13 Best Things To Do In Todos Santos, Mexico (2023)
Todos Santos is a charming pueblo and one of the most popular stops on the Baja California itinerary, thanks to its proximity to Cabo San Lucas.
This small town offers a combination of laid-back vibes, some of the best surfing beaches in Baja California, and cute streets where you can explore local boutique shops and eat local delicacies in cute cafes.
Translated as “All Saints” from Spanish, Todos Santos offers a nice break from Cabo. The quiet pueblo offers a relaxed atmosphere and cool history that goes back to the days when the area was settled by the Spanish Jesuits.
📍Check: Best things to do in Bahia de Los Angeles
A quick history of Todos Santos
Todos Santos was colonized in 1723 by Spanish Jesuits after the water supply was found here. The town was originally named Santa Rosa de Todos Santos after its patron Dona Rosa De La Peña.
The first settlers used the arable soil and produced some goods including cane sugar which eventually became the major crop in the region. By the mid-19th century, Todos Santos had eight sugar mills.
The sugar cane production has waned by the 1950s because of the long drought that depleted water resources and Todos Santos was abandoned. When the road from Cabo San Lucas was paved in the early 1980s, and Todos Santos became a popular place with artisans and creatives who come here to enjoy its laid-back lifestyle.
Today, there is also a growing ex-pat community in Todos Santos with mostly Canadian and American retirees, but younger people are increasingly flocking to this area. When you walk around town, you will find many offices advertising Todos Santos real estate, which clearly shows how popular this place has become with ex-pats.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN TODOS SANTOS
- 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
Visiting Todos Santos Mission is one of the unmissable things to do in Todos Santos. 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. In front of the mission, there’s a plaque where you can learn the history of this mission and its role in the region.
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. Shop in the Todos Santos Market
Right in the heart of town, you will find Todos Santos 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 there, this market is an excellent place to buy authentic artisan goods and support artisans in different parts of the country.
5. Visit local stores
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 hit Todos Santos beaches.
Here are a couple of options.
- Nomadic Chic – If you are looking for nice 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 – A must-visit store and art gallery in Todos Santos, Manos Mexicanas sells handcrafted hats, bags, and home decorations. This is a great place to buy traditional Mexican art at fair prices
- Mangos – The best store in Todos Santos for Mexican folk art that comes from all parts of the country
- Curious Tony’s – One of the largest artisan stores in Todos Santos where you can find a large selection of home decor from wall ornaments to pottery and furniture.
6. Try delicious paletas
Paletas are typical Mexican ice cream on a stick that looks like a popsicle and come in a variety of flavors, some of which are typical tropical fruits that can’t be found in the United States or Europe like guanábana, mamey, or Pitahaya (dragon fruit).
7. Explore the local food scene
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, and so much more. There’s something for everyone here!
Here you can find all sorts of restaurants from paleterias and neverias with ice cream, shakes, and coffee to eateries with seafood, Mexican staples, and vegan and vegetarian restaurants.
Here are my top picks for the best restaurants in Todos Santos:
- Alma y Manni – 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.
- Pura Vida – If you are a vegan or healthy eater visiting Todos Santos, this place is a must! Pura Vida’s menu includes mostly organic, healthy options made from local ingredients and there’s also a nice store on site where you can buy organic, raw food items and other ingredients.
- Los Adobes – A fine dining restaurant that serves Mexican food and also includes a vegetarian menu. Some dishes also can be made vegan on request.
- Hierbabuena – One of the most popular restaurants in Todos Santos, Hierbabuena is located in a beautiful tranquil setting and even boasts its garden.
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.
8. Visit Hotel California Todos Santos
If you have heard the famous sign by the Eagles, you might recognize the name of this hotel located 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, but Hotel California has well-capitalized on its newfound fame.
Inside the hotel, you can buy merchandise with the name and also eat food at the Corona Restaurant. The rooftop is also lovely and offers views of the town and the surrounding mountains.
Book a night in Hotel California here.
9. Hike Punta Lobos
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. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and some snacks.
It’s a perfect spot to burn some calories after enjoying all the great food in Todos Santos and enjoying the scenery.
10. Release baby turtles
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! This is a seasonal event that takes place from late November through April that is organized by Tortugueras Las Playitas and is free to the public.
11. 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 is home to hundreds of migrating humpback and grey whales during this time who come from Alaska to the warmer waters of the Baja California peninsula.
Although this is one of the best things to do in Todos Santos for nature lovers, this is an overall remarkable experience, which is why I suggest booking a tour with one of the local companies.
12. 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.
Quite the opposite!
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.
Here are some of the best beaches near Cabo San Lucas:
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.
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.
13. Take a day trip to La Paz
How many days do I need in Todos Santos?
Many visitors stop in Todos Santos for a couple of hours as part of their road trip along Baja California. While this is a good idea, you should spend more than just a few hours in Todos Santos, and here is why:
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. It’s worth staying in Todos Santos until the evening and spending the night in one of the beautiful hotels in Todos Santos.
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.
Here are my top choices:
- Luxury: Hotel San Cristobal – If you are looking to spoil yourself while visiting Todos Santos, Hotel San Cristobal is the best place to do that. Located along the secluded beach, this property boasts delicious food options, stunning scenery, and a relaxing atmosphere. Give it a go!
- Mid-budget: Guaycura Boutique Hotel – This hotel 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.
- 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.
Todos Santos is a Pueblo Magico
Along with Loreto, 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. Most pueblos Magicos in Mexico boast distinct architectural styles and are recognized for their cultural heritage.
There are over 130 Pueblos Magicos in Mexico, although initially, the Mexican tourism agency designated a group of just four. Since the program has proved successful, the number of Pueblos magicos has grown to over 130. You can find at least one pueblo magico in most states of Mexico including in Baja California Sur.
Where is Todos Santos located?
Todos Santos sits on the pacific side of the Baja California Sur, about 50 minutes from Cabo San Lucas and 1 hour 15 minutes from the capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz. 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.
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 drive from Cabo to Todos Santos is a straight shot along the highway connecting these two towns. The best way to get from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos is by renting a car in Cabo. This will allow you to explore some of the best Todos Santos beaches a quick drive away.
Check my complete guide on renting a car in Cabo San Lucas, one of the most popualr destinations in Mexico!
You can find out everything about how to rent a car in San Lucas in my article. If you have never rented a car in Mexico, check my complete guide on how to avoid the worst tourist traps and stay safe on the road.
How to get around Todos Santos
Public transportation to Todos Santos
As an option, 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 SJD airport to downtown Todos Santos. A one-way ticket costs $18 and the ride takes between 1,5 and 2 hours.
Visiting Todos Santos with a guided tour
If you are staying in Cabo San Lucas, you can visit Todos Santos on a guided tour. This is an excellent option because you will get out of the tourist zone and explore more of Baja California and its culture. A guided tour 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 THINGS TO DO IN TODOS SANTOS: FAQ
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
Final word on visiting Todos Santos
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.