Ensenada is strategically located some 120 kilometers south of the border with the United States via a four lane toll road and a two lane free road, which makes it a natural destination for tourists on short vacations by car. Ensenada's proximity to California also makes it a destination for short cruise ship trips from the Los Angeles area, and there are four ships that make weekly trips to Ensenada as of 2005.

There are many features which make Ensenada an attractive tourist destination, for instance:

A few minutes south of town is the largest of three known major marine geysers in the world, this one known as "La Bufadora" ("The Blowhole").

Ensenada area has several celebrated surfing spots, such as San Miguel Beach and Todos Santos Island. Further south in the municipality are spots famous for their excellent windsurfing.

The world-renowned Baja 1000 off-road race is held in Ensenada every year in late November, while the Baja 500 race is held in early June. Off-road enthusiasts use Ensenada year-round as a starting point to explore Baja California.

The grey whale's annual migration from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California Sur between the months of December and March, and back in the months of April and May, can be seen from the coast of Ensenada. Sightseeing tours are available every day during migration season.

The nearby town of Guadalupe, Baja California was founded by immigrant Russian Molokans in the late nineteenth century. Most of the molokan community re-migrated towards California's Central Valley in the mid-twentieth century, and there exists a Russian Museum commemorating their legacy in the region. The traditional economic activities in Guadalupe, Baja California are olive and wine production. Currently, about 90% of wine production in Mexico originates in the valleys of Guadalupe and adjacent Calafia. Many local wine producers offer tours and tastings.

Every year during the month of August, the beginning of wine harvest season is celebrated in the Guadalupe Valley and in the city of Ensenada with a two week long series of cultural and culinary events, all under the title banner of Fiestas de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival), which attracts people from all over the world.

The Ensenada Carnival is one of the largest in Mexico, as thousands of people gather in the streets for six days and nights.

The San Pedro Mártir mountain range and National Park is located within the municipality of Ensenada, about 240 km SW of the city of Ensenada.