If you’re looking to take a trip to Mexico and are looking for a more laid back experience than the resorts can offer, you owe it to yourself to check out Loreto. With fewer tourists and less commercial development than Cabo San Lucas, you’ll be able to better appreciate the serene beauty of the beaches and turquoise waters. The natural beauty of the area is absolutely breathtaking, and worth the trip alone. And you’ll still have access to the same beautiful beaches and fun activities.

Time to Unwind

Loreto stands out from many other tourist destinations in Mexico due to the fact that it has managed to keep its laid back vibe as a traditional fishing village, even despite the passing years and increasing commercialization. This draws visitors from all over looking for something different than the traditional tourist-packed resort. This picturesque town is surrounded by the Giganta mountains and has a number of beaches to choose from, so if you want to explore, you’ve come to the right place.

Beaches

When it comes to beaches, Loreto won’t disappoint. The beaches here are much less crowded and offer a chance to unwind and relax, and to explore the nearby area. Running through the center of town is Calle de la Playa, or Malecon, which is a popular place to visit thanks to the restaurants, bars and coffee shops you’ll find here. This area offers access to popular water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, sailing and kayaking. This is also known as a great place to catch a sunset, so make sure you stick around into the evening while you’re here.

Islands

If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, there are a number of offshore islands waiting to be explored. These five islands are Coronado, Danzante, Carmen, Catalan, and Monserrate, and are easily reachable from the town. These tend to be less crowded. These islands are part of the Bay of Loreto National Park Reserve, which includes most of the Sea of Cortez. The area is filled with wildlife, and you can experience the marine life with various local tours, where you can see whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and even a wide variety of exotic birds. A day at the beach on one of these islands also can offer a sense of adventure as you discover local flora and fauna.

Mountains

If you want to get away from the beach for the day, the nearby mountains have a great deal to offer when it comes to local history and absolutely amazing scenery. With several missions located in the region, this is the perfect chance to learn about what life was like hundreds of years ago. You can even take a guided mule tour where you can visit ranchers in the area and learn about their daily life. The mountain deserts are also perfect for just taking a day trip to explore. Sierra La Giganta also attracts a large number of visitors who are interested in camping.

This is a very dry area so you won’t find much in the way of lakes, streams, or rivers in the area. However, taking a trip out into the country, you may find hidden lakes which are extremely picturesque. The minimal rainfall in the area makes these kinds of discoveries feel even more special. If you journey into the nearby mountains, however, you’ll find streams and even small waterfalls which make perfect spots for camping.

Golf

The area’s climate makes it perfect for golf, whatever time of year it may be. Though it is not frequented by tourists as much as the more resort-based areas of Mexico, more and more visitors are catching on to the fact that this is a great destination for golfers. At Villa del Palmar, you’ll find Danzante Bay Golf Course. The splendor of the natural area makes this an unmissable experience if you’re into the sport, as the land was practically begging for a first rate golf course to be installed. You’ll find that few things can compare to golfing with a view of the Sea of Cortez.