Todos Santos — Baja's Creative Soul

About Todos Santos

Todos Santos occupies a peculiar and wonderful position in the Baja landscape — a colonial town of 9,000 people that has become simultaneously a UNESCO Creative City, a serious surf destination, and a farm-to-table dining scene, while remaining genuinely, stubbornly itself. It has attracted an international community of artists, restaurateurs, surfers, and writers without losing the agricultural roots and Mexican character that make it worth visiting.

The town sits at the foot of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains where an underground freshwater spring surfaces, creating a micro-oasis of mango orchards, avocado groves, and vegetable farms that supply the restaurant scene. The streets of the historic center are lined with 18th and 19th century colonial architecture — many of which now house galleries, cafes, and boutiques.

Top Things To Do

The Art Gallery Scene

Todos Santos has more galleries per capita than almost any town in Mexico. Galería de Todos Santos, Galería Logan, and the Charles Stewart Gallery are among the most established. The annual Todos Santos Art Festival each November is unmissable. Even if you're not a buyer, the galleries are beautiful spaces — and conversations with artists in their studios are often the best part of a visit.

Farm-to-Table Dining

The freshwater spring that sustains the town's agriculture means local chefs have access to extraordinary produce grown minutes from the kitchen. El Gusto! at Posada La Poza offers a sophisticated menu with views across a lagoon to the Pacific. Jazamango, set in an organic farm and garden, is more casual but equally memorable. Taco Fish La Esquina serves the best fish tacos in a hundred miles for under $5 each.

Hotel California and the Historic Center

Whatever you believe about the Eagles connection, the Hotel California rewards a visit for its beautiful colonial architecture, a lush courtyard, and a bar serving some of the best cocktails in Baja. The surrounding streets are perfect for a slow afternoon: browse the market, duck into galleries, eat at a taco stand, and watch life happen at the town plaza. The 1723 Misión de Santa Rosa de las Palmas church anchors the center.

Surf the Pacific Breaks

The Pacific coast west of Todos Santos hosts several breaks suitable for beginner to advanced surfers. Playa Cerritos (15 min north) is the best beginner break. Punta Lobos, just south of town, is a more powerful reef break for intermediate and experienced surfers. Multiple surf schools and rental shops operate in and around town.