We started our Baja California Sur adventure in the beautiful town of Todos Santos, which is about 1.5 hours from the Cabo San Lucas Airport. Todos Santos is more than just a charming beach town-it’s a beautiful mosaic of art, history, and old-world magic. Designated as a “Pueblo Mágico” by the Mexican government, Todos Santos was founded in 1724 with the establishment of the Mission of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the town began as a thriving sugar cane hub in the 19th century. The remnants of this colonial legacy can still be seen in the beautifully preserved architecture—crumbling haciendas, mission-style facades, and sun-faded archways that speak to another time.
While the sugar boom faded, the town’s charm endured, transforming Todos Santos into a haven for those seeking inspiration, connection, and a slower pace of life. What truly sets Todos Santos apart is its thriving arts scene. Since the 1980s, artists from around the world have been drawn to its luminous light, desert-meets-sea landscape, and quiet rhythm. Today, the town is home to more than a dozen galleries, each filled with an eclectic mix of contemporary paintings, sculptures, folk art, and handcrafted jewelry.
1. Enjoy the Art and Culture in Downtown Todos Santos
2. Enjoy a Beach Day
A trip to Todos Santos would not be complete without some epic beach days. There are a number of swimmable beaches surrounding Todos Santos and we surfed the waves at Cerritos and enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of the restaurants and bars that adorn the beach.
3. Day Trip to La Paz for a Boat Trip to Espíritu Santo Island
Baja California is teeming with sea life and one of the best ways to witness everything is on a boat trip to the Espíritu Santo Island. Tucked away in the Sea of Cortez off the coast of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Espíritu Santo Island is a jewel of wild beauty, serenity, and ecological wonder. Protected as part of a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, this uninhabited island feels like stepping into another world. From Todos Santos, La Paz is an easy 1.5 hour drive on a major highway or about a 2 hour drive from Cabo.
Espíritu Santo is often referred to as the “Galápagos of North America” for its incredible biodiversity. Surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatic red-rock cliffs, the island is home to more than 500 species of fish, playful sea lions, manta rays, and even migratory whales and dolphins. On land, desert flora meets volcanic rock formations, creating a striking contrast of colors and texture. One of the highlights of visiting Espíritu Santo is snorkeling or swimming with the colony of sea lions at Los Islotes, a group of tiny islets just off the northern tip of the island. We had a front row seat to a pair of adolescent seals playing around with each other while being surrounded by schools of beautiful fish. The look of pure bliss on my boys faces as we witnessed this private seal show was something that will remain with me forever. We missed the whale shark migration, but during our day trip we spotted whales, dolphins and manta rays. We stopped at a remote secluded beach for lunch and then enjoyed whale spotting for our trip back to the marina. It was like being transported into another world where the desert cactus meets the crystal blue waters of the Sea of Cortez.
4. Horseback Riding Through the Desert and Secluded Beach
The next day we explored another secluded beach and more of the desert on horseback. The turquoise water contrasting the desert landscape was breathtaking. Much like the ocean, the desert is teeming with wildlife and we saw vultures, hawks, jackrabbits, quail, humming birds and ground squirrels.
5. Sunset on the Beach
One of my favorite activities on a beach vacation is to enjoy dinner and drinks with my toes in the sand. I had the opportunity to tour another unique property 20 minutes north of Todos Santos town center and enjoy a beachside dinner at their Green Room restaurant. The property features an expansive garden that is situated between the desert and the Pacific Ocean.
6. Flora Farms
Driving back from Todos Santos to Cabo, we stopped at the whimsical oasis known as Flora Farms. Driving down a desolate dirt road and coming upon the oasis of the farm was truly breathtaking. The farm and food were spectacular!
7. Los Cabos Night
We ended our trip with a spectacular night at the Montage Los Cabos. The Montage embraces the local culture at each of their locations and they strive to embody a “sense of place”. Upon arriving at the property we immediately felt this from the organic design elements to the incredible hospitality we felt throughout our stay. From the moment we arrived the service was impeccable with a breezy check-in, delicious cocktails and surprises that absolutely delighted my children. Our dining experiences at Talay and then the next morning at Marea were absolutely incredible along with the complementary churros and hot chocolate! The Compass excursions staff were so gracious and came in early on Friday morning so we could do the seabob experience before we had to head to the airport. We had the entire beach to ourselves and my older son said that experience was the highlight of our entire trip. Although the resort was at capacity, we often had the upper pool to ourselves as there is so much to do with four different pools, private cabana pools, the beautiful beach and so many activities from their onsite Compass activity coordinators.
Where to stay for a luxury experience –
Nothing embodies this history, art and architecture more than the Todos Santos Boutique Hotel, a Small Luxury Hotels of World designated property. I had the pleasure of touring this lovely hotel and enjoying dinner at their famed 1890 Restaurant, which features an extensive list of Mexican wines. Stepping into the hotel feels as though you are stepping into an art gallery with hand painted murals adorning the walls and unique architecture throughout the property. Each of the 10 rooms is named after missions across Baja with everyone unique in both design and art.
–I had the opportunity to tour another unique property 20 minutes north of Todos Santos town center and enjoy a beachside dinner at their Green Room restaurant. Villa Santa Cruz, another a Small Luxury Hotels of World designated property, is spread across more than 20 acres of breathtaking landscape featuring just 23 rooms decorated with old world Mexico charm. The property features an expansive garden that is like an oasis in the desert. The menu at each of their three restaurants features unique dishes inspired by their gardens.
– Set on the swimmable shores of Santa Maria Bay, Montage Los Cabos blends modern luxury with the natural beauty of Baja. Expect spacious ocean-view rooms, personalized service, and an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and refined. From snorkeling and spa treatments to world-class dining and sunset cocktails, every detail is thoughtfully curated for an unforgettable, five-star escape. Ideal for couples, families, or wellness-focused travelers seeking tranquility and sophistication in one of Los Cabos’ most exclusive settings.
