Todos Santos — Destination Guide: Overview

If you can handle all the gringos, you'll love Todos Santos. It's one of Baja's most stunning towns, with century-old adobe buildings, a lovely mission and enough expat artists to earn it nicknames such as "the Carmel of Baja" and "Taos of the south." Even if you can't handle all the gringos, Todos Santos might still win you over. Although it's not on the ocean, it's the nearest base to some of the peninsula's best surfing, including a long board wave that's great for beginners. It has a plethora of lovely B&Bs, excellent taquerías and some truly outstanding restaurants (that don't charge the extortionate rates found in San Jose del ...

If you can handle all the gringos, you'll love Todos Santos. It's one of Baja's most stunning towns, with century-old adobe buildings, a lovely mission and enough expat artists to earn it nicknames such as "the Carmel of Baja" and "Taos of the south." Even if you can't handle all the gringos, Todos Santos might still win you over. Although it's not on the ocean, it's the nearest base to some of the peninsula's best surfing, including a long board wave that's great for beginners. It has a plethora of lovely B&Bs, excellent taquerías and some truly outstanding restaurants (that don't charge the extortionate rates found in San Jose del Cabo, two hours south). As the world is quickly learning, it's also home to some outstanding art galleries, which are, for most visitors, a highlight of the visit. Todos Santos's mission, Santa Rosa de Todos Los Santos, was founded by Jesuits in 1724 and is another highlight. For those who'd like to see Cabo, but don't want to stay there, Todos Santos is an excellent alternative; it's just over an hour from Cabo San Lucas.

About the Expert

Danny Palmerlee is the main author of numerous Lonely Planet travel guides, including Ecuador, Argentina, South America on a Shoestring, and Pacific Northwest Trips.