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Todos Santos packs more into a small town than most Baja beach stops: a surf beach, an art scene, whale watching, and a mission church that dates to the 1740s. This things to do in Todos Santos list covers the attractions with hours and prices where they apply. For where each activity sits in town, see the Todos Santos neighborhoods guide. The Todos Santos overview is the place to start.
Things to Do in Todos Santos: Beaches and Surfing
Playa Los Cerritos
Los Cerritos is the main surf beach, 10 km south of town off Highway 19, with a sandy-bottom break that works for beginners and intermediates. Surfboard rentals run about 250 to 400 pesos (US$14 to US$22) per hour and lessons cost 700 to 1,200 pesos (US$40 to US$68) for 90 minutes. It has paid parking, showers, and a couple of beachfront restaurants. The best swell runs from November to March, and mornings are glassy before the afternoon wind picks up. Surf season lines up with the Todos Santos weather by month data.
Playa Las Palmas and Playa San Pedrito
These two beaches sit closer to town on the north side. Las Palmas is a wide stretch off Camino a la Playa, good for walking and sunset, while San Pedrito is a left-hand point break for more advanced surfers. Both are free to enter, have no lifeguards, and the surf can be strong, so swimmers should stay in the whitewater close to shore. Pick your dates using the best time to visit Todos Santos guide.
Punta Lobos
Punta Lobos is a working fishing beach 5 km north of the center where local pangas launch each morning. You can buy fresh fish straight off the boats in the afternoon, and the point picks up northwest swells for experienced surfers. There are no facilities, so bring water and shade.
Things to Do in Todos Santos: Town Center and History
Hotel California
The 11-room Hotel California on Calle Benito Juarez is the town’s most photographed landmark. Built in 1947 and renovated in 1950, it trades on its name even though the Eagles never confirmed a connection to the song. The courtyard bar and La Coronela restaurant are open to non-guests, and a meal here runs 250 to 500 pesos (US$14 to US$28) per person.
Nuestra Senora del Pilar Church
This mission church on the main plaza was built between 1733 and 1747 and is still the center of the town’s October patron-saint fiesta. It is open daily during daylight hours and entry is free. The plaza in front hosts the weekly market and is ringed by cafes and souvenir shops.
Centro Cultural Prof. Nestor Agundez Martinez
Housed in a former school on Calle Juarez, this cultural center runs free rotating exhibits on local history, photography, and Baja’s cave paintings. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, roughly 10:00 to 17:00, and admission is free. Check the board inside for workshop schedules.
Art Galleries
Todos Santos has more than a dozen galleries concentrated within four blocks of the plaza. Galleria Logan, Galeria de Todos Santos, and Galeria Indigo show contemporary Mexican and expat artists, and most stay open from about 11:00 to 17:00 daily in high season. Friday art walks in winter link several openings with wine and music, and entry is free. That is part of the winter Todos Santos events scene.
Things to Do in Todos Santos: Wildlife and Outdoors
Whale Watching
Gray whales migrate past the coast from mid-December to mid-April, and half-day boat tours from La Paz or Los Cabos run 900 to 1,400 pesos (US$50 to US$80) per person. You can also spot whales from Punta Lobos on calm days. Book trips in advance during January and February, the peak weeks.
Sea Turtle Release
Olive Ridley turtles nest on the local beaches from June through December, and Todos Santos Eco Adventures runs guided night releases where you help hatchlings reach the sea. Tours cost about 500 to 700 pesos (US$28 to US$40) per person and must be booked ahead. Peak hatchling activity is October and November.
Sierra de la Laguna Hikes
The biosphere reserve east of town has trails through pine and oak forests with natural swimming holes. The most popular route climbs from La Burrera canyon to the Laguna meadow, a full-day trek best done November through April when it is cool. Use a local guide (about 1,500 pesos or US$85 per person) since the trails are unmarked and there is no water on route. Base yourself using where to stay in Todos Santos and bring cash, per the Todos Santos travel tips.
