This Mexican Beach Destination Is a 'Magic Town' Known for Laid-back Vibes and Incredible Whale Watching

A slew of new resorts on the horizon means there is more to love in Los Cabos than ever. But the area's built-up, busy coastline is increasingly tempting visitors northward on the Baja Peninsula, toward Costa Palmas and towns like Todos Santos for a truly tranquil escape.

Nestled along the Sea of Cortez, called the "Aquarium of the World" by Jacques Costeau for its breathtaking biodiversity, the tiny town of Loreto checks every box for the ideal laid-back beach town retreat. "There's not a single major international chain in Loreto, which speaks to how faithfully it has conserved its original, local charm," says Sandra Felix, commercial director of Visit Baja California Sur. It is one of the region's few pueblos mágicos, "magical towns" known for immense history and culture, and it’s peppered with boutique hotels and locally owned eateries, all just steps from the oceanfront.

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.

Loreto

• Nestled between the sea and soaring mountains, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto is known for its top-notch golf course, spacious spa, and adventurous, experience-focused stays.

• From January to March, humpback whales migrate to Loreto, drawing visitors for sensational whale-watching excursions.

• A blossoming wellness community makes Loreto ideal for a self-care-centered and wallet-friendly getaway.

• Oversized portions of classic Mexican favorites like chilaquiles and enfrijoladas at Orlando's draw crowds starting at breakfast that won't let up until evening.

• Protected and pristine, the islands in Loreto's bay are rimmed with golden beaches above the waves and spectacular dive sites below.

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.

Areas to Visit

Downtown Loreto

The highly walkable heart of downtown Loreto preserves a distinct beach town feel, and that is part of its beauty. A pedestrian-only thoroughfare cuts through the heart of town, past the Our Lady of Loreto Mission, and leads straight to Loreto's malecón, an oceanfront promenade that traces the water and runs the length of the town. Complete with shops, restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels, Loreto has everything visitors could need, all at their fingertips. Most visitors choose to stay in this part of town.

Nopoló

Located about 15 minutes south of central Loreto, Nopoló is home to Loreto Bay, a gated community popular with Canadian expats. It features private residences and mixed-use spaces, including a resort and hotel, galleries, a golf course, hiking paths, and many great restaurants.

Islands of Loreto

The jewels in the crown of Loreto Bay National Park are the five cactus-studded, beach-fringed islands that comprise what is commonly referred to as the Islands of Loreto. These uninhabited islands teem with such biodiversity that they are included in the region's UNESCO World Heritage designation. Catamaran cruises are the most popular way to explore the islands and allow visitors to hike to scenic viewpoints or explore surrounding dive sites. Coronado and Danzante islands are most popular with visitors, though more remote islands like Carmen make for incredible off-grid camping — permit required.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Loreto is October to May when mild temperatures and favorable weather make it ideal for outdoor activities. Even during this relatively busy season in Loreto, the town remains laid-back and lovely. Rates at hotels and resorts drop off in the summer months, though soaring temperatures make activities like kayaking or hiking a challenge.

"Winter is particularly special, as it marks the prime whale-watching season, with opportunities to view humpback, orca, grey, and blue whales," says Perry of the whale-watching season that stretches between January and March. "For fishing enthusiasts, summer and early fall (June through October) are prime times, with dorado, marlin, and yellowtail in abundance," says Felix. Divers will enjoy the best water temperatures and highest visibility between June and November.

How to Get There

The growing connectivity of the Loreto International Airport (LTO) has been a big factor in raising the profile of this coastal destination in recent years. Alaska Airlines offers seasonal daily flights from Los Angeles and with lesser frequency from San Francisco and San Diego. American Airlines offers direct flights from Phoenix and Dallas, while WestJet offers direct flights from Calgary. Distances can be deceptively long in Baja California Sur, with La Paz and Los Cabos four-hour and six-hour drives away, respectively, so aim for a direct flight to Loreto or prepare for a road trip.

How to Get Around

Part of the charm of Loreto comes from the walkability of its historic center, making it easy to explore most of the town without a vehicle. There is no Uber or comparable rideshare service here, so plan on using a taxi for excursions to the beach or airport, or even for half-day trips to nearby destinations. Rental cars are a better option for those looking to explore more independently or venture to destinations like San Javier or some of the region's more remote beaches, like those in Bahia Concepción.

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