Top 7 Things to do in Todos Santos

Todos Santos is a small coastal town known for its many galleries, home to many artists and popular amongst surfers in search of smooth waves. This pastel-colored, colonial city is the epitome of slow living and quite the contrast to the bustling and lively town of Cabo San Lucas. You will find below some of the must-sees and dos. Gallery Visits: If you are into art there are many galleries speckled throughout the town. Here are some of the worth-mentioning ones:

• Sonrisa de la Muerte showcases talented illustrators with a bold, contemporary aesthetic
• The Galería de Todos Santos is a collection of different mediums and styles. Whether you are looking for contemporary or traditional, realism or abstract paintings or sculptures of wood and marble, you can find it all here. Also right inside is a restaurant called Michael's at the Gallery serving delectable Asian fusion dishes.

Take Surf Lessons: Mario Surf School is located at Cerritos Beach, which is only a short 20minute drive from Villa Santa Cruz. Mario has over 10 years of surf instructor experience and provides his service to beginners as well as advanced surfers alike. He and his team will make sure you have a fun-filled and safe day learning everything there is to know about surfing. Private Lessons start at $60 for 1 hour (including equipment). Cooking Classes: El Refugio is a restaurant located in the heart of Todos Santos. Noel, the head chef, provides a 3 hour hands-on and authentic Mexican cooking class every Wednesday from 11 am - 2 pm. The price is $55USD per person. Get out on the sea: Todos Santos Eco - Adventures is an eco-adventure company in Baja California Sur, offering everything from fishing, snorkeling, hiking, whale watching, kayaking, to birding and swimming with sea lions. Release baby turtles into the ocean: Tortugueros Las Plaits A.C. is a Mexican non-profit organization based in Todos Santos, whose mission is to protect the sea turtle population. They operate the world’s only incubation greenhouse from October-April when sand temperatures drop below the necessary 26 degrees celsius required for sea turtle nest incubation. Once the turtles hatch and appear on the surface, the volunteers collect them all in buckets and wait for the sun to set before releasing them all into the open sea. This is truly an incredible experience for kids and adults alike. Make sure to check in with the reception at Villa Santa Cruz for the releasing schedule. A Little R&R: Take an afternoon to treat yourself to a spa treatment at El Faro Beach Club. This mesmerizing beachfront oasis is only a short 5-minute drive out of town and offers rejuvenating treatments as well as a casual dining experience for those craving some ceviche and cervezas. Beaches & Hikes in Todos Santos: There is so much nature surrounding Todos Santos, that you won’t be able to visit them all. So here are a few of the ones we recommend:

• Punta Lobos is located at KM 54 just south of Todos Santos on the way to Pescadero. After the turnoff, you will drive down a dirt road. Drive until you reach an abandoned building on your left (an old cannery). Park here and lock your car. Go through the gate and follow the road that leads up the hill It is about a 1.5h hike (about 45min in and 45min out). Bring enough water and make sure you don't forget your camera.
• Cerritos Beach is located at KM 64 just south of Pescadero.
• Las Palmas is located at KM 57. This is a beautiful beach with a lovely palm grove.

Caution: Please always be aware of the current at the beaches as there can always be unexpected rip tides.

Best Restaurants & Cafes in Todos Santos

The Green Room this hidden gem is an oceanfront restaurant offering an authentic Mexican dining experience with front row sunset seats. This is our personal favorite restaurant in all of Todos Santos and should not be missed if you are looking for a feet in the sand kind of vibe. Benno has is the stunning beachfront restaurant at Hotel San Cristóbal. Enjoy a flavorful Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine with breathtaking ocean views. The restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day for hotel guests and visitors alike. Hierbabuena Restaurant serves fresh and organic food focusing on locally sourced products. Choose between the catch of the day, wood oven pizza or organic and local poultry. Cafe Santa Fe is the restaurant to go to if you are in the mood for something other than Mexican cuisine. This upscale Italien restaurant is pretty popular amongst visitors and locals alike. Fresh salads, wood-fired pizzas, and divine pasta Baja Beans coffee is a must-try during the Todos Santos Sunday Market 8 am - 1 pm but only during high season.