I suppose it’s the fairy tale lover in me but anything designated a “Pueblo Magico” (or Magic Town) gets my attention. Part of a canny marketing strategy to showcase some of Mexico’s most mesmerizing tinier places, these villages awash in artsiness, history and culture, these towns never disappoint.
Among the best, Todos Santos sits Baja’s coast about an hour north of Cabo San Lucas. It couldn’t be more different. With colonial architectural undertones, cobbled streets, corner bars, a dose of beach chic, the kind of light that draws artists and the under layers that writers crave, the gallery-filled hotspot has an eccentric personality.
Though rife with ex-pats, the town still feels gloriously Mexican. You’ll find fishers, psychics, painters, surfers, chefs, farmers and rising stars galore all hoping to keep the unpretentious magic for as long as possible. Great for an afternoon of gallery hopping and shopping, Todos Santos also boasts creative and authentic restaurants and bars and some cute, pueblo-appropriate hotels. Leave room in your suitcase to take home some loot.
Stay and Shop
Despite the myriad charming boutique hotels in the town center, I vote for a stay further afield at Rancho Pescadero, located about thirty minutes away. Just renovated and enhanced the stunning beachside resort reigns as one of the world’s top wellness destinations, replete with a 25,000-square-foot spa, nine interconnected garden, a farm, orchard and more. After a meal of vegan tacos around the pool, a plate of guacamole and a satisfying Mezcalita, begin your shopping spree at the resort’s own boutique, Eclectic Array. Stocked with the work of some 300 artisans from around Mexico, the boutique carries jewelry and clothing brands such as Mizpah, Morena Corazon and Ni en More.
Nomad Chic is an evolving treasure trove of accoutrements, accessories, furniture, shoes hats, apparel and surprises. It’s the kind of store that makes you feel bold and boundless.
Ella Bella is where Mexico meets California at this beachwear and chic wear shop with its own brand by Mexican-American designer Joella Corado.
Galeria de Todos Santos: Since 1994 this peerless gallery has been showcasing artists working a variety of mediums including sculpture, painting and photography. It’s considered a pioneer and partially responsible for elevating the artistic creds of the town.
Jill Logan Gallery aka Galeria Logan: Expect to find this artist/owner literally in residence most days and happy to provide a customized tour of her gallery and thoughts on her vibrant paintings.
Casa Catalina and Gallery is a haven of Mexican handicrafts from textiles to tooled leather bags.
Hilo Rojo Stores is an enclave that brims with high end Mexican design and one-of-a-kind fins.
Shop at Hotel San Cristóbal: This is the first retail store inside the hotel offering an excellently curated mix of artisan goods for travelers, with a focus on Mexican-made wares along with a collection of apparel, beachwear, home items, jewelry, gifts, and custom pieces.
Besame Mucho Bazaar has a cornucopia of stylish delight, an almost otherworldly shopping experience. Find boots, scarves, hats, costumes, jewelry, chandeliers, spiritual statuary, furniture, soaps, tarot cards, books and more.
Pronto Muy Pronto: Just a few minutes from downtown, this unique boutique is worth the drive. From ceramics to clothing to skincare, most of the stock comes from Mexico.
La Katrina Surf Shop serves up sunglasses, hats, shirts, surfboards and lots of advice about which waves and where to catch them.
Desert Fox Vintage Baja is a glamorous vintage (and new) apparel shop run with international appeal. Check out the hat collection.
