7 Free Things to Do in Loreto

One of the great things about visiting Loreto Mexico is that several attractions are totally FREE! In this list of things to do in Loreto for free, you’ll find Loreto activities that shouldn’t be missing from your vacation itinerary. By making room for these 7 free things you can do in Loreto, not only will you keep your vacation spending to a minimum, but you’ll also be adding some of the most enjoyable things to do in the city, which are wrapped up in pleasure, beauty and awe-inspiring moments.

Seven Things You Can Do in Loreto for Free

1. Taking in the sunrises and sunsets from the Sea of Cortez

Loreto Mexico has been blessed with a magical location without question. Among the best things to do in Loreto is by far waking up early to breathe the fresh ocean air and admire the sunrise from the Sea of Cortez, which is not only comforting but absolutely memorable. The sunrises and sunsets in Loreto Mexico are a spectacle of nature that you cannot afford to miss during your Loreto visit; the colors in the sky plus the beautiful landscapes in the background with the islands of Loreto and the impressive Sierra de la Giganta will make you marvel at the creations of nature. Depending on the season, sunrise in Loreto takes place at about 7:00 a.m., while Loreto sunsets are around 7:00 p.m. There are several places in Loreto where you can admire the sunrise or sunset; some of the local favorites are the Loreto boardwalk, the beaches in the center of Loreto and Loreto’s Frida viewpoint.

2. Visit the Beaches of Loreto

The beaches in Loreto Mexico are public and free to access. Some of the best-known beaches are those located in Loreto’s city center along Loreto’s Malecón, such as Playa Dársena, Playa Oasis and Playa La Negrita. Other popular beaches in Loreto are Nopoló, Juncalito, La Salinita, El Quemado, Ligui, Mil Palmas and La Picazón. Beaches provide a wide range of activities in Loreto for all the family to enjoy, some of which are free and others that cost a few extra dollars. Nonetheless, basking under the sun in any of these beautiful Loreto beaches will never cost a thing.

3. Walk along Loreto´s Boardwalk

Among the Loreto activities that are totally worthwhile and free of charge is visiting Loreto’s Malecón. Loreto’s Boardwalk is one of the main attractions in this magical town. The open-air walkway, overlooking the sea, is inspiring, and on some occasions you can even see dolphins swimming very close to the coast. An obligatory stop to take a photo or selfie are the letters of Loreto and the sculpture of the great blue whale. Loreto’s Malecón is also an excellent place to admire Loreto’s sunrise and sunset. 

4. Loreto’s Lighthouse and Loreto’s City Pier

One more thing to do for free in Loreto is to visit El Faro. Loreto’s Lighthouse is located on Loreto’s City Pier, next to the Loreto boardwalk. Tall, white and unassuming, every night Loreto’s Lighthouse lanterns are lit and it guides the sailors to the mainland. The Loreto lighthouse is a representative symbol of one of Loreto’s key activities: fishing; which is also an important activity for the whole region. At Loreto’s City Pier, you can see the boats of local fishermen and the rocks on the promenade have become a favorite place for many residents to go fishing. 

5. Visiting Loreto’s Main Square

Loreto Mexico is a small magical town in which most of its attractions can be explored on foot. Just a short distance away from Loreto’s Malecón, you will find the public square. There you can visit the building of the municipality of Loreto, recognized for its famous inscription on the building’s facade "LORETO: Historical Capital of the Californias" for free. On its interior walls, you can admire illustrative paintings made by local artists that represent the history of Loreto Mexico, and the region.

6. Visiting The Mission of Our Lady of Loreto

Getting to know the most emblematic icon of Loreto Mexico has NO cost. The Mission of Our Lady of Loreto is located in the city center and represents the first steps of the Jesuit friars in Baja California, a mission founded in 1697, and which was transcendent in the evangelization of Alta and Baja California. The missions are characterized by being sober constructions and the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto is no exception. Its facade is modest, yet its bell tower and the embedded clocks in its dome stand out magnificently. This baroque-style church is considered the mother of all missions in Baja California. It is an essential, and free tourist attraction during your visit to Loreto.

7. Museum of the Baja California Missions

Last but not least, one of the best things to do in downtown Loreto is to visit the Missions Museum, where you can learn about the history of the mission and all those that arose after it. It is located adjacent to the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, which you can also access for free. Paying a visit to both is paying a visit to the region’s past.

Even if your budget is tight, you can still enjoy your vacation packed with free Loreto activities, where nature, beautiful sceneries, the past and the present conjure up for an experience worth its weight in gold.