Only about two hours south of San Diego on the Baja Penninsula, Ensenada boasts a picturesque Malecon (waterfront) and fabulous fish markets serving fresh yellowfin ceviche.
Visitors from the U.S. have been attracted to the city for decades, with prohibition in the 1920s leading to an economic boom as hotels and casinos catered to Americans looking for entertainment and the ability to drink an alcoholic beverage or two.
Today, many come to Ensenada to enjoy wine tasting in nearby Guadalupe Valley, with vineyards that rival those in Napa Valley (minus the crowds.) In the city itself, the Tequila Room is considered a must-experience for spirit aficionados with free tastings. No matter the reason you’re planning to visit, these airbnbs in Ensenada are sure to provide the ideal base for experiencing it all (maybe with a side of ocean views.)
1. Rodera Cabaña Sencilla
Why you should stay: Scenic views and a tranquil base for exploring Guadalupe wine country.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $115/night
Rodera is a one-bedroom cabin for two, providing a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature and magnificent oak and holm trees. It offers an eco-friendly stay powered by solar panels, situated on an unpaved road, two miles from the Tecate-Ensenada Highway, where you’ll find plenty of laid-back wineries. It’s super modern and feels right at home in the landscape.
A true hidden gem, you’ll receive a warm welcome that may include a bottle of wine, perfect for sipping alongside a delicious meal prepared on the grill in the pool area overlooking the valley. The cabin also includes a kitchenette with a cooler.
Check Availability2. Arre Lulu Baja
Why you should stay: Unique glamping-style stay with amazing views and fantastic amenities.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $190/night
Enjoy a unique and secluded stay in a remodeled 30-foot Silver Streak trailer surrounded by spectacular vineyard views. Look forward to sipping your morning coffee (graciously supplied by your host) while gazing out at the mountains with the silence only interrupted by the occasional bird song or scampering lizard.
During the day, you’ll be perfectly situated for exploring the wineries. After dark, sit next to a roaring bonfire while gazing up at the countless brilliant stars. Special extras like sweaters and lots of blankets are provided to ensure a warm and comfortable experience as the valley can get chilly at night.
Check Availability3. Finca Vidandrei ‘Casa Mazahua’ Valle de Guadalupe
Why you should stay: Spectacular home with a vineyard setting and lux amenities (including a pool.)
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $315/night
Casa Mazahua is a private country house in the vineyards with enchanting indoor and outdoor spaces, including a terrace with a jaw-dropping view of the Sierra Blanca and Lomita Vinicola Mexicana. It includes all the comforts of home with no detail overlooked.
Everything from a gas grill for cooking out and bathrobes to a kitchen with a coffee bar, wine and various hot sauces are at your disposal. Outdoors, you’ll have access to a sand volleyball pit, fire pit, outdoor shower and patio, and fantastic vineyard views.
Check Availability“The home is beautiful. The private garden with the tub and the fire pit is amazing. A bath under the stars while you sip a glass of champagne is priceless and you can do that at this wonderful place…”
4. Luxury Modern Bojo Artisanal Home
Why you should stay: Large and luxurious home ideal for entertaining, complete with 360-degree ocean views.
- Sleeps: 12
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $349/night
This luxury home sits in a safe and peaceful community and offers everything you could ever want for an unforgettable retreat, including ocean views galore from the balcony, living room, and kitchen, all of which provide 360-degree vistas of the Pacific and the hillside.
Bring the whole family, extended family, or a group of friends as you’ll have plenty of space inside and out for relaxing and entertaining. The backyard has a gas fireplace, a plunge pool for refreshing dips, and a grill for cooking out. For a special celebration, you can even have your own private chef come and cook a meal to remember, enjoyed under the stars. It’s definitely one of the largest and most luxurious airbnbs in Ensenada.
Check Availability5. Penthouse Las Rosas
Why you should stay: Luxurious oceanfront penthouse with an infinity pool.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $200/night
This stunning penthouse sits on the top floor of the oceanfront Las Rosas Hotel & Spa, providing awe-inspiring ocean views from nearly every vantage point. Guests enjoy access to an ocean-view infinity pool with a large sundeck, spa, sauna and sundeck, and a restaurant and bar that host live music.
While you may not want to leave, it’s just a 15-minute drive from the Guadalupe Valley wineries and 10 minutes from downtown Ensenada. The space includes everything you need and then some, along with a responsive, friendly host. The on-site dining also has fantastic reviews.
Check Availability6. Casa Playa Plateada Vista al Mar y Marina
Why you should stay: Harbor and ocean view at an extremely affordable rate for eight people.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $156/night
Located in a secure gated community with an uninterrupted view across the harbor and out to the ocean, this unique property provides an ideal base for exploring. It’s located midway between the city’s restaurants, bars and craft breweries, and the wineries in Guadalupe Valley. You can walk to a few restaurants and breweries, or hop in a taxi and be downtown in four minutes.
A stay here allows guests to take advantage of the amenities and dining options at the two luxury hotels located on either side, while a supermarket is just across the street for purchasing everything you need for grilling on the patio or in the well-equipped kitchen.
Check Availability7. Ocean View!
Why you should stay: Pet-friendly, affordable, and just minutes from popular spots in the city.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $95/night
This artsy modern house with a Bohemian vibe comes with 24-hour security and a large deck with a fire pit, grill, and an eye-popping ocean view.
Enjoy a tranquil setting while being just minutes from the top surfing spots, restaurants, breweries and taco stands, with Guadalupe Valley just a 20-minute drive away. It’s one of the most adorable airbnbs in Ensenada for a traveling couple or small group of friends.
Check Availability“Such a beautiful space! I loved the design elements and the view was beautiful. The home is entirely enclosed which was great for my pup. Alejandro was extremely quick to respond with any questions or concerns.”
8. Cabin Tulum VIP
Why you should stay: Feel like you’re in Tulum, even on Mexico’s west coast.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $171/night
Set near the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific, Cabin Tulum is the perfect place for enjoying total privacy, seclusion and incredible views. More of a glamping experience, there’s no TV or Wi-Fi (or kitchen) but it’s the perfect opportunity to take a break from electronic gadgets. Make sure to bring in something for dinner and breakfast, or plan to eat meals out.
The city of Ensenada is just a 20-minute drive away, but here, you’ll have your own private show with dolphins frolicking in the waves, and (with luck on your side) migrating whales breaching from the ocean’s surface. Watching the colorful sunsets and stargazing are sure to be highlights, too.
Check Availability9. Oceanfront House
Why you should stay: It may not be physically possible to get any closer to the ocean than this roomy patio.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $166/night
Between the Guadalupe Valley and downtown Ensenada, this oceanfront house provides a beautiful escape in a quiet neighborhood with 24-hour security. You’ll be close to fabulous restaurants, breweries, bars, grocery stores and surf spots, yet far enough away from the noise. Guests often comment on the beautiful patio space, but it can get breezy, so make sure to pack a light jacket.
If you want to fall asleep to the sounds of the waves (and maybe a seagull or two,) this should be your top pick of airbnbs in Ensenada. You’ll be able to gaze out at the Pacific from the balcony and the large windows inside. After dark, cozy up to a fire in the fire pit, with wood supplied. It comes with a kitchen, Wi-Fi, TV and a washer and dryer, too.
Check AvailabilityPlan Your Trip to Ensenada
Taken your pick of the best airbnbs in Ensenada? Time to get to wine, tequila, and taco tasting…
- Go wine tasting in the Valle de Guadalupe. Private tours are available through Baja Winery Tours so you won’t have to get behind the wheel.
- Join a whale watching boat tour for close encounters with gray whales from Dec – Apr.
- Browse or buy at Ensenada’s fish market, Northern Baja California ‘s largest seafood market. Be sure to try the fresh yellowfin ceviche.
- Marvel at La Bufadora. The name translates to “blowhole,” as it’s an ocean geyser that shoots sea water 10 feet or more into the air.
- Shop Paseo Calle Primera/Avenida Lopez Mateos, Ensenada’s main shopping street with eight blocks of souvenir shops, jewelry stands, and more.
- Take a stroll along the Malecon waterfront that runs alongside of the harbor, enjoying the views and the sounds of live mariachi music.
- Sample Mexico’s best tequila at the Tequila Room, which offers free tastings and a fantastic collection of bottles with vibrantly colored designs.
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Seen in: Mexico, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in Mexico
