Todos Santos from Cabo — Day Trip Guide to the Pueblo Mágico

Todos Santos is a small, artsy town about an hour north of Cabo San Lucas — and it’s one of the best day trips you can take from Los Cabos. Officially designated a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) by the Mexican government, it offers something completely different from the resort energy of Cabo: cobblestone streets, galleries, colonial architecture, surf beaches, and a genuine local vibe.

Here’s how to plan a day trip to Todos Santos from Cabo in 2026.

How to get there

Todos Santos is about 80 km (50 miles) north of Cabo San Lucas along Highway 19. The drive takes approximately one hour.

• Rental car — the most flexible option. The highway is a well-maintained two-lane road with ocean views along much of the route. Free street parking is easy to find in town around the central plaza.
• Taxi or private transfer — a taxi from Cabo runs about $80–$120 one way. A round-trip with a driver who waits costs $150–$200 for the day.
• Organized tour — several operators in Cabo run half-day and full-day Todos Santos tours. These typically include transportation, a walking guide, and lunch.

Hotel California

The most famous landmark in Todos Santos is Hotel California — a boutique hotel and bar that draws visitors thanks to its name (though the Eagles have said the song isn’t about this specific hotel). Regardless of the origin story, the hotel is worth a visit:

• The bar — open to non-guests. Colorful, eclectic decor with murals, vintage furniture, and a courtyard patio. Great cocktails.
• The shop — sells artisan goods, clothing, and Hotel California-branded items.
• Rooms — if you decide to stay overnight, the hotel has a small number of individually decorated rooms. Book well in advance.

Art galleries and the creative scene

Todos Santos has attracted artists, writers, and expats since the 1980s. The town’s gallery district is concentrated around the main plaza and can be explored on foot in 1–2 hours.

• Galería de Todos Santos — one of the original galleries, featuring local and international artists working in painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
• La Coronela — gallery and cultural space in a restored brick building, often hosting exhibitions and events.
• Street art and murals — scattered throughout the town center, especially on side streets near the historic sugar mill ruins.

If you visit on a Saturday morning, the Todos Santos farmers’ market offers organic produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and prepared food from local vendors.

Beaches and surf

Todos Santos sits on the Pacific coast, and its beaches are beautiful — but the surf is strong. Swimming is not recommended at most beaches due to powerful currents and shore break.

• Playa Los Cerritos — the best beach for swimming and beginner surfing. Located about 15 minutes south of town. Surf lessons and board rentals available on the beach.
• Playa La Pastora — a long, empty stretch of sand great for walking, but too rough for swimming.
• San Pedrito — a popular surf break for experienced surfers. Not a swimming beach.

Where to eat

Todos Santos has an outsized food scene for a town its size:

• Jazamango — farm-to-table restaurant by chef Javier Plascencia. Reservations recommended. One of the best meals in all of Baja.
• La Casita Tapas & Wine Bar — Spanish-influenced small plates in a courtyard setting.
• Taqueria El Paisa — simple, local, and excellent. Fish and shrimp tacos for a few dollars.
• Café Todos Santos — great coffee, pastries, and breakfast in a relaxed garden patio.

A brief history

Todos Santos was founded in 1723 by the Jesuit missionary Jaime Bravo as a mission settlement. In the mid-1800s it became a prosperous sugar-producing town — many of the colonial buildings you see today were built with sugar money. Production declined in the 1950s, and the town quieted until the highway from La Paz to Cabo was completed in the early 1980s, bringing tourists and a wave of artists who were drawn to the light, the landscape, and the affordable cost of living.

Today the town is a mix of Mexican families who have lived here for generations, a thriving expat and artist community, and day-trippers from Cabo looking for a change of pace.

Wildlife and nature

The area around Todos Santos is rich in biodiversity:

• Whale watching (Dec–Apr) — humpback and gray whales are visible from shore along the Pacific coast. For a closer encounter, book a whale watching tour from Cabo.
• Sea turtle release (Jul–Dec) — several conservation programs in the area allow visitors to help release baby sea turtles at sunset. Check locally for schedules.
• Desert flora — the Sierra de la Laguna biosphere surrounds the town, with approximately 125 endemic plant species including cardon cacti, elephant trees, and wild fig trees.
• Birding — over 40 species have been documented in the area, including ospreys, pelicans, and frigatebirds along the coast.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Todos Santos from Cabo San Lucas?

About 80 km (50 miles), or roughly one hour by car along Highway 19.

Is Todos Santos worth a day trip from Cabo?

Absolutely. It’s a completely different vibe from Cabo — quieter, more artistic, and authentically Mexican. Plan at least 4–5 hours to see the town, visit galleries, and have lunch.

Can I take a bus to Todos Santos from Cabo?

Yes, Aguila buses run the route, but departures are limited and the schedule isn’t always convenient for a day trip. A rental car or organized tour is more practical.

Is the Hotel California in Todos Santos the one from the Eagles song?

The Eagles have said no. But the hotel leans into the association, and it’s a fun, photogenic spot to visit regardless.

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