Loreto (or Conchó) was the first Spanish town on the Baja California Peninsula, the capital of Las Californias from 1697–1777, and the current seat of the Loreto municipality in Baja California Sur. The town of about 10,000 people is located on the coast of the Sea of Cortés, about 220 miles north of La Paz.
The town was founded in 1697 by Jesuit missionaries. The Mission Nuestra Señora de Loreto was founded in the town in 1752. The town served as the capital of the province of Las Californias from its founding until the capital was moved to Monterey on February 3, 1777; when the town became the headquarters for the Liuetenant Governor of California Viejo (later the province of Baja California).
The town is now a tourist resort, catering to American travelers, with daily flights from the U.S. state of California arriving at the local airport.
Loreto was the original capital of all the Californias and in 1997 celebrated its 300th anniversary.
Loreto is often described as a sleepy little fishing village that is the nature lovers paradise.
Though Loreto is a town rich in history, it also boasts modern day amenities such as a championship 18 hole golf course located right on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, eight lighted tennis courts, and a club house.
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