Loreto, Mexico Beaches: 10 Beautiful Places You Need To See
Are you looking for the best beaches in Loreto, Mexico?
You have come to the right place. The Baja Peninsula is home to many beautiful beaches, perfect for your next trip.
However, it’s hard to figure out where to stop when exploring all the beautiful parts of Baja California Sur. There are sandy shores, busy marinas, and protected coves with dozens of beautiful sea animals.
Loreto is a peaceful town, smaller than other places like Puerto Escondido and Los Cabos tourist destinations. And it has plenty of beaches to make your vacation fantastic.
We traveled by mini-motorcycle from North Dakota all the way down the Baja Peninsula and into mainland Mexico. By the time we got to Loreto, you better believe we were ready for a relaxing break to go explore some beautiful beaches.
In this article, I will take you through a round-up of the top beaches to visit in the heart of Loreto. Plus some secluded beaches in the areas and islands surrounding.
Discover your new favorite beach destination in the list below. Whether you like swimming, fishing, or just admiring the sunset from the shore.
Let’s dive in so you can start planning your trip to Loreto today!
10 Loreto, Mexico Beaches
Read on to discover the best beaches in the Loreto, Mexico area.
Playa Oasis
Playa Oasis is one of the best Loreto, Mexico beaches. It’s a sandy beach with crystal clear waters, rocky paths, and marine life in abundance.
See the flat-topped mountains in the distance, and look for local birds or sea lions. Wade in the shallow waters, or head down to the nearby hiking trail, Estero Las Garzas.
The beach is in the southern part of Loreto, not far from the Loreto International Airport. It’s just off the south boardwalk, about a ten-minute walk from the city center, and tourists and locals love it.
While it is one of the more popular beaches, Playa Oasis is typically quiet in the mornings. So get there early to enjoy the peaceful natural beauty.
There’s a little cafe nearby, and you can stay in one of the hotels or bed and breakfasts on the beach. Check out Buena Vida, a casual indoor-outdoor bar and grill, or head to the Oasis Restaurant for a post-swim snack.
Visit Playa Oasis to experience the volcanic sands of Loreto beaches.
The Loreto beach is wide and spacious. Perfect for spreading a blanket and enjoying a picnic on the volcanic sandy shore. You can also swim on this public beach any time of day.
Playa Ligui
Playa Ligui is a tranquil Loreto beach, an ideal place for a quiet afternoon getaway.
It’s a rocky and sandy beach, great for swimming or other water activities like boogie boarding, sailing, snorkeling, or paddle boarding.
Go to this perfect place and bask in the sunny shores. But consider visiting in the evening as there aren’t as many palm trees at Playa Ligui.
The beach is south of Loreto, near the small town of Ligui. It’s about a half-hour drive through the scenic coastal deserts of the Baja Peninsula.
And the destination is well worth the journey.
Playa Ligui is a small beach with a secluded atmosphere, and you can get away from the tourist bustle on public Loreto beaches.
Playa Ligui has rocky and sandy beaches with views of the tiny islands off Loreto. Take a boat tour to Danzante Island if you want to hike.
Also nearby is a mini market, ideal for grabbing a local Mexican treat to take to the beach. Remember to snap a photo during one of the brilliant pink sunsets!
Honeymoon Beach on Danzante Island
Visit Danzante Island to see Honeymoon Beach, a scenic point on the island’s north shore. You’ll need to take a short drive south of Loreto to get to this beach, after which you can take a boat ride to reach the island.
It’s a hidden gem on Danzante Island and one of the best beaches in Loreto, Mexico. So make sure to plan a trip there before you leave the area.
Honeymoon Beach is the best Loreto beach on Danzante Island. The area has hidden coves, crystal-clear turquoise water, and beautiful rocky cliffs. This island is so beautiful and a unique experience for you if you have seen other islands in Mexico like Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, or Holbox.
You can kayak, hike the cliffs, or snorkel to see tropical fish and sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you might see blue whales or sea lions!
Much of the area around Honeymoon Beach is rocky, and you will want to stick to the safe sandy shores. The small cove can get busy during the peak tourist Loreto season, so consider visiting during the spring or fall for minimal crowds.
La Darsena
La Darsena is a bustling beach right in the quaint city of Loreto. It’s a tourist hub north of the marina, and the beach has a great location next to many major sights.
Head over to the central part of the Loreto shore to experience this public beach with a lot to offer.
The beach has paved walkways, umbrellas, and benches where you can sit and admire the shore. It’s not a quiet and peaceful beach but rather a fun-filled location with a lot of noise and locals and travelers out swimming.
If you are looking for a secluded area, this may not be your spot.
The best time to visit the beach is in May or June when the temperature is warm enough to swim but not muggy or humid.
Nearby are shops and restaurants, like La Hermosa Cafe, the perfect place to grab a coffee. Or, grab Mexican takeout at Loretanas Unidos to bring to the beach.
La Darsena is also great because it’s walkable from the city. So hit the beach for your daily swim or morning walk if you’re staying in the city center but still want to see the beaches in Loreto, Mexico.
La Picazon
For another one of the best Loreto, Mexico beaches, visit La Picazon at the Loreto Bay National Marine Park. It’s 20 minutes from Loreto, an easy drive to get to the secluded environment away from the tourists.
Go down Calle Davis North to get to La Picazon, and head down the dirt road to the beach. Bring sunscreen and a hat to this exposed beach area with little cover.
La Picazon is a pebble beach in Loreto with some sandy areas, but it’s not ideal for building sandcastles. You might want to wear shoes to protect your feet from the rocks.
However, the rocky shores are worth it for the astounding views of the islands of Loreto. Like Coronado Island, known to the locals as Isla Coronado.
One of the main attractions here is snorkeling, and there is lots of marine life to see in the clear water. Including everything from tropical fish to occasional humpback whales.
There aren’t many amenities near La Picazon, and I recommend packing your snacks to bring to the beach. Plan for rainy days, and expect intense humidity in July and August.
Despite the weather, Loreto Bay National Park is one of the main attractions in Loreto. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a must-visit location.
Note that the beach allows dogs and is open year-round.
Mil Palmas
Mil Palmas is one of the top Loreto, Mexico beaches with pebbles, sandy shores, palm trees, and outdoor activities like sport fishing. It’s about ten minutes north of the city, in a quaint village town with few amenities.
There aren’t a lot of restaurants, but you can drive five minutes north for a bite at La Picazon, a small eatery with Mexican-style seafood.
Also near Mil Palmas is a hotel, and you can stay on the quiet beach and visit the shore every day. Or, drive in from Loreto and spend the afternoon.
Mil Palmas is great for swimming, hunting for clams, or enjoying views of Coronado Island. You can also head over to Coronado Island beach for an extra excursion.
Mil Palmas, Loreto, is best for walking along the shore or swimming. But the rocky shores make it unideal for suntanning or relaxing.
Most people visit Mil Palmas for activities in the water, like snorkeling or catching the gentle waves on a boogie board. The waves aren’t intense here, and it’s best for people who want to relax.
Before you go, be aware that you need permission from the hotel to visit this Mil Palmas beach.
Ensenada Blanca
One of the best beaches in Baja California Sur is Ensenada Blanca by Villa Del Palmar. It’s a moderately busy beach, ideal because it’s within easy distance of amenities.
However, the beach has a smaller tourist volume than the places in the middle of Loreto, like La Darsena beach. It’s right by the Villa Del Palmar Hotel, just south of the little town of Ensenada Blanca.
Drive a half-hour south of Loreto to see this beautiful beach. It’s in a cove, making it a safe and protected place to swim.
The low-intensity waves are ideal for families, snorkelers, or people who want to wade in the water. Expect to see rocky hills, sandy shores, and palm trees blowing in the wind.
Ensenada Blanca is ideal for a romantic evening, as the scenic views, gorgeous sunsets, and secluded atmosphere make it a great place for a quiet evening.
Ensenada Blanca isn’t far from Isla Danzante, and you can see the island from the beach. Golf at TPC Danzante Bay, take a boat around different islands, or spend your day swimming.
You can also look for humpback whales on Ensenada Blanca, which come to the Mexico beaches to breed.
La Negrita
One of the more popular and touristy beaches in Loreto, Mexico, is La Negrita in the northern part of the city.
It’s within easy walking distance of the city center and is ideal if you’re staying in Loreto. The locals love La Negrita, and you can meet friendly families, dog walkers, and fishermen if you visit the beach.
La Negrita, Loreto, is rocky and with some sandy patches. And there are palm trees you can sit under to block out the hot sun rays.
It has our vote for one of the best Mexico beaches due to the excellent location, clear turquoise waters, and things to do near the beach.
Visit Loreto Islas, a seafood restaurant south of the marina, after you swim at the beach, or head to the Giggling Dolphin for drinks.
Loreto Bay
Loreto Bay, located on the eastern side of Mexico’s Baja peninsula, has one of the country’s most incredible stretches of beach.
Here you’ll find crystal-clear turquoise waters and a seemingly endless coastline filled with white sand and towering palms. It’s the kind of place where all your worries and stress just float away.
If you are looking to explore, there are plenty of nearby amenities from dive shops renting out snorkeling and kayak gear. There are about ten restaurants in Loreto Bay open at various times.
Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, strolling or simply taking in the sunsets, Loreto Bay also has the perfect stretch of beach for hiking and long walks. As well as eco-friendly accommodations for adventurers looking for a more immersive experience.
Loreto Bay is primarily a community full of tourists and retired Americans and Canadians.
If you plan to spend some time here I strongly recommend checking out the Loreto Bay Golf Resort and Spa which is a fantastic place to stay right on the beach.
Being a retiree community, Loreto Bay also offers a fantastic 18-hole golf course that you can’t miss if you are looking to work on your golf game.
La Salinita
La Salinita is one of our favorite beaches in Loreto, Mexico. The popular spot has smooth, sandy shores and opportunities for fishing, swimming, and palm trees.
Open-sided palapas dot the beach, providing shelter from the sun, and the soft sand is perfect to set a blanket on. Head south down a dirt road to reach this tourist-friendly beach, primarily popular with locals who fish for chocolate clams there.
The beach is near the Loreto International Airport, where you can get direct flights to many major cities. It’s more rural than the beaches in the heart of Loreto, but the area can still get busy.
The weekends are especially active with locals and tourists, so consider visiting during the week unless you’re alright with large crowds.
La Salinita is the best place for bird-watching on the beaches in Loreto, Mexico. On the beach, you can see pelicans, eagles, egrets, osprey, and seagulls. So grab a local guidebook and spend an afternoon identifying bird species.
Head to the estuary, an enclosed cove, for the best bird-watching opportunities in La Salinita, Loreto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions about the beaches in Loreto, Mexico.
Does Loreto have nice beaches?
Yes, Loreto has fantastic beaches that are well worth visiting.
The water is clear, the beaches are sandy, and the abundance of palm trees and palapas can keep the sun away. There are beaches near the city and rural ones south of Loreto and on the nearby islands.
What are the beaches like in Loreto, Mexico?
The beaches in Loreto, Mexico, vary but are all beautiful. Some have rocky or sandy shores, and many beaches have nearby amenities like cafes or hotels.
The water temperature is comfortable at around 70°F to 80°F, and the waves are calm enough to wade in.
Can you swim in the ocean in Loreto, Mexico?
Yes, you can swim in the ocean at the beaches in Loreto, Mexico. Loreto beaches like La Darsena beach have clear, turquoise water and warm temperatures.
Most are in shallow coves that are safe to swim in, and you won’t have to worry about dangerous waves as long as you stay close to shore.
Are there sharks in Loreto, Mexico?
Yes, there are sharks in Loreto, Mexico. However, they are not dangerous.
The only sharks you might encounter are whale sharks, which are the largest living fish and completely benign. Expect to see whale sharks if you snorkel at the beaches in Loreto, Mexico.
Conclusion
Loreto, Mexico, has beaches for everyone, whether you want to snorkel, swim, or relax on the shore. You can see wildlife like herons and sharks, try local dishes at beachside cafes, and go hiking or boat out to an island.
You can also visit Pueblo Magicos, like the magical town of Cerro El Quemado, go bird watching, or try paddle boarding.
Loreto, like all of Baja California Sur, is a totally different experience than vacationing in a popular tourist destination like Cancun.
I strongly recommend experiencing it at least once in your lifetime.
For more beaches near the area, consider Cabo san Lucas (and go on a fishing charter adventure!), Isla del Carmen, La Darsena beach, and La Paz.
Also, the beaches of Todos Santos. Wherever you visit, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to the shore of the Sea of Cortez.
Start planning your trip and packing your bags for Loreto, Mexico, and check out all the fantastic beaches!