The drive
Todos Santos is roughly 47 miles (76 km) from Cabo San Lucas on Federal Highway 19, which runs north up the Pacific side of the peninsula. Once you're out of town it is a four-lane highway through desert with ocean views, and the drive takes about an hour. Cerritos Beach, near Pescadero, is on the way and makes a natural stop on the return.
Leave Villa 1 in the morning to see town before the midday heat, and plan to be back on the highway before dark. The concierge can arrange a private driver so everyone can enjoy lunch.
In town
The historic centre is compact and walkable. The mission church, Nuestra Señora del Pilar, stands on the plaza; the original Jesuit mission here was founded in 1733. Around it are galleries, shops and restaurants in brick and adobe buildings from the town's 19th-century sugar boom, when Todos Santos had eight sugar mills. The industry faded after the town's freshwater spring dried up in 1950.
The Hotel California in the town centre is the best-known stop. After a 2017 lawsuit by the Eagles, the hotel settled in 2018 and now says it has no connection to the song or the band. It is still a popular place for a drink and to browse the shop.
Beaches and the fishing fleet
The Pacific here is powerful, and most beaches near town are not safe for swimming. At Punta Lobos, south of town, local fishermen launch their pangas through the surf and, in the afternoon, run them back up onto the sand at speed, a scene worth timing your visit for. La Pastora, north of town, is a surf break.
For a swim, stop at Playa Los Cerritos on the drive back. Its gentler beach break is popular with beginner surfers and families, and there are places to eat and watch the sunset.
Sea turtle releases (December to February)
In winter, the volunteer conservation group Tortugueros Las Playitas releases hatchling sea turtles at sunset, daily from about December 10 to February 28, with occasional releases in March. The releases are free and open to the public; donations support the nightly beach patrols and nests. Check the group's page for the day's time and location before you go, and allow for the drive back to Cabo after dark.
