Mexico is every American’s go-to pick for a sunny winter getaway, what with the long miles of sandy coast, balmy weather, and irresistible tropical atmosphere.
However, not all Mexican destinations offer the relaxation they may be craving after another long, tiresome year.
Cancun has the luxurious resorts and award-winning hospitality, but it’s far from being quiet, Vallarta has won our hearts due to its charming Zona Romantica and lively social scene, but local beaches can get very crowded, and even peaceful Cabo is struggling to keep up with a surge in tourism lately.
Where, then, can U.S. travelers go that is still tourist-friendly but laid-back enough for it to be relaxing?
You should be thinking Todos Santos, one of the top 10 best places to visit in the peak of winter:
Why Todos Santos Should Be On Your Bucket List
Tripadvisor has recently named Todos Santos, a small beach town a short one-hour drive up the coast from Cabo San Lucas, one of the best destinations for a February vacation.
February is arguably the gloomiest month of the year, with either rain and dark clouds or snowfall landing hard on a number of Stateside areas.
It’s the time Americans typically feel the urge to escape to sunny Mexico at its strongest and when the budget-conscious tend to travel.
The peak season has passed, prices are fluctuating down, and the weather is not one bit colder.
In the case of Todos Santos, it ranges from 57 to 78 throughout February – nights are only moderately chilly – and there are plenty of sunshine hours to be enjoyed.
That’s not the only reason why this 6,485-people-strong municipality is trending on one of the most popular booking platforms: in case you weren’t aware before, it is one of the cultural centers of the Baja California Sur state, and a pueblo magico of the first order.
While Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo excel at hosting high-end travelers keen on splurging on all-inclusive stays, Todos Santos attracts a different kind of visitor: culture buffs enthusiastic about exploring Mexico on a deeper level, and small town lovers.
Todos Santos Is Perfect For Relaxing
Forget about that overdeveloped stretch of coast, the Americanized beach zones, and the glitz and glamor of the Waldorf next door: Todos Santos has retained much, if not all, of its native Mexican Pacific charm.
Yes, there are luxury hotels and spa facilities in the vicinity – this is a stone’s throw away from Latin America’s largest wellness hub, after all – but these are generally much smaller in size, falling into the ’boutique’ subcategory and they can be more affordable.
While an overnight in Cabo averages $600 in a best-case scenario, tourists can find cheaper stays in three-star hotels in downtown Todos Santos for only $151 a night this February, or if they’d like to add a touch of luxury to their sojourn, Guaycura Boutique Hotel is a solid pick.
Equipped with a beach club and spa, prices start from an acceptable $494. Higher than the Todos Santos average but considerably less expensive than Cabo’s soaring resort rates.
If you really want to ‘go for it’, the newest addition to the town’s growing portfolio is the self-describing Todos Santos Boutique Hotel, an ultra-exclusive, luxurious 10-room listing housed in a traditional historic property dating back to the 1890s. Rates range between $995 and $1,295.
As you can see, there’s something for every traveler in Todos Santos, irrespective of budget. On top of that, it is an incredibly picturesque town to be based in:
A Charming Colonial Center
Having been established by missionaries in the 18th century, it has a rich cultural tapestry, with a number of Spanish-built churches and a vibrant colonial center full of colorful houses.
If you’re an active Instagrammer, you’ll want to leave no stone unturned when exploring Todos Santos.
As for its historical value, the last battle of the Mexican-American War, triggered by the American annexation of Texas in the 1800s, was fought near the town, making it a mandatory pit stop on culture-based itineraries.
That being said, Todos Santos is not known exclusively for its cultural assets.
It has a number of hippie shops, quirky art galleries, and pristine beaches for both sunbathing and surfing.
Overall, it’s remarkably peaceful, enjoying low rates of crime, unlike sprawling urban centers.
Whale-watching is also an incredibly popular tour among tourists, with ocean safaris departing daily throughout winter when migration trends for the giant sea mammals are higher.
Finally, as it sits on the azure Pacific coast of Mexico, not the Caribbean side, Todos Santos is not affected by sargassum, the brown, foul-smelling seaweed that is already making a comeback to the Mayan Coast as early as February.
Sargassum is not commonly observed in the Pacific, as it requires warmer waters to proliferate, and whether you’re following Tripadvisor’s advice this February or visiting later in the year, rest assured those golden sands will always be spotless.
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