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Todos Santos, Baja California Sur — Mexico

Todos Santos: Art, Surf & Desert Magic on the Pacific Coast

Your complete guide to exploring the galleries, surfing Los Cerritos, whale watching in the bay, visiting the legendary Hotel California, and discovering the authentic soul of Baja California Sur.

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Unforgettable Tours & Experiences in Todos Santos

Surf lessons at Los Cerritos, whale watching expeditions, art gallery tours, sea turtle releases, ATV rides through the desert, and farm-to-table culinary experiences — find your perfect Baja adventure.

Discover the Soul of Todos Santos

Perched between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains in Baja California Sur, Todos Santos is one of Mexico's most captivating Pueblos Mágicos. An oasis town where world-class surf breaks meet cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, boutique hotels, organic farms, and some of the best restaurants on the Baja peninsula. The legendary Hotel California — inspiration for the Eagles' iconic song — anchors the historic center. From December to March, humpback whales breach in the Pacific bay just offshore, while sea turtles nest on wild, uncrowded beaches year-round.

Private Experiences in Todos Santos

From dawn surf sessions at Los Cerritos to sunset whale watching on the Pacific — curated moments that connect you to the extraordinary desert coast of Baja California Sur.

Humpback Whale Watching
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Humpback Whale Watching

From December to March, humpback whales migrate through the Pacific waters off Todos Santos on their way between Alaskan feeding grounds and warmer breeding waters. Small-group boat tours bring you face-to-face with these magnificent 40-ton giants as they breach, slap their flukes, and escort their calves through the bay.

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Surf Lessons at Los Cerritos
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Surf Lessons at Los Cerritos

Playa Los Cerritos, just 12 km south of Todos Santos, is Baja's most beginner-friendly surf beach — a long, wide bay with consistent, rolling waves and a gentle sandy bottom. Professional certified instructors offer 2-hour group and private lessons for all levels, from absolute beginners to intermediates looking to improve technique. Board and wetsuit included.

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Art Gallery Tour & Hotel California
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Art Gallery Tour & Hotel California

Todos Santos has been a Pueblo Mágico since 2006 and is home to over 30 art galleries showcasing Mexican folk art, contemporary painting, sculpture, and photography. A guided gallery walk through the historic centro is a cultural feast — ending, of course, at the Hotel California, whose lobby, bar, and rooms are themselves works of art, decorated with eclectic antiques and Mexican folk art. Whether or not you believe the legend, it's unmissable.

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Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Tour
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Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Tour

The wild beaches north and south of Todos Santos — Punta Lobos, La Poza, and El Pescadero — are critical nesting grounds for olive ridley and leatherback sea turtles. From July to December, local conservation groups protect nests and facilitate respectful nighttime witnessing of nesting females and morning releases of hatchlings. An emotional and educational experience for families and nature lovers.

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Private Transfers to Todos Santos

Travel comfortably with our private door-to-door transfer service from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), Cabo San Lucas, or La Paz directly to your hotel or rental in Todos Santos — approximately 80 km and 1 hour from the airport.

Los Cabos Airport (SJD) → Todos Santos From $1,800 MXN Book via WhatsApp
Cabo San Lucas → Todos Santos From $1,200 MXN Book via WhatsApp
San José del Cabo → Todos Santos From $1,600 MXN Book via WhatsApp
La Paz → Todos Santos From $1,400 MXN Book via WhatsApp
La Paz Airport (LAP) → Todos Santos Consult Book via WhatsApp

What Our Customers Say

Real reviews from real travelers on Google

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"Todos Santos is unlike anywhere else in Mexico. The art galleries, the Hotel California legend, the incredible food scene, and then a 20-minute drive to some of the best surf in Baja — it's the perfect combination. We stayed for a week and left planning our return. The whale watching tour was spectacular."

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Catherine Moore

01/2026

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"Las ballenas jorobadas en la bahía de Todos Santos son un espectáculo que te deja sin palabras. Las vimos saltar a solo unos metros del bote. El pueblo en sí es precioso — los murales, las galerías, la arquitectura colonial. Y el surf en Los Cerritos al atardecer... perfecto."

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Ricardo Mendoza

02/2026

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"Todos Santos est une véritable bouffée d'air frais. Un village d'artistes authentique avec des galeries magnifiques, une gastronomie surprenante, des plages sauvages et des baleines à deux pas. L'Hotel California est incontournable — même si vous ne logez pas, prenez un verre au bar. Quelle atmosphère !"

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Sophie Delacroix

12/2025

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"Took surf lessons at Los Cerritos and caught my first real wave at 45 years old. The instructors were patient, encouraging, and hilarious. The beach itself is stunning — long, wide, gentle break. Then drove back to Todos Santos for the most incredible fish tacos I've ever had. Perfect day."

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James Whitfield

03/2026

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"Todos Santos tiene una energía muy especial. Es bohemio pero sofisticado, relajado pero lleno de vida. Los restaurantes de granja a mesa son increíbles — comí los mejores aguacates de mi vida directo de la huerta. Las tortugas anidando en la playa de noche fue una experiencia que no olvidaré."

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Lucía Fernández

11/2025

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"Came for the surf, stayed for everything else. Todos Santos has this perfect balance of authentic Mexican culture and world-class amenities. The Hotel California museum, the art walks on Saturdays, hiking in the Sierra de la Laguna — every day was a new adventure. And the whales! Never imagined I'd see humpbacks so close to shore."

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Henrik Larsson

01/2026

Todos Santos Business Directory

Restaurants, hotels, spas, galleries, and local businesses — everything you need for your stay in Todos Santos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Todos Santos known for? expand_more
Todos Santos is best known as a Pueblo Mágico (Mexico's designation for towns of exceptional cultural and natural heritage) renowned for its vibrant art scene, with over 30 galleries in the historic centro. It's also famous for the legendary Hotel California — widely believed to have inspired the Eagles' 1977 hit song — superb Pacific surf at Los Cerritos beach, humpback whale watching from December to March, sea turtle conservation programs, farm-to-table dining with organic produce from local farms, and a unique blend of authentic Mexican culture and bohemian international sophistication.
Is the Hotel California in Todos Santos THE Hotel California from the Eagles song? expand_more
The legend persists and the hotel leans into it beautifully. The Hotel California in Todos Santos' historic centro is a stunning boutique hotel and restaurant filled with eclectic art, antiques, and Mexican folk art. Whether or not it's the actual inspiration for the Eagles' 1977 song is debated — the band members have given conflicting accounts over the years — but the hotel has fully embraced the myth and created a genuinely magical experience around it. Worth visiting regardless: the bar, restaurant, and rooms are exceptional, and the live music on weekends creates an atmosphere that feels almost... legendary.
How do I get to Todos Santos from Los Cabos? expand_more
Todos Santos is approximately 80 km (about 1 hour by car) northwest of Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) along the beautiful Highway 19, which runs along the Pacific coast past Cabo San Lucas. Options include: renting a car at the airport (recommended for exploring the area); taking a private transfer directly to your hotel in Todos Santos (most comfortable option with luggage); or taking a bus from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo. From La Paz (1 hour north on Highway 19), it's even closer. There is no direct public transit from the airport.
When is the best time to visit Todos Santos? expand_more
October to April is generally considered the best time to visit Todos Santos. This is the dry season with warm days (22–28°C), cool nights, and calm Pacific waters. December through March is whale watching season when humpback whales migrate through. The Festival de Arte, Música y Cultura in late January / early February is one of the best cultural events in Baja. July to September is the hot, humid season with occasional tropical storms but beautiful green landscapes and peak sea turtle nesting season — a wonderful (and less crowded) time to visit.
What are the best surf beaches near Todos Santos? expand_more
Playa Los Cerritos (12 km south) is the most popular and beginner-friendly — a wide, consistent beach break with surf schools and camps on site. Punta San Pedro offers more advanced reef and point breaks. La Pastora (25 km south) is excellent for experienced surfers with powerful beach breaks. Playa Las Pocitas just north of town has some good waves for intermediates. Todos Santos itself has no rideable surf right in the centro — you need to drive north or south along Highway 19. Many surf camps and instructors are based at Los Cerritos, which is the hub of Baja's beginner surf scene.
Can I see sea turtles in Todos Santos? expand_more
Yes — the beaches around Todos Santos are among the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the Eastern Pacific. Olive ridley, leatherback, and black sea turtles nest on the wild beaches from July to December, with peak activity in September and October. Local conservation organizations like Tortugueros Las Playitas patrol the beaches nightly, protect nests from predators, and facilitate respectful witnessing of nesting females and hatchling releases. Guided nighttime turtle tours are available through local operators — a deeply moving experience.
Is Todos Santos safe to visit? expand_more
Todos Santos is widely considered one of the safest destinations in Baja California Sur and all of Mexico. It's a small, close-knit community with a large expat population and a tourism-based economy. The main risks are the same as any beach destination: strong Pacific currents at some beaches (always respect warning flags), sun exposure, and petty theft if valuables are left in rental cars. Travel advisories for Baja California Sur are among the more relaxed in Mexico. As with any travel, use common sense — stay in well-traveled areas, don't leave valuables unattended, and follow local guidance on swimming conditions.
What is the whale watching season in Todos Santos? expand_more
Whale watching season in Todos Santos runs from December through March, when humpback whales migrate south from their Alaskan feeding grounds to warmer Pacific waters to breed and give birth. Gray whales are also sometimes seen during this period. Tour boats depart from Punta Lobos (just south of town) for 2-3 hour excursions into the Pacific. Sightings are not guaranteed but are common during peak months (January and February). Blue whales can occasionally be spotted farther offshore from October onward.

Start Planning Your Todos Santos Trip

Not sure where to start? Send us a message and we'll help you craft the perfect Todos Santos itinerary — surf, art, whales, and desert magic.

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