Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Fri August 15, 2025
WHY IT RATES: This road trip starting and ending in Loreto, Baja California Sur, offers an adventurous itinerary showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes, rich culture and unique wildlife. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing Editor
For travelers with a passion for exploration, the northern loop of Baja California Sur offers one of Mexico’s most thrilling and immersive road trip experiences. Beginning and ending in the charming coastal town of Loreto—accessible via direct U.S. flights from Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX) and Dallas (DFW)—this multi-day journey invites adventurers to discover the region’s untouched natural beauty, rich culture, and extraordinary wildlife at their own pace.
Travelers can craft their own “choose-your-own-adventure” itinerary along the route, which showcases the region’s most secluded destinations: from white-sand beaches and remote desert landscapes to vibrant towns steeped in history and ancient cave paintings that predate the pyramids.
Loreto: Oceanfront Peace + Wild Adventure
The journey kicks off in Loreto, a designated Pueblo Mágico and home to the first mission of the Californias. Nestled between the Sierra de la Giganta and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of California, Loreto is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its surrounding national marine park and five volcanic islands – ideal for hiking, diving, paddling, and snorkeling.
Bahía De Concepción: Sandy Paradises + Camp Vibes
About an hour north of Loreto, hit the road north along scenic Highway 1 to discover Bahía de Concepción, a stretch of dreamy, palm-fringed beaches that beg for hammocks, cold beers, and barefoot afternoons. Camp at Playa Santispac or Playa El Coyote, where shallow turquoise waters feel like they were made for the perfect sunset shot. Located in the Mulegé municipality, this tranquil bay is one of Baja’s best-kept secrets.
Mulegé: Palm Oasis Energy
Just a short 30-minute drive north, roll into Mulegé for laid-back colonial charm and a river oasis that feels like something out of a movie. It’s quiet, authentic, and packed with photo-worthy corners – especially at sunset. Mulegé’s serene energy and historic mission architecture invite travelers to slow down and soak in the moment.
La Purísima + Cabañas La Purísima: Total Reset Zone
From Mulege, detour inland for a scenic 2.5 hour drive to La Purísima, a tiny mountain town that feels like a reset button for your soul. Surrounded by towering cardón cactus and framed by desert stillness, this is Baja unplugged. Stay at Cabañas La Purísima, a cozy and welcoming base where you’ll be met with the best homemade Baja cuisine and starry night skies that seem to go on forever.
Santa Rosalía: French Vibes Meet Baja Grit
Looping back to the coast, drive about 3 hours to reach Santa Rosalia. This historic mining town is where Baja gets unique and wonderful – in the best way. Originally developed by the French, Santa Rosalía serves up a funky blend of cultures, colors, and textures. Grab some pan dulce, snap a pic at the Santa Bárbara Church – whose design is attributed to Gustave Eiffel – and explore unique architecture, industrial relics, and local bakeries that tell the story of the town’s multicultural past.
Sierra De San Francisco: Mule Rides + Cave Paintings
Head about 3 hours and adventure deep into Baja’s ancient past with a guided mule trek into the UNESCO-protected canyons of the Sierra de San Francisco. This remote region is home to over 400 massive prehistoric murals, painted long before the pyramids existed. The journey through this wild landscape is rugged, remote, and absolutely unforgettable.
San Juanico / Scorpion Bay: Surf Dreams + Desert Sunsets
Continue south about 5 hours to reach San Juanico – surf lovers, this is your paradise. San Juanico, also known as Scorpion Bay, is world-famous for its never-ending waves and mellow vibe. Whether you’re carving down the coastline or just soaking up the sleepy-town energy, this stretch of the Pacific is magic. Stay at Hotel Scorpion Bay or Hotel Hacienda for cozy accommodations just steps from the surf. Even if you don’t surf, the dramatic sunsets and desert-meets-ocean setting are well worth the detour.
Bonus Detour: Whale Magic In Magdalena Bay
If your journey takes place between December and April, consider a 3.5-hour detour and head west to Magdalena Bay, where guided tours offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to witness gray whales up close. These gentle giants migrate here each year, and encounters are as humbling as they are unforgettable.
Back To Loreto: Sunsets & Slow Living
Complete the loop with a 4.5-hour drive back to Loreto, where you can unwind at boutique stays like Hotel 1697 or the waterfront Hotel Oasis. Toast your adventure with a Baja sunset and start planning your next trip before you’ve even unpacked.
SOURCE: Baja California Sur press release.
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