One of the most picturesque villages in Baja California Sur, Todos Santos is only an hour away from Los Cabos—an easy day trip into a whole different world.
And it’s no wonder it’s been designated a “Pueblo Magico” or Magic Town, with its quaint streets flush with art galleries, historic colonial buildings, a number of restaurants and plenty of shopping opportunities for visitors to take some of the magic home.
From Los Cabos, the charming village of Todos Santos (All Saints) is less than an hour away, with spectacular Pacific Ocean and Sierra de la Laguna mountain views setting the mood along the way. Once there, visitors enjoy a delightful mix of old-style colonial architecture accented with small colorful flags stretched across the streets. Mix in the artistic soul found throughout the galleries and shops lining the streets, along with a bohemian spirit and vibrant surfing culture, and this small village packs a lot of experiences into its walkable layout.
Where to start? A relaxing stroll is a good way to get the lay of the land, leaving plenty of time for exploring interests. Among the favorite pastimes are local art galleries and studios, where visitors are encouraged to browse, chat with the artists, and if the spirit moves them, select a memento to bring home with them—anything from a delightful craft to an eye-catching painting.
A wander through the historic center brings an up-close look at Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de La Paz — a Catholic church built in 1747 and since expanded. Other highlights of the town’s nearly 300 years of history include the Hotel California. Whether or not this hotel is truly the origin of the Eagles’ song is the stuff of interpretation, but there’s no doubt it’s a must-see on any visit to Todos Santos. The iconic sign in front makes a perfect photo op, followed by a meal or drink in the hotel’s popular restaurants.
That’s just one of dozens of dining options as the town is home to everything from coffee shops to restaurants serving the freshest catch of the day, along with traditional Mexican cuisine and international fare like Asian fusion. For farm-to-table fare, Jazamango is the newest addition to the local scene, created by renowned Mexican chef Javier Plascencia.
While the artsy vibe of the town is a major draw, there’s another area that many visitors find irresistible: uncrowded beaches ideal for relaxing, surfing and catching spectacular sunsets. Among the favorites are Playa Los Cerritos and Playa la Pastora for surfing; the secluded Palm Beach and Playa la Cachora; and Punta Lobos to watch the fishing boats take off in the morning and come back filled with fresh catch in the afternoon.
The Mazatlan Post Newsroom with information from https://www.travelweekly.com
