Many would consider Mexico’s Todos Santos as a decades-ago Tulum—and we hope it stays that way (you won’t find influencer-invaded day clubs here). A brief 1.5-hour drive from Cabo and its international airport, the tiny desert Baja surf town’s blossoming can be credited to its ever-increasing buzz: each coming day, more and more boutique hotels sprout from the area’s wild landscape, farm-to-fork restaurants continue to woo over clean-eating travelers, and a pedestrianized downtown often welcome new galleries, coffee shops, and boho-chic stores. Read on for our official guide to Todos Santos.
Where to Stay
Desierto Azul
This unhurried, four-room boutique hotel wears a minimalist, boho-chic décor that echoes Todos Santos’ quintessential aesthetic. It exudes all the qualities associated with a HAP-worthy stay: sun lounges encircle its vanishing-edge pool, instances of exposed concrete fuel an uncluttered design narrative, dangling rattan lamps adorn rooms’ monochromatic grey schemes, cacti-clad desert views seem omnipresent, and an extra-friendly staff makes this one of our favorite Todos Santos stays.
Paradero Todos Santos
This brutalist fortress’ buildings unassumingly pop out of nowhere amidst the area’s untrodden desert terrain. From its spa—try the Temescal treatment, an ancient Aztec wellness tradition taking place in an igloo-shaped structure under the guidance of a local shaman—to the horizon-blended pool and upper-level suites’ hammock-like nets that stir the soul, this luxe stay is bound together by dint of its alluring qualities.
Where to Eat
Jazamango
Jazamango is a farm-to-table, standalone restaurant celebrating the beauty of being outside via its amicable outdoor terrace punctuated with clusters of lush foliage. You can’t go wrong with any of the dishes here—but, if we had to pick, the octopus and corn cake are must-orders.
Santoro
A second-floor restaurant in the middle of town, expect Mexican cuisine highlighting Baja’s famed dishes. A terracotta-hued wall with a plastered longhorn-faced carcass backdrops an extensive outdoor patio boasting Pacific views. Order the fish tacos (you can thank us later).
Where to Drink
La Copa at Todos Santos Boutique Hotel
La Copa is the classy cocktail bar at the brand-new 10-key Todos Santos Boutique Hotel. Green velvet banquettes, leather chairs, Damask-equipped chandeliers, and walls kitted out in storytelling murals breed a speakeasy-of-yesteryear feel.
Where to Visit
Downtown Todos Santos
Plan your downtown outing and visit Todos Santos’ breadth of mom-and-pop establishments, which architecturally occupy a mix of red brick, straw-roofed, or colorful colonial buildings. Pop into Oystera, a plant-veiled building housing a few concept stores and a centered oyster bar restaurant. When you’re ready for an espresso or iced coffee, walk down the street to the hyper-local Café La Perla. And finally, come time for a little shopping, sojourn over to antiquarian, treasure-filled stores like Mixtica, then boho-chic boutiques packed with Mexican-spun clothing, ceramics, and accessories: Zocalo, Saguaro, Nomad Chic, Hilo Rojo, plus Pronto Muy Pronto make our shortlist.
Have a Beach Day at Punta Lobos
This secluded beach captures the essence of untamed Baja. Park yourself at the sand-side Hotel San Cristobal for lunch. Then, head left for a few minutes, plop your towel on the sand and enjoy the uncrowded shoreline, which comes with resident ocean views and crashing waves. If in the mood for a four-hour trek, hike Sugar Port Trail, which commences near Punta Lobos and continues to Playa Los Cerritos (sea lions are a common sight).
Go Surfing
Head to Mario Surf School at Cerritos Beach for a top-line surfing lesson, a sport considered to be Todos Santos’ most-famed pastime.
Horseback Riding
Ranchero culture runs through the locale’s veins. When here, go horseback ride down unmarked trails and witness the beauty of Todos Santos’s desert landscape (unpaved roads often lead to the prettiest places in Baja). Todos Santos Eco Adventures can help you get started—they will match you with the right horse based on your skill level.
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