Ensenada, Port city in Baja California, Mexico
Ensenada is a port city in Baja California, Mexico, that stretches along a bay on the Pacific Ocean. The coastal road connects residential neighborhoods with commercial districts and industrial zones where loading cranes and warehouses shape the skyline.
A ranch called Rancho Ensenada de Santos grew into a settlement from 1882 onward when nearby gold mines drew traders and workers. A few years later, the town became the capital of the northern part of Baja California.
The city name comes from the Spanish word for cove and reflects the sheltered position by the water, where fishing boats still unload their daily catch. Along the waterfront boulevard, street vendors and small restaurants serve freshly prepared fish tacos to locals and travelers alike.
Cruise ships dock regularly at the main port terminal and bring passengers into town, while cargo vessels unload containers for international trade. The different areas are easiest to explore on foot or by taxi, as distances within the downtown core remain manageable.
Several research centers in the surrounding area focus on marine biology and study currents and life in the Pacific from small stations. Some of these facilities open their doors to visitors and offer insights into ongoing studies about whales and seals.
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