Solo Travel in Todos Santos and La Paz: Desert Design Hotels, Surf Mornings and Swimming with Sea Lions
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Jet Set LatAM · Solo Travel
An hour north of Cabo’s party boats, Baja California Sur slows right down. Todos Santos is an artsy Pueblo Mágico of galleries, palm groves and surf breaks; La Paz is a relaxed waterfront city on the Sea of Cortez, gateway to one of Mexico’s most magical islands. Together they make a calm, beautiful solo trip, with the desert on one side and the sea on the other.
Where to base yourself
Split your time: three nights in Todos Santos for design hotels, surf and sunsets, then two in La Paz, near the malecón, for island days.
Desert-design boutique hotels
Paradero Todos Santos is the showpiece, an architecturally striking hotel set among farmland and cacti (our Paradero guide). Hotel San Cristóbal is a breezy beachfront boutique with a social pool scene, and Guaycura is a polished option in town with a rooftop. For wellness, see our Kimpton Mas Olas guide.
Eating alone
Todos Santos punches far above its size: Jazamango, chef Javier Plascencia’s garden restaurant, is the big reservation. In La Paz, eat fish tacos and chocolate clams along the malecón.
Solo-friendly experiences
Browse the galleries of Todos Santos, take a beginner surf lesson at Playa Cerritos, and join a small-group boat trip from La Paz to Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO-protected island where you can snorkel with playful sea lions. In season, roughly October to April, licensed operators run responsible whale shark swims.
Solo safety, the practical version
- Don’t swim at Todos Santos beaches with strong surf; Cerritos is the safer, lifeguarded choice.
- Fly into La Paz or Los Cabos and book a shuttle between towns.
- Choose licensed operators for wildlife tours.
What to pack
- Packing cubes: swim, linen and a gallery-night outfit
- Cashmere travel wrap: desert nights cool down
- Leather loafers: for dinner at Jazamango
- Our full travel collection on ShopMy ↗
Plan your outfits in Luxe Jetter ↗ and build the trip in Jet Set LatAM ↗.
Where to stay
Todos Santos for design and surf, La Paz’s malecón for island trips. The flight search and live accommodation map below help you plan the rest of the trip.
Guided experiences — La Paz
See more tours on GetYourGuide ↗ · Compare tours on Viator ↗
Frequently asked questions
Is Todos Santos good for solo travelers?
Yes. It’s small, artsy and relaxed, with friendly surf schools and walkable streets.
What is the best hotel in Todos Santos?
Paradero for architecture; Hotel San Cristóbal for a social beachfront stay.
Can I swim with sea lions in La Paz?
Yes, on boat trips to Espíritu Santo with licensed operators.
Keep reading
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