Activities
Enjoy yourself!
Located on a 2 mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches, Casita Barranca is the perfect destination for you. Whether you want to soak up the sun, build sand castles, practice yoga, swim, surf, watch the dolphins and whales, go horseback riding or take a motorized hang gliding adventure, your days will be memorable and enjoyable.
ATV and Off Roading
While ATV's are allowed on most of Mexico's beaches, ATV's are strictly
forbidden on Playa la Mission beaches. This law is enforced by the
local police. However, there are designated areas within a short
driving distance (about 5 minute drive north).
Dining, Music and Dancing
Traditional Mexican and American food, atmosphere, and beach views are only minutes up the Free Road in a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes. Internationally renowned La Fonda Bar and Restaurant is just moments away. A great alternative to good old La Fonda is Poco Cielo , located about 200 yards just south of the La Mision exit.
Or if you're wanting some dancing and music along with good food, check out Palapa de Jose. Located just north of the La Mision hotel through the Alisitos entrance (the campground of La Mision hotel). Just tell the guard at the campground entrance that you're going to Palapa de Jose. Paco Diaz plays music Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 9:00. DJ on Friday and Saturday night from 10:00 to close. Weekdays there is always a happy hour.
The famous Puerto Nuevo Lobster Village is 15 minutes north. And of course Ensenada is just a quick 35 minute drive south and is full of many 4 star establishments. You can also usually find live music from world renowned Depue De Hoyos at the Las Palmas Hotel (just be sure to check their schedule ahead of time).
Renowned chef and restaurateur Javier Martinez Garza just opened his new place “BOULES” in San Miguel, a small village at the entrance of ENSENADA, Just after passing through the toll booth to Ensenada, take the right just in front of the “Extra” store. It’s a little cobblestone street. Follow that straight ahead about half a block. Take a left turn at the guard booth and just on the left is a gated parking lot with a security guard. Tell them you are going to Boules and he will let you in, park in that lot. The first large white building you see is a “salon”. Boules is the smaller place just past it. Casual nouvelle cuisine Baja style with local wines you will came back for., Open Thurs-Mon starting at 1:00 pm. Javier is an excellent host, he speaks excellent English. Sundays are probably the busiest. Waterfront. Cash only. Phone 646 175 9769. Good choice for a group but make arrangements ahead of time with Javi. Sundays and Mondays they have petanque tournaments.
Javier’s Brother David has his own place on the pier of Ensenada. His place is called Muelle Tres. Visit him for an excellent lunch of local fish, oysters, or whatever other specialties he has ready for you that day.
Another great place to have lunch is LA CASA VIEJA up in the Valle de Guadalupe in the town of San Antonio De Las Minas.
Additionally, Rosarito is just a 20 minute drive north.
For special occassions
La Villa del Valle is a beautiful bed and breakfast located in the breathtaking Guadalupe Valley that serves dinner to outside guests.
Laja Mexico is a world class restaurant located in a short drive from Casita Barranca.
Golf
The world class Bajamar Golf Course is just fifteen minutes south.
Real del Mar , a newly opened and beautiful course, is just north of Rosarito.
Horseback Riding
Enjoy a ride down the beautiful beach. Horses are available for rent about a mile down south from the house. Just walk south on the beach towards the public beach and you will see the horses. You can also ask the groundkeeper to arrange the horses for you and they will come to pick you up on the beach in front of the house.
Movie Studios
For movie buffs, the Fox Baja Studios are located 3 miles south of Rosarito. The movies "Titanic" and "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" were both filmed here. The studios usually welcome visitors, but you might want to call or email them ahead of time just to be sure.
Surfing
The surf right outside the door is wonderful for surfers, body surfers and boogy boarders alike. The conditions are similar to those at La Fonda and are acceptable for all levels. Just watch out for those dumpers! If you are an experienced surfer, then you are probably aware of K-55, one of Mexico’s best surfing spots! Located just 10 KM north up the free road, you can experience the rolling surf for yourself.Click here for the latest surf report of K-55.
Ultra-Light Plane Rides
Take in the beautiful scenery for high up in the sky. Located about 3/4 miles down the road. However, if you see them flying and you would like to go up, you can often wave them down (although, if they have a passenger, they will drop off the passenger and come back).
Whale Watching & Deep Sea Fishing
From late December until the end of March, the magnificent California Gray Whales can be sometimes be seen right from the balcony. However, if you wish to venture out on a tour, Sergio’s Sportfishing Center in Ensenada provides tours. They can also arrange private tours for deep sea fishing as well.
Wine Tasting
Guadalupe valley is quickly becoming one of the world’s premier wine countries. Read a recent article about the valley .
Casa de Piedra Winemaker Hugo D'Acosta produces an intense Tempranillo-Cabernet blend. Kilometer 93.5, Hwy. 3; 011-52- 646-156-5268.
Château Camou Known for wines like the Flor de Guadalupe Zinfandel and Blanc de Blancs (a blend of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay). Calle Principal, Francisco Zarco; 011-52-646-177-2221.
Mogor-Badan Winery A family-owned winery known for its crisp white Chasselas and its Wednesday farmers' market. Kilometer 86.5, Hwy. 3; 011-52-646-177-1484.
Paralelo Another Hugo D'Acosta–owned winery, distinguished by its ziggurat-style building. Kilometer 73, Hwy. 3; 011-52-646-156-5268.
Tres Mujeres Baja's only all-female team of winemakers—Eva Cotero, Ivette Vaillard and Laura MacGregor—Tempranillo and Grenache. Kilometer 87, Hwy. 3; 011-521-646-171-5674.
Viña de Liceaga Produces Chenin Blanc, as well as a Merlot and Grenache blend; also known for its Viña de Liceaga Gran Reserva wine, a blend made with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Kilometer 93, Hwy. 3; 011-52- 646-155-3091.
Viñas Pijoan Cult winery with a coveted Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot blend. Rancho San Marcos, Hwy. 3 at "El Tigre"; 011-52-646- 178-3482; open weekends only.
L.A. CETTO WINERY, Tel-011-52 (668)5-4450. Located in Guadalupe Valley,outside of Ensenada.