Hotel Gallo Azul’s local guide
Things to do in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
Between the desert, the Sierra de la Laguna mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Todos Santos is an oasis of palms, art and tradition. Named a Pueblo Mágico in 2006 and set right on the Tropic of Cancer, it’s the perfect place to slow down.
Illustrated map
Todos Santos on the map
On the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, an hour from La Paz and Cabo San Lucas.
Approximate driving times from the hotel
- Punta Lobos Beach5 min
- La Pastora Beach10 min
- Las Palmas Beach10 min
- El Pescadero10 min
- Los Cerritos Beach15 min
- La Paz1 h
- La Paz Airport (LAP)1 h
- Cabo San Lucas1 h
- Los Cabos Airport (SJD)1 h 30 min
Experiences
Must-dos in Todos Santos
-
Historic downtown & the Mission
Wander streets of adobe and brick houses, the main plaza, the Teatro Cine General Manuel Márquez de León and the Mission of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, whose roots go back to the 18th-century mission era.
-
Galleries & art
Todos Santos is an artists’ haven: galleries, studios and murals fill downtown, and art and film festivals take place throughout the year.
-
Pacific beaches
Punta Lobos, where fishermen land their pangas; wave-swept La Pastora; Las Palmas, hidden behind a palm grove; and Los Cerritos, the favorite for swimming and learning to surf.
-
Surf for every level
Los Cerritos is great for beginners, with surf schools and board rentals; San Pedrito and La Pastora draw experienced surfers.
-
Whale watching
In winter, humpback whales pass along the Todos Santos coast. With luck you’ll see them breach right from the beach.
-
Sea turtle releases
Local turtle conservation camps protect nests on the beaches and release hatchlings at sunset during the season. Ask us for dates.
-
Sunsets at Punta Lobos
The sun sinks into the Pacific as the pangas return with the day’s catch — one of the town’s loveliest rituals.
-
Sierra de la Laguna
A Biosphere Reserve with hiking trails, pine and oak forest and spectacular views. Best explored with a local guide.
-
Flavors of Todos Santos
Fresh fish and seafood, Baja Californian cooking, local markets — and, of course, a wood-fired pizza with a margarita at Gallo Azul Pizza Bar.
Getting here
How to get to Todos Santos
From Los Cabos Airport (SJD)
About 1 h 30 min by car, via Cabo San Lucas on Federal Highway 19.
From La Paz Airport (LAP)
About 1 h by car on Federal Highway 19.
From Cabo San Lucas
About 1 h (75 km / 47 mi) on Federal Highway 19 along the Pacific coast.
From La Paz
About 1 h (80 km / 50 mi) southwest on Federal Highway 19.
Seasons
When to visit Todos Santos
November – April
Sunny, mild days and cool nights. Humpback whale season and the best time for hiking.
May – June
Dry, warm weather — perfect for the pool and long afternoons.
July – October
Hot, humid summer with possible tropical storms. In October the town celebrates its traditional fiestas honoring the Virgen del Pilar.
Questions
Todos Santos FAQ
Is Todos Santos a Pueblo Mágico?
Yes. Todos Santos has been part of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos program since 2006, thanks to its historic center, traditions and artistic life.
How far is Todos Santos from Cabo San Lucas?
About 75 km (47 mi), roughly a one-hour drive on Federal Highway 19.
Can you swim at Todos Santos beaches?
The Pacific here often has strong waves and currents. Los Cerritos is the most popular beach for swimming and learning to surf; elsewhere, check conditions before going in.
When is whale season?
Humpback whales can be seen off the coast roughly from December to April.
Do I need a car in Todos Santos?
Downtown is walkable. For beaches and day trips, a car or private transportation is recommended.
Stay in downtown Todos Santos
After a day at the beach, come back to the pool and dinner with a wood-fired pizza at Gallo Azul.