Located in Baja California Sur and along the shores of the Gulf of California, the historic town of Loreto is an ideal winter getaway. With Loreto’s warm hospitality, travelers can learn about the culture and history of Baja while doing lots of outdoor activities, especially on the water. You’ll find water sports, marine life, animal diversity and epic desert scenery. Best of all, it’s a quick flight from Southern California and the oldest town on Baja. Here are the top things to do in Loreto, Mexico.
13 Top Things to Do in Loreto Mexico
Take a Boat Trip to a National Park
Enjoy Dolphins Playing
See a Blue Footed Boobie
Enjoy a Beach Picnic
Go Snorkeling
See the Loreto Mission
Walk Along the Boardwalk
Take a Sunset Cruise
See the Baby Whales
Sample Mexican Cuisine
Try the Local Chocolate Clams
See the Sunrise
Stay on the Beach
Why Visit Loreto Mexico?
As a Pueblo Magico, Loreto offers a quaint town with a walkable historic center. During my trip, I enjoyed shopping and dining, then explored the Spanish Colonial architecture.
So rich in culture, I took my son out of high school for a couple of days with zero hesitation. He got to use his Spanish and visited Mexico for the first time. We live in Texas, so we enjoy Mexican food at home; however, during our trip, we ate more seafood, which is popular on the western coast.
Along the Sea of Cortez, the rich marine life is one of the highlights of my trip. I saw seabirds, like the Blue-Footed Boobie. The trip to the Loreto Bay National Park was a highlight, and we even had lunch on a pristine white sand beach.
Take a Guided Trip to Bahia de Loreto National Park with Wild Loreto
Located off the coast of Loreto, the Loreto Bay National Park protects five uninhabited islands known for its marine ecosystem. Open for day trips, most visitors hop a panga (a small boat) for the day to explore the main island, Isla Coronado.
For our excursion, we took the 9 a.m. boat from the Loreto marina, next to the colorful Loreto sign. The ride was exhilarating since most pangas left simultaneously and almost raced to the islands.
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The Blue-Footed Boobies and Marinelife of Bahia de Loreto National Park
Since the island is a protected area, marine and bird species can easily be spotted. Our first stop had us watching the wild dolphins as they swam near the boats. The dolphins like to ride the panga’s wake and were very active during our visit, surfacing and jumping in the open water next to the protected islands. It was almost like they were putting on a show.
As we circumvented the main island, we visited a sea lion rookery. Some of the massive mammals barked as we glided by so close I could see their whiskers. Others were unbothered by us as they sunbathed on their rocky ledge, inches from the Sea of Cortez.
The Bahia de Loreto National Park islands are known for their sea bird population. Many of the higher rock outcroppings are glazed with bird graffiti (poop).
However, the most unique bird native to Baja California is the Blue Footed Boobie (yes, the same one that lives on the Galapagos Islands). Half of the breeding pairs are located on the Galapagos Blue Footed Boobies can be found flying around the islands in the Bahia de Loreto National Park.
Marine birds spend a lot of time hunting for fish and flying just over the water. This was true for our trip. Though our guide knew where they like to roost on a particular rock outcropping.
Before my trip to Loreto, I didn’t know I would see a Blue-Footed Boobies. Seeing one was a thrill and visiting Baja California is easier than the Galapagos.
Visit the Beach of Bahia de Loreto National Park
Located in a protected cove, our excursion dropped us off at a true white sand beach for a lunch break. With a covered palapa and vault toilet in the area, this is one of the top things to do at Loreto.
Our tour included lunch, so after a quick bite, we explored the beach area. During our visit, my 15-year-old son climbed over a low rock outcropping steps from the beach and found many little marine creatures, like small fish and tiny crabs.
My teen enjoyed this and even took a few pictures on his phone. We were touring with two other teen boys, and they all climbed and explored together, trying in vain to catch fish with their own hands. It was fun to watch them act like kids.
My son also borrowed a snorkel and mask from our boat to take a closer look at the marine life. Others chose to snorkel in the protected cove with clear turquoise water. The location looked like a postcard with calm water. I wish I could have stayed longer.
Bahia de Loreto National Park excursion departs from the Loreto Marina along the Malecon de Loreto (boardwalk). Wild Loreto offers morning and afternoon departures. Each excursion is three hours long.
Pro Tip: Pack a windbreaker and a fleece for the morning. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, and bring a towel, water bottle and sunscreen.
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Walk through the Historic District of Loreto
With a walkable downtown, visitors should stroll the historic district of Loreto. A quick walk from the Loreto Malecon, or boardwalk, the area is anchored by the historic Mission.
This area offers several pedestrian-only areas like the Plaza de Californias near the mission. The Plaza de Salvatierra is opposite of the Loreto City Hall. This area offers several restaurants and souvenir shops.
For my teen, he peeked into bodegas, or small convenience stores for snacks, like Taki flavors not widely available in the U.S. As a student studying high school Spanish, this was a good experience to use his language skills. Each store we visited accepted U.S. Dollars and was friendly with making currency exchanges. Residents helped him with his Spanish. As I found across Latin America, Spanish speakers love to share their language, so if you only know a few words, use them.
Learn the History of Mission Loreto
The Mission Loreto was founded by the Jesuits, Spanish missionaries for the Catholic Church. In 1697, Juan Maria de Salvatierra founded the mission in Loreto, the first success after 150 years of failed attempts to form a colony.
Now, the Our Lady of Loreto Mission is an active church, though visitors are welcome to enter, and we did. It is along the presidio and the building was completed in 1744.
Located at And. Juan María de Salvatierra 14, Centro, in Loreto.
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Catamaran Cruising
With its location along the Gulf of California or the Sea of Cortez, Loreto offers many opportunities to get on the water. We enjoyed a sunset cruise on a catamaran during our trip.
With its distinctive mesh at the boat’s bow, we sat forward and enjoyed the sea breezes and desert scenery. Catamaran rides are fun for everyone, especially older kids who can look through the mesh and see the water below. Riding on a catamaran always relaxes me to the point of snoozing.
Our cruise included a snack service, and we enjoyed fresh ceviche and guacamole, both made in the boat’s galley. Along with appetizers, they served Mexican beers, Mexican wine, margaritas, and sodas.
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Experience the Whale Migration to Baja
As giants of the Pacific, the Blue Whales are the largest of the whales and migrate between Baja and Alaska. They spend the winter in the warm waters of Baja, where they mate and give birth.
In February and March, it is possible to see blue whales breaching the surface from the beach in Loreto. Though to really see the whales up close, we crossed the peninsula to the Pacific side of Baja California Sur.
Gray Whales at Baja California Sur
Migrating 15,000 to 20,000 miles a year, gray whales spend the summer in the Arctic waters feeding then winter off Baja California. They migrate to three nursery lagoons in the area, one at Magdalena Bay.
With its protected location and shallow water, the gray whales arrive in Baja in late December and early January. Starting in January, gray whale mothers and their babies can be seen swimming through the waters.
Gray Whale Excursion with Garcia’s Tours
For our whale excursion we boarded at Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, then motored out into the coastal lagoon of Magdalena Bay. The water is shallower than the more open bay and harbors fewer predators, the orcas.
Since baby whales have smaller lungs, they surface more frequently than full-grown adults. During our excursion, we watched two separate mother-baby pairs as our boat captain maneuvered the boat.
It was impossible not to see the whales breach. They even breached so close to our boats that it felt like we would touch them. Then, they went under our boat.
After whale watching in Alaska, this experience was more enriching since the pairs spent much more time at or near the surface. The mothers train their babies to make the arduous journey to the waters of Alaska. The whales depart and start migrating up the coast starting in April.
During our excursion, our boat captain also pointed out birds, like the Bald Eagle recently spotted in Baja. The sand bar area next to the lagoon is home to other animals, like coyotes.
Located about 100 miles southwest of Loreto, Garcia’s Tours is located at Baja California Sur Cd Insurgentes in Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos and offers daily excursions.
Where to Eat in Adolfo López Mateo
Since it takes about two hours to reach Adolfo Lopez Mateos, we lunched at Cabañas Brisa Restaurant. During my visit, I enjoyed a fried fish entree, and the guacamole was particularly good. My son had a quesadilla, his favorite.
Located at Calle: 20 de Noviembre e, Ensenada 47, Col. Centro in Adolfo López Mateo. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Where to Eat in Loreto
Café Olé
With outdoor tables along the pedestrian walkway, Café Olé has been a favorite since 1982. We sampled its breakfast and ordered the Chilaquiles, scrambled eggs and red sauce garnished with cheese. Café Olé also serves lunch and dinner.
Located off Fco. I. Madero in the historic town center, close to the Loreto City Hall. Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Orlando’s Restaurante
With its bright ambience and a palapa roof, the outdoor dining area at Orlando’s Restaurante is a favorite. Serving up a menu of Mexican specialties, I sampled the Chicken Mole, a rich sauce of chilis, spices and chocolate. It was excellent.
The house-made salsa and guacamole were standouts, as were the cocktails blended in the center of the patio. Save room for dessert; the traditional Mexican ice cream shop, Michoacana, is next door and a hit with kids.
Located on Calle Madero between Juarez and Agua Dulce in Loreto. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed Monday).
Asadero Super Buro
For all the big eaters, the Super Buro serves huge burritos, a favorite with locals and teens. The burritos almost fall off the edges of the oval plate they are served on. After seeing one pass my table, I ordered a couple of tacos instead (a tip for smaller eaters).
The chicken and steak are grilled at the edge of the patio, so the entire seating area smells delicious. Burritos and tacos mounded with pico de gallo, limes and a couple of salsas are served in a divided serving dish.
The atmosphere at Super Buro is very casual and attracts everyone from family groups to locals after work. Super Buro serves traditional Mexican beverages like Horchata and Jamaica, along with Mexican beers and sodas.
Located at Calle Guillermo Fernandez, Blvd. Salvatierra, Obrera in Loreto. Open Thursday to Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (closed Wednesday).
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Restaurante Oasis
Located at the Hotel Oasis, the Restaurante Oasis offers an outdoor patio and indoor seating for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast buffet offers lots of options, including local favorite chilaquiles. Kids can find cereal along with lots of fresh fruit.
For dinner, the Restaurante Oasis feautures weekly specials like Clam Bake at dinner. Using local clams, the clams are served several ways, including cooked over the open fire on the beach. Another favorite, the Restaturante Oasis offers an Italian night.
Diners can enjoy their meals on the large patio facing the water or order a cocktail in the evening next to the fire pit. The restaurant is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where to Stay in Loreto
Perched along the mocha-colored sand beach on the Gulf of California, The Hotel Oasis offers a home base for visitors to Loreto on Baja California Sur. It is a favorite with return travelers along with Baja road trippers.
Loreto Malecon ends at the hotel, so guests can meander along the boardwalk and see animals, like the seasonal whales. Visitors will enjoy rooms outfitted with a mini-fridge, a microwave, a fan, a coffeemaker and a large TV. Each room features individual climate control, a unique log vanity, and a basin. The glass-enclosed shower offers a rain showerhead.
Guests can enjoy the beach with its spectacular sunrises since the hotel faces east. The heated pool offers a large sunning shelf and palapa. Charm exudes the Hotel Oasis with its blend of desert-hued tones and bursts of tropical color that mimic the surrounding landscape. The Oasis Hotel even offers a pet rooster that greets guests with his showy plumage. Birders will want to keep an eye on the many trees on the property to spot migratory birds.
Located at Calle Baja California E, P.º A. Lopez Mateos S/N, Centro, in Loreto.
Getting to Loreto, BCS
The Loreto International Airport (LTO) is a small airport; in fact, it offers four gates and no jet bridges. Travelers won’t find a duty-free area, and food is limited past security. For flights to the U.S., Alaskan Airlines offers service from Los Angeles (LAX) on a Boeing 737. American Airlines uses its American Eagle and flies Bombardier CRJs out of Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.
Since all passengers must climb the jet stairs in and out of the aircraft with their luggage, those with small children and mobility concerns need to use extra caution.
For rental cars, Alamo, Enterprise and Hertz all rent vehicles from the airport. However, drivers need to ensure they reserve an automatic transmission if they can’t operate a manual. U.S. licenses are valid in Mexico.
Taxis are available, though ride-share services are not. Having a car in Loreto is more of a convenience and not necessary if staying in the immediate area, especially for travelers comfortable walking to nearby attractions in town, like the historic district or the marina for a trip to Coronado Island.
Safety in Mexico
I felt safe walking in the tourist areas with my son during the day. For the most up-to-date information about traveling around Mexico, consult the U.S. State Department travel advisories.
Pro Tips
Pack layers. It’s the desert, so temperatures range quite a bit during the day. So pack a fleece with a T-shirt and even a windbreaker for any boat expeditions. It’s a casual area, so baja-style works great.
Pack lots of small change in US Dollars. Like most of Mexico, the U.S. Dollar is accepted almost everywhere, though change is returned in Mexican Pesos.
Hire a guide and make reservations early for boat trips.
Disclosure: This article was created after a Press Trip.
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