How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Todos Santos, Mexico

Todos Santos is a space for dreamers, artists, and creatives across generations. What started as a humble fishing village slowly caught the attention of barefoot surfers and boho spiritualists. Today, it's a haven for all of the above, but with an infusion of chic hotels, farm-to-table cuisine, and gorgeous desert design.

"Todos Santos is a desert oasis, [a] Pueblo Mágico [Magic Town] blessed with copious water spilling from the Sierra la Laguna Biosphere Reserve," said Zach Rabinor, founder of Journey Mexico and a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor. "Historically a ranching and fishing outpost, it has evolved into a shabby-chic expat enclave of artists, surfers, and digital nomads with an important influx of U.S. dollars in real estate, restaurants, shops, and more." 

"What makes Todos Santos so special is the creative, bohemian, surfer, ranchero vibe that is the result of the eclectic tapestry of people loving this little town in the Baja [California] peninsula," said Yolanda Contreras, general manager of the Guaycura Boutique Hotel Beach Club & Spa in downtown Todos Santos.

To visit Todos Santos is to dive deep off the beaten path of nearby Cabo San Lucas and experience something that is much more rugged, offbeat, and remote. And still, Todos Santos is positively popping with all the creature comforts that have helped create its reputation as a vintage-inspired paradise on the sea.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Villa Santa Cruz

Perched on a gorgeous stretch of shoreline on Playa Tortugas, Villa Santa Cruz is a boutique beachfront hotel born from a love story. Now husband-and-wife owners Matt and Jessica fell in love on the property and transformed it into a space that celebrates the magic and ruggedly beautiful nature of the Baja peninsula that drew them here in the first place. With 16 accommodations that include tented ocean suites, bungalows, suites, and rooftop villas, there is something for every vibe here.

El Perdido Desert Dream

An escape from the buzz of Cabo San Lucas and a plunge into a dreamscape, El Perdido is a nature resort that's evocative of a desert oasis by the sea. The seven luxury bungalows have all been made with natural materials (think: wood, clay, and stone). When you're not ensconced in your private villa, you can embark on a wellness or adventure journey, from UTV tours and horseback rides to massages and spiritual sound baths.

Paradero Todos Santos

Paradero Todos Santos takes the views away from the ocean and puts the stark desert landscape of Baja in the spotlight. Though it's about 20 minutes from the beach, you won't be missing it for one moment. The vibe here is decidedly dressed down, but impossibly chic, with swaying hammocks, outdoor soaking tubs, and a desert color palette. Check into one of the minimalist suites before embarking on a five-course meal at the Pericúe Omakase restaurant, with flavors inspired by Mexican, Japanese, and French cuisines.

Hotel San Cristobal

Baja is known for its long dirt roads and the hidden jewels at the end of them. Hotel San Cristobal is one of those colorful jewels. Located near Punta Lobos, the boutique, pet-friendly property features bright, airy rooms (many with private pools) and lots of pops of color. The intimate oceanfront hotel also has two restaurants and a bar, as well as a library and pool.

Guaycura Boutique Hotel Beach Club & Spa

Tucked within the bones of a 19th-century brick building, Guaycura is a boutique hotel that offers travelers a little bit of everything. The property itself is right in the heart of downtown Todos Santos, walking distance to its fabulous restaurants and shopping. But the hotel also has a beachfront ocean club with its own pool overlooking the crashing sea. Indulge in a meal at El Mirador, the clifftop restaurant with spectacular views and a lively Sunday brunch.

Best Things to Do

Go surfing.

Todos Santos may be hot on the minds of travelers today, but it's long been a secret surf spot for locals and in-the-know visitors. Playa Los Cerritos, Playa Pescadero, and Playa La Pastora are some of the best places to surf in Todos Santos. Beginners will feel most comfortable at Los Cerritos, and you'll find many opportunities to rent a board or book a lesson.

Connect with nature on a hike.

Todos Santos' unique position cradled between desert, mountains, and sea means it's brimming with outdoor activities and trails for hiking. Rabinor recommends the Sugar Port Trail, which starts near Punta Lobos and continues on to Playa Los Cerritos. It’s about a four-mile hike and you may encounter the occasional sea lion or private cove to jump into the crystal-clear water.

Enjoy horseback riding.

The foundation of Todos Santos is the quintessential ranchero culture, as is the way across all of Baja. Horseback riding in and around the town not only offers a unique way to see the landscape, but it can also help you get in touch with the heart and history of Baja. Todos Santos Eco Adventures helps match riders with the right horse and guides based on skill level, so the experience can be as adventurous or low-key as you want.

Fish with the locals.

Todos Santos is, above all else, a fishing community. That's where it started, and even though so much has been developed around it, that's what it remains. A local fishing experience is the best way to connect with both the locals and the land, and have a deeper understanding of the place you are visiting.

Best Shopping

Bésame Mucho Bazaar

Get lost in the dizzying space of Besame Mucho Bazaar. Housed within a historic hacienda-style home in downtown Todos Santos, this shop is a kaleidoscope of colorful clothing, jewelry, perfume, incense, and other treasures waiting to be dug up from underneath the heaping piles.

Nomad Chic

True to its name, Nomad Chic is the spot to curate your most iconic Todos Santos look. Browse the linen resort-style clothing, sunglasses, and sandals. Plus, you'll be able to bring a bit of the desert experience back with you through scented candles, handwoven blankets, throw pillows, and jewelry.

Pronto Muy Pronto

On the chance that you decide to never go home again (Todos Santos has that effect), you'll want to decorate your new boho-style pad with every furniture item at Pronto Muy Pronto. All the furniture is made within Mexico and built by talented artisans. It also sells beautiful bathing suits and sundresses, as well as plant-based, locally produced skin care.

Desert Fox Baja

If the hippy-chic vibe is overwhelming, you may want to consider filling out your laid-back surfer look at Desert Fox Baja. Featuring cut-off shorts, sundresses, beach clothing, jewelry, and sunglasses, most everything here has either been upcycled or comes directly from Mexico.

Best Nightlife

Nightlife in Todos Santos is pretty limited as far as bars and clubs go. But visitors to Todos Santos prefer it that way. Still, that doesn't mean there aren't places for a good glass of wine or a strong cocktail.

Restaurante La Coronela

Inside Hotel California (which The Eagles swear has nothing to do with their song), Restaurante La Coronela is a lovely spot to grab a drink and enjoy the fountain in the courtyard. On the weekends, things get lively when live music brings a buzzy energy to the historic space.

Tequila's Sunrise Bar & Grill

Directly across from Hotel California, Tequila's is where Rabinor recommends to go for the best margarita in town.

Jardin Alquimia

Contreras recommends Jardin Alquimia, a bar known for its signature cocktails and live music that doubles as an art space. She suggests visiting Wednesdays for their salsa music and dancing.

Best Restaurants

What Todos Santos lacks in a bar scene, it more than makes up for in cuisine. Chefs have been called to Todos Santos over the years, and it is now home to a high concentration of spectacular restaurants across all budgets.

The Green Room

For a beachfront, toes-in-the-sand experience, Rabinor recommends The Green Room at Villa Santa Cruz. Presenting fresh seafood and strong cocktails, this is one of the best spots in town to try and spot whales or watch the iconic La Pastora surf break. Rabinor recommends it for a late lunch and a sunset drink.

Jazamango

You cannot mention cuisine in Todos Santos without bringing up Jazamango, one of the best farm-to-table experiences in Baja. Helmed by Mexican chef Javier Plascencia, the culinary experience at Jazamango is ever-changing. All dishes are locally sourced and range from small plates to garden specialties, pizzas, seafood, and exceptional cuts of meat.

Hierbabuena

A quick trip over to El Pescadero is worth it for a meal at Hierbabuena. This is a wonderful option for vegetarian or gluten-free diners, though the menu has a little bit of everything. True to Baja form these days, Hierbabuena's menu also prides itself on being farm-to-table.

Oystera

The freshest crudo, oysters, and seafood served under a soaring glass ceiling within the bones of an old sugar refinery — what could be dreamier? Oystera is the place to go in Todos Santos for a glass of bubbles and sublimely fresh seafood in a rustic, elegant space.

El Mirador Oceanview Restaurant

Perched high on a hill and tucked underneath a palatial palapa, El Mirador has not only some of the best views in town, but it also comes with a fabulous menu to boot. The open-air, fine-dining experience blends Mexican and Mediterranean flavors, beautiful wines, and delicious cocktails.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Todos Santos is November through April because it has the most perfect weather (picture warm, sunny days, cooler nights, and little to no humidity). This is also the time when you're more likely to spot the great humpback whale migration. It's likely you'll see whales breaching directly from the beach during these months.

In May, June, July, and August, Todos Santos is at its hottest and most humid. September and October is hurricane season across all of Baja, so it's not uncommon to see lots of rain, strong winds, and high humidity as well.

How to Get There

Todos Santos is about an hour's drive from San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The best way to get to Todos Santos is to fly into San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD). You can easily arrange for private transportation or rent a car yourself and drive. The drive to Todos Santos is safe and easy to navigate.

How to Get Around

The town of Todos Santos itself is small and walkable, but if you're staying on the beach or a bit outside of town, you're going to need wheels to get yourself around. Fortunately, it's easy to arrange for a taxi in Todos Santos. Taxis are reliable and safe. You can also drive yourself around if you have rented a car. Just be aware that many roads are unpaved. A standard sedan will get you around, but if you can spring for something with a little more oomph, you may be happy you did.