A Day in Todos Santos: Discovering the Magic Town in Mexico

A Day in Todos Santos: Discovering the Magic Town

Nestled along Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, Todos Santos is a charming coastal town brimming with vibrant art, rich history, and bohemian spirit. Known for its colorful galleries, boutique shops, and delicious culinary offerings, this Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) offers a serene escape from the bustling energy of Cabo San Lucas.

Located just 1.5 hours north of Cabo, this laid-back haven is easily accessible by bus, rental car, or guided tour. The scenic drive along Highway 19 offers breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline, setting the tone for an unforgettable day of exploration.

Whether you're drawn by the allure of the iconic Hotel California, the promise of delectable Mexican cuisine, or simply the chance to stroll its picturesque streets, Todos Santos delivers a little something for everyone.

Getting There

We took the bus from Cabo San Lucas, which was a straightforward and cost-effective option. Tickets are easy to purchase online, but I recommend saving a digital copy on your phone or printing them out. You'll also need a copy of your passport, especially if your Spanish is limited.

At the bus station, the process was simple: I handed my ticket and passport copy to the attendant, who verified the details and provided an official ticket for the bus driver. We had selected our seats in advance, choosing ones at the front for the best views.

The ride was smooth and air-conditioned, perfect for taking in the scenery and relaxing. Personally, I prefer not to drive in unfamiliar places, especially when I'm unfamiliar with local laws and road conditions.

A Delicious Start: Alma & Manny

Once in Todos Santos, our first stop was Alma y Manny, a charming, family-owned restaurant offering

both vegan and non-vegan Mexican dishes. The two-story, open-air venue exuded warmth and hospitality.

I opted for the vegan fajitas, a colorful mix of veggies, almond cheese, refried beans, and rice, while my boyfriend chose the chicken enchiladas. Both meals were flavorful and satisfying, though I couldn’t finish mine and had to pack the rest to go.

Tip: Many shops and restaurants in Todos Santos don’t accept credit cards. Be sure to bring cash, preferably pesos!

Sky-High Adventure

After lunch, we had plans to experience something extraordinary – a sky tour with Robert, an American who moved to Baja California Sur nearly 30 years ago. Robert lives a peaceful and unique life right on the coast outside of Todos Santos, and he offers visitors an unforgettable chance to take to the skies.

Since Todos Santos doesn’t have Uber and finding a taxi can be challenging, Robert arranged to pick us up at Alma y Manny and take us to the meeting spot. Upon arrival, Robert greeted us warmly and gave us a quick rundown of what to expect. He explained the basics of the glider, fired up the engine, and gave me a mini-tour of the aircraft. The glider is a two-seater, one for the pilot (Robert) and one for the passenger, so my boyfriend and I would take turns.

The moment I strapped into the glider, my heart started racing. The anticipation was a mix of nerves and pure excitement. As we did a few test runs along the beach to prepare for takeoff, the adrenaline built up even more. And then, in the blink of an eye, we were airborne!

The view from above was absolutely breathtaking. The turquoise waters of the Pacific stretched endlessly, the coastline shimmered in the sunlight, and the vast desert landscapes contrasted beautifully with the ocean. Robert acted as both a skilled pilot and an engaging guide, pointing out landmarks, including a fascinating old pirate’s cave. He shared stories about the region and even mentioned that during whale season, which runs from mid-December to late April, you can spot pods of whales from the sky. I could only imagine how magical that sight must be!

Though it wasn’t whale season during our visit, the experience was still nothing short of magical. Being so high up, gliding effortlessly through the air, felt freeing and exhilarating – like a once-in-a-lifetime rollercoaster ride but far more serene. My initial nerves melted away as I soaked in the beauty around me.

After my flight, it was my boyfriend’s turn, and I could see the same mix of excitement and awe on his face when he landed. We both couldn’t stop raving about how incredible the experience was! It’s not just a thrill ride; it’s a chance to connect with the landscape in a completely unique way.

Once our flights were over, Robert had already arranged for a ride back to town, making the whole experience seamless. This was truly a highlight of our trip, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone visiting Todos Santos. Robert’s sky tours are an unforgettable way to experience Baja from a whole new perspective.

Exploring Town: Hotel California and Local Finds

Back in town, we were dropped off at the iconic Hotel California. While it wasn’t the original inspiration for the Eagles’ song, it’s still a must-visit landmark. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovations during our visit, so we settled for a few photos outside.

Across the street, we found a hallway of local shops near Tequila’s Sunrise. Browsing through them, we stumbled upon a store selling all things Todos Santos—hats, shirts, and other souvenirs. My boyfriend scored a stylish sun hat embroidered with “Todos Santos Route 19 Mexico,” perfect for shielding him from the hot Baja sun.

Refreshing Drinks: Tequila’s Sunrise

After browsing the charming local shops, we were ready to unwind with a classic Mexican treat: margaritas! Right across from the iconic Hotel California, Tequila’s Sunrise Bar & Grill immediately caught our attention with its inviting ambiance and glowing reputation.

Inside seating was reserved for diners, but the weather was perfect—warm with a refreshing breeze—so we happily grabbed a table outside. The menu offered an impressive lineup of margaritas, making it tough to choose. Sensing our indecision, the waiter worked his magic, recommending two drinks tailored to our tastes.

For me, something fruity, sweet but not overpowering: a Mango Margarita blended with fresh mangoes. For my boyfriend, something bold and punchy: the Margarita Damiana, crafted with tequila, Cointreau, Damiana liqueur, and fresh lime.

As we waited for our drinks, we couldn’t help but notice the local dogs strolling by. These calm, friendly pups seemed like an extension of the town’s easygoing charm—well-fed, well-mannered, and clearly loved by the community. One even lingered by our table like a little guard dog, watching the world go by.

And the margaritas? Wow. Every rave review we’d read was spot on. My Mango Margarita was a revelation—bursting with vibrant mango flavor, perfectly blended, and never watered down. My boyfriend’s Margarita Damiana had a light sweetness, a bold tequila profile, and a uniquely herbal finish from the Damiana liqueur. Both were absolute perfection, and we couldn’t stop marveling at how the waiter nailed our preferences.

A Quick Bite: El Burger Shack

With our bus departure approaching, we decided to grab a quick bite before heading out. Earlier in the day, we had passed El Burger Shack on our way into town, and it seemed like the perfect spot for a delicious yet casual meal close to the bus station.

We placed our order: I opted for a veggie burger and a large serving of fries to share, while my boyfriend chose a classic cheeseburger and an extra half-kilo of mango habanero wings for good measure. The food came out quickly, piping hot and packed with flavor. The veggie burger was hearty and satisfying, the fries were crispy perfection, and the wings, I was told they had just the right mix of sweet and spicy to keep him reaching for more.

                                                                                                                             As we savored our meal, a few friendly visitors joined us—local dogs, clearly well cared for and incredibly well-mannered. One even laid down at the foot of my chair as if keeping me company while I ate. Their calm and sweet nature was the cherry on top of our dining experience.

Farewell, Todos Santos

Stuffed and satisfied, we reluctantly began the short walk back to the bus station. With each step, we couldn’t help but reminisce about our incredible day in Todos Santos—the charm of the town, the friendly locals (both human and canine), and the unforgettable experiences we’d had.

As we boarded the bus, a thought lingered in our minds: this day trip had only scratched the surface of what Todos Santos has to offer. Next time, we’ll plan for a longer stay—maybe three days—to truly immerse ourselves in the magic of this Pueblo Mágico.

Until then, Todos Santos, hasta luego.