Showing posts with label CRUISE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CRUISE. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Ensenada Mexico - "La Cenicienta del Pacífico" (The Cinderella of the Pacific) - What To Do And Where To Go

 



Ensenada is a coastal city in Mexico, the third-largest in Baja California. Lying 125 kilometers south of San Diego on the Baja California Peninsula. It is the third-largest city in Baja California and is locally referred to as La Cenicienta del Pacífico, "The Cinderella of the Pacific."  The city is an important international trade center and home to the Port of Ensenada, the second-busiest port in Mexico. Ensenada is a major tourist destination, owing to its warm climate and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. This was one of the stops from our 4-day Disney Cruise and here are some of the places and attractions that we visited in Ensenada.



VENTANA AL MAR

As you arrive in the Ensenada Port, you will be greeted by a 4-acre park called Ventana Al Mar. Ventana al Mar is a breathtaking park located in Ensenada, Baja California, that serves as a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As you enter the park, you are greeted by the sight of the largest flag in Mexico, a symbol of national pride that towers majestically against the azure sky. This iconic landmark is not only a visual treat but also a perfect backdrop for memorable photographs. This park is suitable for walking, and family activities.

Here are the opening schedules:                                            Entrance Fees: FREE
Monday, 6 AM–10 PM
Tuesday, 6 AM–10 PM
Wednesday, 6 AM–10 PM
Thursday, 6 AM–10 PM
Friday, 6 AM–10 PM
Saturday, 6 AM–10 PM
Sunday, 6 AM–10 PM










Ventana al Mar
Prol. Castillo, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico





CENTRO SOCIAL, CIVICO Y CULTURAL, RIVIERA DE ESENADA

Centro Social, Cívico y Cultural, Riviera de Ensenada is a prominent cultural center in Ensenada, Mexico, dedicated to promoting local arts and community events.  Housed in an old casino, this center contains space to be rented out for public events, but also has a natural history museum that can be seen for US$1.  The venue hosts a variety of activities, including concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals, providing a space for both local and regional artists. Its architectural design reflects the heritage of the region, making it not just a hub for social gatherings but also a historical landmark. Visitors can engage with the local culture through numerous scheduled events and exhibitions that aim to enrich community interaction and preserve cultural heritage.

Here are the opening schedules:                                            Entrance Fees: $1 per person
Monday, 8 AM–8 PM
Tuesday, 8 AM–11 PM
Wednesday, 8 AM–1 AM
Thursday, 8 AM–11 PM
Friday, 8 AM–12 AM
Saturday, 8 AM–1 AM
Sunday, 8 AM–8 PM















Centro Social, Cívico y Cultural, Riviera de Ensenada
y, Blvd Lázaro Cárdenas, Club Rotario 1421, Zona Centro, 22880 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico





MUSEO DE HISTORIA DE ENSENADA

The museum walks you through the history of Baja from prehistory to the native people to the arrival and live under the missionaries. It's just $2 US to get in and about an hour to tour the museum. Most signs are bilingual Spanish/English. Within the Riviera Cultural Center which is considered the most beautiful building in Ensenada, you will find the History Museum with seven rooms exhibiting the historical evolution of the city from its first settlers until now. 

Here are the opening schedules:                                       Entrance Fees: $2 per person
Monday, Closed
Tuesday, 10 AM–5 PM
Wednesday, 10 AM–5 PM
Thursday, 10 AM–5 PM
Friday, 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday, 12–5 PM









Museo de Historia de Ensenada
Blvd. Costero 2, Bahia Ensenada, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico





LA BUFADORA

Located 17 miles south of Ensenada at the tip of the Punta Banda peninsula, La Bufadora (The Blowhole) is an amazing natural marine geyser that is capable of shooting water well over 60 feet in the air. La Bufadora is considered to be the second largest marine geyser in the world. This coastal geological phenomenon is more precisely a natural chimney open in the cliff , connected to sea caves. Depending on the tide and the waves, the sea water crashes with force against the cliff and rises through these chimneys, being thrown upwards through the gap in the form of pulverized foam like a geyser and producing a characteristic sound. This place is an important point of tourist attraction, since it is visited by national and foreign tourists.  In this place the coexistence and integration of visitors is achieved with the tasting of Mexican dishes and drinks.

Here are the opening schedules:                                       Entrance Fees: FREE
Monday, 8 AM–8 PM
Tuesday, 8 AM–8 PM
Wednesday, 8 AM–8 PM
Thursday, 8 AM–8 PM
Friday, 8 AM–8 PM
Saturday, 8 AM–8 PM
Sunday, 8 AM–8 PM
















Watch this YouTube Video of our La Bufadora Tour from Disney Cruise:



La Bufadora
Península de delegación de Maneadero, Punta Banda I, 22794 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico




SIMBOLOS HISTORICOS DE ENSENADA

Simbolos Historicos De Ensenada include La Plaza de Las Tres Cabezas (The Plaza of the Three Heads) with busts of Mexican heroes, the Monumental Flag showcasing a giant Mexican flag, the iconic Hussong's Cantina representing the city's Wild West past, the Hotel Riviera del Pacífico, a former luxury hotel and casino with a storied history, and the Cabrillo Statue, a loan from the U.S. honoring the discoverer of the bay.  

Here are the opening schedules:                                       Entrance Fees: FREE
Open 24 hours







Simbolos Historicos de Ensenada
P.º Olas Altas 96, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico





Here are some travel tips if you want to visit Ensenada Mexico:

  1. The best times to visit for good weather and fewer crowds are the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October. 
  2. Weather in Ensenada is usually sunny. Ensenada's rainy season is in the winter months, typically November to April, with the most precipitation in February.  It is advisable to wear light and comfortable clothing during your travels at daytime but bring a jacket at night time since it tends to get cooler specially with the coastal weather.
  3.  Ensenada is generally safe, but it's wise to stick to well-lit, busy areas, especially at night. When exploring, consider walking with others and staying on main roads or near businesses to avoid quieter, more isolated streets after dark. 
  4. While cash is always a must when traveling to other places, you can get by with a credit card and smaller US bills. Practically, all places associated with tourism accept US dollars in bills of $10 or less, most can handle $20 bills.
  5. It is believed that Ensenada is home to Baja-Style Fish Tacos so make sure you try in when you are there.  There are also a lot of seafood so try that out as well.


For more travel and food blogs, please visit:  http://haringlarga.blogspot.com/p/home.html

Friday, December 22, 2023

Seattle WA - Where Tech Meets Tourism, The Emerald City Has It All - What To Do And Where To Go

 



Seattle is a city in Washington State on the northwest coast of the United States.  It is one of the most visited cities in the US. known for it's iconic attractions, great food, coffee culture, natural beauty, music scene, and hip culture.  But aside from being a tourist destination, Seattle is also a home base for big technology companies like Amazon, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Expedia and Microsoft, that's why business travelers also flock here.  Here are some of the top places and things to do when you are visiting Seattle:


PIKE PLACE MARKET

The Pike Place Market has been an iconic place to visit in Seattle for more than a century.  Founded in 1907, the Market is one of the oldest and largest continuously operating public markets in the United States.  Today, the multilevel space is home to more than 500 shops, vendors, restaurants, and bars.  It is also home to the world famous "Fish Throw".  It is where one of the fish shop called "Pike Place Fish Co." does a bit of a show by throwing and catching fish when they make a sale.  Many tourists wait patiently in front the shop trying to watch and experience this. (Watch YouTube video below showing this spectacle)















Watch this YouTube Video of Pike Place Market (feat. the world famous "Fish Throw"):



Pike Place Market
85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101


Admission Fee - FREE





TRY OUT THE DIFFERENT FOOD SHOPS IN PIKE PLACE MARKET

As the Pike Place Market is a tourist destination itself,  the food stalls and shops around it are also a must to try out.  The ones we tried out are Le Panier (French Bakery), Piroshki Puroshki (East European Sandwiches), Pike Place Chowder (Chowder Shop), Beecher's Handmade Cheese (MacN Cheese & Grilled Cheese Sandwich), Starbucks (the oldest and claimed to be the 1st Starbucks store).

  • LE PANIER
Le Panier

Le Panier

Le Panier

Le Panier

Le Panier
1902 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
+12064413669


Operation Hours: Open every day 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

  • Piroshky Piroshky
Piroshki Piroshki

Piroshki Piroshki

Piroshki Piroshki

Piroshki Piroshki
1908 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
+12067641000


Operation Hours: Open every day 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM


  • Pike Place Chowder
Pike Place Chowder

Pike Place Chowder

Pike Place Chowder

Pike Place Chowder

Pike Place Chowder

Pike Place Chowder
1530 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
+12062672537


Operation Hours: Open every day 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM



  • Beecher's Handmade Cheese
Beecher's Hand Made Cheese

Beecher's Hand Made Cheese

Beecher's Hand Made Cheese

Beecher's Hand Made Cheese

Beecher's Hand Made Cheese

Beecher's Hand Made Cheese

Beecher's Hand Made Cheese

Beecher's Handmade Cheese
1600 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
+12069561964


Operation Hours: Open every day 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM


  • Original Starbucks
Original Starbucks

Original Starbucks

Original Starbucks

Original Starbucks

Original Starbucks

Original Starbucks

Original Starbucks

Original Starbucks

Original Starbucks
1912 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
+12064488762



Operation Hours: Open every day 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM





THE GUM WALL

Just next to the Pike Place Market is a famous alley where in the walls are full of used gums called "The Gum Wall".  It started in the 1990's when locals stuck their gums on the walls.  Ever since people have been doing the same thing locals and tourist alike which now became an attraction.  Some are disgusted seeing it but others find it fascinating and made it a picture worthy stop when visiting Seattle.







The Gum Wall
1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
+12065872414


Admission Fees:  FREE
Operation Hours: Open 24 hours daily




SEATTLE AQUARIUM

One of the most visited attractions in Seattle is their Seattle Aquarium. The aquarium is home to nearly 400 species and over 12,000 individual mammals, birds fish and invertebrates.  It is the ninth largest aquarium in the U.S. by attendance and among the top five paid visitor attractions in Seattle.  The purpose of the aquarium is to basically introduce the different marine wildlife in the Pacific Northwest.



















Watch this YouTube Video of Seattle Aquarium:



Admission Fees:

You can purchase tickets on-site or online.  Admission ticket prices varies per day:
Click on the link to buy tickets online: https://www.seattleaquarium.org/tickets/

Or, you can also purchase City Pass for combo tickets to different Seattle attractions at discounted prices:


Click on the link to purchase City Pass Tickets: https://www.citypass.com/seattle-comparison

Seattle Aquarium
1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
+12063864300


Operation Hours: Open every day 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Last entry at 5:00 PM




ARGOSY CRUISE

When visiting Seattle, it is also highly recommended to do the Argosy Harbor Cruise.  It is a 1 hour, fully narrated tour around Elliott Bay and offers fun, unique facts about the Seattle.  The cruise departs daily from Pier 55 which includes the following:
  • Live narration with facts and history of Seattle’s past and present
  • Panoramic and up-close views of the Seattle skyline and shipping port
  • Sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound
  • Full-service bar on board with cocktails, local wine and beer, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks available for purchase














Watch this YouTube Video of Argosy Cruise:




Admission Fees:

You can purchase tickets on-site or online.

Click on the link to buy tickets online: https://www.argosycruises.com/argosy-cruises/harbor-cruise/

Or, you can also purchase City Pass for combo tickets to different Seattle attractions at discounted prices:


Click on the link to purchase City Pass Tickets: https://www.citypass.com/seattle-comparison


Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront
1101 Alaskan Way Pier 55, Suite 201, 1101 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101
+12066231445


Operation Hours: Open every day 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Regular Cruise Schedule:







SKY VIEW OBSERVATORY

Sky View Observatory is located on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center. At 902 feet it offers the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest.  The indoor observatory offers 360 Degree Views of Downtown Seattle & surrounding landscape. Entry to the observatory also gives you access to the Sky View Cafe wherein they offer specialty drinks and cocktails as well as snacks. 
 

















Watch this YouTube Video of Sky View Observatory:



Admission Fees:

You can purchase tickets on-site or online.

Click on the link to buy tickets online:  https://skyviewobservatory.com/tickets/

Or, you can also purchase City Pass for combo tickets to different Seattle attractions at discounted prices:


Click on the link to purchase City Pass Tickets: https://www.citypass.com/seattle-comparison


Sky View Observatory - Columbia Center
700 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
+12063865564


Operation Hours: Normal opening hours are from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, but make sure to double check on their website as these times are always subject to change.




SPACE NEEDLE

Probably the most famous landmark in Seattle, the Space Needle is the attraction that you don't want to miss.  It was built for the 1962 World’s Fair—the Century 21 Exposition whose theme was “The Age of Space” the tower’s futuristic design was inspired by the idea that the fair needed a structure to symbolize humanity’s Space Age aspirations. Since its grand opening on April 21, 1962, the landmark continues to symbolize the innovative and forward-thinking spirit of Seattle.  The tower's round observation deck (520-feet high) offers spectacular views of the city and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. The Loupe, a cocktail lounge, features a revolving glass floor. If you're not a fan of heights, check out the SpaceBase gift shop at the bottom of the tower.













Watch this YouTube video of Space Needle:



Admission Fees:

You can purchase tickets on-site or online.


Click on the link to buy tickets online:  https://sn.web.ticketing.siaticketing.com/tickets/main

Or, you can also purchase City Pass for combo tickets to different Seattle attractions at discounted prices:


Click on the link to purchase City Pass Tickets: https://www.citypass.com/seattle-comparison

Space Needle
400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109
+12069052100


Operation Hours: 





CHIHULY GARDEN & GLASS

Chihuly Garden & Glass is an exhibit features a comprehensive collection of Dale Chihuly's stunning glass art. It provides a look at Chihuly’s inspiration and influences and brings together many of the elements of his work, including Drawings, signature glass series, large architectural installations and his personal collections.  Located right next to the Seattle Space Needle (literally, you can’t miss it), this museum offers indoor exhibits, outdoor gardens that mix the art pieces with botanical pieces, and also a café where you can grab brunch or lunch before starting your day.


















Watch this YouTube video of Chihuly Garden & Glass:


Admission Fees:

You can purchase tickets on-site or online.



Click on the link to buy tickets online:  https://cgg.web.ticketing.siaticketing.com/tickets/main

Or, you can also purchase City Pass for combo tickets to different Seattle attractions at discounted prices:


Click on the link to purchase City Pass Tickets: https://www.citypass.com/seattle-comparison

Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
+12067534940


Operation Hours: 




MUSEUM OF POP CULTURE (MOPOP)

The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, explores the fascinating subjects that intrigue the masses, from movies to music, video games, and more, at its location in the Seattle Center. It’s hard to miss the striking building by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry with its ultra-contemporary design that houses cutting-edge, creative exhibits and artifacts from the world of pop culture. Whether it’s through your favorite albums, sci-fi and fantasy films, indie video games, or binge-watching that one TV show (again), pop culture is at the heart of our lives and for many of us, our identities. The Museum of Pop Culture takes you behind the scenes of your favorite fandoms through immersive exhibitions and stunning artifacts—from Nirvana to Horror and everything in between. 

















Watch this YouTube video of Museum Of Pop Culture (MoPOP):



Admission Fees:

You can purchase tickets on-site or online. Regular admission tickets vary in price depending on time and day but is usually averaging from $25 to $30.

Click on the link to buy tickets online:  https://www.mopop.org/special-exhibition-tickets

Or, you can also purchase City Pass for combo tickets to different Seattle attractions at discounted prices:


Click on the link to purchase City Pass Tickets: https://www.citypass.com/seattle-comparison


Museum of Pop Culture
325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
https://www.mopop.org/
+12067702700


Operation Hours: Normal opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM





WOODLAND PARK ZOO

Woodland Park Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization and zoological garden located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, United States.  It is an award-winning 92-acre oasis featuring over 300 animal species.  Woodland Park Zoo has been a cherished community resource and a unique urban oasis. Generations of Puget Sound families have come to the zoo to marvel at the animals and be inspired by the peaceful and beautiful surroundings.  The zoo is helping to save animals and their habitats through more than 40 field projects in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. By inspiring people to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future ecological health and sustainability.






























Watch this YouTube video of Woodland Park Zoo:




Admission Fees:

You can purchase tickets on-site or online. 




Click on the link to buy tickets online: https://www.zoo.org/visit  

Or, you can also purchase City Pass for combo tickets to different Seattle attractions at discounted prices:


Click on the link to purchase City Pass Tickets: https://www.citypass.com/seattle-comparison


Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, WA 98103
+12067702700



Operation Hours: 


Parking Fees:





Here are some travel tips when you are visiting Seattle Washington:

  1. If you plan to visit most of the top attractions in Seattle like the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, etc., purchase the Seattle City Pass.  It will save you more money than buying separate tickets.  Here's a link to purchase tickets:  https://www.citypass.com/seattle-comparison
  2. If you decide to Purchase the Seattle City pass, please note that you still have to book reservations online that will usually require you to enter your desired time of visiting.  The attraction's website will have a section where in you can reserve your spot specifically for City Pass.
  3. The Pike Place Market can be crowded starting at 10AM onwards so it is suggested you visit at an earlier time if you want to stay away from the crowd.
  4. The line in the Original Starbucks can be very long all through out the day specially on weekends. The queue can take 30 mins to an hour long. Best time to go is to really be there way before the opening at 6AM and get in queue right away.  If you cannot make it that early, you may just have to always check until the line starts to shorten.
  5. There are a lot of food stalls and shops in Pike Place Market. You usually don't have to go to a restaurant for breakfast or lunch.  Just by trying out the food shops, you'll get filled while exploring the market itself and the nearby attractions.
  6. Weather in Seattle is cold and often times wet even during summer time.  Make sure you carry a jacket or anything to make you warm.
  7. There are a lot of modes of transportation in Seattle.  Taxis, buses, ride shares, trains, and monorails.  Depending on where you are going and what time it is, there are a lot of options.  At a budget, you can utilize the buses around downtown.  For convenience, you can use taxis or ride shares. From the airport to downtown, train is the cheapest option but taxis are available also during later hours at night.
  8. Seattle weather is usually cold even during summer and often times, it rains. It is suggested you wear or bring a jacket.  It may be a little bit warmer during summer days but it can still can get cold at night time.
  9. Seattle offers a variety of food ranging from low budget food stalls to high end restaurants.  So, finding a place to eat here is not a worry.  Seattle is known for their seafood, so make sure to try out seafood restaurants there. 
  10. If you are travelling alone or as a couple, I suggest you avail of join-in tours or the hop-on hop-off bus.  This will provide you less hassle on driving through traffic and save money for parking.
  11. Seattle offers variety of accommodations ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels.  You will have no difficulty finding the best accommodation for you online.  You just have to decide on what location you wish to stay. It is highly recommended to find a hotel in Downtown between 4th Ave to 1st Ave as this will have easier access to major attractions in the city.


For more travel and food blogs, please visit:  http://haringlarga.blogspot.com/p/home.html