As you know there are lots of new hotels and resorts being built in Los Cabos, so it’s becoming an even more exciting place to visit. But, because Los Cabos has a lot of people and is very busy, more and more visitors are heading farther north to places like Costa Palmas and Todos Santos. These places are quieter and much more peaceful, so they’re perfect for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy a calm vacation
Loreto is a small town by the Sea of Cortez, which is so special that a famous man named Jacques Cousteau called it the “Aquarium of the World” because of all the amazing sea creatures there. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beach because it’s calm and not too busy. There are no big, fancy hotel chains here, which means the town still keeps its original, cozy feeling. Loreto is also one of the few “magical towns” in the area, meaning it has a lot of history and culture. There are small, family-owned hotels and restaurants all around, and they’re all very close to the beach!
But Loreto is more than just the serene seaside town you’ve been dreaming of. It’s also a haven for adventure travelers, its bay studded with UNESCO-protected islands that hide rich wildlife and world-class dive sites. Spend the morning hiking desert canyons before setting sail to watch breaching humpback whales in one of the most reliable whale-watching destinations in the world. With an increasingly well-served international airport making the long trek from Los Cabos a thing of the past, now is the time to plan your visit.
Best Hotels & Resorts
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto
Hemmed in by turquoise waters and the soaring, sandy mountains that punctuate the coastline of Baja, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto is nothing short of breathtaking. This 181-room resort feels like the perfect spot for an active vacation, with activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and catamaran cruises within the protected waters of Loreto Bay National Park. It’s also beloved for the award-winning TPC Danzante Bay, an 18-hole Rees Jones-designed golf course known for its engaging play and stunning views.
Hotel Posada de las Flores
Handpainted tiles adorn bathrooms, and courtyards are packed with antique, handmade furnishings at the boutique Hotel Posada de las Flores, located in Loreto’s main square. The building is designed to reflect the historic character of downtown Loreto, though the rooftop pool and terrace are more modern amenities to love. Posada de las Flores also houses one of the town’s best restaurants in its plaza-facing dining room with al fresco seating.
Hotel La Misión Loreto
Hotel La Misión Loreto is perched along Loreto’s oceanfront malecón promenade, its sweeping views from spacious balconies the highlight of a stay. The hotel features a large pool area and a nice restaurant with a Sunday brunch buffet worth experiencing even if you’re staying elsewhere.
Best Things to Do
Go whale watching.
Few places in the world are better for whale watching than Baja California Sur, with the protected waters of Loreto Bay National Park being some of the best for up-close sightings. Whale-watching season stretches from January through March, when numerous species of whales may be visible even from the shoreline. Even better, expert-led excursions among the five uninhabited islands of Loreto let visitors get near while staying respectful of these gentle giants.
Plan a wellness trip.
Wellness is big business in Baja, with next-level spas at luxury resorts in Los Cabos and exciting new spots like Kimpton Mas Olas Resort & Spa and Paradero Todos Santos putting Todos Santos on the map for self-care vacations. In Loreto, the vibe is much more low-key — and affordable — but no less inspiring. Start with a massage or facial at Spa Las Flores before heading to a yoga or breathwork session at the Palmas Altas Retreat in their breezy outdoor shala. The space also has a bakery and glamping accommodations for multi-day retreats.
Go diving.
In a region well-known for having some of the best diving in the world, Loreto tops even the most experienced divers’ lists of favorites. Dives often explore the dramatic canyons and walls in the protected waters surrounding the islands across the bay and often feature visits from colorful fish and marine life like eels, rays, dolphins, and even sea lions.
Visit historic missions.
Baja California is studded with Spanish colonial missions dating back centuries, and the mission in the historic heart of Loreto claims the title of the oldest in the region. History lovers should take time to explore the grounds and peruse the adjacent museum before taking the 45-minute drive into the mountains to visit the mission at San Javier. Considered one of the best-preserved missions in Baja, San Javier is set in a lush desert oasis, and its gorgeous farm-to-table San Javier Farm Restaurant nearby is the perfect way to round out a day trip.
Hike Tabor Canyon.
“For under-the-radar experiences, hiking Tabor Canyon offers stunning desert and mountain views,” recommends Owen Perry, developer of TPC Danzante Bay. Though not a challenging route, it’s best to take a guided excursion with Wild Loreto. This local company has been running private and small-group treks and other adventurous excursions in the area for years.
Best Restaurants
Orlando’s
Orlando’s is a Loreto institution, its breezy outdoor dining room and bar decked out with colorful papel picado and filled with friendly locals and expats alike. It’s particularly popular at breakfast, famous for strong coffee and generous servings of chilaquiles and enfrijoladas, but it’s a hit any time of day.
Baja Mar
“Baja Mar is a fantastic choice for fresh, zesty ceviche served with a stunning view of the waterfront,” recommends Felix. Start with a cold beer and spicy aguachile, but make sure to save space for the micheladas, which come laden with everything from shrimp to chile-crusted tamarind candies.
Restaurante del Carmen at Hotel Oasis
The beachfront terrace restaurant at Hotel Oasis is the place to be on Saturday nights. Arrive at 5:00 p.m. sharp to see how local chefs cook the region’s famous chocolate clams, named for the color of their shell, not their flavor, beneath the sand. The ensuing beach barbeque features mountains of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and sides with sunset views to spare.
Mi Loreto
“For dinner, Mi Loreto is a must-visit, offering authentic Mexican dishes with a charming, rustic ambiance,” says Felix. Mole is a standout here, particularly the mole almendrado, but you’ll see plates of everything from enchiladas and tacos to grilled seafood come flying out of the kitchen.
Ocotillo
Hidden away within the Loreto Bay community, Ocotillo offers a refined dining experience that feels singular in Loreto. Fresh seafood dishes and grilled octopus shine, as does a thoughtful selection of Mexican wines and a great cocktail list.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Loreto is from October to May, as the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. During this period, although the town can be somewhat busy, it still remains peaceful and charming.
Hotel and resort rates drop in the summer, but the high temperatures can make activities like kayaking and hiking more challenging.
Winter is especially wonderful because it’s the best time for whale watching, with opportunities to see humpback, orca, gray, and blue whales. For fishing enthusiasts, summer and early fall (June to October) are the prime times, with plenty of dorado, marlin, and yellowfin available. Divers will experience the best water temperatures and highest visibility between June and November.