Quick Travel Guide • Todos Santos, Mexico
The 9 Best Things To Do In Todos Santos
Last Updated On: October 18, 2023
Todos Santos is a small Mexican coastal town in Baja California and is known for its many galleries, the slow pace of life, and stunning beaches. It is the home base to many artists and is particularly popular amongst surfers in search of smooth waves and sunny beach days.
This pastel-colored, colonial town is the epitome of slow living and quite the contrast to the bustling and lively city of Cabo San Lucas, which is only an hour south of Todos Santos.
In this post, we will be sharing with you 9 of the must-dos when visiting Todos Santos, a carefully curated list of the best restaurants & cafes, and 6 of our favorite boutique hotels in town. While Todos Santos has a great selection of boutique hotels to choose from, we opted for Villa Santa Cruz and we can only recommend this quaint ocean-facing boutique hotel to anyone. looking for a quiet and intimate escape.
Nearest Airport:
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
table of contents
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6 of the Best Boutique Hotels in Todos Santos
Before we dive into the best things to do in Todos Santos, let's find you a place to stay. Below are 6 of our favorites for every budget!
Boutique Hotel
A gem of a boutique hotel located only 5 miles north of Todos Santos. With only 8 rooms and located right on a secluded beach, the serenity here is unparalleled. Oh and have I mentioned their saltwater pool and jacuzzi which turns out to be the perfect place for stargazing at night!
Boutique Hotel
A white dream at the end of a dirt road in Todos Santos overlooking the undeveloped fishing beach of Punta Lobos. This chic boutique hotel is 15 minutes south of Todos Santos and offers 32 luxurious oceanside rooms and suites. The idyllic atmosphere screams for a round of mezcal margaritas by the ocean-facing, turquoise-tiled pool.
Boutique Hotel
A 35-suite property that is actually less of a hotel but rather a high-design landscaping project with luxurious suites.
Boutique Hotel
This unique boutique hotel is carefully placed on the outskirts of Todos Santos. Surrounded by the natural beauty Baja Peninsula is known for, Pachama Mexico is designed to provide you with a peaceful lodging experience.
Boutique Hotel
This vibrant and authentic Mexican style boutique hotel features 100-year-old whitewashed adobe buildings. With a central location right in the heart of Todos Santos, you can walk to all the popular spots this little city has to offer.
Affordable Boutique Hotel
A bohemian, funky, and most importantly affordable boutique hotel walking distance to Todos Santos downtown and the beach. Choose between your own bedroom with a private bathroom or a full apartment. The property has a communal kitchen and pool for everyone to use.
What To Do In Todos Santos
1. Take Surf Lessons:
Mario Surf School is located at Cerritos Beach, which is only a short 20-minute drive from Villa Santa Cruz. Mario has been a surf instructor for over 10 years and teaches both beginners as well as advanced surfers. He and his team will make sure you have a fun-filled and safe day learning everything there is to know about surfing.
Private Lessons start at $60 for 1 hour (including equipment).
2. Get out on the sea:
Todos Santos Eco – Adventures is an eco-adventure company in Baja California Sur, offering everything from fishing, snorkeling, hiking, whale watching, kayaking, to birding, and swimming with sea lions as well as Whale Sharks.
3. Swim with Whalesharks:
Despite their tremendous size and intimidating appearance, whale sharks are commonly docile and approachable. With such exceptional underwater scenery and close proximity to La Paz, we would have been foolish to miss out on the chance to get up close with these gentle sea giants. So we didn’t think twice when we booked our excursion to swim with whale sharks just outside of La Paz.
We decided to book through Cabo Expeditions a company we have already worked with multiple times when planning trips for our clients through Bare Escape. But this activity on GetYourGuide also has incredible reviews. I would recommend checking out both places and seeing what resonates the most.
After being picked up in Todos Santos in the early morning, we made our way to La Paz. We were dropped off at the onsite office right at the harbor where we boarded a boat that took us into the protected waters to swim with the biggest fish in the world. The tour includes everything from masks, snorkels, and wetsuits to a casual lunch at a desolate beach.
We were able to jump into the water several times to get up close to the whale shark and spotted a total of two. Our guides were passionate, knowledgeable, and super easygoing. The whole experience was simply amazing and unforgettable. I will never forget how fast my heartbeat was every time the whale shark swam past me. It was honestly quite overwhelming and a pretty surreal feeling.
We can’t recommend this experience enough.
4. Release baby turtles into the ocean:
Tortugueros Las Plaits A.C. is a Mexican non-profit organization based in Todos Santos, whose mission is to protect the sea turtle population. They operate the world’s only incubation greenhouse from October-April when the sand temperatures drop below the necessary 26 degrees celsius required for sea turtle nest incubation. Once the turtles hatch and appear on the surface, the volunteers collect them all in buckets and wait for the sun to set before releasing them all into the open sea. This is truly an incredible experience for kids and adults alike. Make sure to check in with them on their website for updates.
5. Take A Cooking Class:
El Refugio is a restaurant located in the heart of Todos Santos. Noel, the head chef, provides a 3 hour of hands-on and authentic Mexican cooking class every Wednesday from 11 am – 2 pm. The price is $55USD per person. Make sure to make reservations prior.
6. Relax & Rejuvenate:
Take an afternoon to treat yourself to a spa treatment at El Faro Beach Club. This mesmerizing beachfront oasis is only a short 5-minute drive outside of town and offers rejuvenating treatments as well as a casual dining experience for those craving some ceviche and cervezas.
7. Go souvenir shopping:
Over the last few years, the sleepy town of Todos Santos has become more and more popular. Benito Juarez, the main boulevard, is not only home to the famous Hotel California but to many restaurants, galleries, and an unexpected number of local artisan shops. Choose between handwoven textiles, straw bags, to fashionable jewelry.
Nomad Chic was one of my favorite finds, selling a great selection of bohemian-inspired dresses, kimonos, and accessories.
Another shop to check out is ZÒCALO. This is an ethnic fashion collective helping local & underprivileged artisans make an income. The brand only sells handmade pieces that tell a story.
Besame Mucho Bazaar is such a gem presenting treasures from all around the world. The street next to this stunning building is fun to wander through especially when it is all lit up at night.
If you have time, stop by Boutique Santa Maria. Here you will find casual and comfortable clothing for women, men, and children made out of cotton. Their prime location is in the Plaza Fres Calfornias right across from Hotel California and pretty easy to find. El Perico Azul Boutique sells a similar collection and is also located in this adorable blue-colored building and is worth stopping by.
8. Stop by the Art Galleries:
If you are into art there are many galleries speckled throughout the town. The easiest way to find them is by simply getting lost in the side streets. These were our two favorite finds:
- Sonrisa de la Muerte — This gallery showcases talented illustrators with a bold, contemporary aesthetic.
- The Galería de Todos Santos — This is a collection of different mediums and styles. Whether you are looking for contemporary or traditional, realism or abstract paintings, or sculptures of wood and marble, you can find it all here. Also right inside you can find a restaurant called Michael’s at the Gallery serving delectable Asian fusion dishes.
9. Take a Hike or Relax on the Beach
There is so much nature surrounding Todos Santos, that you won’t be able to visit them all. So here are a few of the ones we recommend:
- Punta Lobos — This hike is located at KM 54 just south of Todos Santos on the way to Pescadero. After the turnoff, you will drive down a dirt road, until you reach an abandoned building on your left (an old cannery). Park here and lock your car. Go through the gate and follow the road that leads up the hill. The hike is about 1.5 hours roundtrip (around 45 minutes in and 45 minutes out). Bring enough water and don’t forget to bring your camera.
- Cerritos Beach — This beach is located at KM 64 just south of Pescadero.
- Las Palmas — This is a beautiful beach with a lovely palm grove located at KM 57
Caution: Always be aware of the current at the beaches as there can be unexpected rip tides at any time.
The Top 8 Restaurants in Todos Santos
Todos Santos might be a small coastal beach town, but the selection of great restaurants is plentiful. Choose between stunning outdoor patios serving farm to table meals and elevated beachfront restaurants to the authentic hole in the wall kind of restaurants that always exceed your expectations.
The Green Room
This hidden gem is an oceanfront restaurant offering an authentic Mexican dining experience with front row sunset seats. This is our personal favorite restaurant in all of Todos Santos and should not be missed if you are looking for a “feet in the sand” kind of vibe. It is also perfect for those looking for tasty margaritas and fresh seafood.
Benno
A stunning beachfront restaurant at Hotel San Cristóbal right on the beach at Punta Lobos. Enjoy a flavorful array of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine paired with breathtaking ocean views. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day for hotel guests and visitors alike.
Hierbabuena Restaurant
The restaurant offers a farm to table concept with local ingredients using mainly fresh and organic food. Choose between the catch of the day, wood oven pizza, or organic and local poultry. This casual yet classy restaurant offers outdoor seating with an exceptional ambiance and is only a quick 15-minute drive away from Todos Santos.
Jazamango
Jazamango was inspired by the love for Baja. It offers a delightful culinary experience using local products and organic ingredients in a garden-like setting. On the menu, you will find some very unique dishes combined with the well-known touch of Chef Javier Plascencia. So make sure to try some new dishes, the ones you won’t find in any other places. Reservations are recommended.
Los Adobes de Todos Santos
Imagine sitting outside on the patio and overlooking one of the most significant cactus gardens in Todos Santos. This little sanctuary is located in the center of the city just off the main drag. This might just be the perfect place to grab some authentic Mexican cuisine after exploring the cute town on foot.
Ristorante Tre Galline
Craving something other than Mexican cuisine? This upscale Italian restaurant is pretty popular amongst visitors and locals alike. Enjoy fresh salads, wood-fired pizzas, and homemade pasta in a welcoming setting. The interior is a mixture of different colored metal chairs and a lot of plants.
Santos Pecados Restaurant & Bar
Only a block from Hotel California this restaurant is a favorite especially amongst locals and those lucky tourists who stumble across it while wandering through Todos Santos. Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a casual and colorful setting. From creative preparations of fresh fish, homemade chips, and salsa to delicious tacos, there is something for everyone.
Baja Beans Cafe
This adorable coffee shop is tucked up next to a farm and serves good authentic Mexican coffee. Definitely a must, especially during the farmers market on Sundays from 8 am - 1 pm but only during high season.
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Great article, thanks for sharing!
Thank you for taking the time to comment. We absolutely loved our stay in Todos Santos, dreaming of the day when we can go back.
as someone who lived in the area for 2 years, this article is fabulous, thanks so much!
Hi Noelle. Thanks so much for your comment, we really appreciate it. We absolutely loved our time in Todos Santos and can’t wait to get back! I can only imagine how amazing it is to live there.