Since the Spanish first arrived in the late 1600’s, travelers have been discovering and falling in love with the quiet coastal town of Loreto in Baja Mexico. I come for the peaceful atmosphere, nice weather, and great food, and always leave with new adventures on my bucket list for the next trip. After speaking with friends and locals alike, these are the top seven things to do in Loreto, Mexico.
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7. Golf at Danzante Bay Golf Course
I’m not a golfer, but apparently everyone else on our airplane was STOKED to golf at Danzante Bay Golf Course. With perfect wintertime temperatures, this golf course has become an international golf destination. Honestly, just staying at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto without the golfing part seems like an experience in itself.
6. Hike Tabor Canyon
During the cooler months (November through April), hiking Tabor Canyon is a really cool change of pace from the ocean-based activities that Loreto is known for. The mountains that frame Loreto are so dramatic, and exploring them is quite the adventure. You’ll gain 1000 feet of elevation while scrambling over boulders and wading through icy pools of water up the canyon.
If you don’t feel comfortable exploring this type of terrain alone, this hiking tour allows you to safely explore the canyon with a knowledgable guide.
5. Sample all the Best Restaurants in Loreto
I LOVE trying local food, so this is one of my favorite things to do anywhere I travel. As a coastal fishing village, Loreto is predominantly known for its tasty ceviche. Check out my top five restaurants in Loreto including my favorite place to get fresh ceviche, or explore on your own!
4. Explore Mission Loreto and San Javier
One of the coolest historical activities in Loreto is spending a day exploring two of Loreto’s oldest pieces of architecture.
Established in 1697 and located in the middle of the town of Loreto, Mission Loreto was the first Spanish mission constructed in Baja. Only a few years later, Mission San Javier was founded in 1699 and is located 45 minutes from the town of Loreto. According to our guide, the arrival of the missionaries introduced agricultural techniques that helped the town of Loreto thrive and become what it is today.
Exploring Mission Loreto is super easy since it’s right in the middle of Loreto! Mission San Javier is easiest to visit on this 4-hour guided tour.
3. Go Fishing!
Loreto is first and foremost a fishing village. Fishermen flock from all over the world to catch dorado, marlin, and yellowtail. Last time I visited, there was even a yellowtail competition going on!
The easiest way to get in on the action is to charter a fishing boat. I’d recommend planning this excursion for the beginning of your trip and ensuring ahead of time that your hotel has a place to store the fish you catch. Our favorite resort has a separate freezer dedicated to fish caught on our trip.
2. Spend a Day (or more) with Gray Whales
As someone who works in the whale watch industry, this is the top reason most of my friends travel to Baja. The only reason this isn’t #1 is because it’s not technically in Loreto, though that’s where you get picked up. Pachico’s Ecotours—a small family-owned operation—operates out of San Ignacio Lagoon, roughly four and a half hours north. They are my favorite operator.
On this tour, you might actually touch a gray whale, but it’s not like you’re harassing the whales— the mother whales actually push their calves up to the boat to interact with us on their own terms. It’s a crazy phenomenon, and obviously it doesn’t happen on every tour, but if you stay a couple days, the chances are really high.
This is definitely something to add to the bucket list. If you do make it to San Ignacio, tell Pancho that Brittney says hello!
1. Dive Coronado Island
My favorite activity in the town of Loreto is diving at Coronado Island! Whether you snorkel or scuba dive, jumping in and exploring Loreto Bay National Park is definitely the best thing to do in town. You can expect to see dolphins, swim with sea lions, and enjoy the clear water, warm beaches, and unique rock formations around this isolated island.
We particularly love to scuba dive at Coronado Island which is best in late summer or early fall when the water is warmest. However, even when the ocean was at its coldest in the springtime, we threw on a wetsuit and still saw a ton of life under the surface.
Unless you happen to own your own boat, you’ll need to hire a boat for the day. The easiest way to explore the island is on this snorkel tour. If you’re looking to scuba dive, check out our experience + recommendations here.
Planning a Trip to Loreto?
For more information and recommendations for planning a trip to Loreto, check out these helpful articles: