Best Things to Do in Todos Santos

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico’s Baja California Sur, you won’t want to miss the charming town of Todos Santos. Nestled between the Sierra de la Laguna mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this picturesque town offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Todos Santos.

Getting There

To get to Todos Santos, flying into San Jose Del Cabo International Airport is likely the most accessible airport for most travelers, however, there is also an airport located in La Paz.  From the Cabo airport, you can either rent a car to make the hour and half drive or book a bus ride to Todos Santos via 12go.

Explore Downtown

Exploring the historic downtown area is a must-do when visiting Todos Santos. Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets of the downtown area and marvel at the colonial-era architecture, much of which dates back to the early 1700s.

I also loved shopping in the picturesque shops and admiring the crafts and local handmade goods.  

Todos Santos is known for its thriving art scene, so meandering through one of the many art galleries is also a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.  Galería Indigo, Galeria de Todos Santos, and Mangos are well worth a visit to see everything from textiles to paintings.

When visiting Todos Santos, the iconic Hotel California, which inspired the Eagles’ famous ‘Hotel California’ song is also worth a visit.

Activities in Todos Santos

Todos Santos is home to several gorgeous beaches, including Playa Las Palmas, Playa Los Cerritos, and Playa La Pastora. Whether you’re looking to swim, surf, or just soak up the sun, there’s a beach for you.

Mexican cuisine is world-renowned, and you can learn to make some of its most delicious dishes at one of Todos Santos’ cooking schools. Many classes also include a trip to the local market to pick up fresh ingredients.

Tequila distilleries and tours are offered at several locations. One of my favorite unique experiences in Todos Santos was a Mezcal tasting at El Refugio Mezcaleria.

This is a family-owned restaurant that offers a guided mezcal tasting where you learn all about the history and techniques used to create the many different mezcals.  The tasting is coupled with a creative writing exercise to express the feelings awakened as you taste.

Getting Outside

Hire a guide to go hiking or horseback riding in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains on one of the many trails. Take in the stunning scenery and keep an eye out for local wildlife like the Xantus’s hummingbird which is endemic to the Baja California peninsula.

Todos Santos is just an hour away from La Paz which is a marine gateway to some of the most spectacular wildlife encounters anywhere in the world. 

There are day trips from Todos Santos for swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling with sea lions, and whale watching.  These wildlife encounters were some of the most unforgettable memories of my travels.

Where to Stay in Todos Santos

There are so many cute boutique hotels and bed and breakfast locations in Todos Santos. Hotel Casa Tota was a great choice because of the beautiful courtyard and breathtaking sunset views from the rooftop.  You could also opt for something fancier like the Paradero Hotel.

There are also many oceanside hotels to choose from like the villas of Los Colibris Casitas. The gardens are a prime spot for hummingbirds to come for a visit.  There are also views of the endless ocean from the many different terraces on the property.

Where to Eat

There are so many amazing restaurants to try in Todos Santos. From traditional Mexican fare to seafood, it’s difficult to have a bad meal.  

Popular choices for a farm-to-table dining experience are Jazamango and Hierbabuena.  The restaurant inside Paradero is also a popular sit-down upscale dining experience. 

The food at El Refugio Mezcaleria is a great choice offering traditional Mexican food with fresh ingredients. The ambiance on the patio is ethereal. And if you happen to visit during the time of Día de los Muertos, they have an interactive ceremony on the different nights of the celebration.

For a truly unique culinary experience fusing Mexican and traditional Italian flavors, a visit to Il Giardino in Todos Santos is a must.  This is an open-air restaurant at the top of a hill with a woodfire oven, creative cocktails, and an expansive menu.  It was opened by Daniela Borghini who uses her Mexican and Italian heritage to create a truly special dining experience.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, a beach lover, or an adventure seeker, Todos Santos has something to offer. Plan your trip today to experience the best things to do in Todos Santos and all that this charming town has to offer.

Related