Beach Towns:

Pismo Beach, CA  |  Atlantic Beach, NC |  Cordova, AK 

Jacksonville, FL  |  Kahului, HI  |  Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico:

Population: 16,000

Median Home Price: $110,000

Average July Water Temperature: 85°F (29°C)

The Scene: Local fishermen and Americans buying second homes coexist in this growing mission town. Dive at Isla Carmen or paddle with the winter whale migration.

OPTIONS: Loreto's waters are a mariner's playground thanks scores of bottle nose dolphins that weave the coastal islands and over 200 species of tropical fish that inhabit Silhouette Bay's soft coral reef. The mountain terrain offers wonders too. Rent a burro and guide and journey to Sierra de San Francisco for the ancient cave paintings, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

OUTFITTER: Swim with the sting rays with Outpost Scuba Outfitters (www.bajaoutpost.com).

GOOD EATS: Nourish your adventurer's spirit with a michelada; the local recipe is a dark beer with clam juice, lemon and a dash of salt. Try one with an empanada and fresh baked bread at Pachamama's (+011 52 613 135 2219).

30 More Places to Live and Play:

Boise or Bust!

Outdoor Meccas  |  Adventure Cities  |  Small Towns

Cultural Hubs  |  Beach Towns  

Adventure's September 2006 issue features 31 amazing adventure towns; chaos at the top of Mount Everest; an inside look at surfing California's Lost Coast; 11 fall weekend getaways near you; the best high-tech footwear, world class adventure travel; hiking the Alps, and more!