Where to Stay in Loreto

Mexico › Best Areas to Stay in Loreto
Updated: July 5, 2024

My Favorite Hotels
• Town Square: Posada de las Flores
• Malecón: La Mision
• Ensenada Blanca: Villa del Palmar
• Boutique: Posada del Cortes
• Budget: Rosarito
• For families: Villa del Palmar
• Couples: La Mision
• Golf: Villa del Palmar
• Beach: Villa del Palmar

A colorful sign that reads, Loreto, on the beach pathway.

The Malecón.

Best Areas to Stay in Loreto

Loreto is on the eastern coast of Mexican Baja, a 4-hour drive from La Paz and a 6-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas. Its international airport is a 15-minute drive from the town center ($10-20 taxi ride).

Loreto is quaint, with a slower pace and a sleepy-town vibe. Most visitors to this very safe area are couples and seniors, but it’s also family-friendly, with no mega resorts or nightclubs in town.

The mission church, Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, built in 1697, towers over the picturesque historical plaza in the town square. The plaza offers restaurants, coffee shops, and a microbrewery that attracts both visitors and locals. The Malecón seaside promenade is a few blocks away.

Five protected scenic islands off the coast of Loreto are popular for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Whales migrate to Loreto Bay National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to birth their calves. The best time for whale watching is during the winter, from January to April.

Ensenada Blanca is a resort area about a 40-minute drive from town. It has the Danzante Bay Golf Course, boasted as the best golf course in Mexico, and the Villa del Palmar Resort.

Getting to Loreto

The inside of an airport with a convex roof and black chairs.

Loreto airport.

Loreto has direct international flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Phoenix. During the winter, there are direct flights from Calgary, Canada.

The drive from La Paz, Mexico, to Loreto takes 4 hours (the last hour or so as you approach Loreto is incredibly scenic). It’s a 6-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas to Loreto. The paved transpeninsular highway (Mexico’s Federal Highway #1) is in good condition.

Best Time to Visit Loreto

The best time to visit is October through May, when temperatures are warm but not extreme, like the summer heat between June and September when tropical storms are more common. Summertime – June through September is also more humid, and the heat can be extreme in August and September.

Most accommodations in Loreto do not have an elevator. For hotels that do, stay at La Mision, the largest hotel within the town of Loreto, or Villa del Palmar Loreto, located a 40-minute drive from the town square.

Best Places to Stay in Loreto

A light blue pool next to a pale yellow building.

The pool at La Mision.

A pink sunset blankets the sky.

Sunset on the Malecón.

Best Places in Loreto for…

  • Where to Stay in Loreto for First Timers: Town Square
    A few people walk on light orange and gray stones in a town square.

    Town Square.


    Loreto boasts natural beauty, Mexican culture, small-town charm, and a relaxed vibe. The town square has a central cobblestone plaza, and it’s the hub of the town—an excellent base for first-time visitors. The square offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops that sell silver jewelry, colorful pottery, and handwoven blankets. The malecón (promenade) is only a few blocks away. For a central location on the plaza, stay at the boutique hotel Posada de las Flores. The mission church, our Lady of Loreto (Mision de Nuestra Senora de Loreto), is also in the plaza. Next to the church is Museo de las Misiones, a small museum detailing Loreto’s history. The town square also hosts many festivals throughout the year.
  • Where to Stay in Loreto for Couples: Malecón
    Loreto is designated one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos towns for its outstanding beauty and history. Couples or honeymooners can stroll Loreto’s malecón, the town’s romantic seaside promenade. The malecón is somewhat quiet, with a good vantage point to watch the sun rise and set. At one end of the promenade is the marina, where boats offer sightseeing day trips to the islands off Loreto’s coast with opportunities to spot whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Couples can take day trips to the islands, where the beaches are fantastic and tropical fish are abundant, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling. Stay at the fabulous La Mision on the malecón and steps to the marina.
  • Where to Stay in Loreto without a Car: Town Square
    Loreto’s main square is the heart of the town, and its landmark church, founded in 1697, towers above it. The square offers the best selection of hotels, restaurants, mini-marts, and shops.
  • Where to Stay in Loreto for Families: Town Square or Danzante Bay
    The town square provides an authentic Mexican experience and an opportunity to see and learn about the town’s history. The marina is a few blocks away for day trips to the islands. Danzante Bay is home to Villa del Palmar, an upscale resort with many kid-focused amenities, such as Mexican crafts, pool games, Spanish lessons, bocce ball, yoga for kids, and water sports at the hotel’s private beach. Note: The hotel offers both all-inclusive and room-only rates.
  • Where to Stay in Loreto for the Best Beach: Danzante Bay
    A large blue sky with sweeping white clouds over a small inlet beach.

    Danzante Bay at Villa del Palmar

    Danzante Bay is a private beach with beautiful sand, stunning views, and excellent snorkeling. The waters are calm in the bay, so it’s perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding. This private beach is only accessible by guests of the Villa del Palmar resort in a gated and quiet area.

  • Where to Stay in Loreto for Golf: Danzante Bay
    The Danzante Bay Golf Course (part of the Villa del Palmar Resort) has been ranked the #1 best golf course in Mexico. The challenging 18-hole course was designed by Rees Jones, and much of it is carved into the hills. It’s scenic in a desert setting with rocky plateaus that tower above the ocean.
  • Where to Stay in Loreto for Nightlife: Loreto has no nightlife
    There are a few small bars that close around midnight.

The 3 Best Areas in Loreto for Tourists

1. Loreto Town Square

A stone church with a two story tower and bells.

Mission of Our Lady of Loreto.

The main square is in front of Loreto’s landmark church, Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, and the town square is the hub of the tourist zone. The square/plaza is charming, with its pedestrian-only cobblestone streets filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes, including a microbrewery. A variety of small shops sell jewelry, trinkets, and Mexican handicrafts.

A tree-covered lane in town square.

A tree-covered lane in town square.

The Blanket Factory store.

A shop in town square.

A colorful courtyard with peach and yellow colored walls, a fountain, palm plants, and black wrought-iron chandeliers.

The colorful courtyard at Posada de las Flores.

2. Loreto Malecón

A sidewalk along the waterfront.

The malecón.

The malecón (boardwalk) is a few blocks from the town square and stretches for one mile, bookended with two beaches. On the north end is the Loreto marina, which has boats to take visitors to the Islands of Loreto in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park. The five islands are known for their wildlife (tropical fish, sea lions, sea turtles, and birds) and boast outstanding snorkeling. The malecón is also the perfect spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.

A light blue pool with lounge chairs.

The La Mision pool facing the sea.

3. Ensenada Blanca

A remote water alcove with gold sand and green shrubs.

Ensenada Blanca.

Ensenada Blanca (Spanish for white cove) is a semi-rural upscale community, a 40-minute drive south on the transpeninsula highway. The scenic area has golden sand beaches and the rugged Sierra de la Giganta mountain range.

Ensenada Blanca is home to the Danzante Bay Golf Course and the largest resort in the Loreto area—Villa del Palmar.

A large resort with outdoor pools.

One pool area at Villa del Palmar.

7 Best Hotels in Loreto

1. La Mision – Malecón

Hotel phone: +52 613 134 0350
A bed with a tan wood headboard sits on a tiled floor.
Large hotel offers stylish and modern suites ranging from standard rooms to two-bedroom units, some with unobstructed views of the Sea of Cortez. Rooms have air conditioning, tile/marble floors, and a balcony or a terrace. Adjoining rooms are available and can sleep a family of 6. The outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, and courtyard are terrific. There’s a restaurant and a Starbucks coffee shop. Their lounge/bar has a wood-fired pizza bar with indoor seating and outdoor seating overlooking the pool. It’s across from the malecón and close to all amenities in the town center. The hotel has a day spa, 24-hour front desk, shuttle service from Loreto airport (additional fee), and an elevator.

2. Posada del Cortes – Town Square

Hotel phone: +52 613 135 0258
A bed with lamps on both sides and an abstract painting on the wall.
Quaint and cozy boutique hotel with lots of Mexican charm and small covered rooftop deck with seating. The well-maintained property has lush grounds with various trailing flowers, shrubs, and cacti. Standard rooms are on the ground level, while double queen rooms and a king suite are on the second level, accessed by outdoor stairs. Rooms have air conditioning, a mini fridge, a coffee maker, a toaster, and a TV. A complimentary breakfast is delivered to your room or their small inner courtyard. It’s conveniently located on a quiet street just a few blocks from Loreto’s town square, the malecón, and the marina.

3. Hotel 1697 – Town Square

Hotel phone: +52 613 135 2538
Two tan beds in an orange painted room.
Adult-only hotel offers a central location in Loreto’s quaint town square, directly on the plaza, and steps to restaurants and shops. Each guest room has a terrace with patio furniture. Opt for a Deluxe room; these are in the newer section of the hotel and are modern and more spacious, with lovely pool views. The pool area is a quiet oasis with plants, sun loungers, umbrellas, and a waterfall feature. All rooms have satellite/cable TV, air conditioning, and a mini fridge. A Light complimentary breakfast is served poolside. In the room, there is coffee and bottled water. It’s an easy walk to the malecón and the beach. Children 0-14 years are not permitted. El Zopilote Brewing offers locally brewed beer and was Loreto’s first microbrewery. No pets.

4. Rosarito – Town Square

Hotel phone: +52 613 135 2781
Two stone mozaic headboard sit at the head of two beds.
This two-story budget hotel offers modest, clean, comfortable rooms and a non-heated deep plunge pool. Guest rooms feature colorful blown-glass light fixtures, a private toilet room (tiled shower stall and bathroom sink are in the main area of the suite), air conditioning, TV, and a mini-fridge. Rooms range from a queen room, junior suite with king bed & patio, and double queen rooms that can sleep 4. A continental breakfast is served near the pool deck. It is a good location, only one block from Loreto’s town square and two blocks from the seafront/malecón. Adults only – must be over 15 years. The hotel has several parking stalls in front of the hotel; otherwise, it’s street parking. No pets.

5. Villa del Palmar – Ensenada Blanca

Hotel phone: +52 613 134 1000
A living room with a sofa, two chairs, and a gold game on the tv.
Large luxury resort, a 40-minute drive south of Loreto, in a semi-remote area within the gated community of Ensenada Blanca. It has upscale amenities, excellent restaurants, attentive service, and a private sandy beach. It’s great for families, with five outdoor pools for all ages, a kids’ club, and programs available. The adults-only hot tub area has ocean views. Rooms range from standard to three-bedroom suites, including spacious penthouse suites. All room types offer room-only or all-inclusive rates. There are opportunities to snorkel, kayak, and paddle board in the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez. The superior gym has excellent views, there are walking/hiking trails near the hotel, and a fabulous award-winning spa. Danzante Bay Golf Course offers world-class golfing. There is something for everyone at Villa del Palmar Loreto.

6. Hacienda – Town Square

Hotel phone: +52 613 135 1693
Two beds with white bedspreads an aqua blue bed runner and warm wood headboard.
Family-friendly hotel and good value on the edge of town with a complimentary hot breakfast served outdoors near the pool deck. Guest rooms overlook a flower-filled courtyard with a swimming pool and poolside bar. Rooms are simple, comfortable, and clean, with air conditioning and updated bathrooms. It’s a way from Loreto’s town square but is still walkable along one of the main boulevards (15-20 minutes). There is no onsite restaurant, but it’s pet-friendly, and there’s parking available behind the hotel.

7. Posada de las Flores – Town Square

Hotel phone: +52 613 122 7463
A bed sits on a cobbled-stone floor with a painting of red poinsettias behind it.
Rose-colored boutique hotel in the heart of Loreto on a pedestrian-only street with a glass-bottom rooftop pool. It is convenient to numerous eateries and a 4-minute walk from the malecón. All guest rooms have traditional décor – colorful Mexican tiles and handmade dark wood furniture. Their Junior Suites are incredibly spacious and have king-size beds. The hotel is in the town square with views of the town’s historic mission church. The ground-level restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating and is open all day until late evening. Their rooftop pool is non-heated and sits beside a cocktail bar that offers a dinner menu. A full continental breakfast is included, and room service is available. There is no hotel parking and no elevator. Children must be 12 years or older.