Ensenada Baja California News Gazette, an Newspaper in english

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ABOUT ENSENADA
By Connie Ellig

Known as the "Cinderella of the Pacific," Ensenada is located 70 miles south of the international border, a 90-minute drive from San Diego. A warm Mediterranean climate, friendly atmosphere and accessibility by land, sea and air have made Ensenada a favorite tourist destination for decades. Nestled on the shore of Bahia de Todos Santos, it is Mexico's second most visited port-of-call for major cruise lines and pleasure boats. The modern toll highway (Mexico 1-D) curving along the coastline from Tijuana to Ensenada is noted for its breathtaking ocean vistas and viewpoint rest stops. Free motorist assistance is provided by Mexico's fleet of Green Angels (Angeles Verdes) from 8am-6pm.
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The third largest city in the State of Baja California, Ensenada is renowned for its fishing, seafood, canning and winemaking industries as well as its excellent restaurants, wide variety of accommodations, and ample array of shops featuring everything from Indian crafts to Mexican arts and European imports.
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In addition to many sports and recreational options, there are many fascinating attractions including historical and natural points of interest, museums and galleries, wineries and missions. And if that's not enough, there's also an extensive Calendar of Events with enough activities to suit every taste!
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Although many visitors are familiar with the City of Ensenada, few realize that the County of Ensenada is one of the largest municipalities in the world. It extends south from La Mision to the 28th parallel (the border with the State of Baja California Sur), and has coastlines on both the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez. In addition to pine-scented mountain forests and cirio-studded desert landscapes, the County of Ensenada contains the rich agricultural valley of San Quintin, the historic town of El Rosario, the primitive cave paintings of Catavina, the remarkably intact missions of San Borja and Santa Gertrudis, the natural hot springs of Puertecitos, and the incredibly beautiful Bahia de los Angeles.
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Discover the City and County of Ensenada, where the Mexican tradition of warmth and hospitality will always greet you!
CENTRAL ENSENADA
Riviera del Pacifico
Open 8:30am-8pm, this social and cultural center was formerly a plush gambling casino in the 1930s that attracted personalities like Johnny Weismuller, Lana Turner, Myrna Loy, Aly Kahn and Dolores del Rio. Experience a nostalgic moment in the Cathedral Ballroom and Casino Salon, then raise a toast in Bar Andaluz. Stroll through the gardens landscaped with monuments detailing Baja California history, tour the Museum of History or visit the City Gallery. Centrally located on Blvd. Costero & Av. Riviera, the Riviera del Pacifico is hard to miss - it's the impressive white building with the clock tower! Tel/fax (6)176-4233.
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Hussong's Cantina
Established in 1892 as a stagecoach stop, the oldest bar in the Californias is a designated historical landmark that remains one of Ensenada's favorite watering holes. Located on Av. Ruiz #113 near Paseo Calle Primera (Av. Lopez Mateos), Hussong's is open daily 10am-1am. Tel. (6)178-3210, fax (6)178-1581.
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Paseo Calle Primera
Stroll along Av. Lopez Mateos from Av. Castillo to Av. Ryerson and discover the newly remodeled shopping and dining promenade that blends Mexican charm with European chic. Shop till you drop, then enjoy al fresco dining and people-watching.
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Boulevard Costero
Once a sandy beach, this coastal route along the bay in downtown Ensenada is now a palm-lined boulevard. View the Riviera del Pacifico and other sights aboard a "calandria" (horse-drawn carriage) which can be rented in front of the Plaza Civica on Blvd. Costero & Av. Macheros.
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El Malecon
Take a stroll along the new downtown waterfront boardwalk. Enjoy the antics of cavorting pelicans and Pancho, the huge sea lion. Relax at Parque Ventana al Mar (Window to the Sea Park) with its monumental Mexican flag on a 350-foot-tall pole, and admire the panoramic view of Todos Santos Island and Punta Banda.
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Open-Air Fish Market
Located on the "malecon," northern Baja's largest seafood market features many types of fish and shellfish plus Ensenada's specialty - fish tacos. Bet you can't eat just one!
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Plaza Civica
Located on Blvd. Costero & Av. Macheros, this attractive park features giant golden heads of Mexican heroes Benito Juarez, Miguel Hidalgo and Venustiano Carranza. It is locally known as "Three Heads Park."
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Chapultepec Hills
For a fabulous panoramic view of Ensenada from one of the city's most attractive residential areas, follow Calle 2 up, up, up into the hills!
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Statue of Tara & Ecological Park
This huge, exotic handpainted statue symbolizing Mother Nature is a gift of peace and friendship from a Nepalese cultural organization. Tara benignly overlooks the city on the original site of the 1930s Fort "Keki" on Calle 13 between Av. Obregon & Av. Moctezuma.
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Parque Revolucion
Located downtown on Av. Obregon between Calles 6 & 7, this lovely park has numerous species of shade trees, a playground and Mothers Monument. Enjoy a bit of nature in the middle of the city!
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Flea Market
Search for trash and treasures at Los Globos, Ensenada's largest swap meet/produce market on Calle 9 three blocks east of Av. Reforma. It's open daily but best hunting is on weekends.
For additional attractions in central Ensenada, click Museums & Galleries or Wineries.
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SOUTH OF CENTRAL ENSENADA
La Bufadora
One of Ensenada's most popular attractions, this amazing natural blowhole roars mightily as it shoots seawater and foam high into the air! Its immediate surroundings include a botanical garden and various observation decks, several with handicapped access. Spend the day browsing at the curio shops, sampling tacos and "churros" (a type of deep-fried donut stick dipped in sugar), or savoring seafood and Mexican fare on the oceanview patio of one of the local restaurants. La Bufadora is located 22 miles south of Ensenada near the tip of the Punta Banda peninsula.
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Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Martir
The larger of Baja California's two national parks features the Mexican National Observatory situated northwest of the peninsula's highest peak, the 10,154 ft. Picacho del Diablo. The observatory is open daily to visitors during daylight hours (except Dec. 15 thru Jan. 15) and is located at the end of the park access road. For more information contact the Observatorio Astronomico Nacional in Ensenada, tel. (6)174-4580; fax (6)174-4607; e-mail: [email protected] The park is an unspoiled wilderness that is ideal for hiking, backpacking and primitive camping in designated areas. There are no facilities, gasoline or water in the park; visitors should be prepared. No motorcycles or quads are permitted. Small entrance fee. Access is via a 65-mile dirt road from San Telmo de Abajo, 80 miles south of Ensenada (between San Vicente and San Quintin) on the Transpeninsular Highway.
ur drive). Situated northwest of the peninsula’s highest peak, Picacho del Diablo, which rises over 10,000
Catavina Cave Paintings
The most easily accessible of Baja's primitive rock art is thought to be hundreds of years old. Vivid geometric and abstract pictographs cover the walls and ceiling of a small cave two miles north of Catavina near Km. 176 on the Transpeninsular Highway, 110 miles south of San Quintin.
For additional attractions south of central Ensenada, click Museums & Galleries or Missions.
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EAST OF CENTRAL ENSENADA

Parque Nacional Constitucion de 1857 (Laguna Hanson)
Located in the Sierra de Juarez, this national park features Laguna Hanson, a scenic lake surrounded by pine forests, unusual rock formations and excellent primitive campsites on its western shore. Small entrance fee; no facilities; rustic cabin rentals. Best access is via the 1 1/2 hour, 20-mile dirt road just east of Km. 55 on Highway 3 to Ojos Negros/San Felipe.
For additional attractions east of central Ensenada, click Wineries, Museums & Galleries or Missions.

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