Visiting Baja California - #UntamedStyle Linkup

Map of  Baja California

Have you ever visited Baja California? I was recently in Ensenada, Baja California on a family trip. We use to visit often when I was younger, in middle and high school my family took several yearly trips. After many years we eventually stopped going as often, due to various reason, mainly safety. There was a period when it become unsafe to travel down to Baja, especially by car.  My parents decided it was no longer worth the risk. It has been over 15 years since my last visit. Recently my family begin going to Baja once again. I now have family living in Ensenada and it was time for a visit. I was a little weary of traveling to Baja, not gonna lie. After some convincing I decided to go with my family for a little get away by the beach. I am so thankful and grateful for this trip, my love of Mexico has been renewed. Baja has changed for the better and its much safer to travel.  If you have never been to Baja or haven't been in a long time you need to plan a trip. Ensenada is a shorter drive from Los Angeles than going to Las Vegas! Yup, once you cross the boarder into Tijuana, it's about an hour drive down the Pacific Coast. A beautiful scenic drive will take your breath away and you will not regret making the drive. Ensenada now has toll roads which are safe, well maintained and the drive is much easier and quicker than ever. 

Here are some highlights from my trip to Baja and some info for you to consider if you decided to visit for your self. 

Ensenada Beach right before the sunset

 Ensenada is a coastal town, in Baja California Mexico. You can take a road trip, or bus as well as a flight into Tijuana, Mex.  Ensenada does not have an airport but there are many ways to get there. If you do drive to Ensenada, I highly recommend taking the toll roads, which are only $1.75 and you will have to cross 3 toll booths before arriving into Ensenada. The roads are safer then the old highway and are just as good if not better than roads in the US. You will have a very beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean almost all the way down. There are several points of interest along the way. Rosarito Beach is a popular stop before arriving at Ensenada.  Puerto Nuevo is another popular destination for travelers, famous for its lobster dinners by the beach.

View from La Bufadora (Geyser)

A popular attraction in Ensenada is La Bufadora, which is one of the largest blow holes in North America. You can drive to La Bufadora or take a local tour bus which are available from many of the hotels or from the downtown area. If you are lucky during your visit you may spot dolphins and even whales from the geyser. There are also several whale watching excursions you take from Ensenada. 

La Bufadora (Geyser)

The famous "La Bufadora" a geyser that can reach up to 65 feet high, caused by the breaking of waves against a cave that is at the bottom of the cliff. You can stand on the ledges and see the waves rise and if you are close enough get a little splash of sea water. The view from top is amazing, its one of natures beautiful marvels you have to witness in person to truly appreciate. 

Vendors at La Bufadora

Visiting La Bufadora is a great place to also do a little souvenir shopping. The path to the edge of the geyser is full of vendors selling many Mexican souvenirs all hand made by local artisans. If you get hungry or thirsty, no problem. There are also many vendors selling local seafood, drinks and Pina Coladas served in a pineapple! You can not leave Ensenada with out eating fish tacos. Ensenada is the birth place of fish tacos. The food is fresh, very affordable and delicious. With just a few dollars you can enjoy a wonderful meal, with a beer or any other beverage and even dessert for the price of fast food combo in the states. 

Mangoes and Coconuts by the beach

A popular food item found all over Ensenada is fresh local fruit, like mangoes and coconuts. You will find road side stands all over, especially by the beach. You can enjoy a fresh coconut with various fruits, or even shrimp on the beach. Just ask the locals where's a good place to get a "Coco Loco" and they will guide to the best spots. Don't worry if you don't speak Spanish, many people in Ensenada speak English and are happy to help you out. 

El Cielo Winery in Valle De Guadalupe

Another must see place is Valle De Guadalupe, which is a short drive from Ensenada. La Ruta Del Vino to Valle De Guadalupe is home to dozens of wineries which produce s the majority of wine from Mexico. Many people are referring to it as the "Napa of the South". We visited one of the larger wineries called "El Cielo", had a tour and tasting for less than $15.  You not only get a tour of the wineries from the barrel room to the bottling process, but also get to keep the wine glass at the end of your tasting. I am not really knowledgeable about wine, but I can tell you these are quality and delicious wines. You can also take tours of several wineries from Ensenada and worry about driving and enjoying all the fabulous wine. 

I had a wonderful time on my trip, Ensenda its a great place to visit if you have never been to Mexico. Ensenada is a little taste of Mexico's coastal towns, so close to the US and much more affordable. Staying in Ensenda is quite cheap, in comparison to visiting other more popular beach towns in Mexixco. Hope I have convinced you to take a visit to Ensenada and enjoy all the coast of Baja California has to offer. 

Have you ever visited Ensenada or Mexico? 

Outfit Details
Crochet Top: Wet Seal Plus $15
Jeans: HM+ $10
Sandals: Teva $12
Bag: Stussy via Outlet $10
Yellow Hat: Peter Grimm via TJ Maxx $10
Sunnies: Elie Tahari $5

Now time to share my favorite links from last weeks link up. Thanks to all the bloggers who have joined and return each week to join #UntamedStyle Linkup. Remember to follow me on social media and share with your other blogger buddies to come link up every Friday with #UntamedStyle. Also please make sure you visit these ladies and show them some blog love. Sharing is caring and just a click means so much to us bloggers! 

#UntamedStyle 5 Fave Links

Kelsie from Design Life Diaries

Ashley from Fab Ellis

Liz from Lizzie In Lace 

Sheree from Posh Classy Mom

Shelbee from Shelbee On The Edge

It's easy to join and participate #UntamedStyle Link-up

1. Follow Host (CidStyleFile) on your favorite social media channel, mine is Instagram! I'll keep you posted and remind you of the monthly themes and dates to post. Find Me Here Facebook- Instagram - Twitter - Snapchat.
2. Share is caring!  Share on Social Media you are linking up to #UntamedStyle, invite your other blogger boos to join too! 
3. Be Social!  Visit and interact with other bloggers who link up! You will find and meet plenty of new (to you) bloggers and they will get to know you too! Hello isn't it all about empowering and encouraging each other! No Haters, Shaders or Drama Here!!! 
4. You may be featured! I will select my favorite 5 blogs who link up, and will feature them the following month. Be creative, have fun and just be YOU!! 

Time to linkup for this weeks #UntamedStyle. This months theme for the entire month of July is Vacation Style and Essentials. Show us what you wear on your vacations this summer, share your packing tricks or tips or give us a list of the best places to visit this summer. Anything goes, No Rules, No Boundaries, Just Be You! 

Also make sure you follow me on Facebook and Instagram. If you would like to be a co-host one week shoot me an email: info at veronicacid.com Thanks for linking up! 

An InLinkz Link-up