13 Reasons to Make Loreto Baja California Sur Your Next Getaway

Post author by Jackie
Estimated reading time 5 mins
Post Date September 18, 2022
Last Modified Updated: August 27, 2024

Loreto, Baja California Sur (Mexico), is the best town in the whole Baja peninsula, in my humble opinion. It is about a 7-8 hour drive north of Cabo, and it is removed from, well… just about everything, except the seaside and a collection of islands begging to be explored.

I spent a couple of months living in Loreto, and I want to share with you some of the best things about my favorite Mexican hideaway.

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1. It’s peaceful in Loreto Baja California Sur.

Loreto isn’t for everyone. In this laid-back, peaceful seaside town, you won’t find rows of Americans in beach chairs with white bikinis, piña coladas, and hangovers. No one will hassle you on the streets, either. No, this is both literally and figuratively quite far from Cabo, and that’s precisely the beauty of it.

The image shows a serene coastline at sunset, with the sun casting a golden glow over calm waters and palm trees lining the shore. The rocky shoreline and distant mountains add to the tranquil atmosphere.
Watching the sunrise over Loreto Bay is a must.

2. It’s affordable.

A boutique hotel costs around $40 per night, meals cost around $3-10, including drinks, and there are set prices for taxi and boat activities so that you won’t get ripped off.

Travel Planning Tip: Order a prepaid SIM card before you travel!

The image shows the entrance of a rustic artisan shop displaying colorful sombreros, woven blankets, and hand-painted ceramics on the exterior walls. The shop has an inviting, traditional Mexican aesthetic with a mix of vibrant crafts and rustic decor.
Souvenir shopping is also much more affordable in Loreto than in Cabo!

3. Whale watching.

The whales start to show up in January and stay for a few months. You can see blue whales, humpback whales, and even orcas in Loreto Bay, but the most popular whale-watching tours here are for the famous blue whales.

4. Explore the missions.

Founded in 1697, The Mission of Our Lady of Loreto is considered the “head” and the “mother” of all missions in Baja California. It was the original point from which the Jesuits set out to evangelize the new American territory.

The image shows a historic church with a bell tower set against a bright blue sky, featuring a yellow wall extending along a cobblestone street. Palm trees line the street, adding to the picturesque, colonial-style scene.
Our Lady of Loreto Mission

5. Visit San Javier.

In the mountains, about 35km from Loreto, is San Javier, a town that only got electricity within the last few years.

Reserve Your Spot: San Javier Mission, Lunch, Walk & Historical Tour

The image shows an old stone church with a bell tower, surrounded by a cobblestone courtyard and set against a backdrop of rugged hills. The church's weathered exterior and the surrounding landscape create a serene, historic atmosphere.
The Mission of San Javier

6. Go paddleboarding.

You can rent from the wonderful people at Sea Kayak Baja Mexico, right in the center of town. Take it out in the bay in town or go down to Loreto Bay to explore a bit more.

The image shows a person paddleboarding on calm, open water under a bright, clear sky. The photo is taken from the perspective of another paddleboarder, with the tip of their board visible in the foreground and distant mountains on the horizon.

7. Take a mule ride.

Hook up with Trudi from Saddling South for a variety of options, from half-day to multi-day mule rides.

Ask her about the history of the ranchers, and meet some of them while you’re up in the mountains. Their history is impressive, and their way of life has hardly changed for centuries. 

Pick up “The Bare-Toed Vaquero” if you want to learn about the lives of the “rancheros” who live in the mountains above Loreto. They are fascinating people with a super interesting history, and it’s a great read for anyone wanting to learn more about the area.

Or go for a sunset horseback ride.

The image shows a lone rider on horseback traveling along a desert trail, surrounded by sparse vegetation and towering cacti. The landscape features rugged mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
On a peaceful, beautiful mule ride with Trudi.

8. Isla Coronado.

Just off the northern shore from Loreto is Isla Coronado, which has a hidden white sand beach that is ABSOLUTELY WORTH A VISIT. Just head down to the marina and hire any captain to take you out there for the day. It should cost around $70-80 and can include a packed lunch if you would like. Don’t forget to pay for a wrist bracelet for the National Park at the marina before you go.

Reserve your spot on a tour:

The image shows a woman standing on a pristine beach, facing the turquoise waters of the ocean with distant mountains on the horizon. The clear blue sky and calm sea create a peaceful, scenic view.
White sand beach nearly all to ourselves, that’s Isla Coronado!

9. La Picazón.

Drive about 20 minutes along the dirt road heading north along the shore out of Loreto until you reach La Picazón, a restaurant right on the water, separated from everything. Have a margarita while you watch the water and Isla Coronado across the way; you won’t be disappointed.

The image shows a margarita glass with a lime wedge, set on a table with a red tablecloth, overlooking a beach and the ocean in the background. The scene evokes a relaxing, tropical atmosphere.
The margaritas and the view alone are worth a trip to Picazón.

10. Sea Kayaking.

Rent a kayak for the day, or take a multi-day tour, including camping on Isla Carmen. I did a kayak camping trip around Isla Danzante and Isla Carmen with ROW Adventures, which blew my mind. Do it if you can.

The image shows several kayaks and a small motorboat pulled up on a pebble beach beside clear blue water. The backdrop features rugged mountains under a bright, clear sky, creating a scenic and adventurous setting.
Isla Danzante, on the kayak camping trip with ROW Adventures.

11. THE FOOD.

There are SO many delicious restaurants in Loreto that I dedicated an entire post to it. Surprisingly, there are so many great restaurants because it’s such a small town, but one of the things they certainly do best is food, and it’s cheap, so take advantage!

Travel Planning Tip: Order a prepaid SIM card before you travel!

The image shows a plate of Mexican breakfast, featuring fried eggs, chilaquiles topped with cheese, onions, and cilantro, and a side of potatoes. The meal is accompanied by a glass of orange juice, coffee, and various salsas, all set on a colorful tablecloth.
Los Mandiles on the malecón, a great option for breakfast in Loreto.

12. Latte art.

Okay, I understand there are other places more known for their coffee than Mexico. However, two great coffee shops in downtown Loreto serve a great latte (big too!). One is called Sea Coffee, and the other, which doesn’t currently have a sign, is right next to Cafe Ole downtown. It has the best latte artist I have ever met in the world. Just look at this:

The image shows a cup of coffee with foam art shaped like a 3D bear, served in a yellow mug. The foam bear has paws and a face, creating a cute and playful presentation.
But how do you DRINK something so cute?!

13. CRAFT BEER!

To my utter delight, Loreto has a craft brewery. It only serves three beers, but that is better than nothing. El Zopilote Brewery & Cocina can be found on the main plaza, under the same roof as Hotel 1697. It was founded by Norma and her husband Kieran (an Irish guy), and their beers are delicious.

The image shows two women smiling and raising their glasses for a toast inside a rustic bar. One is holding a pint of beer, and the other a mug of a dark beverage, with a warm, cozy atmosphere in the background.
Enjoying an IPA with Norma, the owner of Zopilote Brewery & Cocina

Related: Comfy Beds, Craft Beer, Mexican Pizza: Hotel 1697 Loreto BCS

Bonus: The People of Loreto Baja California Sur.

This was possibly my favorite thing about Loreto. There is a beautiful blend of expats and Mexicans in Loreto, and everyone does their part. They are wonderfully integrated, and most of the expats are invested in some organization or other, contributing to the quality of life in the small town. The people are what made me feel extra welcomed and comfortable while I was there. You will be pleasantly surprised to get to know the locals.

The image shows a large group of people gathered at night in front of a building with a sign reading "Loreto." The crowd is holding up signs with messages of peace, respect, and solidarity in both English and Spanish, creating a scene of community and unity.

For more about Loreto, check out: Loreto Baja California Sur City Guide: What to do, where to stay, how to get there

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5 replies on “13 Reasons to Make Loreto Baja California Sur Your Next Getaway”

Looks like a great off-the-beaten-path destination! How did you travel to Loreto? Is it hard to reach?

Short answer is there’s an international airport just a couple miles from town. Air Alaska from L.A., West Jet from Calgary, or AeroCalafia from Tijuana. Or drive down Route 1 from Tijuana or up Route 1 from Cabo/La Paz.

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