Once considered just another sleepy coastal town along the Transpeninsular Highway, Loreto has become something of a destination in its own right.

The combination of a dramatic setting at the base of the Sierra de la Giganta and a protected marine park directly offshore facilitates a wide range of outdoor activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to kayaking and mountain biking.

With deep roots in Baja California history, Loreto serves as a gateway to the Spanish mission trail and mysterious prehistoric rock art sites located high in the sierra.

Designated for development as a government-sponsored tourist corridor in the 1970s, Loreto remained primarily a sportfishing getaway until a few big-time real estate developers moved in with grand plans for large-scale vacation communities. But given the dismal economy and drop in tourism, progress has been slow, and compared to Los Cabos, Loreto remains relatively undiscovered.

Loreto has a one-terminal international airport, which was upgraded in 2009, plus a wide variety of accommodations and a handful of good restaurants. As such, it makes an easy weekend getaway for travelers coming from the West Coast of the United States.

The Best of Loreto

• Misión Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó
• Loreto Malecón
• Parque Marítimo Nacional Bahía de Loreto
• San Javier
• Whale-Watching in Bahía Magdalena