Where Desert Meets Ocean: Understanding Todos Santos
Todos Santos is a coastal town in Baja California Sur where the Pacific Ocean meets the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, about an hour north of Cabo San Lucas. This designated Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) offers a quieter, more authentic Mexican experience than the resort areas to the south.
Quick Facts About Todos Santos:
- Location: Pacific side of Baja California Sur, on the Tropic of Cancer
- Distance: 81 km from La Paz, 75 km from Cabo San Lucas
- Population: 7,185 (2020 census)
- Climate: Year-round mild temperatures, best weather November–April
- Known for: Art galleries, surfing beaches, farm-to-table dining, historic architecture
- Access: Highway 19 from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), approximately one hour drive
If you’ve been looking at Los Cabos resorts and wondering what else is in the area, Todos Santos shows a different side of Baja. The town sits on a mesa backed by mountains, facing the Pacific. This geography creates a microclimate that allows mango groves, palm trees, and organic farms to grow in the desert.
The Mexican government named Todos Santos a Pueblo Mágico in 2006. This status is given to towns that maintain their cultural heritage, historic architecture, and traditional way of life. Only about 177 towns across Mexico hold this title.
Todos Santos began as a mission in 1724. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the town grew prosperous from sugar cane production, with eight mills running at its peak. When the freshwater spring dried up in 1950, most residents left. The spring returned in 1981, and the paving of Highway 19 brought the town back to life. Today, its economy is based on farming, fishing, art, and tourism.
People come to Todos Santos to surf uncrowded breaks, browse art galleries in restored colonial buildings, and eat meals made from local ingredients in a town not built only for tourists.
Where the Desert Touches the Sea: The Unique Setting of Todos Santos
Todos Santos sits in a rare spot where geography creates something special. The arid Baja desert softens into a green oasis, fed by underground springs and cooled by Pacific winds. The town is perched on a mesa just west of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains.
This location creates a microclimate that supports what you wouldn’t expect in a desert: ancient mango orchards, palm groves, and organic farms that grow year-round. The contrast is immediate. One minute you are in typical Baja scrubland, and the next you are on bougainvillea-lined streets. The town also sits on the Tropic of Cancer, adding to its unique weather and character.
Todos Santos is located about halfway between the busy resorts of Cabo San Lucas and the quieter capital, La Paz. This makes it easy to reach but keeps it separate from the large crowds.
The town’s history is tied to water. Founded as a mission in 1724, it became an agricultural hub due to its freshwater springs. By the early 1900s, Todos Santos was the sugar cane capital of Baja. But in 1950, a drought dried up the main spring, the mills closed, and most people left.
Things changed in 1981 when the spring returned. Around the same time, the paving of Highway 19 connected the town to the rest of Baja California Sur. Farmers came back, tourism grew, and artists moved in, drawn by the light and landscape.
The Mexican government named Todos Santos a Pueblo Mágico in 2006. This title is for towns that have kept their natural beauty, cultural traditions, and historic buildings. The program supports preservation and helps protect what makes the town worth visiting.
The weather in Todos Santos is pleasant most of the year. Pacific breezes keep it cooler than Los Cabos or La Paz. Daily highs are usually in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius (70s to low 80s Fahrenheit). Rain is minimal, with plenty of sunshine without the intense heat found elsewhere in Baja. You can check the official climate data for Todos Santos to see the patterns.
This mix of geography, climate, and history creates a setting unlike anywhere else in Baja. It is part beach resort, part desert town, and part mountain village.
Insider’s Guide: Experiencing the Best of Todos Santos
Todos Santos is best for visitors who take time to explore. The town moves at its own pace, inviting you to wander cobblestone streets, taste food from nearby fields, and watch waves on uncrowded beaches.
Art, History, and Local Color
The art scene in Todos Santos feels authentic. Galleries fill restored colonial buildings along bougainvillea-lined streets. You can browse paintings, hand-forged jewelry, and woven textiles from local and international artists who call Baja home.
Nomad Chic and Saguaro are two shops with a great selection of locally made products and unique designs that reflect the town’s style—a mix of Mexican craftsmanship and contemporary design.
The Centro Cultural is the town’s cultural heart, with exhibitions and community events. Nearby, the historic Teatro Manuel Márquez de León still hosts performances. Walking through the centro, you pass buildings from the town’s sugar cane boom.
And then there’s the Hotel California. It’s a beautiful, restored colonial building with a courtyard restaurant. While The Eagles have confirmed their song is not about this hotel, the name brings in curious travelers and makes for a good photo. You can learn more about what the town offers at More info about Todos Santos Locations.
Beaches, Surf, and Wildlife
The Pacific coast near Todos Santos is different from the calm waters of Los Cabos. The waves are bigger, the beaches are less developed, and the surf culture is more laid-back.
Playa Los Cerritos, about 10 minutes south of town, is popular with families and beginner surfers due to its gentle waves. Surf schools on the beach offer lessons and board rentals. Afterward, grab fish tacos from a beach shack.
Playa San Pedrito is for more experienced surfers seeking consistent, powerful waves. The beach is less developed than Cerritos, offering more solitude.
At Punta Lobos, you can see traditional fishing life. Panga boats launch from the beach each morning and return with their catch in the afternoon. A short hike from the parking area offers views of the rocky coast.
From December to April, gray whales migrate through these waters. Whale watching tours leave from spots near Todos Santos. Another seasonal event is the sea turtle release. From December to early spring, local conservation groups host releases at sunset, where you can help hatchlings reach the ocean.
Baja’s Farm-to-Table Flavors
Underground springs allow for year-round farming. Small organic farms supply restaurants with produce harvested the same day.
Jazamango is a leader in local farm-to-table dining. The restaurant is set in a garden where many ingredients are grown. Oystera focuses on seafood, especially oysters from Baja’s Pacific coast. Santoro is a rooftop spot with ocean views and creative dishes like a shrimp burger.
For coffee and fresh pastries, try Taller 17. Doce Cuarenta Cafe is worth the dirt-road drive for its coffee and wine selection. For sunset drinks on the beach, The Green Room offers fresh seafood and cold beer. Hierbabuena is another great option for fresh, local ingredients.
Fish tacos in Todos Santos are made with fish straight from local boats. The food here is fresh, unpretentious, and connected to the land and sea.
Planning Your Todos Santos Adventure
Planning a visit to Todos Santos means thinking about how to get there, when to go, and what to expect.
Getting There and Getting Around
Most visitors fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). From there, the drive north on the paved Highway 19 takes about an hour along the scenic Pacific coastline.
For a simple start to your trip, private transfers or shared shuttles from the airport are easy options. SJD Taxi offers both. Private transfers take you directly to your door, with complimentary beer or water for each passenger. We can even arrange grocery stops, so you arrive with everything you need. Child car seats are available for private transfers.
Shared shuttles are a less expensive choice, though they may have a short wait at the airport and make a few stops. A seat costs between $13 and $40 per person each way, depending on your destination. A seat is required for every person, including children. Shared shuttles cannot make grocery stops or enter private, gated communities.
While Highway 19 is paved, many roads in town and to remote beaches are dirt. The unpaved roads are part of the town’s rustic charm, but can be bumpy. Arranged transportation gives you the freedom to explore without worrying about navigation.
We can help arrange your transportation from the airport. Cabo Airport to Todos Santos Shuttle Guide and for direct booking, SJD Cabo Airport to Todos Santos.
When to Visit and Where to Stay
The best time to visit Todos Santos is between November and April. The days are warm and sunny, and the evenings are cool. The busiest season is December through January. Summer, from May to October, is hot and humid with a greater chance of rain.
Todos Santos has cultural events year-round. The Tropic of Cancer Festival de Musica y Artes is for music lovers, while the Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival focuses on the region’s food. The Todos Santos Cine Fest shows independent films at the historic theater.
Accommodations range from boutique hotels in colonial buildings to beachfront resorts and private rentals. The Kimpton Mas Olas Resort offers a high-end experience, while smaller guesthouses provide a more intimate stay.
Plan for at least three to five days to get a feel for the town. A week or more lets you settle into the slower pace and take day trips to places like La Paz or Cerritos Beach.
What to Know: Growth, Conservation, and Responsible Travel
Todos Santos is growing quickly, which creates challenges for its water supply and infrastructure. The water system is strained, and power can be unreliable. Local groups like Protect Todos Santos work on these issues, pushing for sustainable development.
As a visitor, you can help by making conscious choices. Shop at local boutiques, eat at family-run restaurants, and book with local tour operators to support the community. Being mindful of water and electricity use helps reduce the strain on resources. Respecting the natural environment helps protect the beauty of the area.
The town has drawn notable figures over the years, including former governor Félix Agramont Cota and musician Peter Buck of R.E.M., adding to its reputation as a creative haven.
Being aware of the town’s character and challenges can lead to a better experience and help keep Todos Santos special for the future.
When you are ready to explore this enchanting Pueblo Mágico and other unique destinations in Baja California Sur, we are here to help with your transportation needs. Start planning your trip to Todos Santos and other Baja locations
