Loreto, the beach town on the east coast of Baja California Sur, is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a remote, but easily accessible, summer escape.
Just off the coast of Loreto lies the Bay of Loreto National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with five main islands—Isla Coronados, Isla del Carmen, Isla Danzante, Isla Montserrat and Isla de Santa Catalina—just a quick boat ride away from town. The Bay of Loreto and its islands are the perfect domain for summer activities such as fishing, diving, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
Beach-lovers can head to Isla Coronados and Isla del Carmen, replete with coves and hidden beaches. The former is a towering volcanic island that stands 1,000 feet above sea level at its highest point. One of the most popular beaches in the bay, a crescent-shaped cove with white sand and crystal-clear waters, is situated on this island. The inlet’s shallow and tranquil water is ideal for swimming and water sports, and appeals to families. For those in search of seclusion, the latter is the ultimate spot to find solitude with nature. The largest island in the bay, Isla del Carmen has countless spots where adventure travelers can take in views of tall colorful cliffs and hunt for marine fossils along white sand, red pebble, and smooth cobble beaches.
Good to know: Travelers in Loreto can get to each island via a short panga ride operated by local guides located in marina just off the malecon. For those looking to explore the bay, chartering a sailboat or going on a catered catamaran tour provide luxurious options for an aquatic journey with fresh food and beverages onboard.
On land, visitors can explore the historic town of Loreto with its laidback charm and rich cultural heritage. The town’s beaches are also worth checking out, including Playa Oasis, a black volcanic sand beach offering captivating views of the bay, not to be missed at sunset.
Summer is also the best time to try the legendary Loreto dish, Almejas Tatemadas or “chocolate clams,” known for their rich, chocolate-brown shell color. Locals prepare their “chocolate clams” in a vibrant local ritual, where the clams are charred in the sand under a large fire. Visitors to Loreto during the first Saturday of June can also attend the “Almeja Chocolata Gastronomic Festival” spanning two days, featuring cooks from Baja California Sur who present their versions of “chocolate clams.”
As for accommodations, located on the central plaza are Hotel 1697 and Posada de las Flores, offering boutique accommodations with unique styles. Hotel 1697 provides an upscale yet intimate setting, while Posada de las Flores has colonial-inspired architecture. Visitors seeking a waterfront experience can stay at the more traditional La Mision Hotel, with a contemporary European-meets-Mexican hacienda style. Thanks to the easy-to-navigate streets of Loreto, these hotels are no more than a five-minute walk from each other and all the notable restaurants, shops, museums and attractions in town.
Getting there: Alaska Airlines offers nonstop flights from Los Angeles (LAX); American Airlines offers non-stop services from Phoenix (PHX) and Dallas (DFW) that can also connect travelers across the U.S.; and travelers from Orange County and San Diego can make the trip across the border using the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal to depart from the Tijuana International Airport (TIJ).
For more information, visit www.visitbajasur.travel.
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