Todos Santos Day Trip: Art Walk, Tequila & Hotel California Lunch

Summary

Todos Santos stories—art walks, tequila sips & Baja’s colors

You’ll wander through Todos Santos with a local guide, feeling its slower rhythm as you explore art galleries and historic spots like the old Jesuit mission. Taste real tequila in a cozy shop, watch a pearl demo up close, and have lunch right inside Hotel California—all with pickup from Cabo San Lucas included.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to change so quickly after leaving Cabo San Lucas. One minute it’s all sun glare and resort chatter, then suddenly we’re rolling into Todos Santos and it just feels quieter—like the colors are softer here, or maybe it’s just me. Our guide, Jorge, slowed down near a little blanket factory where you could actually hear the looms clacking through the open windows. I stuck my head in and caught this warm cottony smell mixed with something earthy—dye maybe? The woman weaving barely looked up but smiled anyway. I tried not to stare too much.

The old Jesuit mission sits right in the center of town. Jorge pointed out some bullet marks on the church wall (I missed that detail until he said it), and then we wandered over to Teatro Marquez de Leon. It’s not grand or anything but there’s this faded elegance about it—paint peeling in places, but people still gather outside like it matters. The art walk was slower than I thought; I kept stopping at every gallery window because the paintings felt different from what you see back home—more desert light, less polish. There was this one sculpture that looked like driftwood twisted by wind—I still think about that piece sometimes.

We did a quick tequila tasting in a tiny shop off the main street (I’m not even a big drinker but wow—it burns in a good way). Lunch at Hotel California was next. Okay, yes, everyone asks about “the song”—Jorge just rolled his eyes and said he gets it daily. The food was heavier than I expected but honestly perfect after walking around under that sharp Baja sun. Someone played guitar near our table and for a second it felt like time slowed down.

After lunch there was a pearl demonstration—small thing but oddly calming to watch those hands work with such patience. We ended up wandering past more shops before heading back to Cabo San Lucas, arms full of blankets and my head kind of spinning from all the textures and sounds. The drive back felt longer somehow; maybe because I wasn’t quite ready for it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Todos Santos town and culture

• Visit Our Lady of Pilar Church
• Visit Teatro Marquez de Leon
• Walk through Galería de Todos Santos
• Stop at Hotel California
• Visit Mexican blanket factory
• Enjoy pearl demonstration

Top questions

How far is Todos Santos from Cabo San Lucas?

It's about an hour's drive north on Highway 19 from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at Hotel California in the center of Todos Santos.

What attractions will we visit in Todos Santos?

You’ll visit the old Jesuit Mission (Our Lady of Pilar Church), Teatro Marquez de Leon, art galleries, a Mexican blanket factory, and see a pearl demonstration.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Cabo San Lucas is included.

Is there tequila tasting during the tour?

Yes, there is a traditional tequila tasting at one of the stops in Todos Santos.

How long does this day trip last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours including travel time.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

This activity is not suitable for infants; small children can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult's lap if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Cabo San Lucas hotels, visits to art galleries and historic sites like the old Jesuit mission and theater, time at a Mexican blanket factory with weaving demonstrations, traditional tequila tasting, an up-close pearl demonstration, plus lunch served at Hotel California before returning in the afternoon.