While Vee's RV Ramada in San Felipe offers everything you need for a perfect winter escape, one of the greatest advantages of staying on the Baja Peninsula is the opportunity to explore nearby destinations. Ensenada, Baja California's vibrant port city, sits just a few hours away and makes an ideal day trip or weekend getaway from your San Felipe home base.
Whether you're craving cosmopolitan dining, world-class wine tasting, or a change of scenery, Ensenada delivers an exciting contrast to San Felipe's laid-back beach town atmosphere. Here's everything you need to know about planning your Ensenada adventure while staying at Vee's RV Ramada.
The Journey: San Felipe to Ensenada
The drive from San Felipe to Ensenada covers approximately 150 miles (240 kilometers) and takes about 3-4 hours, depending on your route and stops along the way. You have two main route options, each offering unique scenery and experiences.
Route Option 1: The Coastal Highway (Mexico Highway 1)
The most popular route takes you north from San Felipe on Highway 5, then west to connect with Highway 1 near San Felipe Junction. From there, you'll head north along the famous Baja coastal highway into Ensenada. This route offers stunning Pacific Ocean views, passes through small villages, and provides opportunities to stop at roadside stands selling fresh produce, honey, and local crafts.
Route Option 2: The Mountain Route (Via Ojos Negros)
For a more adventurous drive, take Highway 3 through the Sierra de Juárez mountains via the agricultural town of Ojos Negros. This scenic route climbs through pine forests and offers cooler temperatures and dramatic mountain vistas. The road is well-maintained but features more curves and elevation changes, making it slightly longer but incredibly picturesque.
Planning Your Day Trip to Ensenada
A day trip to Ensenada from Vee's RV Ramada is entirely feasible and allows you to experience the city's highlights while returning to your comfortable RV in San Felipe by evening. Early departure is recommended to maximize your time exploring.
Must-See Attractions for Day Trippers
La Bufadora is Ensenada's most famous natural attraction—a marine geyser that shoots seawater up to 100 feet in the air. Located about 20 miles south of downtown Ensenada, this spectacular blowhole is surrounded by a vibrant marketplace where vendors sell handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, and souvenirs. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here enjoying the natural wonder and browsing the stalls.
The Ensenada Malecón (waterfront boardwalk) stretches along Bahía de Todos Santos and offers beautiful ocean views, public art installations, and access to the city's fishing harbor. Watch fishing boats unload their daily catch, observe sea lions lounging on the docks, and soak in the bustling port atmosphere.
Avenida López Mateos and Avenida Primera form Ensenada's main tourist corridors, lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries. These pedestrian-friendly streets are perfect for wandering, people-watching, and discovering authentic Mexican cuisine alongside international dining options.
Culinary Experiences Not to Miss
Ensenada is renowned as the birthplace of the fish taco, and no visit is complete without sampling this iconic dish. Local favorites include Tacos Fenix, El Guerrerense (a street cart that's achieved legendary status), and La Guerrerense. These establishments serve fresh-caught fish prepared simply but perfectly, often topped with cabbage, salsa, and crema.
For a more upscale dining experience, Manzanilla offers innovative Baja Med cuisine that blends Mediterranean techniques with local Baja ingredients. The restaurant's wine list showcases the best of Valle de Guadalupe, giving you a taste of Mexico's wine country without leaving the city.
Don't miss the Mercado Negro (fish market), where you can enjoy incredibly fresh seafood cocktails, ceviche, and grilled fish while standing at outdoor counters alongside locals. The market atmosphere is authentic, lively, and offers some of the best seafood values in Baja.
Making It a Weekend: Extended Ensenada Exploration
If you can spare a weekend away from Vee's RV Ramada, Ensenada rewards longer visits with deeper cultural experiences and access to the surrounding wine country.
Valle de Guadalupe Wine Country
Just 30 minutes northeast of Ensenada lies Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's premier wine region and one of the world's most exciting emerging wine destinations. Over 150 wineries dot the valley's rolling hills, producing exceptional wines that rival California's best at a fraction of the price.
Popular wineries for first-time visitors include Monte Xanic, L.A. Cetto, Adobe Guadalupe, and Finca La Carrodilla. Many offer tours, tastings, and farm-to-table restaurants featuring ingredients grown on-site. The valley's relaxed atmosphere and stunning vineyard views make it perfect for a leisurely afternoon of wine tasting.
Consider booking a wine tour that includes transportation, allowing you to enjoy tastings without worrying about driving. Several companies offer full-day tours from Ensenada that visit multiple wineries and include lunch at a vineyard restaurant.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Riviera del Pacífico is a stunning 1930s former casino and hotel that now serves as a cultural center. The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture is magnificent, and the building hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events. Even if there's no special event during your visit, the building itself is worth touring.
The Museo de Historia de Ensenada provides insight into the region's past, from indigenous Kumeyaay culture through the Spanish colonial period to modern times. The museum is small but well-curated and offers context that enriches your understanding of Baja California.
Outdoor Adventures Near Ensenada
Punta Banda and the surrounding coastal areas offer excellent opportunities for kayaking, whale watching (during winter months), and beachcombing. Several outfitters in Ensenada offer guided tours and equipment rentals.
For hiking enthusiasts, the nearby Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park features Baja's highest peaks and the only alpine forest on the peninsula. While reaching the park requires a full day commitment, the dramatic mountain scenery and astronomical observatory make it worthwhile for nature lovers.
Practical Tips for Your Ensenada Trip
Border and Documentation
Since you're already in Mexico at Vee's RV Ramada, traveling to Ensenada doesn't require crossing any borders. However, always carry your passport, tourist visa (FMM), and vehicle documentation when traveling within Mexico. These documents may be checked at military or immigration checkpoints along the highway.
Money and Currency
While US dollars are widely accepted in Ensenada's tourist areas, having Mexican pesos provides better value and is necessary for smaller vendors, markets, and local restaurants. ATMs are plentiful in Ensenada, and most restaurants and shops accept credit cards.
Safety Considerations
Ensenada is generally safe for tourists, particularly in the main tourist zones. Exercise normal precautions: stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics, and stick to well-traveled areas, especially after dark. The city's economy depends heavily on tourism, and local authorities maintain a visible presence in tourist areas.
Best Times to Visit
Ensenada can be visited year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather. Summer brings warmer temperatures and more crowds, while winter can be cooler and occasionally rainy. If wine tasting is your priority, harvest season (August through October) offers special events and the excitement of crush season, though wineries are busiest during this period.
Parking and Getting Around
Downtown Ensenada offers numerous parking lots and street parking (metered in some areas). Parking is generally affordable and safe. Once parked, most attractions are within walking distance, though taxis and Uber are readily available for longer distances or trips to La Bufadora.
Returning to Your San Felipe Sanctuary
After a day or weekend of urban exploration, wine tasting, and culinary adventures, returning to the peaceful beachfront setting of Vee's RV Ramada feels like coming home. The contrast between Ensenada's bustling energy and San Felipe's tranquil charm is part of what makes staying at our RV park so special—you enjoy the best of both worlds.
Many of our long-term guests make the Ensenada trip multiple times during their winter stay, each visit revealing new restaurants to try, shops to explore, or wineries to discover. The proximity to diverse experiences while maintaining your comfortable home base is one of the many advantages of choosing San Felipe and Vee's RV Ramada for your winter escape.
Plan Your Ensenada Adventure from Vee's RV Ramada
Ready to experience the perfect combination of beachfront relaxation and exciting day trips? Vee's RV Ramada provides the ideal launching point for exploring all that Baja California offers. Reserve your spot today and discover why our guests love having San Felipe's peaceful beaches as their home base while remaining just a few hours from Ensenada's wine country, culinary scene, and cultural attractions.
Your Baja adventure awaits—book your stay at Vee's RV Ramada and start planning your Ensenada excursions today!