The 26 Best Things to do in Loreto
A complete list of the best things to do in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
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Loreto, Mexico, is known for its sleepy-town vibes and for being a popular destination with tourists in search of warm weather and coastal views. But did you know that Loreto is also the best place in the world to see blue whales? From ancient cave paintings to historic missions and a wealth of diverse marine life, there are so many things to do in Loreto, that it can be hard to fit it all in! Read on for a concise list of the best places to visit in Loreto, as well as the top activities, attractions, day trips, and restaurants to make your visit unforgettable. Stick around to the end where we have included an interactive map of Loreto BCS Mexico, as well as some frequently asked questions, to make your holiday planning that much easier.
Loreto at a glance
Where is Loreto?
Loreto is a small city and municipality located on the east coast of Mexico’s Baja California Sur peninsula. Once the capital of the state of Baja California Sur, Loreto lies on the Sea of Cortez (also called the Gulf of California), one of the most biodiverse bodies of water in the world.
Loreto is about 222 miles (357 km) north of La Paz by car, which takes about 4.5 hours to drive.
Loreto Map
The best things to do in Loreto
Loreto is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and exciting outdoor activities. There are loads of fun activities in Loreto, from wildlife watching to desert adventures. We’ve compiled the best things to do in Loreto below.
Free things to do in Loreto
Whether you’re planning to stay in town or explore further afield, there are loads of activities and attractions on offer in Loreto – and some of the most fun things to do are completely free! Here’s what we’d recommend adding to your itinerary.
1. Explore Loreto’s old Town
Orient yourself by wandering Loreto’s historic centre and finding some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including:
2. Visit the Jesuit Mission and Museum
The Mission of Our Lady of Loreto (Misión Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó) is a Jesuit mission in the centre of Loreto and the oldest church in the whole of Baja California Sur. It was founded on 25th October 1697 and built to face towards the Sea of Cortez. You can visit the museum which sits next door and learn more about the history of the Jesuits in Loreto and Baja California Sur.
3. Walk the Malecón
Loreto’s malecón, an ocean-front main street, runs alongside the town and features epic views of Loreto Bay National Park. You can stroll the palm tree-lined pavement or hire a bike and take in the view on two wheels. Stop off at the marina to see wading birds feeding in the shallows or spot the sculptures which are dotted along the malecón. The blue whale sculpture can be found outside the marina.
4. Get a Picture with the Loreto Sign
These multi-coloured place names can be found in most cities in Mexico and have become a popular attraction with tourists to Baja California Sur. Each letter is decorated with a picture that represents the area – in Loreto’s case, you can see the sun, sea, cacti, and marine animals. With a backdrop of palm trees and the ocean, this spot on the malecón makes for a great photo opportunity.
5. Relax in the Plaza Publica
Visiting the Plaza Publica (main square) is one of the best free things to do in Loreto. Featuring colourful buildings, boutique souvenir shops and cute restaurants, the Plaza Civica is also a spot that’s popular with the locals. You can relax on benches near the bandstand or enjoy a tequila in one of the nearby bars. This central square is also lined with boutique shops and cosy cafés.
6. Relax on Loreto’s beautiful beaches
Loreto’s malecón is home to some of the city’s best beaches, including Playa Oasis, Playa La Negrita, and Playa La Darsena. Featuring sprawling golden sand, these sun-soaked beaches are easily accessible on foot from Downtown. To the south of town, Playa La Salinita is a long part-pebble, part-sand beach with handmade palapas and easy access to the airport. While Playa Nopolo lies about 5 miles further south and is popular a snorkel spot.
Unique things to do in Loreto
These activities and attractions lie a little further afield from the town centre and showcase the best of Loreto’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.
7. Visit the ancient cave paintings at La Pinguica
The cave paintings at La Pinguica are an unmissable day trip from Loreto. La Pinguica Mountain Range is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also known as “Canipole”, La Pinguica is just 1.5 hours north of Loreto and is one of the best places in the world to see petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (cave paintings). Carbon dating has indicated that the rock art is up to 7,000 years ago, having been created by indigenous Baja civilizations. Unless you have a car, you’ll need to book onto a tour to see these historic paintings. The hike is roughly 4.5 miles (6.4km) return, so be sure to wear good shoes and take plenty of water.
8. Take a Trip to the San Javier Mission
The Misión San Francisco Xavier de Viggé-Biaundó (San Javier Mission) is a Spanish church in the small town of San Javier. Built during the colonial era of the Viceroyalty of New Spain around 1699, the church is one of the best-preserved missions in Baja.
Don’t worry if you don’t have access to a car. This highly popular San Javier Mission tour provides your transport, knowledgeable guide and lunch at an authentic, local Mexican restaurant. You’ll have plenty of time to stroll through the cobblestone streets and explore the San Javier Mission, fruit orchards and olive gardens.
9. Go Blue Whale Watching
Spotting a blue whale is one of the most memorable things to do in Loreto. The waters around the town, known as Loreto Bay National Park, contain 5 large islands which are home to lots of animals, including several endangered species. The bay offers protected waters for blue whales, who migrate here every year to feed, calve and mate. They can be found around the bay between January and March each year and are best seen on a blue whale watching tour.
10. Spot Blue-Footed Boobies
We thought we’d have to wait until we made it to the Galapagos to see blue-footed boobies, but it turns out they can also be found off the western coast of Mexico and down mainland Central and South America. There are six different species of booby: red-footed, brown, Nazca, masked, Peruvian and blue-footed. You can tell the below birds are blue-footed boobies due to the colour of their feet. The Galapagos contains approximately half of all blue-footed booby breeding pairs. Blue-footed boobies mate for life. Their blue feet are part of an elaborate mating ritual, as males flaunt their feet one at a time in front of the female. The brighter the feet, the more attractive the bird is deemed.
11. Explore the Islands in Loreto Bay National Park
Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto (Loreto Bay National Marine Park) was created on 19th July 1996 after 3 years of petitioning by local citizens. They were concerned about the impact fishing and development were having on the area and wanted to preserve the bay’s natural environment. Their hard work paid off and in 2005 Loreto Bay was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park contains 5 large uninhabited islands: Isla Coronado, Isla del Carmen, Isla Danzante, Isla Monserrat, and Isla Santa Catalina. This photo was taken from Isla Coronado, an extinct volcano and the most popular island to day-trip to.
12. Swim with Sea Lions at Isla Coronado
Swimming with wild sea lions is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the best activities to do in Loreto. Situated in the middle of Loreto Bay National Park, Isla Coronado is a stunning volcanic island with a diverse range of flora and fauna. Several Loreto tour operators offer trips to swim with the island’s cheeky sea lions. While there are strict regulations on boats within the marine park, it’s important to do your research and pick a licensed and ethical company when booking an experience that involves animals.
13. Go snorkelling in Loreto Bay
Due to having a wealth of diverse marine life, Loreto Bay National Park is really popular for snorkelling and diving. With diverse underwater ecosystems boasting vibrant coral reefs and dramatic underwater rock features, Loreto Bay National Marine Park is perfect for snorkelling. Take a snorkelling Catamaran Cruise in Loreto Bay and experience the crystal-clear waters for yourself.
14. Go SCUBA diving in the Sea of Cortez
There are more than 40 dive sites and the protected nature of Loreto Bay means the water is often as flat as glass. The waters around Loreto are home to lots of animals, including several endangered species. Some of the animals you might see include blue, fin and humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, angel fish, parrot fish, sierra, dorado, rainbow wrasses and pufferfish. With top-quality dive sites, Loreto gives diving in Cabo a run for its money.
15. Birdwatch in Las Garzas Estuary
Nestled at the mouth of Las Garzas Estuary (Estero Las Garzas), this protected ecosystem offers a scenic walk along the beach by the sea. Literally meaning ‘Estuary of Herons’, Las Garzas Estuary is the perfect place to enjoy some birdwatching, with a variety of species including herons calling the reserve home. You can access the estuary in front of Hotel Oasis.
16. Hike in the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains
A quiet hike through the Sierra de la Giganta mountains is popular with adventure lovers and anyone who wants to get out into nature.
The 0.8-mile (1.3km) out-and-back Tabor Canyon Trail does contain a bit of bouldering but there are safety ropes along the way. There are several sections with more than one route, but so long as you’re following the stream you’ll reach some beautiful freshwater pools at the end. If you’re unsure of doing it yourself, or you don’t have a car, you can join this highly-rated Tabor Canyon guided tour which includes transfers and snacks.
Mesquite Canyon is another popular spot for hiking, offering scenic views along a 9.5-mile (15.3 km) out-and-back track in Loreto’s outback.
17. Go kayaking or paddle boarding
Water sports are one of the most adventurous things to do in Loreto and there are plenty of places to hire paddleboards or kayaks. You can paddle out into the bay and enjoy views of the town with the surrounding mountains as a cool backdrop. Keep an eye out for marine life such as sea turtles, which can also be spotted swimming around in the shallow waters.
18. Souvenir shop
Loreto is one of the best places in Baja California Sur for souvenir shopping. With lots of little boutique stores and locally-run shops, you can browse to your heart’s content. The area around the Plaza Civica has the best shopping in Loreto with the most shops offering trinkets, clothing and classic souvenirs, like caps and shot glasses. Or pick up a Mexican item like a local, handmade hammock or blanket.
19. Try sport fishing
If fishing’s your thing, Loreto is a great place to cast a line. The waters in Loreto Bay are protected and fishing is highly regulated to ensure sustainable stocks. June through September are the best months for fishing in Loreto when larger pelagic species like dorado, marlin, sailfish, and tuna are frequently caught. At this time, Loreto hosts various fishing tournaments, attracting anglers from across the region.
20. Play a round of golf
Tee off and enjoy a leisurely game of golf on your Loreto vacation. The Loreto Bay Golf Resort & Spa is popular and known for its stunning ocean views. While TPC Danzante Bay Golf Course is another firm favourite, with an 18-hole fairway that runs through valleys, arroyos, dunes, and foothills.
21. Embark on an ATV adventure
Ride an all-terrain vehicle over rolling dunes by the sea on an ATV adventure in Loreto. Leave the malecón behind as you explore Loreto’s stunning natural areas and visit the natural springs and pools of Las Virgines – the perfect way to spend the day if you’re seeking a bit of adrenaline.
22. Attend a festival
Loreto hosts a variety of cultural, historical, and natural events throughout the year. Here are some key events and festivals to experience in Loreto:
23. Try authentic Mexican food
Loreto is home to a variety of local restaurants serving some of the best authentic cuisine in the region. Savour Baja-style fish tacos, a signature dish made with fresh grilled or battered fish, crispy cabbage, creamy sauce, and soft tortillas. Don’t miss the chance to try chocolate clams (almejas chocolatas), a local speciality often prepared with butter and garlic, grilled over an open flame. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe or a refreshing margarita. Discover the best restaurants in Loreto in the section below.
The best day trips from Loreto
There’s a wealth of exciting destinations to discover just on Loreto’s doorstep. These are the day trips from Loreto you should absolutely consider adding to your itinerary.
24. Meet friendly grey whales in Magdalena Bay
Taking a trip to the Pacific Coast is one of the top things to do in Baja California Sur. It’s here that you can take a boat trip into one of the lagoons that are popular breeding and birthing grounds for grey whales in Baja. A lot of trips to Magdalena Bay, the most accessible lagoon, actually start in Loreto, which is only a 2.5-hour drive through the beautiful Sierra de la Giganta mountain range.
We’d recommend staying overnight in a whale camp, where you can see whales from your tent. With Magdalena Bay Whales you also get a private whale watching tour with your own personal captain on each day of camp. But a day tour to Magdalena Bay from Loreto is a great option to experience these friendly whales if you have limited time.
25. Mulegé
To see more of Baja, consider taking a day trip from Loreto to Mulegé. A charming coastal town, Mulegé is located about 93 miles (150 km) to the north of Loreto and takes about 2 hours to drive. Start your visit at the Mulegé Mission (Mission Santa Rosalía de Mulegé), a historic 18th-century church built by the Jesuits. Explore the town centre and its public plaza, stopping at shops, art galleries, and the small museum, Museo de Mulegé. Then, after a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, relax on Playa Santa Teresa, enjoy some water sports, and detour to the Mulegé River with its lush vegetation and birdlife.
26. La Paz
Visit the state capital of La Paz, a vibrant coastal city on the Sea of Cortez. Known for its seafront malecón and charming city centre, La Paz is home to a historic mission and a couple of museums.
The surrounding area is known for its natural beauty, from the famous Balandra Beach to Isla Espíritu Santo National Park. Several amazing wildlife encounters are possible here, from swimming with whale sharks to snorkelling with sea lions. Whales can also be found here during winter.
At about 222 miles (358 km) south of Loreto, it’s about 4-5 hours’ drive, so we’d recommend spending at least one night in the city to avoid a long round trip.
The best restaurants in Loreto
Loreto offers a variety of dining options, from casual beachfront eateries to local restaurants. We basically ate our way around Loreto on our trip. Here’s a list of some of the best restaurants in Loreto that we loved:
Where to stay in Loreto
Loreto is a small and popular town which means it’s not the cheapest place in Baja California Sur to stay. But there are still a lot of great options, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury.
Budget: One of our favourite ways to save money when travelling is to choose self-catering accommodation so we can cook for ourselves. You can find a great range of self-catering properties on websites like Vrbo and Airbnb, with some apartments starting at as little as $30 a night. You can also find private rooms – a great option if you’re planning to explore and eat out a lot and are only looking for a bed to rest your head.
Mid-range: The Iguana Inn is a sweet little hotel near the main plaza with 4 rooms ranging from $60 for 3 people to $80 for 4 people. A basic kitchenette with sink, fridge, coffee maker and microwave are provided in each room too.
Luxury: The Mision Hotel is an ocean-front luxury hotel situated in the heart of Loreto. With comfortable suites, indoor-outdoor ocean-view dining, large pool and a Starbucks onsite, The Mision has everything you need for a relaxing and rewarding break.
Loreto FAQs
Now that you know what to do in Loreto, let’s address some frequently asked questions.
Is Loreto, Mexico, safe in 2024?
Loreto is super safe. As a sleepy town, popular with Americans for vacation or retirement, Loreto is actually one of the safest places in Mexico. There is very little crime, and what crime there is is petty. Baja California Sur as a whole is also very safe and doesn’t get touched by some of the more serious crimes you hear about in Baja California, on the border with the USA.
How to get to Loreto, Mexico?
This depends on where you’re coming from. Most people coming from America and Canada will be able to fly directly into Loreto airport.
Internationally, it’s easier to get a flight to BCS’s capital, La Paz. From there you can get a connecting flight with Aero Calafia on Mondays and Fridays. The easier, cheaper and more eco-friendly way to get to Loreto from La Paz is to take the bus. Aguila Auto Transportation runs the route, which takes around 5 hours and costs approximately $45.
Book your Loreto Airport Private Transfer: Pick Up or Drop Off here!
Finally, you could include Loreto as a drop-off destination in a tour package. This is what we did when we stayed at Magdalena Bay Whales’ Grey Whale Camp – we negotiated a pick up in La Paz and drop off in Loreto as part of the tour price.
Which airlines fly to Loreto Mexico?
Alaska Airlines flies from Los Angeles and San Francisco, American Airlines connects Loreto with the Dallas Fort-Worth and Phoenix airports, while WestJet offers flights from Calgary in the winter.
How far is Loreto Mexico from San Diego?
Loreto is 744 miles (1200km) from San Diego. Driving down Baja can be a great way to see more of the peninsula and make for a fun road trip. The journey takes about 16 hours, so we’d recommend breaking it up into two or more days. Alternatively, Volaris and Aereo Calafia fly from San Diego to Loreto once a day.
Are blue whales sighted in Loreto, Mexico?
Yes, Loreto is actually one of the best places in the world to see blue whales. To be in with a chance to spot the world’s largest animal you’ll need to time your trip between January and March and book onto a licensed tour. Blue Whale Watching in Loreto is a magical experience.
Read next:
Everything you need to know about Blue Whale Watching in Loreto
The 26 Best Things to Do in La Paz
What to eat in La Paz, Mexico + The 4 Best Spots for Fish Tacos
Balandra Bay: Mexico’s Most Beautiful Beach
Everything you need to know about swimming with Whale Sharks in La Paz
Everything you need to know about Snorkelling with Sea Lions in La Paz
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