If you’re planning your first trip to Loreto, start with my guide to the best things to do in this small Mexican town.
This laid-back Baja California Sur town may be smaller and quieter than Cabo, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s known for its marine wildlife, UNESCO World Heritage-protected islands, cobblestone streets, and historic mission buildings.
I’ve visited twice now, once for a resort stay at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto and another time during a stop on a Holland America Line Baja cruise, and both trips completely surprised me in the best way. The downtown is filled with restaurants, preserved churches, open plazas shaded by palm trees, and a waterfront atmosphere.
You may not need to stay long, but you definitely need to visit. And here are the best things to experience once you do.
Short on time? Here are my quick recommendations for the best things to do and hotels:
Where I Stayed and Recommend
- Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto ($$$, where I stayed), for the best all-inclusive
- Coco Cabanas Loreto ($), for the best budget hotel
- Posada de las Flores Loreto ($$), for the best historic charm
- Aventuras Hotel ($$), for the best-priced luxury hotel
- La Mision Loreto Hotel ($$), for the best couples stay
Things to Do
- Best Tour to Coronados Island
- Small Group Food and Bike Tour in Loreto
- Guided Hike in Tabor Canyon
- Gray Whale Watching Tour at Lopez Mateos
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip to Loreto: Planning a trip to Loreto? Start with my Self-Guided Walking Tour for Loreto to get familiar with the historic downtown and malecón. If you’re looking for a relaxing stay, my Villa Del Palmar Loreto review breaks down exactly what to expect at one of the area’s best resorts. And if you’re cruising Baja California like I did, my Holland America Baja California cruise guide shares what it’s actually like stopping in Loreto as a port town.
Quick Tips for Planning Your Loreto Trip
How to Get to Loreto, Baja California
The easiest way to get to Loreto is by flying into Loreto International Airport (LTO), which is only about 15 minutes from downtown. The airport is small, simple to navigate, and honestly refreshingly stress-free compared to larger Mexico destinations. From there, you can grab a taxi, arrange an airport shuttle through your hotel, or rent a car (I personally use Expedia when booking). Uber is not available in Loreto, so taxis are the main transportation option if you’re not driving yourself.
Getting Around Loreto, Baja California
Loreto itself is incredibly walkable, especially around downtown and the malecón area. If you mostly plan to explore town, eat seafood, and enjoy the waterfront, you honestly may not need a car every day. But if you want to visit beaches, San Javier Mission, or the mountains, renting a car gives you much more flexibility. Since rideshare apps are limited here, I’d recommend either renting a car or arranging transportation through your hotel for longer excursions.
Best Time to Visit Loreto, Baja California
I’ve visited Loreto in both October and November, and the weather was absolutely perfect both times with temperatures hovering in the low 80s. In general, late fall through spring is considered the best time to visit because the weather stays sunny and comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, whale watching, and boat tours.
How Many Days Do You Need in Loreto, Baja California?
If you’re stopping on a cruise or doing a quick Baja road trip, one day is enough to explore downtown Loreto, walk the malecón, visit the mission church, and grab lunch by the water. But personally, I think three days is ideal. That gives you enough time to slow down a bit, take a boat tour, enjoy the beaches, and experience the relaxed pace that makes Loreto so special.
What to do in Loreto, Baja California
See Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó
Even if you’re not normally someone who visits churches while traveling, Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó is one worth stepping inside. Founded in 1697, it was the very first successful Spanish mission in Baja California and helped shape California’s entire mission system. The stone exterior is beautiful, but I loved the peaceful courtyard and quiet atmosphere even more. Since it sits right in the historic center, it’s an easy stop while wandering downtown Loreto.
Visit Museo de la Misiones de Baja California
Right next door to the mission church, the Museo de la Misiones de Baja California museum gives helpful context to Loreto’s fascinating history. Inside you’ll find old maps, religious artifacts, paintings, and exhibits about the indigenous cultures and Jesuit missions throughout Baja. It’s not huge, which honestly I appreciated, because you can explore it without feeling overwhelmed.
Go Whale Watching
One of the absolute best things to do in Loreto is go whale watching in the Sea of Cortez. Between December and March, these waters become a migration route for as many as eight different whale species, including massive blue whales, humpbacks, and sometimes even playful pods of dolphins and orcas.
I’d highly recommend booking the Gray Whale Watching in Bahia Magdalena and bringing a jacket because mornings on the water can feel surprisingly chilly, even under bright Baja sunshine.
Play Golf at TPC Danzante Bay
Even if you’re not a golfer, TPC Danzante Bay is worth seeing for the scenery alone. The course sits between the mountains and the Sea of Cortez, with views that honestly feel unreal. The signature 17th hole extends dramatically toward the water and has become one of the most photographed golf holes in Mexico. I lost a few balls to the water here, but it was worth it!
Go to Coronado Island in Loreto Bay National Marine Park
Coronado Island is one of the biggest highlights in Baja California Sur. The water is that unreal shade of turquoise that makes you question whether your eyes are playing tricks on you, and the bright white sand beaches feel wonderfully untouched. Located inside Loreto Bay National Marine Park, Coronado Island is known for its volcanic landscape, snorkeling spots, and abundant marine life.
Most tours include wildlife spotting, beach time, and snorkeling in the calm, crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez, where you may see sea lions, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish. For first-timers, I’d highly recommend booking Viator’s best tour of Coronados Island.
Walk the Malecón
The malecón is a pretty waterfront promenade stretching along the Sea of Cortez with calm blue water on one side and local life on the other. You don’t need a plan here. Just wander, snack on something local, browse a few small shops, and keep an eye on the water because dolphins and stingrays sometimes make an appearance like a little surprise gift from the sea.
it’s a little touristy, but you absolutely should stop for a photo at the colorful Loreto sign near the marina. It sits right at the end of the malecón and makes for the perfect “I was here” moment.
Take a Day trip to San Javier Jesuit Mission
The hour drive to San Javier Mission may honestly be just as beautiful as the destination itself. Winding roads cut through mountains and desert landscapes before arriving at this tiny oasis town filled with olive trees and palms. Dating back to the 1700s the mission is widely considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved missions in Baja California Sur. Be sure to explore the stone church, nearby plaza, and small local restaurants serving traditional Baja dishes.
➞ Tip: If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to get there is by booking the historical San Javier Mission tour that will pick you up and drop you off at your Loreto hotel.
Take an Outback Desert Tour on an ATV
If you want to add a little adrenaline to your Loreto trip, an ATV tour through the Baja desert is such a fun way to do it. Even beginners can join because guides walk you through the basics before heading out across desert trails, beaches, and the small village of Ligüí.
The scenery is incredible with nonstop Sea of Cortez views and plenty of photo stops along the way. This ended up being one of my favorite things I did in Loreto because it combined adventure with some of the area’s best landscapes.
Walk Around The Historic Centre
The downtown area is compact, colorful, and low stress. As you wander through the streets, you’ll stumble across taco stands, little shops, waterfront restaurants, historic buildings, and pockets of live music drifting through the evening air.
While you’re exploring, make sure to stop inside Loreto City Hall to see the murals painted by artist Alejandro Curiel. Hidden near the large staircase in the back of the building, the colorful artwork tells the story of Loreto’s history, traditions, wildlife, and indigenous roots in a way that feels both artistic and deeply personal.
You’ll also pass through Plaza Juárez. While you’re there, don’t miss the bell that marks the origin of El Camino Real in 1697, when Mission Loreto was founded. This historic route eventually stretched 2,400 kilometers north to Mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma, established in 1823.
Go LED Paddle Boarding
If you’re staying at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, then you should try twilight LED paddle boarding in Danzante Bay.
Even if you’ve paddle boarded before, this completely changes the game. You head out after sunset, step onto a board glowing with soft LED lights underneath, and suddenly the water below you turns into this illuminated, moving world. The light attracts marine life, so you’re not just floating in the dark, you’re quietly gliding over a living ocean that feels almost magical in its stillness and movement at the same time.
Note: unfortunately, this is available only for guests staying at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto.
Hike the Tabor Canyon Trail
The Tabor Canyon (or Cañon del Tabor in Spanish) trail is just about 20 minutes south of downtown Loreto and is where the Sea of Cortez is replaced with raw desert canyon walls, boulders, and winding rock paths.
This is an out-and-back hike that’s about 1.5 miles round trip, though you can continue deeper into the canyon if you want more challenge. Don’t let the short distance fool you. You’ll be scrambling over rocks, navigating uneven terrain, and climbing ropes through sections where the canyon really earns its “adventure” label.
➞ Getting there: You’ll need to drive yourself, take a taxi, or join a tour to reach the trailhead, which sits just outside town. PS: make sure you wear real hiking shoes for this one!
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
Flying International?
Get Cell Data Before You Arrive: I recommend using airalo for international travel. Also, book an airport transfer in advance (I use Kiwi Taxi). Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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Wauw, Loreto looks beautiful! I cannot waite to go. Thanks for sharing all your tips.
Great content, thanks for sharing!