Todos Santos

A charming artistic beach town on the Pacific side of the Los Cabos peninsula filled with galleries, colonial architecture, and excellent surfing beaches. It's renowned for its bohemian atmosphere and the famous Hotel California immortalized in the Eagles song.

Things to do

• Cerritos Beach — A world-class right-hand point break that attracts surfers of all levels, with consistent Pacific swells and a laid-back vibe.
• Hotel California — The legendary colonial-style hotel that inspired the Eagles' 1976 song, featuring a restaurant, bar, and gallery open to visitors.
• Galería de Todos Santos — A contemporary art gallery showcasing local and international artists in a restored colonial building in the heart of town.
• Celarain Lighthouse — A scenic coastal hike to a dramatic cliff-top lighthouse offering panoramic Pacific Ocean views and excellent whale-watching opportunities.
• Pescadero Beach — A serene, less-crowded sandy beach ideal for swimming, beachcombing, and watching sunsets without the heavy surf.
• Todos Santos Central Plaza — The charming town square lined with galleries, shops, and restaurants where locals and visitors gather, especially lively on weekend evenings.

Food to try

• Fish Tacos — Fresh local catch grilled or fried and served in soft tortillas with cabbage, crema, and pico de gallo at beachside shacks and restaurants.
• Ceviches — Raw Pacific fish marinated in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and chiles, reflecting the town's strong fishing heritage and coastal cuisine.
• Chiles Rellenos — Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or seafood and covered in a light egg batter, a traditional Mexican comfort dish served at family-run restaurants.
• Pounded Yellowtail (Atún Martajado) — Local yellowtail tuna pounded thin, marinated, and served as an appetizer or light entrée, showcasing fresh Pacific catches.
• Agave Nectar Desserts — Local sweets made with agave syrup from nearby plantations, often appearing in flan, pastries, and traditional Mexican candies.

Local customs & good to know

• Gallery Culture is Central — Todos Santos thrives on its artist community—many galleries stay open late and locals frequent evening art walks; respectfully exploring galleries is an essential cultural experience.
• Spanish is Helpful — While English is spoken in tourist areas, locals appreciate visitors who use basic Spanish phrases, and it opens doors to authentic interactions in small shops and restaurants.
• Seasonal Whale Migration — December through April brings gray whales and humpback whales close to shore; locals celebrate this with whale-watching tours and marine awareness in conversation.
• Bohemian Dress Code — The town embraces a relaxed, creative aesthetic—casual, colorful, and eclectic clothing fits the vibe far better than resort wear.