Although not entirely RV-friendly, Todos Santos, another historic “Pueblo Magico,” is a must-visit stop in any Baja camper’s itinerary. Whether you decide to camp in town, at nearby Cerritos/Pescadero or daytrip from La Paz is up to you. But we tell people whether you like it or not, you can’t say that you visited Baja California Sur without spending at least a few hours wandering around Todos Santos.
The town is known for its vibrant arts scene, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. With its picturesque streets lined with colonial-era architecture, thriving local markets, and warm, welcoming community, Todos Santos offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern-day charm. If you ever want a unique gift to take home, you’ll find the seemingly endless shops and art galleries that offer some of the best opportunities in all of Baja.
Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration, a surfer searching for the perfect wave, or simply a traveler looking to unwind, Todos Santos and its surrounding areas have something for everyone.
Founded in 1723, Todos Santos became a thriving mission town focused on sugar cane production. Today, remnants of this history can be seen in the beautifully preserved buildings and traditional practices still alive in the local culture. The town’s rich history is celebrated through various festivals and events, allowing visitors to experience the vibrant traditions that have shaped this unique community.
Like other historic villages and towns throughout the peninsula, Todos Santos has a beautiful mission and public square hemmed in by cobblestone streets that often display colorful flags and banners, markers of the town’s festive spirit. The “Todos Santos” sign is near the mission and overlooks the lush surrounding area that stretches out toward the Pacific Ocean.
The area around Todos Santos is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its pristine Pacific beaches, it’s a hotspot for surfers from around the world who flock to nearby Playa Los Cerritos and Playa San Pedrito for their renowned breaks. Most people who come to the area and fall in love with Todos Santos end up living in one of the neighboring communities either adjacent to the town itself or within a twenty-minute drive south to Playa Cerritos.
Beyond the surf, the region offers ample opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and exploring the diverse marine life in the nearby Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve. The stunning landscapes, from desert plains to lush oases, provide a breathtaking backdrop for all kinds of adventures.
Plus, there are few places in the world where you can sit on the beach and wait for sunset while watching humpback whales breach and spout a few hundred feet offshore! Sticking around until sunset at Tortugueros Las Playitas also affords you a unique opportunity to send a newly hatched sea turtle on its way into the ocean.
There are countless reasons to visit Todos Santos, from its eclectic art galleries and craft shops to its gourmet restaurants and cozy cafes. The town has a growing reputation as a haven for artists and creatives, drawing individuals inspired by its serene atmosphere and striking surroundings.
There is even a “Hotel California” in the center of town. However, the town and the Eagles quickly point out that this is not THE Hotel California. Still, it is a landmark that makes visiting Todos Santos special and worth adding to your itinerary.
Things to do in Todos Santos
As the area in and around Todos Santos continues to develop, many activities in the region will capture your attention for as long as you are around. Here are a few of the most popular activities in Todos Santos.
Pick any street and wander to your heart’s content. Grab a “Taco de Cabeza” (yes, “head taco”), a local specialty sold by most street vendors, or pick any number of restaurants or bars to enjoy a variety of food and drink.
Explore the Todos Santos Art District: Wander through galleries and studios showcasing the vibrant local art scene, featuring works from both established and emerging artists. The town is shaped in a square, approximately six blocks by six blocks, with all sorts of arts and cultural things to explore and enjoy.
Visit the Mission of Nuestra Señora del Pilar: Step back in time at this historic mission church, founded in 1723, and admire its beautiful colonial architecture and serene atmosphere. People watch at the adjacent plaza or take your photo in front of the colorful town sign. The church is still open and active, so you can even attend a service if you would like.
Surf or Swim at Playa Los Cerritos: Catch some waves at this popular beach, renowned for its consistent surf breaks suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced surfers. The beach is approximately 20 minutes south, and we have a section in our book about it, as this area is currently exploding in popularity. You can also rent a beach chair and umbrella, get a massage on the beach or enjoy all sorts of delicious treats that vendors bring you as you sit on the beach.
Hike the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve: Just 30-45 minutes inland into the mountains, you can have a hiking adventure in this stunning reserve. It is home to diverse flora and fauna and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Shop at the Todos Santos Farmers Market: Enjoy the region’s flavors at this bustling market, where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious homemade treats.
Take a Yoga Class: Rejuvenate your mind and body with a yoga session at one of the many wellness centers in Todos Santos, known for their peaceful settings and experienced instructors.
Dine at a Gourmet Restaurant: Savor the local cuisine at one of Todos Santos’ acclaimed restaurants, where you can indulge in fresh seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, and innovative fusion creations. Not interested in fine dining? Some of the best street taco stands are typically just a few blocks off the main drag. Give a “taco de cabeza” a try!
Volunteer in Todos Santos
Tortugueros Las Playitas
This sea turtle rescue is among the premiere in Baja, where a variety of sea turtles come ashore by the thousands to lay eggs. The organization is responsible for gathering freshly laid turtle eggs and relocating them to a hatchery where the eggs can incubate and hatch without interference from predators.
Each night, as long as a batch of turtles are ready to go, newly hatched sea turtles are released into the sea at sunset. You can volunteer either by releasing a turtle and making a donation, or you can contact the organization about being the biologist of the day, where you will assist in everything from collecting the eggs to monitoring the hatchery and interacting with visitors throughout the day.
- Website: http://www.todostortugueros.org/
- Email: tortugueroslasplayitas@gmail.com
Ecorrrevolucion
Ecorrrevolution is a non-governmental agency started by a man named Alex, who wanted to help reduce the environmental impact of those living in Todos Santos. Alex collects various recyclable materials and sorts them into those items that can be recycled with similar materials and those that are trash. He is constantly looking for help both with fundraising as well as sorting the daily materials, which locals and gringos alike drop off by the bagfull each day.
- Website: https://www.ecorrrevolucion.org/
- Phone: +52 1 612 139 4789
Campgrounds in Todos Santos
There are not many camping options in Todos Santos. Most campers try to find a place to camp in the nearby Cerritos/Pescadero area and day trip back to town. In fact, there is only one campground in town, and it is quite the opposite of what you would expect in such a fine town.
We had a terrible experience here, as have numerous other people, and we hesitated to include it in this guide. However, if you want to camp in Todos Santos proper to enjoy the town without having to drive in from nearby boondocking sites, El Litro RV Park is your only option.
Looking for campground contact and location information? Check out our 280-page paperback guidebook with everything you need to know to plan and enjoy your Baja camping adventure!
El Litro RV Park
El Litro RV Park is located at the edge of Todos Santos, in a dirt lot ringed with palm trees that do very little to keep the street noise down. Overall, the place is poorly managed and has more long-term and permanent trailers than campsites for people who want to pass through for a night or two. But its location is what attracts most campers, providing a 15-20 minute walk to town.
It does have electrical hookups (though we noticed lots of exposed wires, and we recommend you have a surge protector if plugging in) and a common shower area (that is not well maintained). Other than that, you’re paying a premium for the location, not the campground’s quality.
| Price Range | $25+ | Sewer Hookup | Y | Laundry | N |
| # of Sites | 10+ | WiFi | N | Pool | N |
| Big Rig Friendly | N | Cell Service | Y | Security | N |
| Electric Hookup | 20A | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | N |
| Water Hookup | Y | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | N |