For anyone looking for an underdeveloped slice of paradise, the tiny town of Todos Santos in Baja California Sur is just the ticket. The area is so delightful that it was designated a Pueblo Mágico by the Mexican government, one of just 100 or so small towns honored for its natural beauty, cultural richness, traditions, arts & crafts, etc.
The quiet surfing town lies an hour north of Cabo and got a healthy amount of buzz when the Hotel San Cristobál opened in 2017. Down a dirt road connecting the highway to the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find the stylish beachfront abode favored by Instagram influencers and the chic nomadic types.
Sipping mezcal cocktails by the turquoise pool overlooking the ocean is a fine way to spend your time here, but there are also miles of great hiking and biking trails all around in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range. And of course surfing with some of the country’s best surf breaks located nearby.
The wide Punta Lobos beach is secluded and peaceful, with locals coming to fish as they’ve done for a long time.
This is THE stylish spot for those who want a little bit of scene and eye-catching design while still feeling pretty remote and yet undiscovered – it’s ‘Baja cool’. Nooks with fireplaces all around the pool add to the charm and the onsite restaurant serves fresh, healthy and wholesome meals to regenerate you after too many margaritas. You’ll want to linger here for a few days, at least, feeling rejuvenated and totally inspired.
When you’re ready to get out and explore, Todos Santos is just a 5 minutes drive away.
The incredibly chilled and sleepy town is a walker’s dream with quiet cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings.
Popping into artisan shops and galleries is a joy as you get to interact with locals and expats who’ve settled here to live their hippie dreams. From colorful crafts to bohemian clothing and intricate handwoven textiles, the shopping experience here feels a lot more relaxed and rewarding than in Cabo.
Old haciendas have been turned into boutique hotels and restaurants. I love the rather unique architecture of brick buildings, somewhat blending the desert and mountains style synonymous with the region.
Side streets filled with charming cafes are begging for quiet contemplation and cultural immersion, with artists workshops opened onto the sidewalks.
Even private residences have a pedigree all their own and a personal nod to their beautiful surroundings, wildlife being especially prolific both underwater and in the sky.
For such a small town, there is an impressive amount of good eateries with a perfect blend of local and expat cuisine. Some are more hidden than others and you’ll find a delightful surprise in the backyard of Ezra Katz’ gallery.
A lush and beautiful garden is also a Mediterranean restaurant called ‘Bleu’ where you can savor drinks and light meals in a tropical haven.
Everything here is a reminder to take it slow…and it’s a big reason why Todos Santos has won so many hearts. Taking in its myriad of little details from photogenic doorways to stunning mosaics on a wall is the art cure we all need. Reality is it probably won’t stay this quiet for long (people are already referring to it as the ‘next Tulum’) but I’m pretty sure the hippie vibes will stay on.
Mountains, beach, outdoor activities, delicious food, local arts, friendly locals, uber chilled town with everything you need… this is the alternative Mexican beach vacation that will leave you totally refreshed and feeling like a lucky insider.
