You can't miss it when you're visiting Ensenada. All you have to do is take the "Centro" exit off the highway, before it jogs away from the water and then you're there:  Ave. Lopez Mateos, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas and finally, the Malecon.

The Malecon (seawall) is a pedestrian's heaven, as it parallels the harbor to the west, with shops and a park to the east. It's about 8 blocks long, and affords some of the best scenery, food, drink and people-watching that can be found anywhere. Heck on a busy Sunday afternoon, this is the kind of place that you can hang around at all afternoon and never become bored.

 

Left:  Strolling on the Malecon, you won't be bored as people-watching is at its best and there is plenty of entertainment.  Right:  Vendors have set up shop near the famous fish market, or better known as Mercado de Mariscos.

You won't become hungry, as the Mercado de Mariscos and the many seafood taco puestos anchor the north end of the Malecon.  Nor will you become thirsty, as all of these places sell delicious Mexican beer.

Left:  The marina along Bahia Todos Santos and the malecon, with the huge flag in the background.  Right:  A friendly couple that I met, during my visit to Ensenada, Victor and Lupita, from Los Angeles, CA.

You can look at the pleasure boats, yachts or commercial vessels anchored in the harbor. Or, you can marvel at the huge Mexican flag and the busts of Mexican national heros in the Plaza Civica, with its grassy, dog-friendly lawns and wonderful bandstand.  Or if that's not your shot of tequila, just sit on one of the many benches and people-watch to some of the most interesting folks that you'll find in North America.  

Left:  Passerbys are greeted to the sounds of an accordian player.  Right:  Cruise ship Infinity forms a pleasant background scene as lovers do their thing on the Malecon, on a very pleasant Sunday afternoon, April 17, 2005.

The Malecon is a favorite of both locals and tourists.  You'll see mothers pushing strollers, children playing, couples walking hand in hand, joggers and entire families together enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the harbor.  

Left:  Looking south along the Malecon, from near the seafood market.  Right:  Plaza Civico, a city park adjacent to El Malecon.  The flag plaza, with the huge Mexican flag, isn't shown, but its about 50 yards to the right of the photo.

The Malecon, a wonderful place to begin your tour of beautiful Ensenada and Ensenada harbor...