11 Things Loreto Mexico is Known For

Loreto Mexico is one of the country’s best kept secrets. While it’s grown in popularity, the city still maintains its small-town charm, local culture, and tranquil beauty that make it the ideal escape to paradise, but if you’ve never heard of this destination, you may be wondering “What is Loreto Mexico known for?” The city is known for its rich traditions and heritage, and its natural beauty attracts travelers from all over the world. When you visit Loreto, be sure to experience these 11 things that make it a unique place to visit in Mexico.

1. It’s the Only Pueblo Magico with an Airport

Mexico's Secretariat of Tourism launched an initiative in 2001 to support and preserve culturally-rich towns that showcase the country’s traditions, heritage, and hospitality, giving these towns the name Pueblos Magicos, or Magic Towns. Loreto Mexico is one of the charming towns, and while there are only two in the whole state of Baja California Sur, Loreto is the only one in the entire country with an international airport, making it the easiest Pueblo Magico to escape to.

2. Loreto Bay National Marine Park

When you start to research what is Loreto Mexico known for, the nearly 800 square miles of Loreto Bay National Marine Park will quickly pop up. In the 1990s, the community worked to make the waters around the city a federally protected zone, preserving the environment as tourism started to grow. With limited fishing and restrictions on development, Loreto Mexico will continue to be a naturally stunning destination for years to come.

Photo credit: @parquenacionalbahiadeloreto

3. Whales

Every winter, humpback, orca, grey, and blue whales travel 6,000 miles from arctic waters to the warm coast of Mexico to mate and give birth, and the peaceful waters of the Sea of Cortez and the security of the Loreto Bay National Marine Park make this a safe haven for them. If you want to go whale watching in Loreto Mexico, be sure to visit between December and March.

4. Kayaking

Loreto Mexico was named the second best place in the world for kayaking, and with smooth waters and natural beauty, it’s no surprise that kayaking is one of the most popular things to do in Loreto. It’ll give you a good cardio and muscular workout, and when you’re done, you can hop in the water to cool off. Head out with a snorkel, and you’ll be able to explore life under the sea along the way.

Photo credit: @honeytrek

5. Paddleboarding

If you’re hoping to paddleboard on vacation, the smooth waters and protection of the Loreto Bay National Water make this the ideal destination, and it has been internationally recognized as one of the best places to paddleboard. Whether you’re new to the sport or have been paddling for years, you’ll find it invigorating and relaxing to paddleboard surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Sea of Cortez.

6. Gorgeous Beach

Like most other tropical destinations in Mexico, Loreto is known for beautiful sandy beaches, but what makes the city stand apart from others is the secluded tranquility of the coast. Here, you won’t have to compete with other tourists for a spot on the beach or a view of the ocean. With spacious shorelines, Loreto is truly paradise.

7. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Among the Islands of Loreto and in the nationally protected marine zone, you’ll find some of the best sites for scuba diving and snorkeling. The Sea of Cortez was nicknamed “The Aquarium of the World” by the legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau because it’s home to more than 80% of the aquatic species that live in the Pacific Ocean.

8. Mission Loreto

In 1697, Mission Loreto was established by Jesuit missionary Juan María de Salvatierra, and it was the first permanent Spanish settlement in the Californias. While Mexico has long been independent from Spain, the church remains in the heart of Loreto, and when you stop by here, you’ll be able to admire the traditional architecture and learn more about Loreto’s history in the museum.

Photo credit: @bajavisitor

9. Sport Fishing

Thanks to sustainable regulations, Loreto continues to be renowned for its sport fishing, and every day, you’ll see fishermen hauling in golden mahi mahi and mojarra. Depending on the season, you’ll be able to catch roosterfish, marlin, and sailfin, and after sailing back into the marina, have your catch grilled up for a delicious and satisfying dinner.

10. TPC Danzante Bay

In the sports world, if you ask “What is Loreto Mexico known for?”, you’ll get one answer: TPC Danzante Bay Golf course. Designed by Rees Jones, TPC Danzante Bay was named the Best Golf Course in Mexico and Latin America by the World Golf Awards. It’s both technically challenging and scenically rewarding, and with the warm Mexico weather, every day is perfect for golfing.

Photo credit: @channingbenjaminphotography

11. Prehistoric Sites

In the mountains around Loreto Mexico, you can still find traces of prehistoric tribes who called the area home over 7,500 years ago. Hike out to La Pinguica to discover ancient cave paintings, which, thanks to being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are still visible today.