Swap Cabo's high-rise buzz for cobblestone streets and you'll feel the tempo slow the moment you roll into Todos Santos. Officially named a Pueblo Mágico, this Pacific outpost pairs colonial façades with a free-spirited art scene, and more than a dozen art galleries line its compact center.
The town's focal point, an 18th-century historic mission, still looks toward the ocean as it has since 1733, while color-splashed studios, taco stands, and the storied Hotel California spread out around the plaza.
Because everything sits within a few shady blocks, you can savor the town's bohemian rhythm and still be back in Cabo by dinner. The following five tips cover timing the coastal drive, finding the freshest farm-to-table lunch, surfing a gentle beach break, and shopping sustainably.
Tip 1 – Start Your Day with Empty Roads and Ocean Views
Leave Cabo at dawn—7 AM works best—and you'll have the desert road mostly to yourself. The Highway 19 drive takes about an hour, with cacti on one side and Pacific views on the other. If you're planning beach stops later, rent an SUV since roads to Cerritos or Punta Lobos are unpaved and rough.
Downtown parking is free but fills up fast, so arriving early means you'll find a spot and can walk everywhere—the colonial center is small enough to cross in minutes.
Don't want to deal with driving and the hassle of a car rental? A guided day tour will handle the navigation and parking while you enjoy the coastal scenery.
Tip 2 – Get Lost in the Colors and Culture of Downtown Todos Santos
Start at Misión Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the 1723 church whose façade glows in the Pacific breeze. A short walk leads to Plaza Centro, where kids chase pigeons and elders trade stories. Two blocks away, Hotel California draws visitors with scarlet walls and chilled margaritas—just don’t expect an Eagles backstory.
Cobblestone streets lead into the art district, where bougainvillea frames whitewashed studios. La Sonrisa De La Muerte mixes floral skulls with woven textiles; Galería Todos Santos offers bronze sculptures and quiet shade. Charles Stewart Gallery’s skylights reveal every brushstroke of the Baja palette.
The Magical Todos Santos tour hits the town’s top spots with local insight woven in. Artists often welcome questions, and guided walks add depth without slowing the pace. Bring a wide-brim hat and take your time—the colors get better as the sun drops.
Tip 3 – Eat What’s Grown Steps from Your Table
When midday heat settles over the plaza, head uphill to JAZAMANGO. Chef Javier Plascencia grows most of the menu steps from your table, so the fish tostada or wood-fired squash you order was probably harvested that morning. Tables sit between herb beds and fruit trees, and an open kitchen lets you watch tortillas puff over mesquite coals.
For your caffeine fix, grab a pour-over at La Esquina. The baristas roast Baja beans in-house, and the shady patio provides perfect refuge from the desert sun with their house-made cold brew.
Baja cooking centers on whatever the sea and surrounding ranches yield—yellowtail ceviche, chiltepin-spiked vegetables, and tangy goat cheese from local herds. Much of the seafood hails from the Sea of Cortez, whose nutrient-rich waters shape the region's flavor palette.
While some restaurants may have afternoon closures, many remain open throughout the day, so it's a good idea to check individual hours and keep a reusable water bottle handy.
When the afternoon calls for something sweet, Neveria Rocco or Paleteria La Paloma turns local fruit into bright, icy paletas. Tour groups often reserve tables in advance, freeing you to linger among the mango trees rather than juggle restaurant hours.
Tip 4 – Gentle Waves or Golden Light? Why Not Both
Pacific swells roll into Cerritos Beach with the kind of gentle consistency that makes learning to surf feel less like combat and more like conversation. The break here builds gradually over sand, giving first-timers room to recover from mistakes.
Ten minutes north, Punta Lobos tells a different story. Fishing pangas scrape onto the beach each afternoon while pelicans circle for scraps from the day's catch. The rocky trail above the cove opens onto sunset views that paint the Sierra de la Laguna pink and gold. This is where photographers come to capture Baja's raw beauty, but swimming stays at Cerritos—currents everywhere else demand respect.
Pack sun-protective clothes: a long-sleeve rash guard, wide-brim hat, and quick-dry towel work better than any lotion at this latitude. Organized trips handle the logistics—transport, soft-top boards, and current surf reports—leaving you free to toast the fading light at The Green Room.
Tip 5 – Handcrafted Treasures That Support the Community
Calle Centenario hums with local businesses that know their craft—loom-woven blankets, Talavera mugs still warm from the kiln, silver filigree that mirrors the Pacific's waves. Many of these shops participate in the town's Zero Waste initiative, a community program that has redirected 60 percent of organic waste away from landfills and installed refill stations throughout town.
Start at Besame Mucho, where vintage meets luxury—embroidered serapes share shelf space with retro Cuban vinyl. A few doors down, Nomad Chic curates breezy linens and woven hats that work perfectly as sun protection. Zócalo stocks ethically sourced jewelry and donates part of every sale to Baja charities.
Small stalls prefer pesos, so carry a pocketful of coins for quick transactions. Larger boutiques accept cards without issue. Haggling works when done respectfully—a friendly smile and one reasonable counter-offer rather than aggressive negotiation. If you fall for an oversized Oaxacan rug, most shops arrange shipping, and tour groups keep purchases secure while you visit the rest of town.
Bonus – Yes, You Can Ride a Camel by the Ocean
A camel's gentle sway creates an unexpected rhythm as you traverse sun-bleached dunes toward the Pacific. The elevated saddle provides a commanding view: rolling cactus hills on one side, endless ocean on the other. Kids settle comfortably in front of the hump while parents capture the moment, and trained handlers share insights about hardy desert plants that thrive on nothing but coastal fog.
Small herds mean every rider gets unhurried time with these calm animals, whose steady gait suits even first-timers. The experience works particularly well for families, as the gentle giants seem to understand their precious cargo. Many activity packages pair this camel ride with free time in town, eliminating the need for separate bookings.
For those looking to simplify the day, the Camel ATV Ecofarm tour is a great option. This tour combines the camel experience with a thrilling ATV ride through the desert, and includes a farm-to-table lunch. It's perfect if you'd rather not worry about organizing activities and meals separately.
Pack a long-sleeve rash guard, closed-toe shoes, and a compact camera. The light off the sand turns golden near sunset, creating dramatic silhouettes as camel shadows stretch across the dunes—one of Baja's most striking scenes.
Why Book a Guided Todos Santos Day Tour?
Highway 19 is glorious, but an hour of desert switchbacks followed by the hunt for downtown parking can sap the start of your day. On a guided tour, you relax in an air-conditioned van while someone else handles the wheel, tolls, and the tight spaces around the plaza.
Once in town, a bilingual guide turns landmarks into stories. You'll hear why the 1733 mission helped shape regional trade, then step behind the church to spot the hidden sunstone most visitors miss. With schedules arranged ahead of time, a table is waiting when it's time for lunch, saving you from the midday reservation scramble.
Small groups keep the pace nimble: visits to the mission and art district are common, and some tours may be customized to include treats or nearby beaches, but standard itineraries do not always include every stop listed here or end at Punta Lobos bluff for sunset. Cabo Adventures combines transport, gear, and local insight so you can simply bring sun-protective clothes, pesos for souvenirs, and a willingness to let Todos Santos surprise you.
