Last Updated on March 8, 2026
I love everything about Loreto, Mexico. Each time I visit, I find it to be a magical, yet different experience.
My recent 2026 trip occurred during the height of whale watching season, so, finding a place that was central to the waterfront and marina, and all the gems that the downtown historic district has to offer visitors was important. I found that at Hotel Loreto Palmar.
The cozy, quiet, comfortable and meticulously clean boutique hotel is situated in a centralized location, a mere 2-minute stroll to the Malecon (waterfront) and just a few blocks off the main historic square. The location makes it ideal for exploring the quaint and charming shops and restaurants of the area.
For travelers looking for a great experience that doesn’t carry a higher price tag, Hotel Loreto Palmar is ideal, especially given its high rating and recommendations from its guests.
Hotel Loreto Palmar Rooms and Amenities
The hotel offers 11 queen or king rooms with private baths and modern touches, arranged on three levels with an intimate lighted pool that includes a waterfall on the main floor. Romantic lighting in the evening makes for an even lovelier experience. A made-to-order breakfast included in the room price provides a daily menu of breakfast items along with a selection of fresh fruit, coffee, and tea.
Service here is outstanding and personal. After checking into the hotel, the front desk staff personally escorted me to my room and carried my luggage to the second floor– a much-appreciated gesture given that the hotel does not have an elevator.
Dining in Loreto
Historic Loreto offers visitors a myriad of dining experiences to fit every budget and desire, ranging from laid-back family-run eateries to more intimate and luxury venues. Having the opportunity to experience different options made my visit even more special.
Baja Haay!
Welcome to dining in Baja! One of my first rules when coming to the Baja California Sur region of Mexico is to always find a place that specialized in great ceviche, because in my opinion, the Baja region serves up the best.
Lunch at Baja Haay! featuring tacos and mariscos absolutely fit the bill.
The family-owned and operated charming seafood restaurant offers an impressive variety of ceviche to include tuna, shrimp and fresh trigger fish. My accompanying red sangria was honestly one of the best I’ve ever had in Baja Sur.
El Zipolote Brewing Co.
This laid-back brewpub features locally crafted beers along with Baja bites and pub classics. Menus include a mix of tacos, salads, pizzas and Irish pub classics such as fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. The open-air eatery offers a delightful view of the Loreto plaza in a relaxing, fun and vibrant setting, ideal for those looking for some variety of cuisine while in Loreto.
Romanita Baja Kitchen
This delightful open-air patio eatery near the historic Loreto square specializes in mouthwatering steaks, fresh seafood, and inventive Mexican fare served with creative presentation and well-paced personalized service. The cocktail menu alone is impressive.
The restaurant was named in honor of Doña Romanita, a visionary woman who made Loreto her home and became part of the town’s story and community. The name is meant to evoke the history, warmth, and the personality of Loreto, tying the restaurant’s identity to the town’s heritage and hospitality.
Los Olivos Restaurant
If you only had the opportunity for one romantic dining experience in Loreto, make it Los Olivos Restaurant, located rooftop in the elegant and renowned La Mision Hotel on the Malecon.
Los Olivos features a unique nouveau Baja cuisine that fuses authentic Mexican food with the freshest daily- caught Sea of Cortez seafood and fish along with prime steak offerings from the land and creative pastas.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and our group’s evening dining experience here was nothing short of magnificent. There wasn’t one person who didn’t ooh and ahh over their selected entrée. That includes my dish of perfectly-prepared Filet Mignon, with bacon-wrapped asparagus, mashed potatoes and peas, complimented by a red wine gravy. A glass of lovely Mexican red wine from Valle de Guadalupe was the ideal pairing,
Desserts are quite impressive and include everything from flan and brownies to cheesecakes, specialty pies and ice cream. Even if you don’t think you have room, get one to share.
