It’s Time to Put the Todos Santos Area of Mexico on Your Radar: Here’s What to Do There

In the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and hugging the sparkling Pacific Ocean lies the Todos Santos region of Baja California, Mexico. It’s only 1.5 hours north of mega-popular Los Cabos, but once you’ve arrived, it feels like you’ve been transported back to a slower, simpler time (which, for many of us, is preferred).

Known for its artistic energy, super-kind local residents, and natural splendor, there’s no question about the allure of this extraordinary region, which is also designated as a Pueblo Mágico in Mexico.

Here’s what to expect: A riot of colors, desert flora & fauna, juicy mangos hanging from trees, a quaint old town, surfing, hiking, yoga, an exceptionally fresh and eclectic food scene, and an “I’m so glad I found this magical place” feeling throughout your visit there.

Head to the Water for Surfing, Horseback Riding, and Epic Whale Watching

Rent bikes, stroll, or hitch a ride to several of the beautiful beaches in the area (our favorite is Cerritos Beach for the safest swimming). Settle into some comfy beach chairs and soak in that sun, or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try out these activities:

• Surfing — the Todos Santos region is a mecca for surfers who gather at El Pescadero Beach and Playa Los Cerritos to catch the best waves.
• Horseback Riding — explore remote beaches and hidden trails around Todos Santos and El Pescadero on horseback with a friendly local guide. Eco Baja Adventures is highly rated, and sunset is the ideal time to enjoy this adventure.
• Whale Watching — no schlepping your stuff onto a boat and heading far out to sea with the hopes of spotting a whale spout some water into the air (if you’re lucky). As long as you visit between late November and April, just head to Cerritos Beach and you’ll see them — really see them — right there from the shore.

Or you can just stay on the beach — we get it.

Stroll and Shop in Downtown Todos Santos

The cobblestoned streets of downtown Todos Santos were built in the 1800s during the sugar cane boom, and today, they are lined with elegant shops, art galleries, taco stands, and fantastic restaurants.

Take a walking tour of the downtown area — you’ll learn about the early years of Todos Santos and how it became the artist colony and surfer’s paradise that it is today. On your tour, pop into Etnika, a boutique shop filled with beautifully crafted Mexican clothing, textiles, leather goods, and home goods.

Make sure to visit Galeria de Todos Santos — an art gallery filled with works of different mediums, where you’ll find everything from oil paintings to modern sculptures. Monthly, the gallery hosts forums to get people together to learn about art from the artists in residence, or “creative people with something to say,” as they prefer to call them.

Go Hiking and Bird Watching

Hikers rave about the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve. It’s an adventure through the boulders of rocky desert, while observing cool flora and fauna all along the way.

For a more moderate hike with elevation and ocean views, hikers love the Punta Lobos trail. On this 4.3-mile out-and-back trail, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas over turquoise coves, and once at the top, you can continue climbing to various viewpoints or head down the mountain to the water’s edge for a refreshing dip in the ocean.

Todos Santos is uniquely located between the Pacific Ocean and the Desert, on the Tropic of Cancer, and is home to over 150 bird species. A popular bird watching route starts on Calle Juarez in downtown Todos Santos, which takes you through areas populated by orioles, warblers, and sparrows.

La Poza Lagoon is also a popular spot and is home to ring-necked ducks, snowy egrets, black-necked stilts, western grebes, and even the exotic vermillion flycatcher.

Eat, Drink, and then Eat Some More

From high-end dining on the beach to mom-and-pop taco stands, the food scene in this region is spectacular.

Be sure to make time for these loved-by-locals favorites:

• Hierbabuena — an upscale farm-to-table restaurant visitors rave about. You’ll find it down a dirt road that ends in a beautiful, al-fresco establishment surrounded by a garden whose bounty of herbs and vegetables fill the dishes on the menu. Hierbabuena has both gluten-free and vegetarian options, great cocktails, outdoor seating, and Mexican blankets available for breezy nights.
• El Santo Chilote — this taco stand is best known for its delicious coconut shrimp, and you’ll find it in Todos Santos proper.
• Todos Santos Brewing — with an array of small batch brews from stouts and sours to ales and IPAs, you really can’t go wrong here (don’t miss the food, either). Sit indoors or out, and, on many nights, enjoy live music.
• Barracuda Cantina — found in Cerritos, this open-air beach bar and fresh-caught fish taco truck was featured on Taco Chronicles, a Netflix documentary series about… well, you know. They also serve cold beer and craft cocktails using locally grown produce.
• Paleteria la Paloma — a locally-made ice cream and popsicle shop in Todos Santos that features unique flavors like avocado, corn, and passion fruit.

Now, close your eyes. Can’t you just picture the colors, flavors, textures, coastal breezes, and the authentic warmth of the local residents in this magical area of Baja California?

It’s beloved by so many for good reason, and it’s probably time you experience it for yourself.

Where to stay: Kimpton Mas Olas, a beautiful new beachside Kimpton resort just south of downtown Todos Santos.