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If Loreto has been on your travel list, getting there from Southern California is about to become easier.
Alaska Airlines has announced new seasonal nonstop service between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Loreto International Airport (LTO), beginning December 19, 2026. The route will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays through April 28, 2027, creating a new direct connection between San Diego and one of Baja California Sur’s most distinctive coastal destinations.
For travelers discovering Loreto for the first time, the new flight opens the door to a very different kind of Baja escape, one shaped by quiet beaches, dramatic mountains, protected islands, days on the Sea of Cortez, exceptional golf, and plenty of space to slow down.
A New Direct Way to Fly From San Diego to Loreto
Beginning this December, Alaska Airlines will become the only airline offering nonstop service between San Diego and Loreto. The route is also a milestone for the airline, making Loreto Alaska’s 50th nonstop destination from San Diego as the carrier celebrates 40 years of service in the city.
San Diego to Loreto Flight Schedule at a Glance
- Route: San Diego (SAN) - Loreto (LTO)
- Service begins: December 19, 2026
- Seasonal service ends: April 28, 2027
- Frequency: Twice weekly
- Flight days: Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Flight time: 2 hours
Tickets are already available through Alaska Airlines.
The Wednesday and Saturday schedule also works particularly well for vacation planning. A Saturday-to-Wednesday trip works well for a shorter visit, while a Wednesday-to-Wednesday or Saturday-to-Saturday stay allows for a full week.
Where Is Loreto?
Loreto is located on the eastern coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, between the Sierra de la Giganta and the Sea of Cortez.
Unlike some of Baja’s larger resort destinations, Loreto has maintained a quieter character. Its historic downtown, coastal setting, nearby islands, desert landscapes, and close connection to the sea give travelers plenty to discover without the pace of a busier vacation hub.
Just offshore lies Loreto Bay National Park, where islands, clear waters, marine life, and striking coastal scenery make getting out on the water an essential part of the trip.
You can spend a morning exploring the islands by boat, go snorkeling or kayaking, head out for sport fishing, walk through historic downtown Loreto, or simply enjoy a long afternoon near the water.
A Winter Route With Excellent Timing
The new San Diego flight begins just before the holidays and continues throughout winter and into spring, opening another option for Christmas vacations, New Year escapes, winter sun, spring trips, and Easter travel.
January through March also coincides with whale watching season in Loreto, including the opportunity to see blue whales in the waters surrounding the destination. Sightings always depend on nature and conditions, but the season brings a remarkable opportunity to experience the marine environment that makes this part of Baja California Sur so special.
The cooler months are also particularly appealing for golf, hiking, exploring the islands, and spending more of the day outdoors.
Discover Loreto From Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto
For travelers visiting Loreto for the first time, where you stay can shape the entire experience.
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto sits in a secluded coastal setting surrounded by the Sierra de la Giganta and the Sea of Cortez. Here, the landscape is not something you leave the resort to find. It is part of every day.
Mornings might begin with coffee overlooking the mountains or a kayak from the beach. Another day could be dedicated to an island excursion or a round at TPC Danzante Bay, the resort’s 18-hole Rees Jones-designed golf course. Afternoons can unfold beside the pool, at Sábila Spa, or over a leisurely lunch before returning to the beach.
For travelers who want to explore beyond the resort, excursions offer opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, hiking, wildlife encounters, and discovering the islands and coastline around Loreto.
The result is a vacation that can include plenty of adventure without feeling like every day needs to be scheduled.
What Makes Loreto Worth Discovering?
Loreto is the kind of destination that can appeal to very different travelers for very different reasons.
For couples, it offers privacy, quiet beaches, spa time, dining, and days that can be as relaxed or adventurous as you choose.
For golfers, TPC Danzante Bay brings another reason to travel, with a course that moves through desert, mountains, valleys, and coastal landscapes.
Families can spend their days between the beach, pools, activities on the water, and excursions around the destination.
And for travelers drawn to nature, the Sea of Cortez and Loreto Bay National Park provide an extraordinary setting for exploring the marine environment, islands, and coastline.
Loreto does not ask you to choose between adventure and rest. There is room for both.
More Nonstop Ways to Reach Loreto
The addition of San Diego expands a growing network of direct access to Loreto.
Travelers can also reach Loreto nonstop from Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Tijuana, while Dallas, San Francisco, and Calgary offer seasonal service depending on the time of year. Alaska Airlines also continues to sell nonstop Los Angeles to Loreto service.
For Southern California travelers in particular, having both Los Angeles and San Diego as nonstop gateways creates more flexibility when comparing travel dates and departure points.
Flight schedules can change by season, so travelers should always confirm current routes and operating dates directly with the airline before booking.
Your First Loreto Escape Just Got Easier
A new nonstop flight may be what gets you to Loreto, but what you discover after landing is what makes the trip worth taking.
There are mornings on the Sea of Cortez, afternoons beneath the Sierra de la Giganta, rounds of golf surrounded by some of Baja California Sur’s most dramatic scenery, and quiet moments when there is no reason to be anywhere else.
Beginning December 19, travelers from San Diego will have a new direct way to experience it all.
Explore Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto and start planning your Loreto escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a nonstop flight from San Diego to Loreto?
Yes. Alaska Airlines will begin seasonal nonstop service between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Loreto International Airport (LTO) on December 19, 2026. Alaska will be the only airline offering nonstop service between the two cities when the route begins.
When does the new San Diego to Loreto flight begin?
The first flight is scheduled for December 19, 2026, with seasonal service continuing through April 28, 2027.
What days will Alaska Airlines fly from San Diego to Loreto?
The new route will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Is the San Diego to Loreto flight year-round?
No. The announced route is seasonal, operating from December 19, 2026, through April 28, 2027. Travelers should check Alaska Airlines for the latest schedule when planning a trip.
Which airport do you fly into for Loreto?
Flights arrive at Loreto International Airport (LTO) in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
What is Loreto known for?
Loreto is known for its setting between the Sierra de la Giganta and the Sea of Cortez, its historic downtown, islands and marine environment, outdoor recreation, sport fishing, whale watching, and golf. It also provides access to Loreto Bay National Park.
When is whale watching season in Loreto?
Whale watching season typically runs from January through March. These months can offer opportunities to see blue whales and other marine life, although wildlife sightings always depend on natural conditions.
Where should you stay in Loreto?
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto offers a secluded resort setting with beach access, pools, dining, Sábila Spa, water activities, excursions, and TPC Danzante Bay, allowing travelers to combine relaxation with many of Loreto’s signature experiences in one stay.
Are there other nonstop flights to Loreto?
Yes. In addition to the new San Diego route, Loreto has nonstop connections from Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Tijuana, with seasonal service from Dallas, San Francisco, and Calgary. Routes and frequencies vary throughout the year, so current schedules should be confirmed directly with each airline.
