Explore Baja California Sur: Things to Do in Loreto

Are you trying to figure out where to take your 4-day weekends after planning your paid time off for this year? I recently discovered a great destination that would fit perfectly for those looking to get away for a long weekend. Most people aware of Baja California Sur know about Cabo San Lucas. However, another place that could check off all the boxes for your next relaxing getaway – Loreto, Mexico. Here is everything you need to know about the things to do in Loreto.

Why Consider Traveling to Loreto?

Loreto is between the magnificent Sierra de la Giganta Mountains and the beautiful Sea of Cortez, Gulf of California. This small desert town is a huge adventure destination offering a range of activities that outdoor enthusiasts, divers, marine animal lovers, photographers, hikers, and others will enjoy. Loreto is also the oldest town in Baja, which offers plenty of history, including the first mission of California. With its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, museums, and missions, it’s no wonder the Mexican government selected Loreto as one of its Pueblo Magico, Magic Towns.

Jacques Cousteau once called the Sea of Cortez the “World’s Aquarium,” with 80% of all Pacific Ocean marine life and over 890 fish species in this part of the world. Remote islands, unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear azure waters, and more marine life than you can imagine can be found in Loreto, providing you with a place to disconnect and have the most relaxing getaway.

How to Get to Loreto

Loreto is quick and easy to reach. American Airlines has recently established direct flights from Phoenix to Loreto, in addition to providing flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and Calgary. You can reach paradise on a fast hour-and-a-half flight and enjoy a four-day weekend lounging on the sandy beach and swimming in the calm, turquoise waters. If you are researching flights to Loreto, try using Skyscanner to find flights from your hometown to Loreto.

Things to Do in Loreto

There are so many things to do in Loreto that you might need to take multiple trips to experience everything. Known for its exceptional marine life, whale watching is one of the area’s most well-known tourist attractions, along with sport fishing and diving. Loreto lies on the Bay of Loreto National Marine Park, Mexico’s second-largest marine protected area in the Gulf of California, home to five UNESCO World Heritage Site islands, where the variety of rocky terrain, shipwrecks, and abundant aquatic life offer outstanding diving conditions. There are also a couple more UNESCO World Heritage Sites nearby: the Cave Paintings of San Francisquito and the Gray Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino.

Diving/Snorkeling

In 1996, the Loreto Bay National Park was created to protect and conserve its “rich marine and terrestrial biodiversity, ecological processes, and stunning natural beauty.” It covers nearly 800 square miles (2,065 square kilometers) of the sea, five uninhabited islands (Carmen, Coronado, Danzante, Monserrate, and Santa Catalina), and ten islets. It has since been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with all the other islands in the Gulf of California.

What does this mean for you?

Diving in Loreto, Mexico, is like stepping into a living postcard of marine magic. Nestled within nine Natural Protected Areas and two National Marine Parks, this hidden gem offers world-class scuba diving experiences for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking for gentle, luminescent shallows or an advanced diver seeking the thrill of drift dives, deep walls, wreck explorations, or towering sea mounts, Loreto has it all.

One of the best times to experience the full vibrancy of this underwater paradise is between June and November when the water is warm, visibility is exceptional, and marine life flourishes. Dive into Bahía de Loreto National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where five stunning islands—Isla Coronados, Isla del Carmen, Isla Danzante, Isla Montserrat, and Isla de Santa Catalina—each offer a unique underwater landscape teeming with life.

Imagine drifting past Isla Coronados, an ancient dormant volcano, where lava rock formations create dramatic ledges and caverns while sea lions play in the crystal-clear waters. Or descend into the depths of Isla del Carmen, where the Abyss, Los Picachos, and a massive sunken ship provide thrilling encounters with eagle rays and schooling fish. Isla Danzante is an underwater playground home to colorful reefs, a mesmerizing wall dive, and the 180-foot wreck “Agustin Melgar,” a must-visit for wreck diving enthusiasts. Whether launching from Puerto Escondido or the Loreto Marina, local dive operators cater to all experience levels, ensuring every dive is safe and unforgettable.

For the non-divers, snorkeling in Loreto is just as exciting, where you can wade into the turquoise waters, revealing a world brimming with life. While the Loreto Bay National Marine Park and its stunning islands are well-known for their vibrant underwater landscapes, you don’t need to board a boat to experience this magic. Just steps from the shores of Loreto Bay, a thriving reef system awaits, offering an unforgettable snorkeling adventure right off the coastline.

Head to Nopolo Rock, where the seafloor transforms from shallow, sunlit reefs to a mesmerizing 20-foot underwater wall, alive with soft corals and darting tropical fish. Glide over lush seagrass beds, where sea turtles graze and elusive rays rest in the sand. Explore the nooks and crannies of the rock formations, where eels peer from crevices and angelfish weave through coral gardens.

The best time to snorkel is in the mornings when the waters are calm and visibility is at its peak. Wade in waist-deep, adjust your mask and drift effortlessly into a realm of crystalline blues. From May through November, the water reaches a balmy 80°F, making long, leisurely explorations all the more inviting.

For those craving an untouched underwater wonderland, the other side of Nopolo Rock offers deeper, more dynamic terrain. However, as the afternoon winds pick up, the currents become more playful, adding an extra thrill to your snorkeling adventure.

No need for boats or long excursions—Loreto’s vibrant marine world is at your doorstep, waiting to be explored. Bring your gear and sense of wonder, and prepare to be captivated by the hidden beauty beneath Loreto Bay’s shimmering surface. Or, if you’re seeking an unforgettable diving adventure, pristine waters, and a front-row seat to one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet, pack your gear and head to Loreto. This is diving at its finest—untamed, breathtaking, and waiting to be explored.

Photographing Wild Life

Photographing wildlife in Loreto is an experience where the raw beauty of nature unfolds in every frame. Unlike crowded tourist hubs, Loreto’s protected waters and rugged landscapes offer a rare opportunity to capture animals in their most undisturbed state. From the graceful arcs of blue whales surfacing in the morning light to the playful interactions of dolphins weaving through the waves, each encounter feels like a moment stolen from a wildlife documentary. On land, the arid cliffs and desert terrain provide a striking contrast to the vibrant birdlife, where frigatebirds, ospreys, and blue-footed boobies can be seen soaring against the backdrop of the Sierra de la Giganta mountains. For seasoned or amateur photographers, you will love how light dances across the landscape, offering golden hues at sunrise and deep, dramatic shadows at sunset.

Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of the bucket-list things to do in Loreto, offering an intimate encounter with some of Earth’s largest and most fascinating creatures. While many places boast of whale migrations, Loreto stands apart as a hidden sanctuary where multiple species gather in the calm, food-rich waters of the Sea of Cortez. From January to March, this marine paradise transforms into a whale metropolis, where blue whales, humpbacks, finbacks, orcas, minkes, and even the elusive whale shark make their seasonal appearances.

The blue whale, the true monarch of the seas, is one of Loreto’s most prized visitors. These gentle giants—larger than any dinosaur to have ever roamed the Earth—can reach lengths of up to 100 feet. In Loreto, you can watch in awe from a small panga as it rises from the depths, exhaling a towering mist into the sky before gliding back into the blue. Each sighting is a rare and humbling experience, as the global blue whale population has dwindled to a mere 3-11% of its pre-20th-century numbers. However, these whales have an incredible lifespan of up to 70 years, meaning the same blue whale you spot this year may return again, following the same ancestral migration routes that have existed for centuries.

While blue whales tend to be more reserved, the gray whales of Loreto have an entirely different reputation. These curious and interactive whales are known to approach boats, sometimes even allowing visitors to experience the thrill of an up-close encounter. They especially love showing off their young. Humpbacks, on the other hand, bring their acrobatic displays, breaching and slapping their tails on the water’s surface, while orca pods hunt in coordinated formations, showcasing their intelligence and power. The elusive finback whales, the second-largest species in the world, can also be spotted cutting through the waters with astonishing speed. You may even witness the gentle whale shark, the world’s largest fish, cruising through the shallows if you’re lucky.

Unlike more crowded whale-watching destinations, Loreto offers something truly special: intimacy and exclusivity. The protected waters of Bahía de Loreto National Park provide a serene and undisturbed backdrop for these marine giants. If you’re looking for an experience that goes beyond just seeing whales from a distance, Loreto delivers. Here, the ocean pulses with life, and every encounter feels personal—whether it’s a blue whale surfacing beside your boat, a gray whale curiously nudging its nose toward you, or a pod of dolphins playing in the morning sun. This is not just whale watching, this is a journey into one of the planet’s most biodiverse and breathtaking marine environments.

Beaches

The beaches of Loreto are a rare blend of seclusion and serenity, where nature remains untouched by mass tourism. Unlike the soft, sandy expanses in other coastal destinations, Loreto’s beaches are rugged and pristine, with pebbles and rocky shores creating a unique, unspoiled beauty. But what sets these shores apart isn’t just their raw appeal—the calm, inviting waters make them a hidden gem for families and nature lovers alike.

Unlike many coastal areas plagued by unpredictable rip tides, the waters around Loreto are gentle and safe, offering a perfect setting for children to wade, swim, and explore without worry. The stretch of coastline between Loreto Bay and Ensenada Blanca boasts some of the region’s most scenic and tranquil beaches, where the turquoise waters shimmer under the Baja sun and the mountains form a breathtaking backdrop. Since these beaches remain largely undiscovered, you won’t find crowded shorelines or high-rise resorts—just miles of quiet coastline waiting to be explored. While a vehicle is often needed to access these hidden shores, the journey becomes part of the adventure, leading to remote coves, tide pools brimming with marine life, and panoramic views that feel like they belong to another world.

Fishing

More things to do in Loreto is sport fishing, which connects you to a marine ecosystem so abundant that the water sometimes shimmers green with schools of Dorado (Mahi Mahi). Unlike crowded fishing destinations, Loreto offers an intimate and authentic fishing experience, where anglers set out in pangas or sportfishing boats against a backdrop of rugged islands and deep blue waters. The variety here is unmatched—Yellowtail, Marlin, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Snapper make every cast an opportunity for something different. Summer brings the thrill of big-game fishing, with warm waters attracting the fastest and strongest fighters, but the intense Baja heat makes preparation key. Hydration, sunscreen, and an early morning start are as important as the right bait and tackle.

Winter in Loreto, however, offers a different kind of challenge. The cooler waters bring in heavy Yellowtail, prized for their fight and flavor, while Grouper and Sea Bass lurk in the depths for those willing to go bottom fishing. The wind, rather than the fish, dictates the rhythm of the season—some days, the sea is glassy and welcoming, while others, the gusts make venturing out impossible. This unpredictability adds to the thrill, making every successful trip even more rewarding. Whether you’re chasing the trophy Billfish in the summer or jigging for Yellowtail in the cooler months, fishing in Loreto is about experiencing the wild, untamed beauty of the Sea of Cortez in its purest form.

Boating

Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the sea by gliding across glassy waters in a kayak at sunrise, navigating a paddle boat through hidden coves, or sailing on a catamaran beneath a sky ablaze with stars. For those seeking adventure, day trips from Puerto Escondido offer everything from island hopping to deep-sea explorations, while overnight catamaran excursions provide a chance to sleep beneath an untouched canopy of stars, far from the glow of city lights. The stillness of the night, broken only by the gentle lapping of the waves, creates a sense of pure tranquility that’s hard to find anywhere else. This catamaran overnight trip is one I want to go on.

Missions

For history enthusiasts, the missions of Loreto and San Javier provide insight into Baja California’s colonial past. Their well-preserved architecture dates back to the late 1600s.

The Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó witnessed the beginning of Spanish colonization in the region, marking the start of the Camino Real, the network of missions that would later stretch into California. Surrounded by arching trees and charming restaurants, the mission’s stone façade and bell tower are a quiet sentinel to centuries of history. Step inside, and you’ll find a simple yet striking interior, where sunlight filters through stained glass, illuminating the golden altar that has watched over generations of worshippers. Whether attending a service or simply stopping in for a quiet moment, the Loreto Mission remains a place of living history, where the echoes of the past still linger in the air.

A short drive from town, the San Javier Mission offers a completely different experience that feels like stepping into a time capsule. Nestled in the rugged Sierra de la Giganta mountains at 1,400 feet in elevation, this beautifully preserved stone church stands in stark contrast to the surrounding wilderness. The road to San Javier is an adventure, winding through dramatic canyons and lush desert oases. Built entirely by hand, the mission’s stone walls and ornate woodwork reflect the craftsmanship of the Jesuit missionaries who founded it. Outside, an ancient olive tree—one of the oldest in Baja—still produces fruit, a living relic of the mission’s self-sustaining past.

Hiking

The Sierra de la Giganta mountains surrounding Loreto are a rugged expanse of volcanic rock, sculpted over millennia by wind and water. Historically, these canyons and valleys were home to the Cochimí people, who left behind intricate cave paintings—some dating back over 7,000 years—depicting animals, human figures, and abstract symbols. The region’s unique geography, shaped by ancient seismic activity, creates a network of hidden arroyos, seasonal waterfalls, and narrow slot canyons, offering hikers challenging terrain and a glimpse into the area’s prehistoric past. One of the most fascinating routes leads to the Cave Paintings of San Francisquito, where faded red and black pigments still cling to the rock face, providing a rare window into the lives and beliefs of Baja’s earliest inhabitants.

Despite its desert surroundings, Loreto’s canyon hikes defy expectations. Trails such as Tabor Canyon, located near Ligüí, wind through steep rock walls where natural springs trickle into pools, offering a welcome chance to cool off. Some paths lead to hidden waterfalls, their presence a surprising contrast to the arid landscape. During the cooler months, these hikes are particularly rewarding, as the play of light on the canyon walls and the chance to encounter native wildlife—such as bighorn sheep and hawks—make for an unforgettable experience. Unlike the more traveled coastal paths, these mountain trails remain largely untouched, giving hikers a sense of exploration rarely found in more touristy destinations.

Golf

If you need more ideas for things to do in Loreto, there are several impressive golf courses between two stunning seas. A total of 26 golf courses can be found in Baja: 22 in Los Cabos, two in La Paz, and two in Loreto. The first golf course in Loreto is the Loreto Bay Golf Resort in Loreto Bay. The second is the TPC Danzante Bay golf course next to Villa Del Palmar, about 30 minutes south of the airport. Each course offers challenging greens with beautiful mountains and sea views. The optimum time to visit Loreto for golf is during winter when it’s cooler.

Wellness Spas

Loreto’s wellness traditions are rooted in Baja California’s indigenous healing practices, which rely on local herbs, mineral-rich clay, and seawater therapies for restoration. Today, the town’s spas integrate these elements with modern wellness treatments, allowing visitors to experience the region’s natural healing resources. Many spas feature sea salt scrubs sourced from nearby coastal flats, aloe vera wraps to soothe sun-exposed skin, and massage therapies using locally pressed jojoba oil. Some wellness centers, like those in Loreto Bay, incorporate outdoor treatment areas with views of the Sierra de la Giganta, allowing guests to unwind while surrounded by nature. Thermal pools fed by underground hot springs can also be found in secluded spots outside the city, offering a unique way to relax after exploring Loreto’s rugged landscapes.

What to Eat in Loreto

Loreto’s culinary scene is deeply connected to its history as a fishing village and Spanish colonial settlement, with a mix of traditional Baja flavors and international influences. The town’s signature dish, almejas chocolatas (chocolate clams), has been prepared the same way for generations—buried in the sand and roasted under a layer of herbs and embers. Visitors can try this local delicacy at restaurants along the Malecón de Loreto or during the Festival Almeja Chocolata, where chefs showcase creative takes on this regional specialty. For those exploring Loreto Bay, restaurants offer everything from freshly caught yellowtail sashimi to handmade pasta, but hours can vary due to the seasonal population shifts. In downtown Loreto, food stalls serve tacos de pescado zarandeado (grilled fish tacos), smoked marlin empanadas, and machaca burritos—all at local-friendly prices. Craft beer is also gaining traction in Loreto, with small breweries offering Baja-inspired ales infused with citrus and local botanicals.

Where to Stay in Loreto

Where you stay in Loreto depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Loreto Bay, a planned community about 10 minutes south of the airport, offers a resort-like atmosphere with rental villas, condos, and the Loreto Bay Golf Resort & Spa. This area is ideal for travelers seeking a quiet beachfront stay with access to a golf course, water activities, and a handful of restaurants within walking distance. While the accommodations here are spacious and well-maintained, they cater primarily to expats and long-term visitors, giving the area a different feel from the city of Loreto. Most rentals are booked through property managers or platforms like Airbnb, and travelers should note that seasonal fluctuations can affect availability and restaurant hours.

For those wanting to be closer to Loreto’s cultural and social scene, staying in the city of Loreto offers more variety and convenience. The Hotel La Mision, overlooking the Malecon, provides a prime location near restaurants, shops, and tour operators, while Hotel Oasis, located on the beach, offers a more secluded, rustic feel. Budget-conscious travelers can find Airbnb options and smaller hotels throughout the town, many within walking distance of historic sites, grocery stores, and local eateries. Unlike Loreto Bay, where amenities are more self-contained, staying in the city puts visitors in direct contact with the local community, making exploring the region’s authentic food, markets, and cultural events easier.

Summary

Loreto is an amazing getaway destination where nature and history converge, allowing visitors to explore pristine marine environments and cultural landmarks. Plus, it is the gateway to the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, where the town provides access to some of the richest marine biodiversity in the Sea of Cortez. Whether it’s touring by glass-bottom boat, hiking the Sierra Giganta, or simply savoring fresh seafood at a local eatery, the list of things to do in Loreto is as diverse as its landscape. Have you explored Loreto? This is one destination that I’m adding to my bucket list for when I need to disconnect and enjoy a long weekend. How about you?