavor of the area in a one day trip...but just want to see what the area looks like, pick up a little bit of the vibe.

To answer your question earlier, we live in Chicago, don't get to San Diego often, well actually almost never--my wife hasn't been and I've only been there once for brief business trip, though we have been to California 5-6 times. . But as I said we are seriously considering Mexico as a retirement option and would like to see some places that we have read about as popular reitirement havens--gotten get out of these gloomy Chicago winters and looking for a cost effective way to do it. Have only been to Mexico once--Oaxaca and the Oaxacan coast--Mazunte--loved it but scouting places closer to the border...Retirement is a ways off--6-8 years, just want to start some initial scouting...hope this helps.

Even if we don't do anything on this trip, but drive down and drive back up at least it will give us some kind of feel for the place---I hope.

Woooosh - 3-13-2008 at 12:35 PM

Better food, retirement options and cheap condos in Miami Beach. YOu can buy a condo in Miami that's twice the size of an oceanfront one in Rosarito for about half the price. Not to mention the saftey and security. If you're realy considering retiring in Baja- consider the real Baja- way way way south and away from the border where the water is clean and warm and the locals of all nationalities more inviting. JMHO though

vetra - 3-13-2008 at 02:20 PM

ok--thanks for weighing in...like I said retirement is still a ways off, just on sort of scouting missions now--but I guess for the purposes of this trip I guess what I am trying to ask is it worth it to take a day and drive down to Ensenada and back just to check things out?

The Drive to Ensenada

Gypsy Jan - 3-13-2008 at 02:43 PM

on the toll road (Scenic Highway) is spectacularly beautiful, IF you have good weather. The last part that winds down the coast to the city rivals Big Sur in beautiful ocean vistas, but the coast is prone to fog, so the views can be very hit or miss.

Are you prepared to spend three-to-four hours just getting to La Bufadora? The scenery is well worth it.

La Bufadora is great fun for first time visitors, with a half mile long alley of what you find at a carnival - many, many kischy souvenir vendors mixed up with a few nice quality shops (art, jewelry, wood carvings, good leather items), street food stalls, churro hawkers and various street entertainers.

At the end, you arrive at the sometimes underwhelming water spout, but it is a beloved tourist destination of choice for many Mexican families and it's bound to be lively because of Semana Santa (Holy Week) when all of Mexico packs up their family and goes somewhere.

[Edited on 3-13-2008 by Gypsy Jan]

vetra - 3-13-2008 at 02:53 PM

ok--thanks--that was helpful--3-4 hours just to get to La Bufadora--wow I guess I thought it was shorter than that--still it sounds like the scenery on the way down is worth it--I am assuning this is still within the tourist zone. Any comments regarding parking in Ensenada?

vetra - 3-13-2008 at 02:54 PM

Also--any other suggestions for things to do on Punta Banda

Ensenada Nomads

Gypsy Jan - 3-13-2008 at 03:07 PM

I'm sure will give you a more comprehensive reply; I live forty miles north in Rosarito, but the harbour (Bahia Todos Santos) is a major cruise ship destination, so the fish market is a very entertaining stop and you can walk up a block to Ensenada's main street for shops and food (Hussong's Cantina is usually a must stop for a beer or two).

I suggest a Google search using the keyword "Ensenada" and see what comes up. I haven't looked at them lately, but baja.com and ensenada.com did have much useful information in the past for tourists.

DanO - 3-13-2008 at 03:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vetra
Also--any other suggestions for things to do on Punta Banda


If you're going full tourist to P.B., I would stop at Gordo's for a drink. Hilarious place, if it's still there. I seem to remember a lot of hats . . . .

I also like just hanging at the beach out at Punta Estero. [Insert Corona ad here.] But I'm a pretty boring guy. Activity-challenged, you might say.

susanna - 3-13-2008 at 03:53 PM

My advise is to spend the night at the Grand Baja Hotel in Puerto Nuevo so you can see more of Baja,Check their website. Ask the staff at the front desk any questions and also stop and meet my friend Jackie at Click- on. Com internet cafe and Business center just next door to the hotel there in Puerto Nuevo. Also Chelas for Lobster in PN. I hear there is a place in Primo Tapia for Breakfast not sure of the name. You can learn more from people that live there.we have met the nicest people when we were there. Good Luck!

Mike99km - 3-13-2008 at 05:22 PM

Unless you have a POS car I would park in a guarded parking parking area. When the boats are in the parking is very hard. Don't make a target out of yourself by driving something very nice if possible.
The blow hole has plenty of parking.
You are not suppose to travel pass the Ensenada area without papers but many do. The cruse ships run the masses out there all the time. Don't worry about going to the blow hole.
For whale watching go to H & M landing in San Diego there boats are bigger and safer. They also have more range then the mexican boats. Also try Point Loma Seafood some of the best seafood in town (smoked tuna sandwich). It's at the landing.

Part of the draw of Mexico is the slower pace and the living in the moment. if you have the time take the free road back to La Fonda it si very pretty at this time and very different then the toll road about 30 mins. longer.

We plan to retire there and enjoy it .

Hook - 3-13-2008 at 05:34 PM

I'd hire FDT to be your guide. While TJ is his speciality, I'm sure he could do a bang em up job of Ensenada and the Guadalupe Valley.

I like the idea of a couple wineries and some time in Ensenada. Pass on Rosarito.

DENNIS - 3-13-2008 at 06:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
I'd hire FDT to be your guide.


That may be pricey.

robrt8 - 3-13-2008 at 06:51 PM

I second Susanna's advice. You have a two day itinerary there at least. Have a good trip.

BajaNomad - 3-13-2008 at 07:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
I'd hire FDT to be your guide.


That may be pricey.
Actually, not likely.

And for someone traveling from Chicago, and only one day to maximize.... I can't think of a better suggestion than doing exactly that.

--
Doug Means

Vetra

bajaguy - 3-13-2008 at 07:11 PM

Check your u2u account.

At the top of this page in the corner on the right side.

robrt8 - 3-13-2008 at 08:44 PM

Forward that to the rest of us Bajaguy. You can u2u me!

vetra - 3-14-2008 at 07:31 AM

What is an FDT?

AN FDT

bajaguy - 3-14-2008 at 07:32 AM

Is a person......Ferna. Look for posts by him on the Baja Nomads board.

Did you get my u2u message???

BajaNomad - 3-14-2008 at 12:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vetra
What is an FDT?
As mentioned by Bajaguy, FDT is "Ferna de Tijuana" - Fernando.

He's the Organizer of the Dia De Reyes Toy Drive we've had the past two years. Pictures of him are in this thread I believe:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=28406

And one of the services he's noted for are Walking Tours of his howetown, Tijuana:
http://www.ultimatebaja.com/html/walkingtours.html

But Fernando knows the coastline well, including Rosarito and especially Ensenada. He grew up, all or partly, in Ensenada. I'm fairly confident that he would make arrangements to be your guide along the coast for the day - and quite frankly, I think all-in-all, it would be a minor expense for you to have him, and his knowledge for you - for the day - I bet would prove invaluable.

Regards,
--
Doug Means

Hook - 3-14-2008 at 01:25 PM

In fact, he might SAVE you an amount close to what he might charge (I have NO IDEA what that might be) by pointing you in the right direction on where to shop, where to eat, where to book a tour of some kind.

Cant hurt dropping him a line.

Bob H - 3-14-2008 at 06:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNomad
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
I'd hire FDT to be your guide.


That may be pricey.
Actually, not likely.

And for someone traveling from Chicago, and only one day to maximize.... I can't think of a better suggestion than doing exactly that.

--
Doug Means


I totally agree! What an excellent idea.
Bob H

DENNIS - 3-14-2008 at 07:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNomad
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
I'd hire FDT to be your guide.


That may be pricey.
Actually, not likely.



Somewhat likely.......A professional man who would drop what he's doing to give a private, guided tour would have to have a respectable price tag on his services rendered. Why not?

vetra - 3-14-2008 at 10:22 PM

Had we more time, the guide thing would really be something that would appeal to us, but for this brief day trip, we are literally just trying to get a superficial feel for the area to see if it is something we would like to explore more in depth at a later date. But knowing this kind of option might be available is somewhat intriguing.

lizard lips - 3-14-2008 at 11:18 PM

You should come down on April 5th and go to the fiesta at Baja Country Club. You can meet people that live here and you can have all day Sunday to check the area out. Who would know better than us who have decided to live here! You will be most welcome.........

BajaNomad - 3-15-2008 at 04:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNomad
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
I'd hire FDT to be your guide.


That may be pricey.
Actually, not likely.



Somewhat likely.......A professional man who would drop what he's doing to give a private, guided tour would have to have a respectable price tag on his services rendered. Why not?


1. It's not dropping what he's doing necessarily if what he does is give day tours.

2. Pricey is relative. For someone that lives in the area, knows the area, has lots of spare/free time, etc., a guide could easily seem like a "pricey" option. However, for someone traveling all the way from Chicago, with only a single daytime to devote to the area (where they've never been before), wanting to maximize what they are able to do, where they can/will go, what they will see, where they might eat, (maybe maximize their safety?), as well as possibly where else they may choose to spend some money in that only day they have.... a guide - nee, an advocate like Fernando - may absolutely be the most cost-effective price to pay for maximizing a single day along the Tijuana-Ensenada corridor. In my mind, it's a no-brainer, gotta make it happen, done-deal. Time is money baby, and Fernando can make a day in this area be golden.

:cool:

--
Doug

Vetra

Baja Bernie - 3-15-2008 at 06:42 AM

Were I a guy from Chicago I do believe I would be most confused by all of this very good advise. I spent about 40 years wandering up and down that coast and still do.

All I can say is take your time and smell the roses............scenery is out of this world........watering holes, bars, are just that BARS.

For a very short trip you are thinking of I would not waste much time in Tijuana and I doubt that I would take the extra time to take in the Blow Hole. Have some lobster and wander around Ensenada...fish market it a good bet but the harbor is not really worth the time.

Just recognize that...."Once the dust of Baja has settled on your shoulders you may never shake it off."

Have fun!

vetra - 3-15-2008 at 07:48 AM

thanks for the advice Bernie--what you describe it pretty much what we had in mind---most interested in scenery and picking up a little bit of the local vibe in the very very short time we have. Like you said, pretty much a bar is a bar--so it's probably not something we are looking to do--pretty much plan to drive down, walk or drive around a little bit and come back stopping along the way soak in some of the ambiante.

Vetra

bajaguy - 3-15-2008 at 08:50 AM

If you are going to be in Ensenada, stop by the Baja Country Club (bajacountryclub.com). About 3 miles south of the Wal-Mart/Home Depot/COSTCO complex. Check out the great retirement home sites/homes.

OK, OK....shameless advertising.......but I am looking for neighbors.......:lol::lol:

DENNIS - 3-15-2008 at 09:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNomad
In my mind, it's a no-brainer, gotta make it happen, done-deal. Time is money baby, and Fernando can make a day in this area be golden.

:cool:

--
Doug


Yeah...I agree. Too bad they don't have just a bit more time. Maybe Ferna would consider putting together a video tour to be enjoyed over and over.

DENNIS - 3-15-2008 at 09:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Baja Bernie
I doubt that I would take the extra time to take in the Blow Hole.


I agree. La Bufadora in it's natural state was a sight worth seeing. Now it's a series of junk stores with way too aggressive salesmen blocking your way. Highly over-rated. What has been allowed to take place there in the name of business is one of Baja's mortal sins. Just buy a couple of picture post cards and it will leave a better taste in your memory.

Count us in!

bajamigo - 3-23-2008 at 12:25 AM

If you engage Ferna for a day tour of Ensenada, my wife and I would love to join the tour, if you're willing and we're able. We live here full-time, but I think we'd learn a lot from Ferna. And of course, we'd pay our fair share. Should make it fun and affordable for all. Any other takers?

DENNIS - 3-23-2008 at 07:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajamigo
If you engage Ferna for a day tour of Ensenada, my wife and I would love to join the tour, if you're willing and we're able. We live here full-time, but I think we'd learn a lot from Ferna. And of course, we'd pay our fair share. Should make it fun and affordable for all. Any other takers?


Count me in.

bajadock - 3-23-2008 at 07:54 AM

Me THREE! Will recruit my neighborhood hillbonnies and hillbillies for this.

two more in

sylens - 3-24-2008 at 10:11 AM

steve and i live here permanently too, but i'm sure we'd get a lot out of a fdt tour. so please count us in.

ferna...you there??

Who is fdt ?

David K - 3-24-2008 at 10:49 AM

Ferna's web site is http://www.ultimatebaja.com

By clicking 'about' on his site, you will see Fernando's (Ferna's/ fdt's) bio... it is very interesting! His walking tour is also described there.

I have known Ferna for 8 years and have found him to be the nicest person who always will go out of his way to help others! The photo is from the day I met Fernando in 2000.

Here is his biography:


My name is Fernando Garcia, I was born in the late 50’s, in the city of Tijuana, Baja California. I am a US citizen, born abroad. What a better place than to have been born in the pristine and magical peninsula known as Baja California.

Being a native to Baja California, I have had the opportunity to travel Baja California extensively through out my childhood and I continue to do so to this day. It is one of my greatest pleasures and the reason I have created this site.

My interest and love of Baja was so strong that at the age of 15 I got permission from my parents to go to a travel school located in La Paz. I learned everything that I could concerning this beautiful peninsula and in 1975 I graduated and from this travel school and returned to my native city of Tijuana, where I began my career in the travel industry. Starting out working in hotels, one being the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. There I learned what it was to provide high quality service.

In 1985 I decided to return to school and learn more about my trade. I attended a travel trade school, SST Travel School in San Diego California. Then I began a company called Pipeline Surf Expeditions, Promoting surf events all over Mexico. From there, as with everything, we evolved to reservations and travel and now information. Welcome to The new face of Baja travel.


Ultimate Baja strives to offer the highest quality of services on the market today. Since the 1980’s, we have provided superior service to our customers and have assisted them with reservations and they’re travel needs. Our 25 plus years of experience and commitment to excellence are earning us the reputation as the best service and information oriented company in the area. We are here to serve your travel needs as well as provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice for your Baja adventure. Repeat service is our hallmark and our success.

Formerly known as Baja Hotels & Resorts we took a break after the the horrible and heart wrenching 9/11 incident. We have returned with a reworked and completely new Image. We are pleased to announce our come back to the service industry on the cutting edge. Our services will include an all new Ultimate Baja talk radio show we affectionally will call “Ultimate Baja Radio Magazine”, and we are soon to start “Ultimate Baja Television”. Discover Baja California through someone else’s experience first. When you are ready to go, first hand, we’re here to serve you. Discover what it is to become part of this magnificent landscape and rich culture. Stay tuned for more information on the television show. It is still in the works.





[Edited on 3-24-2008 by David K]

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