Guide to Todos Santos

Your First 48 Hours in Todos Santos: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors


There’s something magnetic about Todos Santos. Maybe it’s the desert meeting the sea, maybe it’s the laid-back art scene, or maybe it’s the tacos (it’s probably the tacos). If you’ve only got a couple of days to explore, we’ve got you covered—here’s how to make the most of your first 48 hours near 44 Palms.


Day 1: Arrival + Baja Welcome

There’s no mistaking that feeling when you land in Baja—the air feels lighter, the colors seem warmer, and time slows just enough to notice it. Whether you’re driving in from Cabo or flying into La Paz, the route to El Pescadero winds through endless desert views and glimpses of turquoise coastline. You’ll spot surfboards strapped to trucks, roadside fruit stands selling mangoes, and locals waving like they’ve known you for years.

When you finally pull into 44 Palms, it feels like exhaling after holding your breath for too long. The road might be dusty, but the first glimpse of palm trees against that big Baja sky tells you you’ve arrived somewhere special. Inside, you’ll find a clean, open space filled with natural light—glass doors that slide wide open, local art, and cozy corners designed for barefoot living.

Once you’ve unpacked, don’t rush off just yet. Take a few minutes to settle in. Make a drink, step out onto the patio, and feel the dry warmth of the air. You can hear the ocean faintly in the distance, smell the desert after the sun starts to dip, and watch the sky shift from gold to deep pink to indigo.

First Stop: Cerritos Beach
Cerritos is the kind of beach that makes everyone feel like a local. Whether you’re a first-time surfer or just here for a cold beer in the sand, it’s always alive with Baja’s easy energy. Rent a board from Mario Surf School, grab a lesson if you’re new, or simply watch the locals carve through chest-high sets while pelicans cruise above.

When hunger hits, walk a few steps up to Free Souls for a laid-back rooftop meal with the best ocean view in town. The tuna tostadas and mezcal cocktails are a perfect post-surf reward.

Evening in Todos Santos
After rinsing off the salt and sand back at 44 Palms, drive 15 minutes north to Todos Santos. The town glows under string lights in the evening, alive with music spilling from cantinas and art galleries staying open late. Start at La Copa Cocina for fresh seafood and killer cocktails. If you’re in the mood for something casual, grab tacos al pastor from Taquería El Parguito, a local favorite.

Cap off the night at Chill N Grill near the town square.

Head back to 44 Palms with the windows down, the stars above you brighter than you’ve seen in years. Out here, even a drive home feels like part of the adventure.

Day 2: Adventure + Art + Chill

 

Wake up with the sun pouring through the glass doors and roosters calling somewhere off in the distance. The mornings here are soft—warm light, the hum of cicadas, the smell of coffee brewing. Step onto the patio with a cup in hand and let the breeze roll through. You’ll start to understand why people come to Baja and never leave.

Morning in Todos Santos
Head north into town and grab breakfast at Cafélix, a beloved local institution where the cappuccino is strong and the croissants are flaky enough to rival anything in Paris. Or, if you’re after something more rustic, try Doce Cuarenta, a local roastery serving Baja-grown coffee with an outdoor courtyard perfect for people-watching.

After breakfast, wander through Todos Santos’ historic district. The cobblestone streets are lined with color—coral walls, turquoise doors, and bougainvillea spilling from balconies. Pop into the Galería de Todos Santos or Ezra Katz Gallery to see paintings, ceramics, and photography from Baja’s growing community of artists.

Midday: Nature + Coastline
By late morning, drive out to Punta Lobos, a dramatic coastal bluff where fishermen launch their pangas into the surf. The view alone is worth the trip—cliffs dropping into crashing waves, whales breaching offshore during winter months, and miles of coastline stretching north and south. Pack water and hike the Las Palmas Trail, a moderate two-mile route that leads from the desert down to a secluded palm-lined beach. It’s one of the most beautiful hidden corners of Baja—and you might have it entirely to yourself.

Afternoon: Back to 44 Palms
Return to 44 Palms in the afternoon when the sun is high and the pace slows. This is siesta time. Stretch out on the rooftop deck or nap in the shade of the back patio. Maybe jump in the outdoor shower and cool off before the evening sets in.

If you’re feeling social, take a short drive to Hierbabuena, a lush farm-to-table restaurant tucked just outside town. It’s casual, colorful, and everything on the menu comes straight from their gardens—wood-fired pizzas, mojitos made with fresh mint, and grilled fish that tastes like it came off the boat that morning.

Evening: Baja Glow
Head back to 44 Palms just before sunset. Grab a blanket, climb the rooftop stairs, and watch the sky turn into a watercolor of orange and violet. Out here, sunsets last longer somehow—maybe it’s the lack of city lights, or maybe it’s the way the desert holds the heat and releases it slowly as night falls.

When darkness settles, light the firepit and crack a couple of cold beers. Baja nights are filled with stars, laughter, and the kind of quiet you can feel in your bones.

By the time you head to bed, you’ll understand the magic that locals and travelers alike talk about—the unhurried, grounded, and endlessly generous spirit of this place.

 

Quick Tips:

  • Rent a car! Public transport is limited.

  • Bring pesos; not every shop takes cards.

  • Sunscreen and a hat are mandatory.

  • The best time to visit: November–May.


Whether you come for a weekend or a month, 44 Palms puts you right in the sweet spot between Todos Santos and the Pacific.

👉 Book your Baja getaway today and start your 48 hours of pure sunshine and slow living.