Todos Santos is a Pacific-side town in La Paz municipality, Baja California Sur, known for art, historic streets and food. From Cabo San Lucas, it makes an enjoyable day trip when you want a town walk and a good meal, with an optional coastal stop if time allows.
Where is Todos Santos?
The town lies north of Cabo San Lucas on the Highway 19 route toward La Paz. It is outside Los Cabos municipality, on the Pacific side of the peninsula. Plan the drive from your accommodation and allow extra time if you start in San José del Cabo or add stops along the way.
For a first visit, make the centre your destination. Choose parking that lets you explore on foot, then return to the car for a beach or countryside stop. The historic centre and the coast are separate parts of the outing.
Walk the historic centre
Start around the main square and the church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar. From there, leave time for the surrounding streets rather than following a rigid checklist. Notice the older buildings, shaded doorways and small businesses that give the town its character.
Todos Santos is designated a Pueblo Mágico. Its appeal includes the combination of regional heritage and a creative community, so a short guided walk can be useful if you want more context than a stroll provides. Ask what the route covers and whether it includes time to browse independently.
Galleries, studios and shopping
Art is a good reason to give Todos Santos an unhurried morning. Browse galleries and shops, ask about the artist and materials behind a piece, and leave room to return to a favourite. Opening days vary, so confirm directly if there is a particular studio you want to visit.
If buying something large or fragile, ask about packaging, delivery and the complete cost before committing. Photographing a work or an artist’s workspace is best done with permission.
Make lunch part of the visit
Choose your meal before filling the afternoon with extra stops. A café in the centre makes an easy break during a town walk, while a destination restaurant may need a reservation and a separate drive. Confirm opening and the location when booking.
For one well-known central stop, read our Hotel California guide. It covers the hotel setting and dining arrangements. Visiting the town does not require staying there, and hotel guest facilities have their own access rules.
Beaches near Todos Santos
The Pacific coastline adds a different setting to the village day. Punta Lobos is associated with the local fishing community, while Cerritos and San Pedrito are coastal options in the wider area toward El Pescadero. Check the particular access and road before setting off.
These beaches face Pacific swell. Choose a shore walk or scenic stop if you are unsure about conditions, and seek current local advice before swimming or surfing. For a surf lesson, arrange an instructor who selects the location for your ability and that day’s conditions.
A simple Todos Santos day-trip itinerary
Morning: arrive in the centre for coffee and a walk around the square, church area and nearby streets. Late morning: browse galleries and independent shops. Lunch: enjoy a meal with enough time to linger. Afternoon: continue in town or add one preplanned coastal stop before the return drive.
A town-focused day works well without a beach detour. If you want a longer meal, several galleries and time on the coast, consider staying overnight rather than compressing everything into a brief visit.
Todos Santos or El Triunfo?
Choose Todos Santos for galleries, food and a Pacific-side town day. Choose El Triunfo for mining heritage and museums on the Highway 1 side. They are different excursions, so plan the route around the experience you want most.
Compare more village outings in Rural Los Cabos. Browse places and activities in the At Los Cabos app before setting off.
Further reading: Los Cabos Tourism Board: Todos Santos, the tourism board’s town introduction and the Los Cabos Rural Guide.