photo by Natasha Lee
Travel
Why Your Next Group Trip Should Be to Todos Santos, Mexico
Just an hour’s drive from resort lined Cabo San Lucas and situated along Baja California’s rugged coastline is the alluring town of Todos Santos, packed with charming boutique stays, chic galleries and a progressive restaurant...
photo by Natasha Lee
Just an hour’s drive from resort lined Cabo San Lucas and situated along Baja California’s rugged coastline is the alluring town of Todos Santos, packed with charming boutique stays, chic galleries and a progressive restaurant scene that prides itself on locally caught seafood and handcrafted cocktails. Imbued with an artistic vibe and home to numerous surfers, creatives and yogis, Todos Santos is the quintessential laid-back beach town. Here you can discover an artistic and soulful getaway that will nourish and rejuvenate your spirit as much as your Instagram feed.
Reporter: Natasha Lee
Reporter: Natasha Lee
Todos Santos is a short drive up the coast after landing at SJD airport and is the perfect weekend getaway for West Coasters. Renting a car is highly recommended, and getting around town, which is set up like a grid, is so manageable that after a day, we stopped using GPS. Head over between May and June, after Cabo’s spring break rush but before the summer crowds. October and November are wonderful as well climate-wise although it tends to get busy.
The recently renovated Hotel San Cristobal has put Todos Santos on the international jet set map. With its exquisite design, sumptuous grounds, expansive ocean front views, and chef-driven restaurant, it's the perfect wedding venue and home base to explore all that Todos Santos has to offer.
Steps away from Cerritos Beach is Barracuda Cantina, the quintessential barefoot beach bar that draws a gypsey crowd. Imbibe organic cocktails made with fresh infusions such as the Pink Agave, a refreshing blend of tequila, basil, lime, and grapefruit.
Step onto expansive Cerritos Beach and you’ll understand why Todos Santos is such a draw for surfers all over the world. Gaze in awe at its dramatic wave breaks and long stretches of sand, learn to surf with local instructors or deepen your tan as you watch world-class surfers ride the swells.
Grab your friends, your iPhone, and/or DSLR and wander around downtown Todos Santos. Stroll among the eclectic mix of expats, locals, and visitors on the cobblestone streets and grab a ‘gram in front of the many eye-catching doorways and perfectly pruned bougainvilleas.
Hotel Casa Tota was originally a compound for the Salgado family for over seven decades. After a recent revamp, its now a stylish 15-room boutique option in the heart of town, known for its clean lines and natural textures. After a leisurely day at the pool, pick up a cocktail at La Sentena Restaurant and Cantina, once home to Dona Tota’s general store.
Todos Santos is renowned as an artists mecca and there is no shortage of galleries to explore. One of our picks is Sonrisa de la Muerte, with a focus on showcasing talented illustrators with a bold, contemporary aesthetic. Also, several weekends a year, artists in town open up their studios for visits and tours, among other film, music, and literary festivals that draw a diverse crowd to this cultural oasis.
A 5-minute drive out of town and onto Highway 19 takes you to El Faro Beach Club and Spa, a beachfront oasis where spa services and casual dining are offered in a stunning natural setting. After a treatment, order ceviche and a beer, soak in the ocean-facing pool, or walk out barefoot to take in Baja’s iconic coastline.
The 8 individually designed rooms at La Bohemia are located in the heart of downtown Todos Santos. Impeccable boho chi details (think hanging mattresses by the bar) and lush greenery surround the pool and courtyard garden, providing a relaxing sanctuary to return to after a day of surfing, gallery hopping, or mezcal tasting. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast under the shade of a giant palapa where yoga classes also take place.
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Hierbabuena is the ultimate in garden-to-table dining. Enter through a banana-leaf-lined arch and walk through the bountiful garden brimming with rows of kales, lettuces, squash, cabbages, among many others. Dine in the open air restaurant where specials rotate based on the season and watch the staff pick ingredients directly from the garden to create a heavenly meal that tastes as good as it looks.
There’s nothing like reclining on the beach surrounded by friends (or your wedding party) with sand in between your toes and handcrafted cocktail in hand. Place your order at Benno, Hotel San Cristobal’s bar and restaurant that highlights small-batch mezcals and fresh takes on Mexican staples and they’ll bring it right out to the beachfront seating for an uninterrupted sunset viewing.
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