Todos Santos has always been a destination for artists, surfers and fishermen (& women!), but now more than ever the town is getting attention from the likes of Vogue, Condé Nast and Forbes - among many others! This can be attributed to the growing number of boutique hotels, blossoming culinary scene, abundant art galleries and eco-tourism. We recently took a trip back to Todos Santos to see how it has developed over the past 10 years and we left full of fresh inspiration! Download the full pdf guide below & read some of our top picks here:
Get there: Fly into Cabo San Lucas International Airport and rent a car to make the scenic 1.5 hour drive to Todos Santos. Keep a few pesos handy for the toll booth and enjoy the ocean views from Highway 19. You’ll be there before you know it! Pro tip: reserve a car ahead of time, but beware that many rental car operators are known for doubling the price once you arrive. See our pdf guide below for which company we recommend booking your car with!
Stay: There are plenty of boutique hotels to choose from and a variety of options on Airbnb as well. Depending on your trip budget and style, you have a wide range of options. We recommend choosing at least 2 places to stay and doing a few nights in each! See below:
Any budget: Airbnb casitas - both in town or beachfront, take your pick!
Budget-friendly: Todos Santos Hostel - check out their option to stay in canvas tents walking distance to the beach!
Historical: Todos Santos Inn - Spanish-colonial style inn with amazing dining to transport you back in time.
Modern: Hotel Casa Toto - modern Mexico vibes in the heart of town with a friendly bar and sleepy hotel dog named Mango.
Gypset: La Bohemia Baja Hotel Pequeño - for all your gypset dreams to come true visit this boho gem!
Luxurious: Hotel San Cristóbal - you’ll never want to leave this secluded slice of paradise, take advantage of their weekly events program featuring yoga, salsa lessons and bonfires for hotel guests. Don’t forget to say hello to Cash, the hotel’s friendly great dane, living his best life!
Eat & Drink: Everyone loves a good taco, but there is so much more here! My previous memory of Todos Santos involved delicious authentic taco stands and Hotel California’s very touristy restaurant. The culinary scene throughout all of Mexico is booming and Todos Santos is no exception! While there are so many great dining options, here’s the short list of where to eat & drink:
Authentic taco stand: Tacos Los Claros- delicious tacos, friendly staff, full fresh salsa bar and cold beer under a palapa roof - it’s the simple things!
Authentic sit-down: Los Adobes de Todos Santos - great service, incredible atmosphere. Patio-dining overlooking an immaculate cactus garden paired with authentic Mexican dishes served in large portions and vegetarian options. Pro-tip: skip the weak margaritas, save cocktails for next bar.
Breakfast: Restaurante La Generala - offers a delicious breakfast (and lunch) buffet with authentic Mexican cuisine and a fun patio atmosphere.
Lunch bar: La Santeñaat Hotel Casa Toto - amazing sangria + cocktail menu, friendly & knowledgable bar staff, plus fantastic ceviche and guac. Feels very rustic-modern, with a beautiful hammered copper bar and view of colorful street art outside. Their breakfast is great too!
Best margarita: Hotel San Cristóbal Pool Bar - both the hotel pool bar and Benno restaurant are open to the public. You can call in advance to purchase a guest pass and spend the day in the gorgeous infinity pool - better yet, book a room and stay the weekend! Definitely the best margaritas and mezcal cocktails of your trip! Hotel San Cristóbal is located a short drive outside of town, follow the dirt road to Punta Lobos beach.
Splurge dinner: La Copa Cocina at Todos Santos Inn - this quaint bar opens around 5pm and has a small, but mouthwatering menu. The craft cocktails are imaginative and they have a good wine selection. You can sit under the lanterns and starts on the back patio or in the mood-lit lounge decorated with dazzling iguana wallpaper. Sitting in the lounge gives you a view of the small kitchen, where you can be entertained watching the chef work his magic.
To do: What to do in Todos Santos? From art galleries to beach clubs to historical sites, here’s what we recommend:
Art Galleries: There are many amazing art galleries in town, most that are actual artist workshops as well. Pop in and say hello, meet the artists and have a chance to see them at work. Many artists sell prints in addition to their large canvas pieces, so if you find something you love it’s easy to pack and take home!
Sites: Museo de la Casa de Cultura: A beautiful historical building to walk around and take pictures. Take a minute to go back in time viewing murals, artifacts and stroll through the garden courtyard. A bit run down, but a nice piece of history for Todos Santos. Todos Santos. Teatro Marquez de Leon: the town’s historic theater featuring performances and a big town square in front.
Beaches: You are in Baja aren’t you? Spend some time exploring the beautiful beaches surrounding Todos Santos. Some of our favorites include: Puntas Lobos where you can see the fishermen bring in boats around 4pm, driving them straight up to shore and unloading their daily catch. La Pastora, great for experienced surfers and a beautiful whale watching spot during migration season November - March. Many of Todos Santos beaches are not friendly to swimmers due to strong currents and pounding shorebreak. If you’re looking for a quick dip or surf lessons you can visit Playa Los Cerritos which is definitely more touristy, but the ocean is also more forgiving.
Baby Sea Turtles: Tortugueros Las Playitas is the local organization that works to conserve the endangered pacific leatherback sea turtle population, which lay their eggs on Todos Santos beaches. The conservation program runs from Oct 16th - May 31st and hatchling release dates fall between Dec 1st to April/May. They accept volunteers and hatchling release is open to the public free of charge! The organization also offers eco-tours including snorkeling and marine life observation.
Beach Club: Didn’t pack an umbrella? One way to beat the heat while still enjoying the beach is to drive to El Faro Beach Club and purchase a day pass. You can lounge by the pool under umbrellas while sipping margaritas and snacking on delicious seafood plates. They have these beautiful hanging beds on the beach for the nap of your dreams. Perfect place for relaxing with a book!
Leave a comment (all fields required)
Comments will be approved before showing up.
