Explore Beyond Cabo - A Day in Todos Santos
Baja California is more than just Los Cabos. Exploring beyond the tourist corridors leads to unforgettable experiences, unique encounters and some of the best food you’ve ever had - that isn’t likely to be covered in your average guide book.
On your next trip to Los Cabos, plan a day trip to Todos Santos where you will find beautiful public art, the ‘Hotel California’ (whether it is actually the inspiration for the Eagles hit is up for debate), delicious food and secluded views of the Pacific Ocean.
Things To Do
Dine - One of our favorite reasons to visit Todos Santos is the FOOD! Whether it's birria from a street cart or a delicious smoothie - Todos Santos has a little something for everyone.
Public Art - As you wander through the streets of Todos Santos, you will find public art around every corner. There are beautiful murals, sculptures and interactive exhibits throughout the city.
Beaches - All along HWY 19 between Los Cabos and Todos Santos there are swimmable public beaches. Our favorites are Cerritos Beach and Playa Las Palmas. Cerritos Beach features a beach club with chair rentals, activities such as surf lessons and restaurants. Playa Las Palmas is more low key with a hike from the parking lot through a palm tree oasis, leading to a secluded bay and the possibility of seeing wild horses.
Shopping - Todos Santos offers a variety of shops. While you can certainly find the traditional tourist markets here, there are also higher end shops offering locally made goods, art and boutique clothing.
Hiking - If you are looking for a little adventure, there are some short hiking trails that offer amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. Cerro Punta Lobos is a great 1 mile out and back, perfect for sunset.
Where to Eat
Shakti Bowl, Todos Santos - A great place to start your day with fresh fruit juices, smoothies, and acai bowls.
Address: C. Benito Juárez sn, Centro, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S., Mexico
Jazamango Cafe, Todos Santos - Another great breakfast option featuring chilaquiles, pancakes, pastries and more.
Address: Calle Benito Juárez, Av. Gral. Topete y, Centro, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S., Mexico
Birria Street Cart, Todos Santos - You can typically find this cart along the main square in Todos Santos. Offering birria tacos and quesadillas, this is hands down some of the best birria we’ve ever had. Cash only.
Address: Typically found on Heroico Colegio Militar across from Parque Los Pinos
Oystera, Todos Santos - This oyster bar is featured in the Michelin guide for a reason. If you’re looking for something a little on the fancier side, this is a great option.
Address: Ignacio Zaragoza y Santos E, Calle Benito Juárez, Degollado, Centro, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S., Mexico
La Tuna, Cerritos Beach - This beach-side restaurant has great vibes and even better Baja Fish Tacos
Address: 8RJF+4C El Pescadero, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Tips for Exploring
Travel to and from Los Cabos to Todos Santos and surrounding beaches may seem a bit intimidating but we found the experience to be safe and easy - the most ‘dangerous’ thing we encountered was a wild horse! Guided tours are available, but we prefer to explore at our own pace. Here are some tips to make the day a little easier:
Rent a car - Check with your hotel concierge to see if they can coordinate this for you. Oftentimes, they can arrange for the rental company to drop off and pick up the car at your resort, saving you time and the headache of coordinating transportation to a rental car facility. Additionally, we would recommend full insurance coverage for rentals in Mexico. If your credit card offers this as a benefit, check with them in advance if it applies to international rentals and what their payout timeline is to help you make the best decision for you and your family!
Driving on the main highway, 19, between Los Cabos and Todos Santos is a lot like driving on any interstate in the US. It is well maintained and fairly smooth. Side streets off of the highway are where you’re more likely to find dirt roads with ruts and pot holes. Keep this in mind when booking your rental car in case you think you may want to explore some of the more remote beaches.
Get an early start and try to return to Los Cabos before dark. This recommendation is primarily in reference to the road conditions - side streets are not well lit making it more difficult to see the pot holes along the way.
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