Here is my one day trip itinerary from San Diego to Mexico that includes Rosarito and Ensenada. While I recommend spending at least one night in Rosarito, you can easily visit both cities in one day. Please note that the wait time to cross the border can vary depending on the day and time of day.
Drive to the border and border crossing:
Leave San Diego early in the morning, ideally around 7:00 am, to avoid traffic and give yourself enough time to explore both Rosarito and Ensenada.
Drive south on Interstate 5 and continue onto Interstate 805. Follow the signs to the Mexican border crossing, which is located at San Ysidro. Before crossing the border, make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as a valid passport or passport card, Mexican tourist permit (FMM), and car insurance. Expect to wait around 30 minutes to 2 hours at the border, depending on traffic and the time of day.
Rosarito
After crossing the border, drive south on the toll road (Mexico Highway 1D) towards Rosarito, which is about 20 miles south of the border.
History of Rosarito
The history of Rosarito dates back to the early 1800s when it was a small fishing village. In the early 1900s, the city began to grow as American tourists began to discover its beaches and favorable weather. The development of the city was slow until the 1920s when the Rosarito Beach Hotel was built, which became a popular destination for Hollywood stars during the Golden Age of Hollywood. In the 1950s, the city began to develop more rapidly as more hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions were built. Today, Rosarito is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, surfing, and nightlife.
Things to do in Rosarito
Beaches: Rosarito has several beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Playas Rosarito and La Fonda are two popular beaches in the area.
Explore the Arts and Crafts: Rosarito is home to several galleries and shops that sell local artwork and crafts. Visit the Popotla Fish Market to see local artists at work.
Go Horseback Riding: Horseback riding on the beach is a popular activity in Rosarito. There are several companies that offer guided tours.
Visit the Rosarito Beach Hotel: The historic Rosarito Beach Hotel is a landmark in the area, dating back to 1925. It’s worth a visit to see the beautiful architecture and learn about the hotel’s history.
Take a Surfing Lesson: Rosarito is a great place to learn how to surf, with several surf schools in the area.
Visit the Christ of the Sacred Heart: The Christ of the Sacred Heart is a statue located on a hill overlooking Rosarito. It’s a popular spot for photos and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding area.
Enjoy the Nightlife: Rosarito has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and nightclubs to choose from. Papas & Beer is a popular spot for dancing and live music.
Go Whale Watching: From December to April, it’s possible to spot gray whales off the coast of Rosarito. There are several tour operators that offer whale watching tours.
Take a Day Trip to Puerto Nuevo: Puerto Nuevo is a nearby fishing village known for its delicious lobster. It’s worth taking a day trip to try some of the local cuisine and explore the charming town.
Ensenada
Ensenada History
Ensenada area was inhabited by indigenous tribes for thousands of years before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The Spanish established a mission in the area, which eventually led to the establishment of Ensenada as a port town in the 1800s. In the early 1800s, Ensenada became an important port for shipping goods between Mexico and other countries, such as the United States and China. It was also an important military outpost during the Mexican-American War in 1846, as the US Navy used the port to blockade Mexican ships.
Ensenada officially became a city in 1915, and its economy continued to grow as it became a hub for agriculture and fishing. In the 1920s, American expatriates began to build vacation homes in the region, which helped to boost tourism and establish Ensenada as a popular vacation destination.
During Prohibition in the United States, Ensenada became known as a center for alcohol smuggling, and many Americans would cross the border to drink and gamble in the city’s numerous bars and casinos.
Things to do in Ensenada.
Visit the Fish Market
Once you arrive in Ensenada, head to the fish public market, Mercado de Mariscos, which is located in the harbor area. Here, you can see a wide variety of fresh seafood, including lobster, shrimp, and fish. Be sure to try some ceviche, which is a local specialty made with fresh fish, lime juice, and spices.
Boat Tour
Here are some options for boat tours in Ensenada:
Ensenada Bay Tour: This is a popular tour that takes you on a scenic boat ride around Ensenada Bay. You’ll get to see the city skyline, harbor, and nearby attractions like the La Bufadora blowhole.
Isla Todos Santos Tour: This tour takes you to the nearby Todos Santos Island, which is known for its stunning rock formations and abundant marine life. You’ll have the chance to snorkel, swim, and explore the island’s beaches and coves.
Whale Watching Tour: From December to April, Ensenada is a prime spot for whale watching, as gray whales migrate through the area. You can take a boat tour to get up close to these magnificent creatures and learn about their behavior and habitat.
Sunset Cruise: If you’re looking for a romantic or relaxing experience, consider a sunset cruise around Ensenada Bay. You’ll get to see the city light up as the sun sets and enjoy a glass of wine or champagne on board.
Shopping
Head to the Avenida Lopez Mateos, the main street in Ensenada, which offers a variety of shops and street vendors selling handmade crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
La Bufadora
La Bufadora is a natural blowhole that shoots water up to 100 feet in the air. It’s a popular tourist attraction, and you can watch the water show while browsing the local vendors selling souvenirs and snacks.
Food and drinks to try on your day trip itinerary from San Diego to Mexico
Ensenada and Rosarito are both coastal cities in Baja California, Mexico, and they are known for their delicious seafood and refreshing drinks. Here are my food and drink recommendations:
- Tacos: Ensenada is famous for its tacos, especially fish tacos. You can find them at many street vendors, but some of the best are at La Guerrerense and Los Originales.
- Tortilla Soup: This soup is made with chicken broth, fried tortilla strips, and toppings like avocado, cheese, and sour cream. You can find it at many restaurants in both Ensenada and Rosarito.
- Margaritas: This classic cocktail is made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. It’s a refreshing drink that goes perfectly with a meal or on its own. Many bars and restaurants in both cities serve margaritas.
- Shrimp Ceviche: This dish is made with fresh shrimp marinated in lime juice, cilantro, and other seasonings. It’s a perfect appetizer or light meal. You can find it at many seafood restaurants in both Ensenada and Rosarito.
- Fresh Fruit: Both cities have many street vendors selling fresh fruit. You can try exotic fruits like mango, papaya, and coconut.
- Coconut: Coconut water is a refreshing and healthy drink that’s perfect for a hot day. You can find it at many street vendors in both cities.
- Michelada: This is a beer-based cocktail made with beer, lime juice, tomato juice, hot sauce, and other seasonings. It’s a popular drink in Mexico and can be found at many bars and restaurants in both Ensenada and Rosarito.
- Fresh baked goodies
Day trip itinerary from San Diego to Mexico
9:00 AM – Horseback riding on the beach Many stables offer horseback riding along the beach in Rosarito. This is a great way to experience the beautiful coastline and take in the fresh ocean air. Enjoy a guided tour along the beach and take some great photos.
11:00 AM – Shopping in Rosarito After your horseback ride, head to the main street in Rosarito, Boulevard Benito Juárez, where you’ll find many shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and artwork. Take some time to wander around and pick up some unique souvenirs to take back home.
12:00 PM – Lunch in Rosarito For lunch, head to Tacos El Yaqui, a popular spot known for their delicious tacos. They have a variety of options, including carne asada, al pastor, and seafood tacos. Be sure to try their famous tacos de birria, which are made with stewed beef and served with a side of consommé for dipping.
1:30 PM – Depart from Rosarito to Ensenada After lunch, it’s time to head to Ensenada, which is about a 45-minute drive from Rosarito. Along the way, you’ll pass by beautiful scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
2:15 PM – Fish public market Once you arrive in Ensenada, head to the fish public market, Mercado de Mariscos, which is located in the harbor area. Here, you can see a wide variety of fresh seafood, including lobster, shrimp, and fish. Be sure to try some ceviche, which is a local specialty made with fresh fish, lime juice, and spices.
3:30 PM – La Bufadora blowhole After visiting the fish market, head to La Bufadora, a natural blowhole located about 20 minutes outside of Ensenada. You can also find a few vendors selling souvenirs and snacks in the area.
5:00 PM – Dinner in Ensenada For dinner, head to Mariscos El Guero, a popular seafood restaurant in Ensenada. They have a variety of options, including fish tacos, ceviche, and seafood cocktails. Be sure to try their famous smoked marlin tacos, which are a local specialty.
Return to San Diego
After La Bufadora, head back to San Diego. The drive should take about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and wait times at the border.
To cross the border back into the United States, follow the signs to the San Ysidro border crossing.
Expect to wait around 30 minutes to 2 hours at the border, depending on traffic and the time of day.
