Passport Pick of the Month: Todos Santos, Mexico
Todos Santos: Where Desert Meets the Sea and Magic Happens
Tucked along the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Todos Santos is a town that defies expectations. It's where sun-drenched desert landscapes roll into turquoise surf, where artists and adventurers coexist, and where time slows down just enough for you to truly exhale.
Whether you're chasing waves, sipping Baja wines, or simply basking in the golden light of a slow sunset, Todos Santos offers an escape that's both grounding and inspiring.
Stay: Paradero Hotel – A Desert Sanctuary
If you're looking for a place that captures the essence of Todos Santos—raw beauty, minimal luxury, and soul-nourishing calm—Paradero Hotel is it. Set against dramatic cacti-dotted terrain, Paradero isn’t just a stay—it’s an experience. Think open-air suites, outdoor soaking tubs, farm-to-table meals, and curated adventures that immerse you in the landscape. It's the kind of place where you fall asleep to the sound of the wind in the palms and wake to sunrise yoga overlooking the desert.
Nature Encounters: Whale Watching & Turtle Releases
From December to April, the Pacific off the coast of Todos Santos becomes a highway for migrating gray and humpback whales. Whale-watching tours offer close-up encounters with these majestic creatures as they breach, tail-slap, and glide alongside your boat.
Equally unforgettable is the opportunity to participate in a sea turtle release. Conservation groups like Tortugueros Las Playitas invite visitors to help guide hatchlings into the ocean at sunset—a heartwarming and humbling experience that captures the town’s deep connection to nature.
Culinary Delights: Baja Flavors & Great Wine
The food scene in Todos Santos is a major reason to visit in itself. This is Baja cuisine at its finest: ultra-fresh seafood, just-picked produce, handmade tortillas, and bold, local flavors. Don’t miss Hierbabuena, a charming garden-to-table restaurant, or Oystera, set in a former sugar mill with fresh oysters, mezcal cocktails, and an ambient vibe.
Baja wines are finally getting the attention they deserve, and you'll find a carefully curated selection at many local restaurants. Pair a crisp Valle de Guadalupe white with grilled octopus, or a robust red with mole enchiladas. It’s a true farm-and-sea-to-glass experience.
What Else to Do: Surf, Shop, and Stroll
Surfing: With nearby beaches like Cerritos and San Pedrito, Todos Santos is a haven for surfers of all levels. Even if you’re not ready to hit the waves, watching the surfers at golden hour is a ritual in itself.
Art & Shopping: The town’s cobblestone streets are lined with artisan shops, galleries, and boutiques. Look for locally made textiles, ceramics, and contemporary art.
Hiking & Desert Exploration: Guided hikes through the Sierra de la Laguna or coastal cliff walks offer epic views, wildlife spotting, and a deeper connection to Baja’s wild heart.
Why Todos Santos?
It’s not just a destination—it’s a feeling. A place where barefoot luxury meets authentic culture, where your mornings start with ocean air and end with stargazing by a firepit. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, Todos Santos is where you'll find both—in perfect balance.
