When it comes to Mexican vacations, most people will rave about Cabo, not knowing about the Pueblo Magico that awaits, just an hour away. Often overlooked, this little gem gives small-town, artsy vibes, untouched culture, and history.
And there’s plenty of outdoor activities, stylish stays, crafty boutiques, and trendy restaurants to fill out your days. Welcome to Todos Santos, dubbed a “Pueblo Magico” a.k.a. “Magic Town,” by the Mexican government.
While I already have a complete guide, there are more things to do in Todos Santos that you simply cannot miss.
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Top 13 Things to Do in Todos Santos
Ready to have some fun? Here are some of the best Todos Santos activities.
1. Pop in at Art Galleries
The Todos Santos downtown area is dotted with little art galleries that will brighten up your Instagram page.
A haven for artists and creatives, it’s no surprise that gallery hopping is a thing here.
Todos Santos is also the birthplace of many local, national, and international artists whose paintings and sculptures are exhibited in many galleries, including Galeria Enrique Guerrero, Galeria de Todos Santos, and La Sonrisa de la Muerte.
2. Release Baby Sea Turtles
Animal enthusiasts will surely adore this magical activity in Todos Santos.
Releasing baby sea turtles is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes place in Tortugueros Las Playitas, a non-profit turtle sanctuary.
Here, hatchling releases occur every day from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. This experience is free of charge and open to the public with no reservations needed.
Watching the baby turtles wiggle their way into the ocean is nothing short of a miracle.
3. Go Whale Watching
Plan your trip to Todos Santos from late November to April to catch gray and humpback whales breaching the vast ocean.
You can spot a whale from the shore (bring binoculars if you can) or take a boat trip from Punta Lobos for a close-up experience.
These majestic creatures can even be seen from your hotel room, granted it’s a beachfront property.
4. Swim or Body Surf at Playa Las Palmas
Playa Las Palmas has got to be one of the most spectacular beaches in southern Baja. It’s a stellar beach for swimming with little foot traffic, alluring sunsets, and warm sand.
Also known as Palm Beach, it’s located just a few miles south of the city. It’s one of the few places where you can see wild horses just chilling about, a very surreal experience.
The road to Playa Las Palmas is a pretty narrow and semi-rough dirt road, but regular cars are able to make it through.
After pulling up in the small parking area, you’ll walk through a palm grove for roughly 100 yards until you reach a secluded beach.
Note: Don’t leave your belongings in the car, as there have been some cases of vandalism.
5. Try Out Stargazing
Yes, the sunsets are ethereal, but what comes next is just as impressive, if not more.
The stars dazzle like there’s no tomorrow along the beaches and desert areas that are away from the town’s light pollution. Try out beaches like Playa Los Cerritos or Punta Lobos.
Before you head out, just keep in mind that evenings in Baja can get cool, so dress in warm layers.
Also, give your eyes at least 15 to 20 minutes to adapt to the darkness before you start tracing out the constellations.
6. Indulge in Fresh Seafood
Todos Santos can be seen as a farm-to-table foodie destination, where fresh ingredients and recently caught fish are the standard.
The seafood tacos here are something else that you don’t want to miss out on. With that in mind, Fish Taco Santo Chilote will probably be your best choice for these delicious tacos.
For mouthwatering ceviche, try El Compa Chava, where they serve huge share-style platters of freshly made fish ceviche with piles of crispy tostadas and salsa.
Yum! Tacos y Mariscos El Sinaloense is my final recommendation, serving both of these must-try dishes.
7. Explore Beaches on Horseback
Horseback riding is a fun way to get a taste of traditional life and explore the beautiful coastline and wildlife of Todos Santos.
A guided horseback riding tour will take you along Playa la Cachora and several beaches, where you’ll also catch the gorgeous Mexican sunset.
8. Take a Day Trip to La Paz
After you’ve had your fill of Todos Santos, it’s time to venture out and explore nearby areas.
This is exactly why I recommended renting a car so you can take your sweet time discovering new places. And, there’s no better place to start than La Paz.
It’s the capital of Baja California Sur and home to Mexico’s most beautiful beach, Balandra. This city is also where you’ll find some of the freshest seafood.
It takes about an hour to get there, and the time spent on the road is absolutely worth it, and not just for the beaches and food.
La Paz is renowned for its legendary markets, friendly traditional locals, and restaurants and bars with stunning ocean views.
9. Pop in at Cielito Lindo Market
Found in the downtown area, the Cielito Lindo Market is a vibrant, open-air market that offers an array of souvenirs and local handicrafts.
It’s the ideal spot to gather some keepsakes to remind you of your time in Todos Santos or for fun gifts for friends back home.
Even if you aren’t shopping, simply walking through it and taking in all the beautiful sights is enough. It’s one of those Instagrammable places you can’t skip on your trip.
10. Join a Yoga Retreat at Tribu Todos Santos
Tribu Todos Santos is a magical spot right on the beach with white-washed glamping-style teepees.
With a serene atmosphere, it’s no wonder this place doubles as a yoga retreat. These take place year-round, along with other spa treatments and facilities, to truly unwind.
With the stunning sun terrace, sea views, and infinity pool, you might as well book a night or two at this unique accommodation.
11. Spend Some Time at El Faro Beach Club
El Faro is a pristine beach located two miles from the historic center, offering complete relaxation to those who visit.
You’ll enjoy a private beach cabana with breathtaking views, a spa, and an infinity pool to make you feel even more relaxed.
And when you’re hungry, you don’t need to leave your cozy spot, as there’s an on-site seafood bar and grill serving delicious meals.
These range from surf and turf to ceviches, tacos, empanadas, and sashimi. Then, wash it all down with a sweet cocktail.
12. Join a Local Festival If You Can
There’s no better way to embrace the culture and locals of a destination than a festival that brings people from all walks of life together.
With the prominent traditional culture present in Todos Santos, it only makes sense to join in if you can. After all, this quaint town is home to many artists and musicians to brighten up the cultural events.
You can time your trip around the following arts and music festivals:
- Todos Santos Film Festival in November
- The GastroVino Food & Wine Festival in November
- The Tropic of Cancer Music & Arts Festival in January
- The Todos Santos Art Festival in late January to early February
- Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in late October to early November
13. Join a Unique Cooking Class
How about a “Mexican Survival Cooking Class”? While this may sound a bit extreme, it’s actually quite a fun and hands-on experience with plenty of food, drink, and laughter.
You’ll learn how to cook authentic Mexican cuisine while enjoying margaritas, Latin music, and dancing.
Sounds like fun? These cooking classes are offered by Todos Santos Eco Adventures, led by local chef Iker Algorri, a local lawyer-turned-chef.
What to Do in Todos Santos: FAQs
1. When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit Todos Santos is typically between December and April for amazing weather with warm days and cool evenings.
October and November are also lovely with mild temperatures and wonderful conditions for outdoor activities.
2. Is Todos Santos Safe?
Todos Santos is generally considered a safe place to live in the Baja Peninsula and is regarded as one of the best places for a family vacation.
3. What Are the Best Todos Santos Beaches?
The best beaches in Todos Santos include Playa Los Cerritos, ideal for surfing, and Palm Beach, which offers a peaceful swimming environment.
Playa La Cachora is also a great choice for those seeking tranquility and stunning views.
4. How to Get to Todos Santos?
Getting to Todos Santos is pretty straightforward. You can fly into Cabo San Lucas or San Jose Del Cabo and take an hour trip by road to Todos Santos from there.
I highly recommend a car rental for this, so you can explore beyond Todos Santos with ease.
Read Next: Try out these fantastic restaurants in Todos Santos while you’re there.