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

Imagine cruising through the lively streets of Ensenada in a vintage Ford Model T—a charming way to see this bustling port city. For just $90 per person and a compact 2-hour window, this tour offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and authentic local flavors. Led by an engaging guide, you’ll visit historic sites, sip a margarita where it was invented, and learn about Mexico’s iconic beverages.

What makes this experience truly memorable are a few standout details. We loved the chance to sit behind the wheel of a true vintage car, feeling like part of a bygone era. Plus, the stop at the Tequila Museum—where you can sample six different tequilas—gives you an authentic taste of Mexican craftsmanship. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that alcoholic drinks are not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to budget extra for tastings and snacks.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, authentic local experiences, and scenic rides. If you’re curious about margaritas, wines, and tequila, and want to see Ensenada from a fun vintage perspective, this is a great pick. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors eager to get a taste of what makes this city special.

Key Points

• Vintage Charm: Ride in a fully restored Ford Model T, adding a nostalgic touch to your exploration.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit the birthplace of the margarita, the Riviera Cultural Center, and learn about local history.
• Unique Stops: Tour the Opal Mine and discover the gemstone world, and visit the Tequila Museum for insights into Mexico’s famous spirit.
• Wine Tasting: Explore Baja’s first winery, and enjoy the chance to sample regional wines.
• Authentic Experiences: Sip a margarita at the historic Bar Andaluz, where the cocktail was first created.
• Flexible & Comfortable: The tour includes hotel and port pickup, live commentary in both English and Spanish, and is designed for private groups.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Ensenada Model T Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off with hotel or port pickup, making it hassle-free to start your adventure. Once aboard the vintage Ford Model T, you’ll immediately feel transported back in time. The car itself is part of the charm—such a distinctive way to explore the city streets compared to modern buses or taxis. The driver and guide work together to create a lively, personable experience, providing live commentary in both Spanish and English.

Visiting the Birthplace of the Margarita

One of the most exciting stops is the Bar Andaluz, recognized as the place where the margarita was first crafted. We loved the storytelling atmosphere, imagining how this iconic cocktail came to be. Here, you get to sip a margarita while soaking in the historic ambiance of this venerable venue. The fact that the margarita’s creation is tied to Mrs. Margarita Plant adds a fun, local twist to the story.

Exploring Ensenada’s Historic Sites

Next, you’ll visit the Riviera Cultural Center, once a hotel and casino frequented by infamous figures like Al Capone. The center’s architecture and exhibits give you a glimpse into the city’s past as a lively, somewhat rebellious hub. It’s a good spot to appreciate how Ensenada has evolved over the decades.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering Opals at the Mine

The Opal Mine Ensenada is a highlight for gemstone enthusiasts. We found it fascinating to see how opals are mined and processed. It’s a chance to understand the local industry and perhaps purchase a special souvenir—though note that purchases are on your own.

Tequila Tasting at the Museum

The Tequila Museum offers a comprehensive tour of Mexico’s national spirit—how it’s made, the different varieties, and its cultural significance. While sample six tequilas (not included in the tour’s price), many find this part of the tour to be a genuine eye-opener about tequila craftsmanship. The museum experience also offers insights into the plant-to-bottle journey, making it more than just a tasting session.

Visiting Baja’s First Winery

No visit to Ensenada is complete without a taste of its acclaimed wines. You’ll visit the first winery in Baja California, where you can sample local wines or purchase a bottle to take home. Although wine samples aren’t included, the opportunity to taste regional varieties adds significant value—especially for wine lovers.

Additional Stops

The tour also features a visit to Rivera del Pacifico, giving insight into the city’s entertainment heritage. The lively atmosphere here complements the other historical sites, rounding out your cultural exploration.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price & Value: For $90, this tour offers a well-rounded experience—covering history, culture, and taste—without the need for separate bookings. Keep in mind that alcoholic drinks and tastings are extra, so budget accordingly.
• Duration & Pacing: At just 2 hours, the tour is concise but packed with highlights. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or want an overview rather than an exhaustive deep dive.
• Group Size & Comfort: Operating as a private group, the tour feels personalized. The vintage car ride adds a fun element, but do note that the seating might be snug for larger groups.
• Languages & Guides: The live commentary in both English and Spanish ensures clarity for diverse travelers, making the experience accessible.
• Cancellation & Flexibility: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your plans change unexpectedly.

Authentic Experiences That Stand Out

Many reviews mention how special it is to sit behind the wheel of a restored vintage car, feeling like you’ve stepped into a different era. The local guide’s storytelling adds depth, especially at the Margaritaville and Tequila Museum stops. Guests also appreciate the small-group setting, which allows for more interaction and personalized attention.

The wines and tequilas receive praise for their quality, with visitors noting the excellent selection at the winery and the informative tequila tasting. A few travelers mentioned that they enjoyed the chance to purchase souvenirs and local products, emphasizing how this tour offers a genuine taste of Ensenada’s artisanship.

What Could Be Improved?

Some guests point out that extra expenses for tastings and purchases are not included in the tour fee, so it’s wise to budget ahead. Also, since the tour is 2 hours, it’s a quick overview—you won’t see everything Ensenada has to offer but will walk away with a memorable, curated experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a history buff, a liquor enthusiast, or simply curious about local legends like the margarita’s origin, this tour is a solid choice. It appeals most to those who enjoy small, private experiences with a dash of fun and nostalgia. Travelers short on time but eager to get a taste of Ensenada’s cultural gems will find this a perfect fit.

The Sum Up

This Ensenada city tour in a vintage Ford Model T balances history, culture, and good old-fashioned fun. It’s a stylish way to see the city’s highlights without feeling rushed, and it offers a genuine connection to local traditions—like the birthplace of the margarita and the first Baja winery. The mix of historic sites, gemstone discovery, and spirit tasting makes it especially appealing for travelers who want an authentic, immersive experience.

While it’s not a full-day deep dive, the concise 2-hour format packs enough charm and knowledge to leave a lasting impression. It’s particularly well-suited for first-time visitors, small groups, and those craving a playful, culturally rich outing in Ensenada.

If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and stylish way to explore, this tour will serve you well, giving you a memorable taste of Ensenada’s unique personality. Just remember to set aside some extra for drinks and souvenirs, and you’ll have a fantastic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
While primarily designed for adults, children who enjoy vintage cars and are accompanied by attentive adults will likely find it enjoyable. However, the tequila tasting is for adults only.

How much should I budget for tastings?
Since tequila and wine samples are not included, you should plan for additional expenses if you wish to participate in tastings or purchase bottles.

Can I customize the experience?
As a private group, you can discuss your preferences with the guide. However, the core stops and itinerary are pre-set.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, especially since the tour involves some walking at stops. If it’s sunny, bring sunscreen and a hat.

Are there any age restrictions?
There are no specific age restrictions, but obviously, alcohol tastings are only for adults.

How long in advance should I book?
Booking ahead is wise, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. Cancellation is free if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

Is the vintage car ride comfortable?
The cars are restored and functional but may be snug for taller or larger guests. It’s part of the fun, but be prepared for a close fit.

Does the tour include lunch or snacks?
No, it doesn’t include food, but there may be opportunities to purchase snacks or drinks at some stops.

This vintage-style tour offers a fun, authentic snapshot of Ensenada, perfect for curious travelers eager to blend history, culture, and a splash of fun in just a couple of hours.

You can check availability for your dates here: