2025 is shaping up to the year of the "detour destination," according to Expedia's travel trend report. The report says that 63 percent of travelers will likely visit lesser-known and less crowded destinations in 2025. Travelers want something slower, more soulful and less polished. When it comes to detour destinations from Los Cabos, Todos Santos delivers with sleepy surf town vibes, beautiful boutique hotels and a thriving dining scene.
"Todos Santos has a unique geography," said Fabrizio Cavallo, founder of the boutique eco-hotel Desierto Azul. "It's nestled between the mountains and the ocean, with giant cacti, desert trees and miles of pristine beaches. Aquifers run underground, making this a literal green oasis in the Baja desert."
That fertile ground feeds a flourishing organic farming scene and powers a rich farm-to-table culinary culture that puts Todos Santos on the map not just for surfers and artists, but also for foodies, yogis and wellness travelers.
Developed as a tourist town by surfers and artists a few decades ago, Todos Santos evolved naturally, not through mass development but through a steady stream of creative and conscious travelers. Today, it offers a little bit of everything — without the chaos.
Desierto Azul is one of the many design-forward hotels in Todos Santos. Photo Credit: Fabrizio Cavallo
What to do in Todos Santos
Start your morning with a hike at Punta Lobos, a dramatic seaside cliff near Hotel San Cristobal. The trail is flexible, ranging from a casual mile-long stroll to a longer trek, and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Pacific and a front-row seat to the daily rhythms of fishermen.
For something more cinematic, hop on a horse and trot through desert trails or along wide, empty stretches of beach. Horseback rides typically last around 90 minutes and are as casual or energizing as you want them to be. Prefer to ride the waves instead? Head to Cerritos Beach for a surf lesson -- no need to book far in advance. Just show up, and you'll find plenty of seasoned surfers ready to rent you a board and teach you.
Want to cover more ground? Rent an all-terrain vehicle or mountain bike and follow GPS-guided routes through the rugged, untamed desert. You'll pass through arroyos, coastal cliffs and hidden landscapes that few visitors get to see. And for a slower pace, don't skip the downtown art galleries and Cultural Center, where Todos Santos' reputation as an artists' haven shines. You'll find striking contemporary pieces, Mexican folk art and a sense of community.
Where to beach hop
The coastline around Todos Santos is still wild and underdeveloped, with beaches that feel raw and rugged. Playa Las Palmas is tucked between Todos Santos and Pescadero, is reachable only via a palm-lined path and is perfect for picnicking or quiet sunbathing.
Cerritos Beach, by contrast, is a livelier spot with gentle surf, beach bars and an open vibe that draws everyone from beginners on boards to families and digital nomads. If your timing's right during winter, head to the local shores for turtle releases, where volunteers (you can be one) help baby sea turtles make their brave dash into the Pacific.
For even more beach-hopping, carve out time for a daytrip north to La Paz, where Balandra Beach and Tecolote Beach await with their powdery white sand and shallow turquoise water.
Oystera in Todos Santos specializes in raw bar items, fresh seafood and ceviches. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
Where to eat in Todos Santos
You'll eat very well here — and likely under string lights in open-air courtyards with dirt floors and gourmet menus. Start with Jazamango, the flagship restaurant from celebrated chef Javier Plascencia, where garden-fresh ingredients and Baja-Med flavors meet in an alfresco setting. For something more casual, Jazamango Cafe offers equally thoughtful dishes with a quicker pace.
If you're after dinner with a view, The Green Room is perched on the beach and is known for its sunset scene and creative seafood dishes, while Cara Cara adds a stylish edge to the town's already impressive culinary scene. Craving tradition? Landi's delivers elegant takes on classic Mexican recipes in a charming courtyard. And if you're in a tacos-and-beer kind of mood, 5 Tacos & A Beer gets straight to the point.
The dining options here run the gamut: Mejibo offers sophisticated small plates in a minimalist setting; La Esquina is perfect for a daytime smoothie or post-yoga brunch; and Pacifica Fish Market serves up ultrafresh ceviches and seafood tostadas. You'll also want to check out Tiki Santos for a fun tropical vibe, Tre Galline for rustic Italian and Oystera or DUM for upscale ambiance with a creative Baja twist. The variety is impressive for such a small town — and best of all, the vibe stays grounded, never pretentious.
"There's a strong local community here," Cavallo said. "It's not a party town like Tulum or Sayulita. People come to explore the natural beauty, to disconnect and reconnect with themselves. That's what sets Todos Santos apart."