14 Best Things To Do In Todos Santos, Mexico (2024)
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Looking for things to do in Todos Santos?
This is your place!
Todos Santos is a charming pueblo along the Pacific Coast of Baja California Sur and one of the most popular day trips from Cabo San Lucas, thanks to its small-town feel and relaxed atmosphere.
This town boasts some of the best surfing beaches in Baja California, awesome farm-to-table restaurants and interesting history that you can learn by taking a guided tour of the area.
Todos Santos was colonized in 1723 by Spanish Jesuits after they found water in the area. The first settlers produced cane sugar which eventually became the major crop in the region. By the mid-19th century, Todos Santos had eight sugar mills.
When the road from Cabo San Lucas was paved in the early 1980s, Todos Santos became popular with artisans who come here to enjoy its laid-back lifestyle.
Today, Todos Santos is one of the most popular destinations in Baja California Sur. There is a growing ex-pat community in the area with mostly Canadian and American retirees, but younger people are increasingly flocking to this town.
I’ve visited Todos Santos several times, and in this guide, I will offer my expertise on how to visit this place
📍Check: Best things to do in Bahia de Los Angeles
BEST THINGS TO DO IN TODOS SANTOS
1. Explore Todos Santos on foot
One of the best things to do in Todos Santos is to explore this pueblo on foot. Parking is free in Todos Santos and after leaving your car on one of the streets in town, make your way around town to enjoy its colorful architecture, quaint shops, and small cafes and restaurants lining the cobblestone streets.
2. Learn local history in the Todos Santos Mission
Todos Santos Mission is one of the highlights of the downtown area. This historic mission is painted in bright yellow color and is a great starting point for your walking tour of Todos Santos.
As with other towns in Mexico, the establishment of Todos Santos is tied to its mission which was built to convert the native population to the Catholic religion. There’s a small plaque near the front entrance where you can learn the history of this mission and its role in the region.
Book a guided tour of Todos Santos
3. Take a picture with Todos Santos sign
Most pueblos magicos in Mexico have colorful signs where you can take a cool photo. Todos Santos sign sits near Todos Santos Mission, so you can quickly walk there before continuing.
4. Get authentic Mexican souvenirs in the Todos Santos artisan market
Right in the heart of town, you will find Todos Santos’ artisan market.
When you explore Todos Santos, you will notice how many artisans made a home in Todos Santos, and this colorful Mercado is the best place to buy their products.
Here you can find many artisan goods like jewelry, and hats. Many of the goods in the Todos Santos market come from different regions of Mexico like Oaxaca and Chiapas.
If you have never been to artisan markets in Mexico, this market is an excellent place to buy authentic artisan goods and support artisans from different parts of the country.
5. Check out stores in downtown Todos Santos
Another great way to support the local economy is by buying goods in one of Todos Santos stores.
If you want to enjoy some of the best shopping in Todos Santos, you can explore local boutique stores in Todos Santos where you can find everything from the traditional Mexican arts and crafts to clothing and home goods and swimsuits when you are ready to go to the beach.
✔️ Nomadic Chic
If you are looking for handmade women’s clothing, this place is a good stop. Here you can find a good variety of dresses, jewelry, swimsuits and everything in between.
✔️ Manos Mexicanas
Manos Mexicanas sells handcrafted hats, bags, and home decorations. This is a great place to buy traditional Mexican art at fair prices and support local artisans.
✔️ Mangos
The best store in Todos Santos for Mexican folk art that comes from all parts of the country.
6. Explore Todos Santos restaurants
Todos Santos is a foodie heaven! For its small size, this pueblo offers an impressive array of restaurants and cafes where you can find traditional Mexican food, as well as vegan and vegetarian options, seafood made from locally sourced ingredients. There’s something for everyone here!
➡️ Check: Best food tours in Cabo
Here you can find all sorts of restaurants from paleterias and neverias with ice cream, shakes, and coffee to eateries with seafood, typical Mexican dishes, and vegan and vegetarian eateries.
✅ Alma y Many’s
A traditional Mexican restaurant that also offers a nice vegan menu. Their mushroom ceviche was phenomenal and prices were better than in many other places in town.
Address: Heroico Colegio Militar 90, Centro, 23880 Centro, B.C.S., Mexico
✅ Jazamango
One of the best farm-to-table restaurant in Todos Santos, Jazamango serves a variety of regional Mexican dishes with a Baja twist.
Here you can try beet salad, clams, shrimp, and fettuccine. They grow their ingredients, and you can check out their garden when you visit.
Address: Los Naranjos s/n, Fraccionamiento La Huerta, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S.
✅ Restaurante La Generala
La Generala serves an amazing buffet lunch with traditional Mexican dishes from different parts of the country that come in generous and flavorful portions. This restaurant has excellent reviews thanks to quality food and superb customer service.
Address: C. Cuauhtémoc S/N, Centro, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S.
7. Stop at Hotel California Todos Santos
If you heard the famous song by the Eagles, you might recognize the name of this hotel in the terracotta-colored building in the heart of Todos Santos.
The lead singer of the band, Don Henley has said that this hotel was NOT the place that inspired the famous song. Still, Hotel California was able to capitalize on its name by selling t-shirts and other memorablia for tourists even though it has nothing to do with the actual song.
Inside the hotel, there’s Corona Restaurant and the rooftop is also lovely and offers views of the town and the surrounding mountains.
8. Hike Punta Lobos in Todos Santos
Hiking Punta Lobos is one of the best things to do in Todos Santos for outdoor lovers.
To get to the trailhead, park near Hotel San Cristobal and walk in the opposite direction from the beach. The trailhead goes around the side of the mountain. Although there are not a lot of signs, the trail is clear and hard to miss.
I suggest doing this hike either early morning or late in the afternoon when you can enjoy this spot during the golden hour. This is a 4-mile hike that takes you around the side of the cliff that ends with incredible panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Start early to avoid the harsh mid-day sun. Wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and some snacks.
It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset, and you can also burn some calories along the way, after sampling all the delicious food in Todos Santos restaurants.
9. Release baby turtles into the Pacific Ocean
The beaches around Todos Santos attract several types of turtles that come here to nest. The best part is that you can join one of the local conservation groups and participate in the release of the newly released turtles into the ocean!
It’s a seasonal event that takes place from late November through April that is organized by Tortugueros Las Playitas, a local eco tour agency.
10. Go on a whale-watching tour
If you visit Todos Santos from November through April, you should go on a whale-watching tour. The Pacific Coast of Mexico sees hundreds of migrating humpback whales during this time who come from Alaska to the warmer waters of the Baja California peninsula.
This is an overall remarkable experience, which is why I suggest booking a tour with one of the local companies.
11. Visit Todos Santos beaches
There are many great Todos Santos beaches where you can spend a couple of hours or more. Since Todos Santos sits along the Pacific Coast, most of its beaches are suitable for surfing and not swimming. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun here.
Todos Santos beaches are wide and free from crowds which means you will not bump into dozens of other travelers and can have plenty of your own space while here.
Best Todos Santos beaches
✔️Playa Cerritos
This popular surfing beach is just a short drive south of Cabo San Lucas. While winter has the best surf breaks in Playa Cerritos, this beach is popular with advanced and newbie surfers. Parts of the beach are also suitable for swimming, but the water here is chilly.
You can take a surfing lesson and rent wet suits if you are surfing in winter. If you are not a surfer, you can relax under one of the palapas with a drink in your hand.
Although you can’t swim in Todos Santos, there are several swimmable beaches in Cabo where you can take a dip and enjoy snorkeling.
✔️Playa Las Palmas
One of the best-hidden gems in Baja California, Playa Las Palmas is one of the less-known beaches near Todos Santos. This secluded half-mile beach offers a perfect escape if you are looking to get away from it all and enjoy a mix of desert and tropics.
✔️Playa Cachorro
The closest beach to Todos Santos, Playa Cachorro is located right outside of town off the main road that stretches north along the coast. Playa Cachorro is a wide beach with tons of space and very few people, so there’s a good chance you will have most of it to yourself when you come here.
12. Take a day trip to La Paz
If you stay in Todos Santos for a few days and want to take a day trip, rent a car and drive to La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur known for its eco-tourism.
La Paz offers access to some of the most beautiful beaches in Baja, like Playa Balandra, and the Mogote Dunes, a popular spot for sandboarding and sunset watching.
The city also boasts the Whale Museum (El Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar), one of the best museums in Mexico, located along the waterfront.
La Paz offers a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Cabo, if you want to enjoy a more low-key environment and spend time snorkeling with adorable sea lions at Isla Espiritu Santo.
If you have extra time, I recommend spending at least one night in La Paz.
Best guided tours of Isla Espiritu Santo from La Paz
13. Surf at Playa Cerritos
Playa Cerritos is a popular surfing beach just south of Todos Santos that you can reach by a quick car ride from the downtown. The beach is suitable for beginner and experienced surfers and has several hotels and surfing schools in the area.
If you want to learn surfing, book your lesson online with one of local instructors who will provide their expertise and tailor the lesson to your skills and abilities.
✅ BOOK YOUR SURGING LESSON AT PLAYA CERRITOS
14. Hike Sierra de la Laguna
If you are an experienced hiker, take a day trip to Sierra de la Laguna, a mountain chain outside of Todos Santos, that some of the best hikes in South Baja. You will need a 4X4 if you want to navigate bumpy roads, and the hike also requires a reservation.
✔️Check my guide to the best hikes near Cabo San Lucas
Best Hotels in Todos Santos
Todos Santos has a good variety of hotels where you can spend a few nights before continuing your Baja California itinerary.
Luxury: Paradero Todos Santos
Paradero is one of the most beautiful hotels in Todos Santos that blends in with the surrounding desert landscape. The property is 1 mile from the beach and offers a one-of-a-kind experience with bright dark skies and serene environment.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT PARADERO TODOS SANTOS
Mid-budget: Guaycura Boutique Hotel
Guaycura provides great value for the money thanks to its central location, outdoor pool, and spacious rooftop. There are also spa services available and you are just a short walking distance away from the best things to do in Todos Santos. Visitors love the great breakfast and friendly welcoming staff.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT GUAYCURA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Budget: Perro Surfero
A great budget stay in Todos Santos, Perro Surfero takes you back to the old hippie days of Todos Santos before the tourism boom occurred. It feels more like a surf camp than a traditional hotel and common areas include a kitchen and working areas. The beach is only 10 minutes away by car.
✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT HOTEL PERRO SURFERO TODOS SANTOS
Todos Santos is a Pueblo Magico
Along with Loreto and Tecate, Todos Santos is one of the two pueblos Magicos in the state of Baja California Sur. Pueblos Magicos or “magic towns” have been given a special status by the Mexican government because of their cultural or historic significance. Many pueblos magicos in Mexico boast distinct architectural style and history.
There are over 130 pueblos magicos in Mexico, although initially, the Mexican government designated a group of just four. Since the program has become successful, the number of pueblos magicos has grown to over 130.
Where is Todos Santos located?
Todos Santos sits on the pacific side of the Baja California Sur, about 50 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. The town is surrounded by the towering Sierra De La Laguna mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other and feels like a real oasis in the desert.
Todos Santos on a map
How far is Todos Santos from Cabo San Lucas?
Todos Santos is only 43 miles (73 kilometers) away from Cabo San Lucas.
How to get to Todos Santos from Cabo San Lucas?
The best way to get from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos is by car. Having your own vehicle will allow you to skip buses, which can be slow and unreliable, and visit nearby beaches and scenic areas, which can’t be accessed by public transportation.
How to get to Todos Santos
You can get to Todos Santos by public bus, Uber or car rental. If you are traveling to Todos Santos from Cabo Airport, you can also book a private shuttle, which will provide door-to-door service and save you tons of money on taxi.
What do I need to rent a car in Cabo San Lucas?
There are no car rental companies in Todos Santos, but there are many car rental offices in Cabo San Lucas, and you can rent a car in Cabo San Lucas Airport as soon as you land.
The best way to rent a car in Cabo is ahead of time. Here are the documents you will need to rent a car at one of the local offices:
A passport
You will need a valid passport when renting a car in Cabo San Lucas, or any other part of Mexico.
A driver’s license
A valid driver’s license is required for all vehicle rentals in Mexico. If you are traveling to Baja from countries that don’t use the Roman language alphabet, you will need an international driver’s license translated into English.
A credit or debit card
You will need a credit or debit card to pay for your rental. Paying with cash is also possible, but it’s less common, and you will still get asked to provide your debit or credit card.
A car rental company will need to place a hold for the duration of your rental contract, in case there are any damages to the vehicle. This hold is usually around a few hundred dollars, but it can be as high as $1,000.
A Mexican car insurance
Mexican car insurance is required for all rental cars in the country. The best way to go about it is to purchase your insurance from a car rental company. This will eliminate the hassle and help you make sure that your insurance plan will cover you in the event of an accident.
You can buy Mexican car insurance through DiscoverCars and have peace of mind by the time you arrive in Cabo.
Your car rental company will pick you up outside the main terminal and drive you to their offices where you will sign paperwork and get your vehicle.
Pay with a credit card (not a debit card) for your car rental
Car rental companies in Mexico place a hold on your credit card that ranges from a few hundred to over a few thousand dollars. If you pay with a debit card, the amount of the hold will be unavailable for the duration of your trip, which could affect your vacation.
Always pay with your credit card, because whatever the hold the company decides to charge you, it won’t affect how much cash you have.
If you return your car rental with no damages, the hold on your credit card will go away.
What to know about Mexico car insurance?
Car rental insurance is mandatory in Mexico for all vehicles, and you can get one from DiscoverCars.
You can choose from basic, medium, and full coverage. Basic insurance offers minimal protection, and full coverage protects you if your car is damaged, totaled, or stolen.
If you have never rented a car in Mexico, get the most comprehensive coverage, so you are fully covered.
Although it will cost you more, you will not have to pay anything out of pocket if something happens to you on the road.
You can pay for your car insurance when you book your vehicle through DiscoverCars.
CHECK PRICES ON CAR RENTALS FOR YOUR TRIP TO TODOS SANTOS
A bus from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos
If you travel on a budget, you can also take a bus to Todos Santos operated by Eco Baja Tours. This bus runs several times a day and takes you from the Cabo Airport to downtown Todos Santos. A one-way ticket costs $18 and the ride takes between 1,5 and 2 hours.
A guided tour of Cabo San Lucas from Todos Santos
If you are staying in Cabo San Lucas, you can visit Todos Santos on a guided tour. It’s an excellent option because you will get out of the tourist zone and explore more of Baja California and its culture.
A guided tour of Todos Santos includes a pick-up from your hotel and an English-speaking guide who will accompany you on a trip around town and give you a complete overview of the area followed by a lunch stop.
Best guided tours of Todos Santos from Cabo San Lucas
BEST THINGS TO DO IN TODOS SANTOS: FAQ
How many days do I need in Todos Santos?
Plan 1-2 days in Todos Santos if you want to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle, go for a quick surf and sunbathe or surf on local beaches.
While Todos Santos offers plenty of things to do, its sunsets are why so many people come here. In the golden hour, the entire town lights up in incredible colors creating a magical sight. If you have a day in Todos Santos, it’s worth staying until the sunset to see incredible display of colors.
Is Todos Santos worth visiting?
Yes, Todos Santos is worth visiting if you are looking for a relaxed getaway with a great restaurant scene and fun outdoor opportunities like hiking, surfing and whale watching. Although Todos Santos is a bit pricey, it offers a nice break from Cabo with its quiet atmosphere and uncrowded beaches.
How do you spend a day in Todos Santos?
If you have a day in Todos Santos, go to Playa Cerritos beach in the morning for some sunbathing or surfing and head toward downtown in the afternoon to take a break from the heat and try local food. End your day by watching the sunset from Punta Lobos.
Why is Todos Santos famous?
Todos Santos is famous for its surfing, art scene, and colonial history. The town also has a thriving food scene, with many local restaurants serving Baja-style cuisine made from farm-to-table ingredients.
Are there swimmable beaches in Todos Santos?
No, there are no swimmable beaches in Todos Santos because of its location along the Pacific Ocean with its powerful waves. However, there are plenty of swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, which are within driving distance from Todos Santos.
How do I get around Todos Santos?
You can get around Todos Santos on foot, as the town is very compact, but if you want to visit some of the best beaches near Todos Santos, you will need to rent a car, which you can do after you land at the San Jose Del Cabo International Airport (SJD).
Is Todos Santos safe to visit?
Yes, Todos Santos is safe to visit! It’s a cute village with a growing ex-pat population that attracts thousands of tourists daily. As with many other popular towns in Baja California, Todos Santos is safe and you can walk around at any time of the day.
Should I spend more than a day in Todos Santos?
If you want more than just a quick tour of Todos Santos, you should spend a night in Todos Santos! As I mentioned, Todos Santos is magical during the sunset, and you can spend the night in one of the local hotels after marveling at this town in its golden colors. And, exploring the local beaches also warrants more than just a day trip to Todos Santos, so make sure to book a stay in one of Todos Santos hotels.
What is the best time to visit Todos Santos?
The best time to visit Todos Santos is winter when temperatures are more mild. Todos Santos is a gorgeous destination with plenty of sunshine and a mild climate year-round. In summer, it can get hot, so if you are visiting Todos Santos from May through early September, bring a good hat, and don’t forget to put on enough sunscreen to explore Todos Santos and the nearby beaches
Does Todos Santos have nightlife?
Although Todos Santos is mostly a quiet town, it has a good nightlife scene with a handful bars where you can grab a drink and enjoy live music on a Friday night.
Best things to do in Todos Santos: final word
Todos Santos has become one of the most popular day trips from Cabo San Lucas and for a good reason! It offers a quiet atmosphere, wide-open beaches perfect for surfing, and a great variety of restaurants where you can try delicious food made from local ingredients.
A trip to Todos Santos is a nice break from the partying of Todos Santos, and I recommend you spend a couple of days here to enjoy this gorgeous pueblo and everything that it has to offer.
