Day Trip to Todos Santos, Mexico

We’ve heard a lot about Todos Santos. It’s about an hour and 15 minute drive from Cabo San Lucas. It’s an art community, along the Pacific ocean side of the Baja peninsula. It is supposed to be Cabo or Tulum 30 years ago. We were curious to check out Todos Santos so we rented a car and took a day trip.

Of course in a town called “All Saints,” the first place we came upon was a church. Not just any church but Misión Santa Rosa de las Palmas. (or Todos Santos Mission) This Mission was established in 1733 by the Roman Catholic Jesuits as the first European settlement in the area. Since the area was rich in agriculture, the Europeans wanted to settle in the area and convert the Native Americans to Catholicism. Over the next almost 100 years there were battles, resistance and disease as the Europeans asserted themselves into this Native American land. The Mission closed in 1825.

Today the Catholic Church holds Mass on Sundays.

Inside the Todos Santos Mission

It was very pretty inside with a fairly simple design. This compares to some of the great churches we’ve seen in other parts of Mexico, such as the Parroquia in San Miguel de Allende or the Cathedral in Mexico City. This was another reminder of how small this little community of around 7,000 is.

No trip to Todos Santos is complete without a stop at the infamous Hotel California. At some point a legend was formed that this spot was the inspiration for the Eagles 1977 song, Hotel California. The band has denied that legend for years, in fact at one point, suing the Hotel over the use of the name. It’s interesting to talk to the locals about this, because most know it’s not a true story, but it does help with tourism!

Inside the hotel is very eclectic, like this whole town. Interesting art and unique décor make you definitely want to see more.

Outdoor dining at Hotel California

It was about 11AM when we were here on a weekday, so the place was deserted. Inside this courtyard, were dining tables, a bar and shops lining the sides. It would be fun to see it during a busy evening.

For such a small town there are many art galleries to visit. Not all were open but we did visit a few. This one is named after one of my favorite guys! ;).

We did see several artists around town and on the beach capturing the beauty of this area in their paintings.

Quiet Todos Santos

The buildings were all fairly low, single story or a few two stories. There were just a few tourists out and about, but other than that, it was very quiet.

Did we miss the party? We walked up on this random street lined with these colorful flags, making us wonder why? They are actually called “Papel Picado” and are used throughout Mexico. Their designs are unique to the season or event, most often used for holidays.

All That Walking Makes You Thirsty

We were told by several people these were the best margaritas in town. The restaurant was aptly named Tequila Sunrise, as it was across the street from the Hotel California. They were yummy! But we just had one, as there was more to explore.

This was a great little town. It is one definitely considering for coming back for a longer stay. There are a lot of great looking vacation rentals and some less expensive hotels than Cabo. It’s a tiny bit cooler as it’s on the Pacific side with big ocean breezes. And it’s not crowded at all!

See our post of our full stay in Todos Santos that included a hurricane! Post is: HERE

After leaving the town, it was time to check out the beaches and off roading possibilities around Todos Santos. Below is taken from a dirt road heading for the beach looking back onto the town. There was no one around!

At the top of a little ridge we then found the Pacific Ocean. It was beautiful and, again, no one was around

El Mirador Restaurant

Then, at the crest of this hill, on a dirt road, outside of Todos Santos, we came upon a palapa. It was actually a restaurant, seemingly at the edge of the world.

They were opening soon for lunch so we waited. And we were so glad we did!

It was a gourmet meal, as good as any we’ve ever had, way out in the middle of nowhere. After having oysters and burrata salad to start, I had the seafood pasta. Wait? Pasta in Mexico? It was fabulous with fresh shellfish and freshly made pasta.

At first, we were the only people in the restaurant, but as the afternoon went on it filled up, which I was happy to see for such a great place.

One of the most idyllic spots we’ve ever stopped.

After lunch we took the Jeep out on the beach. There were a few people out surfing and playing in the waves. Because this is the Pacific side with an open ocean, the waves are big and the undertow rough. It’s not somewhere I would take little ones for a day on the beach.

Camels in Mexico??

Apparently its a big tourist attraction to ride a camel on the beach in this area. We did not try it, but we talked to several people that thought it was great fun.

It was a lot of fun to drive out onto this isolated beach. Again, not only was it a little cooler than Cabo, the Pacific breeze felt very nice on a summer day.

One last picture outside of Todos Santos, Mexico as the sun heads down in the West. It was a great day, and I definitely recommend a longer visit!