A Creative Town with Pacific Edge

Todos Santos is one of the most iconic stops in Baja California Sur, especially for travelers coming up the Pacific side or looping back from the East Cape. Just over an hour from Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, it’s the perfect place to take a break, stock up, eat incredibly well, and spend a few nights by the ocean.

This town balances its laid-back surf-town atmosphere with a strong creative spirit, great food, and access to remote beaches just outside the town limits. Whether you’re camping nearby or staying a few nights, it’s worth including on any overland route.

Where Is Todos Santos?

Todos Santos is located on the Pacific coast, roughly:

• 1.5 hours from San José del Cabo

• 1 hour from La Paz

It’s easy to reach on a paved highway, and once you’re in town, all services — shops, cafés, restaurants, and galleries — are walkable. The beaches are just outside the main streets and are accessible via short drives on dirt roads. If you’re planning to explore further north up the coast, a 4×4 comes in handy.

Things to Do in Todos Santos

The combination of nature and culture here makes it easy to slow down. There’s no set list of things to check off — it’s more about finding your rhythm. But here are some of the things we recommend:

Go Surfing or Watch from Shore

Playa Cerritos is the most well-known beach for surfing. It works for experienced surfers and also has a few surf schools offering lessons if you’re just starting out. Beyond Cerritos, the area hides other surfable breaks — but part of the fun is getting out there and finding them on your own.

Hike and Take in the Coastline

The Punta Lobos hike is one of the best ways to get a view of the Pacific. It’s a short trail with a big reward — expansive ocean views, rocky cliffs, and the chance to spot whales breaching offshore during winter. Just be careful: the rocks can be loose, and there are exposed cliffs.

Explore Town

The streets of Todos Santos are relaxed but full of small discoveries:

• Art galleries, from established names to hidden garage-style studios

• Artisan shops and bookstores

• Local bakeries and cafés

• Street murals, quiet plazas, and fruit vendors with carts

It’s a place where you can spend a morning walking without any real destination and end up having a full day.

Where to Eat in Todos Santos

The food here is one of the highlights. You’ll find everything from local seafood to creative takes on traditional Mexican dishes. Some restaurants cater to the tourism crowd, but many of the best meals come from low-key, locally owned spots.

Local and Must-Try Places:

• El Compa Chava – Hands down, one of the best ceviche tostadas in Baja

• Barracuda Cantina – Known for consistently excellent fish tacos

• Tiki Bar – A casual spot in town serving simple, fresh seafood

• Agricole – Famous for strawberries with cream and other regional produce

• La Garita – Located on the road toward La Paz, this place is a gem. Classic Baja-style burritos, tamales, queso fresco, and more. If you care about regional food, this is one of the most authentic spots around.

Other Great Stops:

• Taller 17 – Ideal for a morning coffee and a pastry (try the blondie)

• Green Room – Set on the beach north of town, it’s a great place to grab a drink or dinner and catch the sunset

• Pacifica Market – Serves fresh seafood and poke bowls; great for a quick bite or takeaway

Where to Camp in and Around Todos Santos

Camping access in this area has changed in recent years. Some beach spots that were once totally open now have rules and restrictions, but there are still great places to camp legally and responsibly.

• Playa Cerritos – Several RV parks are set up just behind the beach. Camp Cerritos is the most popular and offers bathrooms and basic services. It can be a bit crowded and noisy during peak season, but great if you’re looking to meet other travelers.

• Playa San Pedrito – Official beach camping is no longer allowed, but there’s a legal spot in the arroyo nearby. Ask the Baja Overlander team for the exact location.

• Playa La Pastora – Camping directly on the beach is also prohibited here. However, if you drive past Green Room and keep following the dirt road north, you’ll find empty arroyos where you can camp with easy access to the beach and minimal disturbance.

Wherever you set up, avoid driving or camping directly on the beach. It’s prohibited in most areas and damaging to local ecosystems.

What to Pack

Expect warm days and cooler nights, especially in winter. Fog and wind can roll in from the Pacific, so it’s best to have a little bit of everything.

Bring:

• A warm layer for the mornings and evenings

• Shade for camp or beach (awnings, tarps, etc.)

• Good walking shoes for exploring town or trails

• Reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes if you’re hitting the beach

We’ll soon publish a full article on what to pack for overland trips — stay tuned for that and we’ll link it here once it’s live.

Travel-Ready with Baja Overlander

Todos Santos is a perfect destination for travelers who want a balance of adventure and comfort. With a Baja Overlander4×4 vehicle, you can explore the beaches, take the dirt roads, and camp in remote spots—without giving up the essentials.

All rentals include:

• Rooftop tent with sleeping gear for 2

• Two camp chairs

• Sunshade

• Cooler

• 4×4 kit: air compressor, tow rope, jack, jumper cables

Optional gear:

• Starlink internet

• Solar panel and battery

• Shower kits, portable toilets, and more

🔗 See all available vehicles here
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