Pescadero vs Todos Santos: Where Should You Stay in Baja Sur?
Planning a trip to Baja California Sur's Pacific coast and wondering whether to base yourself in Pescadero or Todos Santos? You're not alone. These two neighboring destinations sit just 10 minutes apart along Highway 19, yet they offer distinctly different experiences. The good news? There's no wrong choice—only the question of which vibe suits you best.
Two Sides of the Same Magic
Pescadero and Todos Santos share the same stunning coastline, the same dramatic Sierra de la Laguna backdrop, and the same laid-back Baja spirit. But their personalities differ. Pescadero is quieter, more rustic, and surf-focused. Todos Santos is cultured, artsy, and dining-forward. Think of Pescadero as the beach town and Todos Santos as the creative colonial village—each complementing the other.
Most visitors end up spending time in both. But if you're choosing where to stay, here's how they compare.
Vibe & Character
Pescadero is a small, unhurried fishing village that hasn't changed much over the decades. Dusty roads, family-run taquerías, fruit stands, and a laid-back community of surfers and locals define the rhythm here. It feels authentic, unpretentious, and deeply connected to the ocean. If you want to wake up close to the beach, walk to surf breaks, and embrace a slower, simpler pace, Pescadero delivers.
Todos Santos is a designated Pueblo Mágico with colonial charm, cobblestone streets, and a thriving arts and food scene. Galleries, boutique hotels, farm-to-table restaurants, and mezcal bars line the streets. The energy is more cosmopolitan—creative, stylish, and culturally rich. It's the place for art walks, gourmet meals, and afternoons spent wandering colorful streets.
Verdict: Pescadero for beach immersion and simplicity. Todos Santos for culture, dining, and sophisticated exploration.
Beaches & Surf
Pescadero sits directly between two of Baja's best surf beaches: Cerritos Beach (5 minutes south) and Playa San Pedrito (5 minutes north). Cerritos is ideal for beginners and families—gentle, consistent waves and swimmable conditions. San Pedrito is wilder, with rocky points and more challenging surf. Staying in Pescadero means you're never more than 10 minutes from world-class waves.
Todos Santos is slightly inland from the coast—about 5-10 minutes depending on which beach you're heading to. You'll still access the same beaches (Cerritos, San Pedrito, Punta Lobos), but you're not quite as beach-adjacent. That said, Todos Santos offers easy access to lesser-known spots like Playa La Cachora and Playa La Bocana.
Verdict: Pescadero for surf-centric stays and beach proximity. Todos Santos if beaches are part of your day but not the sole focus.
Dining & Nightlife
Pescadero keeps it simple. You'll find excellent fish tacos, roadside stands serving fresh catch, Baja Beans coffee, and a few casual restaurants. The vibe is more "cooler of beer on the beach" than "reservation at 7 PM." It's perfect if you prefer cooking at your rental, grilling your own fish, or keeping meals low-key.
Todos Santos is a food lover's dream. Farm-to-table restaurants like Jazamango and Cara Cara serve elevated Mexican cuisine. Wood-fired pizza at Tre Galline, craft cocktails at La Copa Bar, and the Saturday farmers market make this a destination for culinary travelers. There's also more nightlife—live music, rooftop bars, and a generally more social scene.
Verdict: Todos Santos wins decisively for dining and drinks. Pescadero is better for those who value simplicity and self-catering.
Accommodations
Pescadero offers more vacation rentals—private homes, surf villas, and beachfront casitas. You'll find everything from budget-friendly surf camps to upscale properties like Casa Soluna. Accommodations tend to be more spacious, private, and designed for longer stays or groups. The trade-off? Fewer boutique hotels and less walkable infrastructure.
Todos Santos is home to some of Baja's most stylish boutique hotels: Hotel San Cristóbal, Paradero, Guaycura, and Villa Santa Cruz. These properties offer full-service hospitality, on-site dining, and design-forward aesthetics. If you prefer hotel amenities, concierge service, and a more curated experience, Todos Santos delivers.
Verdict: Pescadero for private vacation rentals and space. Todos Santos for boutique hotel experiences and full-service stays.
Who Should Stay Where?
Choose Pescadero if you:
Want to be steps from surf breaks
Prefer privacy, space, and vacation rental flexibility
Value simplicity and quiet over nightlife
Plan to cook most meals or eat casually
Seek a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path vibe
Choose Todos Santos if you:
Love exploring galleries, shops, and cultural sites
Prioritize dining experiences and craft cocktails
Want a walkable town with boutique hotels
Enjoy a mix of sophistication and bohemian charm
Plan to make beaches part of your day but not the entire day
Why Not Both?
Here's the truth: Pescadero and Todos Santos are 10 minutes apart. You don't have to choose. Stay in Pescadero for proximity to Cerritos Beach and enjoy day trips to Todos Santos for art, shopping, and dinner. Or base yourself in Todos Santos and spend mornings at the beach in Pescadero. Many travelers split their trip between both—a few nights in a beachfront rental, a few nights in a boutique hotel.
The Takeaway
Pescadero and Todos Santos are two halves of the same incredible coastline. One offers raw, surf-focused simplicity; the other delivers cultural richness and culinary sophistication. Both are magical. Both are worth your time.
If you had to choose? Go with your gut. Beach lovers and surfers will thrive in Pescadero. Art and food lovers will fall for Todos Santos. But honestly, the best answer might be to experience both—and let the rhythm of Baja show you what you needed all along.
Ready to book your Baja escape? Explore our private vacation rental, Casa Soluna, in the heart of Pescadero—steps from Cerritos Beach and minutes from Todos Santos. Check availability.
