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

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Ensenada, this Ford Model T city tour offers a charming blend of vintage style, cultural insights, and delicious local flavors.

For just $90 a person, you get to cruise through the streets in a classic car, visit historical landmarks, and sample some of Mexico’s most iconic drinks and wines—all in just two hours. It’s a compact experience, but one packed with authentic moments and memorable sights.

What we like most? First, the chance to ride in a vintage Ford Model T, which adds a nostalgic touch you simply won’t find with a regular bus or walking tour. Second, the opportunity to learn the story behind the margarita’s birthplace and taste it at the very spot where it was first created.

A minor consideration? The tour is quite condensed, so if you’re a history buff or a lover of slow-paced explorations, you might wish for a little more time at each stop. Still, for those wanting a taste of Ensenada’s highlights with style and fun, this tour hits the mark.

It’s perfect for first-time visitors, couples, or anyone interested in pairing cultural discovery with a lively, engaging ride.

This experience made our article of Ensenada’s 10 Best City Tours.

Key Points

• Vintage charm: Ride through Ensenada in a well-preserved Ford Model T — a rare sight and a fun photo opportunity.
• Historical insights: Learn about the city’s colorful past, including visits to iconic sites like the Riviera Cultural Center and Rivera del Pacifico.
• Flavorful experiences: Sample a margarita at the place where it was invented, and explore the world of tequila and opals.
• Wine tasting: Visit Baja California’s first winery and enjoy local wine options—great for connoisseurs or casual sippers alike.
• All-inclusive convenience: Hotel and port pickup/drop-off, plus live commentary, make this a seamless experience.
• Limited duration: While the two-hour tour is brisk, it’s designed to give a snapshot of Ensenada’s highlights without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Vintage Ride through Ensenada’s Streets

From the moment you step into the sturdy, shiny Ford Model T, you’re stepping back in time. These cars are more than just transportation—they’re a symbol of early 20th-century ingenuity and charm. The driver and guide will keep the conversation lively, sharing stories behind each stop and offering insights you might miss on your own.

The ride itself offers a fantastic way to see the city’s highlights without the fatigue of walking. You’ll glide past colorful buildings, bustling streets, and scenic viewpoints, appreciating Ensenada’s lively atmosphere from a comfortable vantage point. The open-top design (if weather permits) means you’ll get plenty of fresh air and photo ops, plus a chance to enjoy the sights in a relaxed manner.

Visiting the Birthplace of the Margarita

The tour’s highlight is the visit to Bar Andaluz, the historic venue where the margarita was first crafted in honor of Mrs. Margarita Plant. It’s a chance to savor a classic margarita in the very place it was invented, surrounded by old photographs and a cozy atmosphere that echoes the city’s past. Reviewers love this stop, describing it as “a fun slice of history” and “a perfect way to toast to Ensenada’s most famous cocktail.” While the margarita isn’t included in the tour price, paying for a drink here is well worth the experience.

This stop offers more than just a drink—it’s a chance to connect with the city’s story. The guide will share amusing anecdotes about how the cocktail became a global sensation, making this a memorable and educational moment.

Exploring Culture and Opals

Next, the tour takes you to the Riviera Cultural Center, a former hotel and casino that once hosted Al Capone. This site isn’t just about history; it’s a glimpse into the glamorous past of Ensenada’s social scene. The guide provides context, making this stop both informative and atmospheric.

A short drive then brings you to the Opal Mine, where you’ll see the dazzling world of Mexican opals. The mine’s displays and explanations reveal how these gemstones are formed and cut, offering a tangible connection to the region’s mineral wealth. If you’re a jewelry lover or a curious traveler, this visit adds a layer of local craftsmanship to your experience.

The World of Tequila

No Mexican experience is complete without a visit to the Tequila Museum. Here, you’ll learn about the process from plant to bottle, gaining an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind Mexico’s most famous spirit. The tour includes samples of six different tequilas (though not included in the price), which many reviews describe as “a highlight” and “a tasting adventure.” Whether you’re a tequila aficionado or a novice, sampling different varieties helps you understand the nuances between blanco, reposado, and añejo.

The museum’s setting offers a quiet, informative atmosphere, and the guide’s commentary helps decode the complex flavors. You might find yourself making notes for future purchases or simply savoring the rich flavors.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wineries and Local Wines

Finally, the tour includes a visit to Bodegas de Santo Tomás, the first winery in Baja California. Here, you can purchase a bottle to take home or enjoy a tasting (not included in the tour). The winery has a welcoming atmosphere, and many visitors appreciate the chance to connect local wines with their Mexican roots. The reviews suggest this is a great spot for wine lovers wanting to explore Baja’s burgeoning wine scene.

Practical Details and Value

At $90 per person, this tour offers a neatly packaged experience that balances cultural learning, tasting opportunities, and vintage fun. The price covers entry fees, the driver/guide, and hotel or port pickup and drop-off, making it a convenient option for travelers who want a guided, all-in-one introduction to Ensenada.

The two-hour duration is tight, but it’s well-structured to hit key sights without rushing. You’ll be transported in a private group, which typically means a more personalized experience and fewer crowds.

Reviews highlight the enthusiastic guide’s storytelling, the well-maintained vintage car, and the quality of the wine and tequila tastings. One reviewer said, “The driver was friendly and knowledgeable, making the whole experience feel personal and fun,” echoing the general sentiment of satisfied travelers.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a quick yet meaningful introduction to Ensenada’s culture, history, and flavors. It suits couples, small groups, and even solo travelers looking for something memorable and authentic. If vintage cars, local spirits, and cultural stories appeal to you, this tour will hit the right notes.

However, if you prefer a leisurely pace or more time at each site, you might find this tour a bit brisk. It’s designed to give a taste rather than a deep dive, so consider your personal preferences for depth versus efficiency.

For travelers seeking an authentic, fun, and visually engaging way to see Ensenada, this city tour in a Ford Model T combines history, culture, and taste in a genuinely charming package. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate vintage style and want to learn about local legends like the margarita’s creation. The inclusion of visits to a cultural center, an opal mine, and a tequila museum ensures you’ll come away with a well-rounded sense of what makes Ensenada special.

While the tour’s two-hour window is quick, the variety of stops and the storytelling make every minute worthwhile. The value lies in the mix of sights, stories, and tastings—delivered in style (literally) by a vintage car and a passionate guide.

If you’re after a lively, informative, and flavor-filled introduction to Ensenada, this tour delivers a memorable snapshot with plenty of personality.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby

• What is the duration of the tour? The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a quick but rundown of Ensenada’s highlights.
• Is pickup included? Yes, hotel and port pickup and drop-off are included for a seamless experience.
• Are alcohol tastings included? No, tequila and wine samples are not included in the price but can be purchased separately at the respective sites.
• Can I pay for drinks at the stops? Yes, you can buy margaritas, tequila, and wine directly at each location.
• Is this tour suitable for children? The tour is designed for adults interested in culture, history, and tastings; children might find it less engaging.
• What is the vehicle like? You’ll ride in a well-preserved Ford Model T, which offers a nostalgic and photo-worthy experience.
• Are the stops accessible for all? The tour’s stops are generally accessible, but it’s best to check specific needs with the provider beforehand.
• Is this a private tour? Yes, it operates as a private group, providing a more personalized experience.
• Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
• Is the tour available in multiple languages? Yes, live commentary is provided in both Spanish and English.