Ensenada: City Tour in a Ford Model T with Margarita & Wine

Imagine cruising through the streets of Ensenada in a classic Ford Model T—a vehicle that’s more than just transportation; it’s a rolling piece of history. This tour offers a charming blend of nostalgia, local flavors, and cultural sights, ideal for travelers eager to experience the city in a unique and relaxed way. We’ve come across this experience and love that it combines authenticity with fun, especially with stops at the birthplace of the margarita and a visit to a historic casino-turned-cultural center.

One of the aspects travelers often appreciate is the personalized private group setting, making it more intimate than large bus tours. Plus, the opportunity to sample local wines and tequilas adds a flavorful layer to the sightseeing. However, be aware that alcoholic drinks are not included in the tour price, so budget accordingly if you want to indulge. This tour suits those who enjoy a blend of history, culture, and local tastes—perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned travelers wanting a fresh perspective.

Key Points

• Vintage transportation adds a nostalgic charm to Ensenada sightseeing.
• Several stops highlight the city’s culinary and craft traditions, including margaritas, wine, and tequila.
• The price offers good value considering the multiple attractions and expert guides.
• Small, private groups ensure a personalized experience and more interaction with guides.
• The tour is suitable for those who enjoy learning about local history while tasting regional specialties.
• Flexibility with booking and cancellation makes it easier to plan your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Tour Stands Out

This Ensenada city tour isn’t your average sightseeing itinerary. It’s designed for travelers who want a hands-on, immersive experience with a dash of history and a splash of local flavor. The highlight, of course, is riding in a vintage Ford Model T, which instantly transports you back to the early 20th century. It’s a delightful way to see the city’s sights while enjoying a leisurely pace and plenty of photo ops.

The tour’s two-hour length strikes a good balance—long enough to explore multiple sites, yet short enough to leave you free to continue your day. The experience is complemented by live commentary in both English and Spanish, making it accessible for a diverse range of travelers.

Exploring Ensenada in Style: The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting with a Classic Ride

The tour begins with hotel or port pickup—a convenient start that eliminates logistical fuss. Once seated in your Ford Model T, you’ll glide through Ensenada’s streets, feeling like you’ve stepped into a different era. This charming mode of transport is not just a gimmick—many visitors say it adds real character to the experience. The driver-guide provides live commentary, offering insights into the city’s history, culture, and the significance of each stop.

The Birthplace of the Margarita at Bar Andaluz

Your first destination is Bar Andaluz, a historic venue where the margarita was reportedly invented in honor of Mrs. Margarita Plant. Here, you get to sip on a margarita in the very place that gave the world this classic cocktail. The ambiance is cozy yet lively, and it’s a fun way to connect with the city’s cocktail heritage. As one reviewer put it, “The margarita here is simply delicious, and the historic setting makes it even better.”

More Great Tours Nearby

The Riviera Cultural Center

Next, you’ll visit the Riviera Cultural Center, a site with a fascinating past as a hotel and casino once frequented by Al Capone. Today, it functions as a museum and cultural hub, giving you a glimpse into Ensenada’s entertainment history. Walking through its halls, you’ll understand how this spot contributed to the city’s reputation as a lively port town.

Opal Mining Adventure

The journey continues to The Opal Mine Ensenada, where you can discover the world of opals. This visit offers a fascinating look into gemstone formation and the local industry. Visitors often enjoy seeing the colorful stones that sparkle under the workshop lights and learning about how these beautiful gems are mined and processed.

Tequila Tasting at the Museum

No Mexican experience is complete without a visit to the Tequila Museum, which educates guests on the distillation process from plant to bottle. Here, you’ll have the chance to sample six different tequilas (not included in the tour price), which is a highlight for many. Several reviews mention the quality of the tequila and the engaging explanations, making this a memorable part of the day.

The First Winery of Baja California

Your final stop is at the historic winery, the first in Baja California, where you can sample local wines and purchase bottles to take home. While samples aren’t included, many guests find this a worthwhile addition to their day—especially if they enjoy discovering regional wines. The winery’s setting provides lovely views and a relaxed atmosphere for tasting.

What Travelers Can Expect

This tour offers a well-rounded experience, balancing historic sights, cultural insights, and tasty samples. The two-hour duration keeps it manageable, but you’ll still cover a lot of ground. The private group setting means a more personalized touch, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and interact with your guide.

The transportation in a vintage Ford Model T isn’t just for fun—it’s a conversation starter and a memorable way to see the city. Expect friendly guides who are knowledgeable and eager to share stories, whether about the history of margaritas or the secrets of tequila production.

While the price of $90 per person might seem modest for such an experience, do keep in mind that alcoholic drinks and samples are extra. Still, considering the number of stops and the personalized attention, many find it excellent value.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Insights

Many reviews praise the authenticity of the experience: “This isn’t just a tour—it’s an immersion into Ensenada’s culture and history.” The stops at historic venues and local artisan sites give you an appreciation of the city’s heritage and craftsmanship.

One traveler remarked, “The highlight was definitely learning about the margarita’s origins and tasting the six different tequilas—it really made the whole trip special.” Another appreciated the chance to browse the winery, noting that “the wines are well worth trying, and the setting is lovely.”

Considerations for Potential Participants

While many travelers love this experience, it’s worth noting that the tour isn’t centered on food or extensive tastings—those are available, but not included in the price. If you’re primarily looking for a culinary tour, you might want to combine this with another experience. Also, since the tour lasts only two hours, it’s ideal if you want a quick, engaging overview, not an exhaustive exploration.

The group size being private means you’ll get more personalized attention, but it also means you should book in advance, especially during busy seasons. The flexible cancellation policy (cancel up to 24 hours beforehand) offers some peace of mind, making it easier to reserve even if your plans aren’t 100% firm yet.

This Ensenada city tour will appeal most to travelers who enjoy history, craftsmanship, and local stories. The vintage Ford Model T adds a nostalgic charm that makes sightseeing feel special. It’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors who want a curated, intimate experience, and for those curious about Mexican cocktails, wines, and gemstones.

If you’re a beer enthusiast or foodie expecting a gourmet dining experience, this tour might not satisfy that craving—though you’ll certainly get a taste of local culture. It’s best suited for adventurous spirits who appreciate storytelling, authentic venues, and regional traditions.

In essence, this tour offers a compact, memorable glimpse into Ensenada’s essence—a delightful way to add charm and flavor to your Mexican journey.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Since the focus is on alcohol tastings and cultural stops, it’s best suited for adults. Children might enjoy the vintage ride and sightseeing, but the tequila and wine tastings are for adults only.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, including pickup and visits to multiple sites.

Are the alcohol tastings included in the price?
No, the six tequila samples and wine tastings are not included in the $90 fee. They are available for purchase at each venue.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning.

Is transportation comfortable?
Traveling in a Ford Model T is more about the experience than luxury, but the ride is generally smooth and fun. It’s a cozy, vintage-style experience rather than a modern luxury vehicle.

Is this tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, live commentary is provided in both Spanish and English, making it accessible to a broad range of travelers.

This Ensenada city tour offers a charming, culturally rich experience wrapped in a vintage package. It’s perfect for those wanting a personalized, engaging, and authentically Mexican adventure—whether you’re a history buff, a cocktail lover, or simply looking for a memorable way to see one of Baja California’s most colorful cities.

You can check availability for your dates here: