Bars

The majority of nightlife spots in Loreto are sports bars, where expats and Mexicans alike gather to watch American football and international soccer games. The second-story bar at La Misión is a new favorite for the Super Bowl and other big game nights.

An open palapa bar on the second story of the Hotel Luna, Bar Eclipse (Vizcaíno btw Davis/Mateos, tel. 613/135-2288, www.hotellunaloreto.com, 7 P.M.–midnight Wed.–Sun., till 1 A.M. Fri.–Sat.) has a 42-inch plasma screen for viewing sports events. Enjoy cocktails and espresso drinks while taking in sea and mountain views.

On the same block, next to the Dolphin Dive Center, Giggling Dolphin (Juárez btw Davis and the malecón, no tel.) has a bar made out of a converted boat.

Outside town, Tripui Resort has live music on Sunday afternoons 2:30–4:30 P.M.

Augie’s Bar and Bait Shop (Blvd. López Mateos, tel. 613/135-1224, mains US$5–10), near the south end of the malecón, offers a menu of soup, salads, and burgers as well as fresh fish and seafood dishes. Air-conditioning in the main room is a plus on hot summer days, and the second-story deck offers prime views of the bay.

Bar Coronado (south end of Calle de la Playa/Blvd. López Mateos) at the Hotel Oasis features live music 10 P.M.–2 A.M. Wednesday–Saturday. The margaritas are strong, and the mojitos are top-notch if the bartender has mint on hand. Domingo’s has a cozy bar and pours the best margaritas in town. Restaurant 1697 serves several locally made Baja Brewing Company draft beers.

To dance the night away, head to Salon Baja on the malecón at the corner of Fernando Jordan. It’s open 9 P.M.–4 A.M. Friday and Saturday nights.

Festivals and Events

The Loreto Dorado International Fishing Tournament takes place each June. Loreto celebrates the Virgen de Loreto with music, food, and dancing on the first weekend of September and the founding of the city in the last week of October.

Cruisers gather at Puerto Escondido in late April or early May for Loreto Fest, which is sponsored by the Puerto Escondido Hidden Port Yacht Club (www.hiddenport-yachtclub.com). In its 15th year in 2011, the event features live music, food, and boating races. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the local community.

Bar Coronado (south end of Calle de la Playa/López Mateos) at the Hotel Oasis hosts a traditional clambake with live music every Friday evening starting at 7 P.M.