a guide to todo santos, mx
some places to eat, shop and see
Todos Santos is a place that has indescribable charm. The land speaks to you in red and orange hues. Paved roads eventually turn to sand and gravel, sandy collared dogs smiling at you from the side. The ocean glimmers at all hours, but seldom let’s you swim, due to her forceful Pacific nature.
I would move to Todos in a heartbeat. If we are at all similar, we are *this* close to moving to Baja Sur, opening up a coffee shop, and becoming a beach bum. So, next time you’re fantasizing and want to scout potential locations to pursue (y)our vision: consider Todos a beautiful contender.
If you’re simply considering a new Mexican beach vacation that isn’t Tulum, consider this your spot. The town is small, quaint, quiet and full of beautiful men who surf. You’re welcome. The food is amazing, there are all different kinds of places you can stay depending on your budget and plenty activities to do (if that is the kind of vacation you’re going for).
Here is my complete guide of places to go, see and stay in Todos Santos. <3
FOOD
The Green Room
This is hands down, the dinner you should not miss. You walk down a beautiful path, through Villa Santa Cruz, that spits you right out onto the beach. The food is incredible, you’re eating with your table literally in the sand. When the sun sets, you can stay warm after your meal by hanging out at the bonfire they have going close to the water.
Make sure to make your reservation before sun sets so that you can see the orange hues melt into the horizon.
Jazamango
I haven’t personally been, but everyone that has been to Todos has told me to go here. It’s not downtown, which gives it a more boutique feel. They have their own garden, fresh food, great atmosphere. Tacos. Open air. You know the vibe.
La Copa Cocina
Vibey restaurant at the bottom of Todos Santos Inn located in downtown Todos. Great fish tacos and guac. If you’re looking for a beautiful atmosphere, eat dinner on the patio once the sun sets.
Heirbabuena
Farm to table, veg-forward restaurant. A favorite among locals. Great for a fresh and yummy dinner.
Oystera
If the Hamptons met Baja. Table side oyster shuckers, great for a brunch situation. It’s a little touristy in my opinion but the food is delicious. The courtyard is beautiful and they have cute little shops around the perimeter of the restaurant when you walk in. Great if you have a big group and you want to stay and drink mimosas for a while.
La Esquina
Awesome lunch spot. I would go here for lunch every day if I could. If you need to get some work done on vacation, this a good spot to do it. Pretty much all open-air, plenty of seating, yummy food and coffee.
STAY
Hotel San Cristobal
If I stayed here, it would be hard for me to leave the property. Multiple delicious restaurants, a cute little gift shop, hiking right next to the property and a gorgeous pool, all while being directly on the beach. This hotel is absolutely gorgeous. It kinda looks like someone from LA designed it, but honestly I’m here for the entire aesthetic.
Villa Santa Cruz
Right on the water, this hotel is off the beaten path. It’s about 10 minutes from the actual town of Todos, so if you stay here, know that you will probably either want to rent a car, or know that you will be reliant on getting transportation. The Green Room is located on the property of this hotel. It gives a bit of a Spanish flare with the architecture.
Todos Santos Hostel
If you’re on a budget, this is your place. Not like typical hostels, wherein the stay is beautiful clean and *aesthetic*. It’s clean and not in the middle of downtown Todos, I am confident that it’s quiet and safe. :)
Tribu
Depends on what kind of vibe you’re looking for. It’s about a 5 minute walk from the water, has a pool, and if you’re down to stay in a built-out luxury teepee, this is your spot. It’s not quite as bouj as San Cristobal / Villa Cruz, but you’re not staying in a hostel. There is an on-site chef to cook you breakfast every morning, and I must tell you all of the meals are absolutely delicious. It’s also outside of town, so it’s quiet, but you’ll definitely need to think about transportation. Renting a car would be a smart move.
EXPLORE
Hike
There’s a couple of hiking trails right next to Hotel San Cristobal. Not sure what the names of the trails are, but when you pull up to the hotel and walk to the left, you will see people hiking - just follow their trail. Pretty self explanatory. The views are amazing from this hike. I would say a it’s beginner/intermediate hike. Steep but not too steep, and wouldn’t last more than 2 hours to ‘get to the top’.
Cerritos Beach
Since Todos is on the Pacific side, that means you’re dealing with the Pacific ocean. You don’t want to f*ck with the Pacific. lol
Cerritos is the primary public swimming beach. It’s cute, there are little restaurants along the beach. Pack your lunch and have a little picnic for the day. :)
SHOP
Nomad Chic
This shop is probably one of my favorites. Chic Baja inspired clothes and interiors. Also kind of looks like someone from LA opened this shop but…. I’m here for it. Located in downtown Todos.
Kere
Clothes / Shoes / Bags. If you need an outfit for dinner while on vacation you’ll probably find something here. Very desert-girlie core. Located in downtown Todos.
Tarot de Baja
Spend the afternoon getting a tarot reading! Jess is the woman that does readings and she has built out her storefront to be a whole vibe. I haven’t personally gotten a reading from her, but look forward to the next time I go back! I’ve heard from locals that she is amazing. Her spot is located downtown.
La Katrina Surf Shop
Cute surf shop a little outside of town. Exactly what you would expect from a surf shop in Baja, but still worth the stop.
Saguaro
There is a mens and women’s shop in downtown Todos. Great for gifts and they both have some decent clothes! Some of the clothes give ‘fast fashion’ but the majority of their inventory is cute.
Again, Todos Santos is one of my favorite places and is growing pretty quickly. If you have any questions, or have any favorite spots in Todos that I forgot to mention, just drop ‘em in the comments for everyone. :)
Love you, you little surf-bums-to-be,
J
I wanna go now!