A fusion of surf culture, artistic energy, and untamed natural beauty, Todos Santos is where Baja feels at its most effortless. A Baja Pueblo Mágico where golden desert meets the wild Pacific, where boutique hotels blend seamlessly into the landscape, and where long, lazy afternoons stretch into tequila-soaked evenings under a sky full of stars. There’s an undeniable magic here—one that draws in creatives, food lovers, and those looking for a slower, more soulful kind of luxury.
Days in Todos Santos are best spent surfing Cerritos Beach at sunrise, wandering through sun-drenched galleries, hiking along windswept cliffs, and savoring farm-to-table feasts in lush garden settings. Baja’s bounty is on full display in the town’s thriving food scene, while stylish concept stores and local artisan shops add to its quiet, understated allure.
It’s a place that moves at its own rhythm, where you can release baby sea turtles at sunset, sip cocktails at an oceanfront hacienda, or do nothing at all except watch the waves roll in.
Todos Santos always pulls me back in. There’s a magic to this town that’s hard to shake, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself lingering longer than planned. After countless visits to Todos Santos over the last 10 years, consider this your guide to the best things to do in Todos Santos and experience the desert town in a different light—exactly the way I love to.
Short on Time, here are my top picks:
Where to Stay: Paradero – A design-forward desert retreat with stunning architecture, immersive experiences, and a deep connection to Baja’s landscape. Other options include Todos Santos Boutique Hotel and Villa Santa Cruz.
Where to Eat: Jazamango for farm-to-table dining, Barracuda Cantina for the best fish tacos, Oystera for cocktails and Baja oysters in a stylish setting, and La Confianza for Baja natural wine and small plates.
Top Todos Santos Activities: Explore downtown’s boutiques and galleries, surf at Playa Los Cerritos, release baby turtles at Tortugueros Las Playitas, hike the Punta Lobos trail, and end the day with a sunset cocktail at The Green Room.
Best Time to Visit Todos Santos
Todos Santos is a small town that shines year-round, but the best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is warm but not scorching, and the Pacific breeze keeps things comfortable. This is also peak season, with lively energy, whale migrations offshore, and perfect conditions for surfing and hiking.
Summer brings hotter temperatures and a quieter vibe, ideal if you want to experience Todos Santos at a slower pace. No matter when you visit, the town’s best places—from boutique hotels to farm-to-table restaurants—always deliver that laid-back Baja magic.
Getting to Todos Santos
Getting to Todos Santos is refreshingly easy. The closest airport is Los Cabos International (SJD), a well-connected hub with flights from across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. From there, it’s a scenic 90-minute drive north along Highway 19, where the landscape shifts from resort-heavy coastline to cacti-studded desert meeting the Pacific.
You can also fly into La Paz International Airport (LAP) which sees much fewer international flights but the airport is well served domestically.
You have two options: rent a car and embrace the open road or book a private transfer for a more hands-off approach. Either way, the drive is part of the experience—expansive views, ocean breezes, and the feeling of shedding the last remnants of city life as you head toward one of Mexico’s coolest surf towns.
Private Transfer Options:
If you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, private transfers are readily available from Los Cabos International. Many high-end hotels, like Paradero and Hotel San Cristóbal, offer their own transfer services, while independent operators can be booked in advance. It’s a seamless, stress-free way to arrive—just sit back and watch the Baja landscape unfold. Below is my recommendation:
Todos Santos Private Transportation to Airport in San Jose
Getting Around
Many often ask me if you need a rental car for Todos Santos. Unless you plan to just head to your luxury hotel or resort in Todos Santos, relax there, and allow the hotel to organize excursions for you, a rental car is invaluable.
The town, its hotels, and its activities are fairly spread out, and if you want the flexibility to come and go as you please—whether it’s heading to the beach for sunset, driving into town for dinner, or chasing the best surf breaks—you’ll need a car.
Having your own wheels also opens up the possibility of exploring beyond Todos Santos, from secluded beaches along the Pacific Ocean to a day trip up to La Paz. For me, a rental car in Todos Santos is a must.
Rent a car through Discover Cars. They always make the rental process seamless, letting you compare prices from major car rental companies and secure the best deal before you even land with full insurance. I always book in advance, because rentals in Baja can sell out fast, especially in high season. Book your rental car here.
14 Best Things to Do in Todos Santos
Explore Downtown Todos Santos
Todos Santos is a town that begs to be explored on foot, where time slows as you wander between sun-drenched plazas, art-filled alleyways, and colonial-era buildings steeped in history. At its heart is the legendary Hotel California, a mustard-hued landmark draped in bougainvillea, its name forever linked to the Eagles song (though the band denies any official connection). Step inside for a margarita or just admire the old-world façade- it’s an essential stop in town.
A short stroll away, Plaza Pública is the soul of Todos Santos, a palm-lined square where locals gather, mariachis occasionally perform, and travelers pause to take it all in. The grand Misión Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Todos Santos, founded in 1733, sits just above, its whitewashed walls glowing in the afternoon sun. It’s a quiet but striking piece of history, a reminder of the town’s missionary past. Make sure not to miss grabbing a coffee at Taller 17, the best coffee shop in town.
The real magic, though, lies in simply wandering. Calle Juárez and its surrounding streets are lined with independent boutiques, contemporary galleries, and a mix of stylish cafés and cantinas (more on those below).
By late afternoon, Todos Santos takes on a golden glow, and the streets feel even more cinematic. There’s no rush—just let yourself get lost in the town’s slow rhythm, pausing to soak in the details, from hand-painted tiles to the chic boutique windows. It’s this mix of history, culture, and a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll that makes Todos Santos so irresistible.
Dive into the Food Scene
Baja cuisine is having a moment, and in Todos Santos, it’s all about bold flavors, fresh seafood, and that effortless blend of rustic and refined. Long, leisurely lunches at Jazamango for me, are practically a rite of passage—Chef Javier Plascencia’s farm-to-table masterpiece brings the region’s best produce to the plate, whether it’s grilled octopus with charred avocado or handmade pasta tossed with local herbs.
For something more low-key but no less spectacular, Barracuda Cantina serves up the kind of fish tacos you’ll dream about long after you leave—crispy, golden, and perfectly dressed.
Breakfast in town is a ritual, and there’s no better way to start the day than with a flaky almond croissant at Doce Cuarenta, a Baja-born coffee shop that takes its espresso seriously or Taller 17. If you’re craving something heartier, La Esquina does a mean green juice alongside chilaquiles that strike the perfect balance between crunchy and saucy.
Come sunset, there’s no shortage of spots to settle in with a drink. The cocktails at Oystera lean sophisticated, best paired with their daily selection of Baja oysters and a sea breeze. Over at The Green Room, toes-in-the-sand dining meets expertly grilled seafood, all with a front-row seat to the Pacific.
There’s plenty more to taste in town, from hidden gems to upscale spots perfect for a special night out. For a deep dive, check out the full guide: The Best Restaurants and Bars in Todos Santos.
Go Shopping and Visit the Art Galleries
Todos Santos’ creative energy spills into its boutiques and galleries, where handmade textiles, vintage finds, and contemporary Baja art take center stage. Nomad Chic curates globally inspired fashion with a bohemian edge, while Hilo Tojo Stores brings a mix of Mexican craftsmanship and modern design.
For one-of-a-kind home decor, I love Desert Fox Baja is a treasure trove of ceramics and textiles, and Prontomuypronto is another favorite that feels like stepping into an artist’s studio, filled with handcrafted objects and unexpected pieces.
Art lovers should make time for Galería de Todos Santos and Gabo Art Gallery, both showcasing bold, Baja-inspired works, while La Sonrisa de la Muerte leans more contemporary with its edgy, outsider art and crafts. Whether you’re hunting for a statement piece or just browsing, Todos Santos delivers a shopping scene as cool as the town itself.
Go Horseback Riding
There’s something timeless about riding through the Baja desert, where golden light filters through towering cardón cacti and the Pacific breeze rolls in from the coast. Paradero offers beautifully curated horseback riding excursions that take you through rugged landscapes and down to secluded beaches, all with the expert guidance of local vaqueros.
For a more casual ride, several ranches and independent guides in the area, like Pegaso Expeditions, offer trail rides along the cliffs and shoreline, perfect for catching the sunset from the saddle. Find out more and book their tour here.
Explore Todos Santos’ Beaches
The beaches around Todos Santos are wild, untamed, and utterly breathtaking. Unlike the calm, swimmable waters of Los Cabos, this stretch of Pacific coastline is all about dramatic waves, golden sand, and endless horizons. Playa Los Cerritos is the go-to for surf and sun, with a laid-back vibe and gentle waves perfect for beginners.
Playa La Pastora, just north of town, offers a more rugged escape, while Playa Las Palmas feels like a hidden oasis, fringed with towering palms. If you’re here to surf, sunbathe, or simply take in the raw beauty of Baja, the beaches in Todos Santos never disappoint. For a full breakdown of the best spots, check out my guide to the best beaches in Todos Santos.
Visit Punta Lobos and Hike the Trail
Punta Lobos is where the desert meets the sea in the most dramatic way—steep cliffs, crashing waves, and a stretch of golden sand that’s home to Todos Santos’ historic fishing community. It’s the best place to watch local fishermen launch their pangas in the morning and return in the afternoon with the day’s catch, a ritual that has remained unchanged for generations.
For those looking to stretch their legs, the Punta Lobos hike from the old fort is one of the most spectacular in Baja. The trail begins with a manageable ascent, climbing up along the hills and later the cliffs where the views get better with every step. From the top, the entire coastline unfurls before you—rugged headlands, hidden coves, and the endless blue of the Pacific stretching to the horizon.
If you’re up for an unforgettable coastal adventure, this hike is a must. For more details on the best way to experience Punta Lobos and its hiking trail, check out Punta Lobos: Where Desert Trails Meet the Sea.
Have a Sundowner on the Beach
Sunset is a ritual in Todos Santos, and whether you prefer a toes-in-the-sand experience or something a little more refined, there are plenty of spots to settle in for golden hour. The Green Room, tucked away on a secluded stretch of beach north of town, is effortlessly cool—a laid-back, thatched-roof hideaway where mezcal cocktails and fresh ceviche are best enjoyed with your feet in the sand.
For something a tad more polished, Hotel San Cristóbal has one of the most picturesque oceanfront settings in Baja. Their pool bar, overlooking the rocky coastline, serves up expertly crafted margaritas and spritzes, the perfect accompaniment to the hypnotic sound of waves crashing against the shore.
If you’re already at El Faro Beach Club for a lazy afternoon, it’s worth sticking around—their infinity pool, sunset views, and refreshing cocktails make it one of the most relaxing ways to end the day.
Further south, Amaya, on San Pedrito Beach offers a more intimate take on the sundowner experience. With a on-the-sand setting and a stellar drinks selection, it’s the kind of place where one drink turns into a leisurely evening of small bites and conversation. Wherever you choose to watch the sunset, one thing is certain—Todos Santos delivers some of the dreamiest golden hours in all of Baja and watching at least one sunset is one of the best things to see in Todos Santos.
Go Fishing
Fishing is woven into the fabric of Todos Santos, a tradition that dates back centuries and still defines the rhythm of life for many locals. A great place to experience it firsthand is Punta Lobos, where fishermen launch their brightly painted pangas at sunrise, returning in the afternoon with the day’s freshest catch—often snapper, dorado, and yellowtail.
If you’re after a more immersive experience, booking a deep-sea or off-shore fishing excursion is the way to go. You can independently hire a guide in Punta Lobos if you’re comfortable doing so in Spanish or book an excursion through your hotel, Hotel San Cristobal offer panga cane fishing experiences.
Have a Transformative Wellness Experience
For the wellness-oriented, looking for things to do in Todos Santos, the town has long been a place of renewal— where the raw energy of the desert meets the cleansing power of the Pacific. It’s no surprise that some of Baja’s most transformative spa and wellness experiences can be found here.
Paradero offers an immersive approach to relaxation, blending ancient healing traditions with modern luxury. Their spa treatments take place in open-air spaces, surrounded by towering cacti, and incorporate elements like sound healing, herbal compresses, and even temazcal ceremonies—an age-old Mesoamerican ritual that combines heat, steam, and guided meditation to purify both body and mind.
Nua Nakūi is a luxury wellness residence designed by Jasmine Scalesciani-Hawken, offering bespoke retreats centered on healing, longevity, and self-discovery. Rooted in ancient wisdom and holistic science, their programs combine guided detoxes, energy work, and plant-based nutrition to create a deeply transformative experience.
For something equally rejuvenating, Cuatro Vientos is a small but serene yoga and wellness studio offering private massage therapy, reiki, yoga, and guided breathwork sessions in a peaceful garden setting.
Todos Santos has a way of making relaxation feel sacred. Here, wellness isn’t just about luxury—it’s about reconnecting with yourself in one of the most serene landscapes on earth.
Go Whale Watching
From December to April, the waters off Todos Santos become a stage for one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles—thousands of gray whales migrating along the Baja coast. These gentle giants travel from the Arctic to the warm lagoons of Baja California Sur to mate and give birth, passing remarkably close to shore along the way. Watching them breach, slap their tails, or glide effortlessly through the waves is a humbling experience, one that reminds you just how wild and untouched this stretch of coastline truly is.
Several local operators offer whale-watching in Baja excursions in the winter months, taking you out into the Pacific for an up-close encounter. Tours run daily during peak season, and while every trip is different, sightings are almost guaranteed.
If you’d rather stay on land, the cliffs at Punta Lobos and the beaches near La Pastora provide excellent vantage points—just bring a pair of binoculars and watch as the whales cruise by, their spouts catching the golden afternoon light.
Whether you spot them from the deck of a boat or the shoreline, witnessing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is something you won’t forget.
Release Baby Turtles
I absolutely adored my experience working with and releasing sea turtles in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, and I always gravitate toward the experience every time I’m in a part of Mexico where it’s available. There’s something incredibly moving about watching these tiny creatures take their first steps toward the ocean, instinct guiding them as they disappear into the waves. In Todos Santos, sea turtle conservation is taken seriously, and visitors have the chance to take part in this magical moment while supporting local efforts to protect these endangered species.
From late fall to early spring, olive ridley and leatherback turtles hatch along the beaches of Todos Santos, and organizations like Tortugueros Las Playitas, a local non-profit, work tirelessly to safeguard their survival. Their daily hatchling releases allow visitors to not only witness this incredible natural event but also learn about the conservation efforts that ensure future generations of turtles return to Baja’s shores.
Go Surfing on Cerritos Beach
I’ve surfed in a lot of places across Mexico, but there’s something special about Cerritos Beach. Maybe it’s the way the Pacific rolls in with perfect, peeling waves, or the laid-back, unpretentious surf culture that defines this stretch of coastline. Either way, if you’re even slightly tempted to paddle out, this is the place to do it.
Just 15 minutes south of Todos Santos, Playa Los Cerritos is one of the best (and most forgiving) surf spots in Baja, with consistent waves that cater to every level—soft, rolling whitewash for beginners and faster, more technical waves further out for seasoned surfers.
If you’re new to surfing or just need a refresher, several excellent surf schools operate right on the beach. Mario Surf School and West Side Surf School both offer private lessons and board rentals, making it easy to just show up and get in the water. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and will have you standing up on a wave in no time. More experienced surfers can rent a board from Cerritos Surf Town and head straight for the lineup.
Post-surf, the beach’s mellow vibe makes it easy to linger—whether it’s grabbing a fresh coconut from a local vendor, stretching out on the sand to watch the pros carve up the waves, or settling in at Barracuda Cantina for tacos and an ice-cold beer.
Read more: Easy Rider: Todos Santos’ Surfing Scene Redefined
Visit El Pescadero
Just a few miles south of Todos Santos, El Pescadero is the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret—an easygoing, surf-meets-farm town where life moves at a slower pace. Known for its organic farms, uncrowded beaches, and a tight-knit community of locals and expats, it’s the perfect spot for a laid-back afternoon away from the buzz of Todos Santos.
Start your visit at Hierbabuena, a gorgeous open-air restaurant surrounded by lush gardens, where nearly everything on the menu is harvested on-site—think wood-fired pizzas, fresh fish, and vibrant salads straight from the soil. If you’re in the mood for adventure, Playa San Pedrito is a favorite among experienced surfers, offering more powerful waves than nearby Cerritos.
For a slower pace, Kimpton Mas Olas, one of Baja’s newest most luxurious boutique resorts, offers an elevated take on coastal relaxation, with a stunning beachfront spa, poolside cocktails, and farm-fresh dining.
El Pescadero may be small, but its mix of surf culture, farm-to-table dining, and Baja tranquility makes it a destination in its own right. It’s the kind of place where a quick visit turns into an all-day affair—and maybe even a plan to return.
Take a Day Trip
As much as Todos Santos has enough to keep you busy for days, venturing beyond town opens up even more of Baja’s magic. Just over an hour away, La Paz offers a completely different coastal experience—calm, swimmable turquoise waters, a scenic malecón, and the chance to snorkel with sea lions at Espíritu Santo Island or even swim with whale sharks in season. It’s an easygoing city with a local vibe, perfect for those looking to experience a less-touristy side of Baja.
If you’re in the mood for something livelier, Cabo San Lucas is just a little over an hour south, where you can boat out to El Arco, hit up the beach clubs, or indulge in a long, decadent lunch at Mezcal. For a more refined, art-focused day trip, San Jose del Cabo is the move—especially on Thursday evenings, when the town hosts its famous Art Walk. The cobbled streets fill with live music, galleries open their doors, and the whole town feels like one big, open-air soirée.
Is Todos Santos Safe?
After countless trips to Todos Santos, even as a solo female, I’ve never felt unsafe. The town has a strong sense of community, and crime is rare. Walking around, even at night, feels relaxed, and the biggest risks are more nature-related—strong currents, sun exposure, and rough roads.
As always, basic precautions apply: don’t leave valuables unattended, drive carefully at night, or not at all, and double-check if tap water is filtered, as you shouldn’t be drinking tap water in Baja. But overall, Todos Santos is one of the safest and most welcoming places in Baja.
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