Carretera Escénica Scenic Highway
A breathtaking coastal highway in Baja California, Mexico, offering dramatic ocean vistas and winding roads.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Carretera Escénica Scenic Highway
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking coastal highway in Baja California, Mexico, offering dramatic ocean vistas and winding roads.
"The best sea views are here, an extremely beautiful road with several amazing viewpoints."
🚗 Pay Tolls Promptly
Toll booths are frequent. Have cash or a payment method ready to avoid delays.
📸 Stop at Viewpoints
Numerous amazing viewpoints offer perfect photo ops. Don't miss them!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pacific Ocean Vistas
Along the entire highway
Dramatic cliffs meet the vast Pacific, offering unparalleled coastal scenery at every turn.
Sunset Magic
Various viewpoints
Witness dreamlike sunsets where mountains, sea, and clouds create a magical, unforgettable spectacle.
Foggy Mystique
Higher elevations
Experience the ethereal beauty of fog rolling in, transforming the landscape into a mystical, dreamlike scene.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Views, Mind the Tolls
Timing is Everything for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Pay Tolls Promptly
Toll booths are frequent. Have cash or a payment method ready to avoid delays.
📸 Stop at Viewpoints
Numerous amazing viewpoints offer perfect photo ops. Don't miss them!
🌫️ Embrace the Fog
Fog can create a unique, mystical ambiance. Enjoy the dramatic scenery it brings.
⚠️ Drive Cautiously
Some sections have sharp curves. Drive attentively, especially in changing weather.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Pay Tolls Promptly
Toll booths are frequent. Have cash or a payment method ready to avoid delays.
📸 Stop at Viewpoints
Numerous amazing viewpoints offer perfect photo ops. Don't miss them!
🌫️ Embrace the Fog
Fog can create a unique, mystical ambiance. Enjoy the dramatic scenery it brings.
⚠️ Drive Cautiously
Some sections have sharp curves. Drive attentively, especially in changing weather.
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunrises and sunsets paint the sky with incredible colors over the Pacific.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers consistently praise the Carretera Escénica for its absolutely stunning sea views and well-maintained road quality. However, many note that the tolls can be quite expensive, and occasional lane closures for repairs can cause minor disruptions. Despite the cost, the breathtaking scenery makes it a highly recommended drive.
"Nice view but the booths are very expensive. They always need some repairs so they close some lanes of the road."
JUDY Y
"The best sea views are here
🏝️🪨🌊⛰️🌅⛵🚢"
Erick Herrera
"I highly recommend arriving on time.
Personally, my family and I are very grateful to you for your excellent care and professionalism for each and every patient."
Estela Ramirez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Carretera Escénica is the main highway connecting Tijuana and Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico. You can access it directly from either city. If driving from the US, you'll typically enter through Tijuana and then find the highway entrance.
Yes, the Carretera Escénica is a toll road. There are several toll booths along the route, and the fees can add up. Travelers recommend being prepared with cash.
Many visitors recommend driving the highway to enjoy the stunning ocean views. Stopping at designated viewpoints is also a must for photos and to truly appreciate the scenery.
While generally well-maintained, some sections have sharp curves and steep drops. It's advised to drive cautiously, especially in foggy conditions or at night.
Yes, you can easily access the Carretera Escénica from San Diego by crossing the border into Tijuana and then heading towards the highway entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you don't need to buy tickets for entry. However, you will need to pay tolls at various points along the highway.
Toll prices can vary, but travelers have reported paying around 44 pesos per toll per car. It's advisable to have smaller denominations of Mexican Pesos ready.
The Carretera Escénica is the primary route between Tijuana and Ensenada, so it's integrated into the main road network. You'll find access points as you depart from either city.
Currently, there is no widely advertised information about specific passes or discounts for the Carretera Escénica tolls. It's best to budget for individual toll payments.
The toll booths on the Carretera Escénica are generally open 24/7, as it's a major transportation route. However, it's always good to check for any temporary closures or maintenance schedules.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for designated viewpoints and pull-offs along the route. The areas where the mountains dramatically meet the Pacific are particularly stunning.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, with golden hues casting a magical glow over the ocean and landscape.
Absolutely! Fog can create a unique, moody, and ethereal atmosphere, perfect for dramatic photography.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography from public viewpoints. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and other travelers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing ocean colors.
🎫 🚗 Driving & Navigation
While possible, driving at night is not recommended for first-time visitors due to sharp curves and potential lack of lighting in some areas. Visibility can also be an issue.
Speed limits vary along the highway, but generally, they are posted. It's crucial to adhere to these limits, especially in curves and near toll booths.
Yes, there are gas stations and restaurants located at various points along the highway, particularly in towns like Rosarito and near the toll plazas.
The drive from Tijuana to Ensenada is approximately 100 km (about 62 miles) and can take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, stops, and driving speed.
There are emergency call boxes and roadside assistance services available. It's wise to have your car checked before your trip and carry a basic emergency kit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of safety when stopping, especially with younger children, as some viewpoints are close to the road. Pack snacks and drinks, as services can be spread out. The drive itself is an adventure, but consider breaking it up with a stop in a town like Rosarito for a meal or a break on the beach.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Start your journey with a full tank of gas and be prepared for tolls. Take your time, pull over at the numerous scenic overlooks, and savor the journey. Consider driving from Tijuana to Ensenada or vice versa, depending on your itinerary. The drive is best enjoyed during daylight hours to fully appreciate the stunning views.
📸 Photography Buffs
Don't miss the opportunity to capture the unique foggy conditions that can occur, adding a mystical element to your shots. Look for designated pull-offs and viewpoints to safely capture the expansive coastal scenery. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the grandeur of the landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dramatic Landscape: Where Mountains Meet the Sea
The proximity to the ocean means you're constantly treated to the sights and sounds of crashing waves. On clear days, the water shimmers in countless shades of blue, while on foggier days, the landscape takes on a more mysterious and serene quality. This constant interplay of land and sea is what makes the scenic highway so unforgettable.
Travelers often describe the views as 'out of this world' and 'like driving through a postcard.' The sheer scale of the landscape, combined with the winding nature of the road, makes for an exhilarating driving experience. It's a place where nature's grandeur is on full display, inviting you to pull over and simply soak it all in.
Navigating the Tolls and Road Conditions
The road surface is generally in good condition, with many sections boasting smooth pavement. However, as noted by some, occasional repairs can lead to lane closures, potentially causing minor delays. The highway is also characterized by numerous curves, some quite sharp, which require attentive driving.
For the best experience, it's recommended to drive during daylight hours. While the highway is technically open 24/7, the dramatic cliffs and ocean proximity make it far more enjoyable and safer to navigate with good visibility. Be mindful of speed limits, especially in curves, and enjoy the drive at a pace that allows you to appreciate the scenery.
Capturing the Magic: Photography Tips
Timing is crucial for photography. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly spectacular, bathing the landscape in warm, golden light. The colors of the ocean and sky become incredibly vibrant during these 'golden hours.' Even on overcast or foggy days, the atmosphere can be incredibly dramatic and photogenic, offering a unique mood.
When shooting, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the ocean and coastline. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blues of the water and sky. Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles and compositions. Remember to also capture the details – the texture of the rocks, the patterns of the waves, and the play of light and shadow.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit