Plaza Civica

The basics

Plaza Civica lies near the center of Ensenada within walking distance of the cruise ship port, making it an easy destination to stop by if you’re exploring the city on foot. Walking paths around the square—where the historical statues stand—should take no more than 15 minutes to explore. Vendors selling everything from souvenirs to books, artisan crafts, and street food populate the plaza and the adjacent streets, especially on Alvarado Street on the east side of the plaza.

Things to know before you go

• Bring a camera to snap photos of the waterfront.

• There are often musicians performing in the plaza and there’s a waterfall fountain at its center.

• Find public restrooms on the west side of the plaza.

How to get there

Plaza Cívica is just a short walk from the heart of Ensenada, near the harbor and the Riviera del Pacifico building, between Federal Highway 1 and the waterfront paths. From downtown, head west on Avenida López Mateos, passing the local shops and cafés, and turn left towards the water on Alvarado.

When to get there

The plaza is open to the public 24 hours a day seven days a week. Generally, the best times to visit Ensenada are April to May and September to October, when the weather is pleasant, there are fewer crowds, and you can easily enjoy outdoor activities. Consider visiting during Mexican Independence Day in mid-September or Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) in October or November.

The statues in Ensenada’s Plaza Civica

Plaza Cívica in Ensenada features statues of Venustiano Carranza, Benito Juárez, and Miguel Hidalgo. The statues don’t feature information panels, so it can be worth reading up on who these figures are: Carranza was the first president of the New Republic of Mexico and a leader during the Mexican Revolution, Juárez was a national hero who resisted foreign rule, and Hidalgo is known as the Father of Mexican Independence.