The One Destination Adventurous Teens Will Actually Rave About

Key Takeaways

• Loreto, Mexico, offers nature-packed adventures—like snorkeling, horseback riding, and hiking—that can get even the most screen-loving teens excited.

• Families can bond over unforgettable wildlife sightings, outdoor activities, and meaningful time together away from busy tourist spots.

• Exploring places like Loreto helps teens connect with the world around them and build memories that last longer than any gift.

Trying to impress today’s teens is nearly impossible. They’re constantly glued to their phones and have seen more in their short lives than many adults have. Their feeds are flooded with highlight reels of fancy dinners, endless clothing hauls, and nonstop adventures posted by friends and influencers.

So when it’s time to choose a family destination, where do you even start? What place will give them the adventure they crave while keeping them safe? I think I found the answer: Loreto, Mexico.

Loreto may not be the first place you see on a glossy travel guide or a typical “Top 10” list—and that’s exactly the point. Its lack of flashy, ready-made attractions means it’s still a genuine nature gem, offering a real chance to explore and reconnect as a family.

Why Loreto?

Mexico offers so much, from the historic streets of Mexico City to Cancún’s bustling nightlife. It’s hard to choose the right spot, especially in Baja California, where most families skip Loreto and head straight for Cabo. Don’t make that mistake. While those destinations have their merits, Loreto is something else entirely, especially for families with adventurous teens.

Ivette Granados, a travel guide based in Loreto, says many visitors confuse the city for a sleepy beach town.

“Loreto is for teens and kids who love nature,” she explains. “They can explore and learn about the origin of different species and cultures.”

During my recent trip, I got a genuine sense of the area, the people, and what the city offers. Founded in 1697, Loreto’s main city center displays historic architecture, murals, and local artifacts. The food is fantastic, of course, but what truly struck me was how untouched everything felt.

If you crave crystal-clear beaches, expansive wildlife, and dramatic mountainous views, Loreto delivers. I saw more wildlife in a few days than I’ve seen in my entire life: waters brimming with colorful fish, sea lions, and crabs. I even spotted a whale. Earlier that week, a horseback ride revealed a jackrabbit, a school of jumping fish, and a dry pond bed littered with fish bones.

Granados, who has been in the area for over a decade, says dolphins and whales are regularly seen along the coast.

“Teens get a rare and hands-on chance to connect with marine life in its natural habitat,” she explains.

While sightings happen year-round, Granados notes that summer offers especially great opportunities, like the migration of hundreds of mobula rays and other whales, including Minkys, Bride, and pilots, in groups of 15 or 20 to hundreds.

This reliable opportunity for adventure is part of why families return year after year, including the Rosetti family—a mom, dad, and a set of twin tweens, whom I met during my trip. They’ve driven from San Diego to Loreto every year since the girls were 4. Their mom, Marlis Rosetti, says her twins love being able to explore their wild side.

“They are adventurous, and they enjoy swimming and stand-up paddleboards,” she says.

Those activities only scratch the surface of what Loreto offers.

Activities for Your Adventurous Teen

Planning a family trip means balancing everyone’s interests. If your teen or tween is ready to learn, explore, and actually put their phone down, Loreto has plenty of options. Here are a few of the best activities.

Take a Sailing Tour

If you could only choose one activity for your adventurous teen in Loreto, this should be it. Granados recommends it above everything else.

“A guided snorkeling or sea kayaking trip to nearby islands is a great experience for teens to get up close with marine life and experience Loreto’s natural beauty all at once,” she says.

If you are looking for a more luxe option, the Luxury Baja Sailing Tour is a great choice that covers the entire Baja California Sur. The experienced crew provides snorkeling gear, points out wildlife, and even dives to catch fresh fish, which they prepare into ceviche right on the boat. I ran into the Rosetti family just after they finished their two-day tour, and they raved about it.

“It was amazing! The food was delicious, and we felt absolutely pampered,” Marlis Rosetti says. “We explored the caves, saw dolphins, and encountered a dead jellyfish.”

During my own tour, I snorkeled near curious sea lions, and watched them crane their necks to peer at me from below—a moment I’ll never forget. My guide took time to answer every question, explaining the local birds, volcanoes, and marine life.

Go Horseback Riding

Another activity that brought out my adventurous side was horseback riding. I’ll admit, I was so nervous to get on the horse; every possible scenario was crossing my mind—what if he kicks back and I fly forward, what if he just starts running? But as the two-hour ride continued, I relaxed and actually had fun.

The mountainous backdrop teemed with exotic birds, and flowering plants brushed past our legs. Our tour guide, an experienced rancher, plucked a leaf from a nearby tree, held it under our noses, and it smelled like citrus.

We rode past a beach where jumping fish burst out of the water in unison. We passed a dried-up bay where mountains of seashells baked in the sun, and a jackrabbit hopped alongside us.

We booked through Mario Perez Loretours, which was a great choice. The ranchers not only demonstrated deep knowledge of the local wildlife and flora, but they also provided snacks and water along the way.

Hiking

For teens who are true daredevils, Transfers Sea and Land Tours offers more laborious hikes that provide incredible views and a chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Granados recommends hiking for teens who want a deeper look at Loreto.

“They hike through canyons, with dramatic volcanic rocks and colorful reddish-brown mountains as the view,” she says. “Hiking lets teens keep an eye out for endemic plants, cacti, and various bird species.” And if your teen loves to ride their bike, biking trails overlooking the mountains are also available.

You can even plan a hiking tour through Loreto’s historic canyons and caves, which are full of ancient drawings that have been preserved for tourists. Bring along a professional camera to capture wildlife, marine life, and ancient drawings all in one day.

Sea Activities

From paddleboarding to kayaking, teens can spend hours in the water. Local instructors ensure that your tween has a safe, unforgettable adventure. These activities are a great way for teens to pick up new skills that they can realistically learn and master in a few days.

“Teens can quickly pick up paddling and basic sailing techniques, as well as observational skills for identifying marine animals and understanding tidal and current patterns,” says Grandados.

For teens ready to move beyond snorkeling, Granados recommends a “Discover Scuba” course.

“We have three close islands with more than 10 diving sites for all levels,” she said.

However, I can attest that even simple snorkeling has amazing sightings. I saw sea turtles, octopuses, eels, and starfish. You can imagine how robust the marine life is when you dive closer to sea level.

Sportsfishing

Loreto has a robust sportsfishing community, thanks to its impressive marine life. Granados says Loreto has been a leading sportsfishing destination for generational travel since the 1960s. Grandparents, parents, and kids have adventured on the coast for decades.

Though I did not go sportsfishing, be aware that obtaining a license can take a few days (plan to do this before your trip). I saw boats return with massive catches. One group told me they spent hours landing a swordfish that measured nearly 4 feet long. No small feat, and definitely a great way to bond and adventure.

If your teen is new to the sport, Granados recommends trying surf fishing, which is also popular in Loreto.

Camping

While you might choose a hotel stay (I enjoyed the La Misión Hotel myself), Loreto offers a truly immersive experience for families versed in the outdoors. Granados said an overnight stay on the islands is worth considering for the adventure alone.

“Camping on the islands is a wonderful activity,” she explains. “You fall asleep beneath thousands of stars, and during the evening and early mornings, you can hear how the whales are breaching and feeding in the Loreto Bay areas.”

Things the Whole Family Will Enjoy

If the intense outdoor adventures are mostly your teen’s speed, here are a few slow-paced activities to weave into the family itinerary.

Listen to live music at El Zopilote Brewing Co

The brewery hosts live music most nights and features an excellent list of local beers. They also serve an amazing stuffed poblano pepper, baked in a flaky pastry crust.

Take a walking city tour

Loreto is full of historic murals, architecture, and unique shops. During my stay, we took a city walking tour where we explored local churches, stores, and art. Every corner is steeped in history, and learning all about it was a wonderful time.

Dine with a view at La Brisa Pizza & Bar

This spot instantly became one of my favorites in Loreto. Not only does it feature breathtaking mountain views, but they make the best aquachile I’ve ever had—a must-add to any list!

Try a local spa

Loreto offers many local spas with affordable rates. Following around an adventurous teen will require recovery. The Spa at La Misión Hotel offers waterside massages—pure relaxation for parents.

Savor a fancy dinner

While there are plenty of dining options, I enjoyed an unforgettable meal at Serrano “Wine Seafood & Grill” Steakhouse. From fresh ceviche to locally caught fish and perfectly cooked steak, this is the spot for a celebratory final meal (and to really make your kids K.O. at the end of the night).

Why Family Travel Matters

I recently watched a video of a mom asking her daughter what she got for Christmas last year. The girl couldn’t remember. But when asked where they went on their family trip, the teen immediately said, “Lake Tahoe.” Research backs it up: family travel is one of the most meaningful experiences kids have.

Sharing experiences is a gift. You learn together, interact in real time, and explore the fun and exciting parts of being alive. Your adventurous teen might wear you out while you chase them all day, but they also remind you that life doesn’t have to be calm to be enjoyable and that letting loose can be its own form of relaxation.

At the airport, I ran into the Rosetti family again. Everyone, including me, was a bit sad to be leaving such a special place. But one thing Marlis said cheered everyone up: “The girls and us had a wonderful time and are planning on doing this yearly!”

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