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. 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! The tiny city, which is nestled on the east coast of Mexico’s beautiful state of Baja California Sur, Loreto is also the best place in the world to see blue whales. Read on for a concise list of the best things to do in Loreto, as well as the top activities, attractions, day trips, and restaurants to make your visit unforgettable.

Where is Loreto?

Loreto is a small city and municipality located on the east coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Once the capital of the state of Baja California Sur, Loreto lies on the Gulf of California (also called the Sea of Cortez), 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

Use the filter function on the left-hand side of this Loreto map to see highlights and attractions.

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 in Loreto 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

Loreto Bay National Marine Park (Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto) 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 the pristine 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.

Where to stay in Loreto

You have two options when choosing accommodation in Loreto: staying in the large Loreto Bay area or the town itself.

Loreto Bay hotels are typically upscale resorts and sprawling developments on the strip of coast south of Loreto. While these might be appealing, they do have the disadvantage of being further away from the town and its shops, restaurants, and marina.

There’s a large variety of hotels in Loreto from budget apartments to luxury resorts, so there’s something for every budget. We’ve shortlisted the best accommodations below.

How to get to Loreto

There are a variety of methods to reach Loreto, depending on where you’re coming from. You can either arrange transportation directly to Loreto or make the journey from other destinations in the region, including:

By plane

The easiest way to reach Loreto, especially if you’re coming from outside of Mexico, is to fly.

Which airport do you fly into to go to Loreto?

Most people will reach Baja by plane. You can fly directly into Loreto International Airport (LTO), but it’s a small airport and international flights largely only come in from the USA and Canada.

If you’re coming from further afield, you could fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) or La Paz International Airport (LAP). From here, you can connect onto a regional flight to Loreto or make your way up the peninsula in a car or via public transportation.

Since Aero Calafia stopped operations, there are limited options for connecting onto regional flights. Volaris serves the most routes, although you may need to change in Tijuana.

Which airlines fly to Loreto?

There are a number of seasonal flights from the UA and Canada. 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 to get to Loreto from the airport

Loreto Airport is only a 10-minute drive from the city. You can take a taxi from outside the airport, pre-book a Loreto Airport transfer, take a bus, or rent a car and drive yourself. We expand on all these methods below.

By car

The easiest way to get to the city is to rent a car in Loreto and drive yourself. This allows you to get more off the tourist trail and visit more of Baja.

Rental cars can be picked up from Loreto Airport and in the city, as well as from Cabo and La Paz airports. Mex-Rent-A-Car is a reputable company with good reviews.

If you’re coming from around Baja, you’ll want to follow Highway 1 to Loreto. It’s in pretty good condition so there’s no need for a 4×4. The route passes through the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, which is super scenic but fairly windy. If you’ve driven abroad before, it’s nothing to worry about – just drive carefully around the corners.

The drive from Los Cabos to Loreto is about 305 miles (490 km) and takes around 6 to 7 hours. From La Paz, the distance is approximately 225 miles (360 km) and takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Do you need a rental car in Loreto?

It’s not necessary to have a rental car in Loreto. Most of the key attractions can be reached by public transportation or on a tour. However, having a rental car can give you greater flexibility to explore the stunning surrounding areas and save you money on guided tours as you can explore on your own.

By bus

The cheaper and more eco-friendly way to get to Loreto from around Baja is to take the bus.

From La Paz, the bus journey takes around 5 hours and costs approximately $45 USD. From Los Cabos, it’s about 8 hours. We’d recommend sitting on the side of the sea as the journey along the Pacific Coast is particularly scenic and we saw 6 whales from the road!

If coming from the U.S. border, you’ll want to pick up a bus from Tijuana. The journey can take 20-24 hours so it’s best to break it up with stops in cities like Guerrero Negro or Mulegé.

How to get around Loreto

Loreto’s centre is super compact, making getting around on foot super easy. The city’s best restaurants, bars, and cafés can be found around the Plaza Civic (main square) and along the picturesque seaside Malecón (boulevard).

Unfortunately, there’s not a very extensive public transportation network so getting to surrounding attractions or nearby cities – while possible on the bus – is easiest with a rental car.

Taxis are widely available in Loreto and can be hailed on the street or arranged through your hotel. There’s no Uber or Lyft and ride-hailing apps aren’t really used.

How much are taxis in Loreto?

Taxis in Loreto generally charge a fixed rate rather than using metres. Prices depend on your distance but on average cost:

Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your ride to avoid overpaying.

When is the best time to visit Loreto?

Loreto is great all year round but does see distinct seasons. The climate is dry with hot summers but mild, pleasant winters. The best time to visit Loreto will depend on your interests, which we’ve detailed more below.

Loreto Weather

Loreto has a subtropical desert climate with mild, sunny weather year-round. Its weather can be split into two seasons – a hot and a cool season – although the city sees four seasons:

Is there a rainy season in Loreto?

There’s not really a rainy season in Loreto. However, the rainy season in Baja typically occurs in late summer and early autumn, particularly in August and September. This period is when tropical storms or hurricanes are most likely to occur (although they’re still rare) and they may bring short but intense rainfall to Loreto.

What is the hottest month in Loreto?

The hottest month in Loreto is typically August, with average daytime temperatures reaching 35 to 38°C (95 to 100°F) with high humidity. The combination of heat and humidity can make outdoor activities less comfortable during midday hours.

What is the coldest month in Loreto?

The coldest month in Loreto is usually January, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C (60°F) at night to 24°C (75°F) during the day. Nights can feel especially cool, so packing a light jacket is recommended.

How long to spend in Loreto

There’s a huge list of things to do in Loreto and you could easily spend weeks in this charming colonial city. How long to spend here might depend on whether it’s your only vacation destination or if you’re planning to see more of Baja.

How many days do you need in Loreto?

How long to spend in Loreto will depend on your interests, travel style and the time you have available. We’d personally say that 5 to 7 days is perfect to see all the main sights, explore the bay, and visit the surrounding area. We wouldn’t have wanted any less than this.

At a minimum, we’d recommend 3 days to speed through the city and its top day trips. While you could enjoy a leisurely visit and stay for 10 days plus.

It’s also worth remembering that, if you plan to take any tours, weather cannot always be guaranteed, especially in the cooler winter months and the rainy period. We’d recommend you leave some room in your Baja California Sur itinerary in case you need to reschedule a cancelled tour.

Is Loreto touristy?

While Loreto is a popular vacation destination, it’s much less touristy than other cities in Baja like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz. Activities lie whale watching and fishing draw travellers seeking specific experiences so it’s always good to book these types of trips in advance, but the town has remained relatively low-key.

Loreto is one of two ‘pueblos magicos‘ (magic towns) in Baja California Sur and, despite its rise in popularity as a vacation and retirement town, its retained its authentic charm. You won’t find large crowds or party scenes here but there’s still plenty to see and do.

Overall, Loreto offers a more peaceful more intimate experience compared to the more developed and heavily tourist-centric cities in the region, making it a great choice for travellers who prefer a slower pace surrounded by natural beauty.

Is it safe to travel Loreto?

Loreto is super safe. As a sleepy town of just 20,000 people, Loreto is actually one of the safest places in Mexico. There is very little crime, and what crime there is is petty like pickpocketing. We felt very safe for the whole duration of our stay.

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 the northern state of Baja California, on the border with the USA.

What is the crime rate in Loreto Mexico?

However, it’s always recommended to take basic safety precautions, like hiding your valuables, avoiding isolated areas at night, and using reputable transportation and tour services.

Can you swim in the beaches in Loreto?

Yes, you can swim at many of the beaches in Loreto. The waters around Loreto are typically calm, clear, and warm, especially in late winter and spring, making them perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving, and other water activities.

Popular beaches like Playa Oasis, Playa La Negrita, and Playa La Darsena offer great swimming conditions, with clean, shallow waters that are safe for all levels of swimmers.

It’s important to be mindful of certain factors, including strong currents, tidal changes, and wildlife like jellyfish.

Is it worth going to Loreto?

Yes, Loreto is totally worth visiting! There are so many things to do in Loreto. From blue whale watching and island hopping in the bay to hiking in desert mountains and exploring the town centre, there’s something of interest for every kind of traveller. It may be a reasonable journey north of popular cities like Cabo and La Paz but it’s worth the journey. Visitors are rewarded with one of the most charming and authentic towns in Baja, epic wildlife watching opportunities, sprawling beaches, and stunning natural landmarks.

Loreto FAQs

Now that you know what to do in Loreto, let’s address some frequently asked questions.

What is Loreto known for?

Loreto, Mexico, is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and outdoor opportunities. The original capital of Baja California, the city is home to the historical Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, one of the oldest churches in Mexico. Loreto is also famous for its nearby Loreto Bay National Marine Park, which offers incredible snorkelling, diving, and whale watching opportunities. Day trips to the islands within the park are popular, with Isla Coronado not to be missed.

Why go to Loreto?

Loreto offers a quieter, more authentic experience than other places in the region like Cabo San Lucas. It’s ideal for those who want to explore Baja’s natural beauty, history, and local culture without the crowds. It’s also a fantastic base for eco-tourism with a large protected zone just off shore.

What are the best months to visit Loreto?

The best months to visit Loreto for weather are typically March to May, as the sun is warm but not too hot. October to November is another great option for a quieter visit with pleasant weather. Avoiding the summer months (June to August) is recommended due to higher temperatures and humidity. While February and March are best for those keen to see blue whales.

Is the water safe to drink in Loreto?

In general, tap water in Loreto is not safe to drink unless it’s been filtered. Most locals and visitors opt for bottled water for drinking, and many restaurants will provide filtered water upon request. We’d recommend bringing your reusable filter bottle to cut down on plastic while always having access to clean water.

Do people speak English in Loreto?

While Spanish is the main language spoken in Loreto, many locals, especially those in the tourism and hospitality industries speak English. However, it’s helpful to know basic Spanish phrases and Google Translate is always helpful.

Is the water warm in Loreto?

Yes, the water in Loreto is typically warm, especially from November to May when sea temperatures range from about 20°C (68°F) in the cooler months to 30°C (86°F) during the summer.

Is Loreto better than La Paz?

While both cities have a focus on eco-tourism, nature, and history, Loreto is more quiet and laid-back than La Paz. On the other hand, La Paz is larger, more vibrant, with more modern amenities and cheaper accommodation options. We’d recommend spending time in both destinations if you can as they offer totally unique experiences.

What body of water is Loreto on?

Loreto is located on the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California), which is renowned for its biodiversity, clear waters, and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for diving, snorkelling, and fishing.

What state of Mexico is Loreto in?

Loreto is located in the state of Baja California Sur, which is the southern part of the Baja California peninsula.

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 flies from San Diego to Loreto seasonally.

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.