The center of the Spanish mission effort during colonial times, Loreto was the first capital of the Californias and the first European settlement in the peninsula. Founded on October 25, 1697, it was selected by Father Juan Maria Salvatierra as the site of the first mission in the Californias. (California, at the time, extended from Cabo San Lucas to the Oregon border.) He held Mass beneath a figure of the Virgin of Loreto, brought from a town in Italy bearing the same name. For 132 years, Loreto served as the state capital, until an 1829 hurricane destroyed most of the town. The capital moved to La Paz the following year.

Today, Loreto remains the wonderfully funky fishing village and well-kept secret that it has been for decades. The celebration of its 300th anniversary had the added benefit of updating the streets, plaza, and mission. New flights to this lovely town have been added, making it more accessible for visitors.