BajaNomad - Solo Female driving LA to Ensenada..School me!

Solo Female driving LA to Ensenada..School me!

Daj - 11-3-2009 at 04:02 PM

I plan on driving from LA to Ensenada on Saturday Nov.7th. 2009

I have already read all the sites about what to be careful of-
I am a seasoned traveler, but the reactions I'm getting from people is starting to worry me..

I'm wondering if:
1. Assuming I stay on the toll roads and drive in the day- is this a good idea?
2. Where should I stay in Ensenada- I was thinking La fonda?
3. Any advice you have- I want to hear it!!

Thank you, everyone!

(PS: I drive a 98 jetta, I will purchase travel insurance, I will change money at costco pre-border and being half mexican I speak some spanish.)

DianaT - 11-3-2009 at 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Daj
I plan on driving from LA to Ensenada on Saturday Nov.7th. 2009

I have already read all the sites about what to be careful of-
I am a seasoned traveler, but the reactions I'm getting from people is starting to worry me..

I'm wondering if:
1. Assuming I stay on the toll roads and drive in the day- is this a good idea?
2. Where should I stay in Ensenada- I was thinking La fonda?
3. Any advice you have- I want to hear it!!

Thank you, everyone!

(PS: I drive a 98 jetta, I will purchase travel insurance, I will change money at costco pre-border and being half mexican I speak some spanish.)

Welcome and rule one for now, don't listen to all those stories with bad reactions. The worst stories we hear are from people who never have and never will travel south of the border.

Toll road, yes and daytime, yes.

Have a great time.

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 04:13 PM

Well...La Fonda isn't exactly in Ensenada. It's twenty miles north of the San Miguel toll plaza. That said, it would be an excellent place to stay.
Ensenada is pretty much a ghost town as far as hotels are concerned. You can pretty much stay where you want and the prices should be reasonable.

Don't let other people's reactions scare you off. Sounds as though you know the right things to do. Enjoy yourself.

Welcome to BajaNomad, by the way.

knuckles - 11-3-2009 at 04:17 PM

Just get in your car and drive girl!

Pyramid Resort is great

Keri - 11-3-2009 at 04:20 PM

It is just above 1 mile La Fonda and we have a pool and Jacuzzi. You would be safe here , Check out our website below. Call me for special Nomad rates , k :yes:

bajaguy - 11-3-2009 at 04:22 PM

Daj.....check your u2u messages

was just down in Ensenada last weekend....all is well!!!

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Keri
It is just above 1 mile La Fonda and we have a pool and Jacuzzi. You would be safe here , Check out our website below. Call me for special Nomad rates , k :yes:

Sorry, Keri. I should have mentioned your place.
I think she's made a good choice wanting to stay in your area. There will certainly be more people to socialize with.

Bajahowodd - 11-3-2009 at 04:28 PM

Only thing is that Daj wrote that she was going to Ensenada. Either she just meant she wanted to be in Baja, or she has a reason to be in Ensenada.?? In any event, yes. Ensenada hotels are begging for business. And yes, if you're not really needing to get to Ensenada proper, both La Fonda and Pyramid are excellent choice. And very different.

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Only thing is that Daj wrote that she was going to Ensenada.

2. Where should I stay in Ensenada- I was thinking La fonda?

Daj - 11-3-2009 at 04:32 PM

Awesome!!
Thank you all for your replies!!!
How long does it take to cross the border on a Sat?

I have no real reason to be in Ensenada, I just want to go lounge about for a few days and take it easy.

I don't even need to really go to Ensenada proper, I just picked it because I don't want to spend all day driving..

I really want to stay on the beach- so that's why I picked La Fonda, but if anyone knows of anything better- let me know!!

-A

Bajahowodd - 11-3-2009 at 04:33 PM

So. Who is confused? You, me or Daj? :biggrin:

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 04:35 PM

What? Isn't anyone going to mention Sr. Fishbuck?

Daj - 11-3-2009 at 04:36 PM

I'm totally open to whatever- I can stop before ensenada or after- whichever!!!

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
So. Who is confused? You, me or Daj? :biggrin:

All of us I believe. See her last post? She's starting to ramble. Now she doesn't know what she wants. :lol:

Just kiddin, Daj.
Peace and quiet, nice oceanfront setting...check out the Pyramid Resort.

Bajahowodd - 11-3-2009 at 04:43 PM

After? I'd recommend Estero Beach. That said, if you're going to be traveling alone, and your primary intent is to hang at the beach, either La Fonda or Pyramid would work for you. If you were with others, I'd lean toward going into Ensenada for the downtown scene and the restaurants. But alone, the others would apply. And if you don't want to travel far, the Rosarito Beach Hotel is much closer.

bajaguy - 11-3-2009 at 04:44 PM

heck.....Campo LaJoya on Punta Banda!!!!.....beach, places to eat and Nomads to hang with.....maybe even a stray dog or two!!!

And I second Estero Beach

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by bajaguy]

Daj - 11-3-2009 at 04:47 PM

Anyone have a website or contact info for Campo LaJoya on Punta Banda?

Yeah, It's just me...I want to swim, though and Pyramid looks swimmer-unfriendly.

bajaguy - 11-3-2009 at 04:48 PM

Estero has a beach and a nice pool

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Daj
Anyone have a website or contact info for Campo LaJoya on Punta Banda?

Yeah, It's just me...I want to swim, though and Pyramid looks swimmer-unfriendly.

I don't believe they have a site. You don't want to swim there at this time. Been talk of some nasty water pollution and the other amenities in the area arn't anything like those we've discussed.

Daj - 11-3-2009 at 04:54 PM

Good to know!!! thanks, Dennis!

Bajahowodd - 11-3-2009 at 04:55 PM

Gee, Dennis. You could meet her at Sharkey's.

Daj - 11-3-2009 at 04:57 PM

Oh yeah!!! Where should I eat?

I think I've decided to stay at Estero!

-A

Bajahowodd - 11-3-2009 at 05:05 PM

Estero has its own restaurant. Also has a sushi bar. Just understand that while it is VERY secure, it's also considerably farther down than La Fonda. Dining offsite, unless you're into taco stands will probably mean a 20 minute trip back into town, or a ten minute trip to Maneadero, where there a some good restaurants at the turnoff to La Bufardora.

We have stayed at Estero Beach more times than I can remember. Just understand that you're traveling farther than you need to just to have a secure beach stay.

Mexicorn - 11-3-2009 at 05:06 PM

May I recomend you check out Coral Hotel just off the Toll road upon entering Ensenada on the oceanside. It is by far a superior property to all others mentioned on this site.

bajaguy - 11-3-2009 at 05:17 PM

Let's see..............

Great little taco stand almost just outside the Estero Beach resort, Mario's in Manedero, La Bufadora grill, Sharkey's.........

Bajahowodd - 11-3-2009 at 05:23 PM

Yep. Just wondering about the solo female part of the equation.

Daj - 11-3-2009 at 05:25 PM

Rosarito Beach Hotel VS Estero VS La Fonda....

Rats!!
I can't decide!!!

bajaguy - 11-3-2009 at 05:29 PM

Estero................

BajaSerg - 11-3-2009 at 05:40 PM

The Rosarito beach hotel they have Kari-Okie! :lol:

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Daj
Rosarito Beach Hotel VS Estero VS La Fonda....

Rats!!
I can't decide!!!

A day or two at each will solve your dilema.

DanO - 11-3-2009 at 06:09 PM

If this is a poll, I vote for La Fonda. Why? In no particular order:

Excellent margaritas.

Rooms perched over a great beach with good waves.

No televisions in the rooms (the ones they have are just props), so no idiot next door keeping you up all night with sitcoms or waking you up early with the Today Show. Want TV? Go to the bar.

Hot, good coffee at the bar in the morning. Want to make some crappy coffee in your own room? Stay at Holiday Inn.

Excellent margaritas. No kidding.

Funky rooms that are simple but clean, some with fireplaces. I especially recommend rooms 20 and 21.

Fantastic views, incredible sunsets.

Did I mention the excellent margaritas?

Good food. I've heard about the odd bad experience, but personally I've never had a bad meal there (that I can remember, anyway). The grilled quail are excellent. Ditto the steamed clams and just about everything else.

Slow service. It's Mexico. Get used to it and slow the hell down.

Cheesy entertainment. See previous entry. Vegas, it ain't, but that's the point.

The Sunday brunch. Truly epic and ridiculous. Once you see it you'll understand what I'm talking about.

Chickens. There used to be a burro, but that's another story.

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DanO

Good food. I've heard about the odd bad experience, but personally I've never had a bad meal there (that I can remember, anyway).
There used to be a burro, but that's another story.

Ohhh c'mon. You can tell us. :lol:

Sorry DanO....it was just too easy.

The Gull - 11-3-2009 at 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Daj
being half mexican I speak some spanish

Which half is Mexican?

DanO - 11-3-2009 at 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Ohhh c'mon. You can tell us. :lol:

Sorry DanO....it was just too easy.

No apologies needed. I'm sure you recall the burro, and the smell of its pen and the adjacent chicken coop, just as well as I do. When the wind was right, those old upstairs rooms were tough to hang out in. But there was always the bar.

Daj - 11-3-2009 at 06:48 PM

You guys are quite the sassy group, aren't you?

So I've decided to cross at Otay and take the 'free' roads to the toll roads and just cross my fu*king fingers for everything else...

bajaguy - 11-3-2009 at 06:52 PM

Yahoo......a decision......full speed ahead!!!!!

fishbuck - 11-3-2009 at 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Keri
It is just above 1 mile La Fonda and we have a pool and Jacuzzi. You would be safe here , Check out our website below. Call me for special Nomad rates , k :yes:

Go to the Pyramid!

fdt - 11-3-2009 at 07:42 PM

:rolleyes:

Paulina - 11-3-2009 at 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Daj
You guys are quite the sassy group, aren't you?

So I've decided to cross at Otay and take the 'free' roads to the toll roads and just cross my fu*king fingers for everything else...

Yes Daj, these boys can be quite the sassy bunch. For some reason I think you'll fit in here quite nicely. Welcome to the Nomad board. Have a wonderful adventure. You might even want to tell us all about it when you get back.

Saludos!
P<*)))>{

fishingmako - 11-3-2009 at 09:44 PM

I think if you really need to find your way around, the perfect guide would probably be Dennis. who agrees???

DianaT - 11-3-2009 at 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishingmako
I think if you really need to find your way around, the perfect guide would probably be Dennis. who agrees???

Yikes, I find myself agreeing with that----can that be?

bajadock - 11-3-2009 at 10:37 PM

Sample some of the many Punta Banda Nomad casas. Most of our kitchens include creative cooks, shelves full of spirits and minds overflowing with character.

Several of the characters here can be enjoyed far beyond 1 beverage. My door is literally always open.

bajabass - 11-4-2009 at 02:49 PM

Hey, I am sure a room can be had at Cantina La Salina. Talk about local color. :wow:

I Already Suggested

Bajahowodd - 11-4-2009 at 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishingmako
I think if you really need to find your way around, the perfect guide would probably be Dennis. who agrees???

They meet at Sharkey's.

postholedigger - 11-4-2009 at 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DanO
If this is a poll, I vote for La Fonda. Why? In no particular order:

Excellent margaritas.

Rooms perched over a great beach with good waves.

No televisions in the rooms (the ones they have are just props), so no idiot next door keeping you up all night with sitcoms or waking you up early with the Today Show. Want TV? Go to the bar.

Hot, good coffee at the bar in the morning. Want to make some crappy coffee in your own room? Stay at Holiday Inn.

Excellent margaritas. No kidding.

Funky rooms that are simple but clean, some with fireplaces. I especially recommend rooms 20 and 21.

Fantastic views, incredible sunsets.

Did I mention the excellent margaritas?

Good food. I've heard about the odd bad experience, but personally I've never had a bad meal there (that I can remember, anyway). The grilled quail are excellent. Ditto the steamed clams and just about everything else.

Slow service. It's Mexico. Get used to it and slow the hell down.

Cheesy entertainment. See previous entry. Vegas, it ain't, but that's the point.

The Sunday brunch. Truly epic and ridiculous. Once you see it you'll understand what I'm talking about.

Chickens. There used to be a burro, but that's another story.

Don't forget the live music. Usually a guy on a classical guitar cranking out some classic tunes. I've been there when there was a three piece band too though.

The Pyramid Resort a just a mile north of La Fonda is beautiful as well. Consider staying there and taking the 2 min. drive down to La Fonda to wine and dine?

Oh and bring or buy your own drinking water.

SeaShell - 11-5-2009 at 09:51 PM

As another single female I have been driving down alone for 3 years now. I have a place near Oceanside and and a place near Rosarito. I drive down, usually alone, 2 or 3 weekends per month. I come through San Ysidro Border crossing and continue on the toll road. I've also driven back at night a few times. I have never had any kind of problem or felt concerned.
A girlfriend and I drove down to Guerrero Negro and San Ignacio last March to see the whales. Spent a week exploring the area and again no problems. Anytime we would pull over to look at the cactus or the flowers people would stop to ask if we were okay or if we needed anything. That hasn't happened in my 30+ years of driving in California :no:

Have a good trip.

Keri - 11-6-2009 at 07:35 AM

BTW. Our beach is a surf point ,definitely a swimming beach. A 5 minute walk down to a beautiful secluded beach. We are 1 mile north of La Fonda. Even if you don't stay stop by to say hi always nice to meet fellow nomads,k :yes:

805gregg - 11-6-2009 at 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mexicorn
May I recomend you check out Coral Hotel just off the Toll road upon entering Ensenada on the oceanside. It is by far a superior property to all others mentioned on this site.

I agree, I've stayed there very nice.

Daj - 11-6-2009 at 08:10 AM

Hey thanks!!
that's really good to know. : )

Quote:

Originally posted by SeaShell
As another single female I have been driving down alone for 3 years now. I have a place near Oceanside and and a place near Rosarito. I drive down, usually alone, 2 or 3 weekends per month. I come through San Ysidro Border crossing and continue on the toll road. I've also driven back at night a few times. I have never had any kind of problem or felt concerned.
A girlfriend and I drove down to Guerrero Negro and San Ignacio last March to see the whales. Spent a week exploring the area and again no problems. Anytime we would pull over to look at the cactus or the flowers people would stop to ask if we were okay or if we needed anything. That hasn't happened in my 30+ years of driving in California :no:

Have a good trip.