Calle Juarez

About

Being immersed in art, culture, and vibrant color is a must for any Todos Santos adventure. Enjoy the rich offering of sights, tastes, and sounds by exploring Calle Juarez in the heart of this official Pueblo Mágico “magical town” in Baja California Sur.

This main stretch through Todos Santos is distinctly recognizable with traditional “papel picado” hanging above parts of the street. This is reminiscent of holidays and fiestas from across Mexico. A walk along the cobblestone streets, under these colorful intricately cut adornments in the center of town, should be at the top of any Todos Santos to-do list.

Calle Juarez is a pedestrian-friendly street and a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. This quaint roadway is bursting with color, from the overhead embellishments to captivating flowers spilling out over walls. It is home to a variety of art galleries, historical buildings, restaurants, cafés, and eclectic boutiques.

One of the best ways to enjoy the relaxed vibe in the center of Todos Santos is to start walking from one end of Calle Juarez and work your way up. Step into the elegant Oystera restaurant at Santa Terra to share stories after a day of perusing through art galleries and historic buildings. Or, visit the farm-to-table culinary destination of Jazamango just outside the heart of the city for a fascinating meal.

This popular road in the heart of Todos Santos serves as a fantastic backdrop for local artists and craftsmen. Artistry ranges from handwoven textiles to intricately crafted pottery, impressive murals to cherished folk art.

Calle Juarez: Fun Facts & Cool Features

This main street through Todos Santos begins where Highway 19 turns northeast in the center of town. It was once a significant artery of trade and commerce, with remnants of buildings from the area’s era as a major sugar-cane producer.

In a nod to its rich heritage, Calle Juarez is home to several historical landmarks. This includes the 18th century Nuestra Misión del Pilar, or rather Todos Santos Mission Church. The central plaza, framed on one side by the Teatro Marquez de León, houses a small kiosk and is the staging area for many of the area festivals.

The famed Hotel California, with a debated legacy that is popular amongst visitors, is also located along this part of town. It is situated across from the Mission Church and just around the corner from the colorful Todos Santos letters.

A fascinating feature of Todos Santos is its attraction for artists from across the globe. This array of talent contributes to the diverse art you’ll find. Galeria de Todos Santos is a prime example of this, showcasing artists working in different mediums.

A stroll down Calle Juarez provides visitors a hint of the essence of Todos Santos. The artistic energy is palpable alongside the magical town’s colonial roots.

Getting to Calle Juarez

Here are step-by-step driving directions:

Take Calle Degollado northwest (which is also Baja California Sur highway/Mex 19)
Follow signs directing you to Calle Juarez, where the street will be clearly marked.
Turn right from Degollado onto Calle Juarez (which continues as Mex 19)

Local Tips

Visit early to enjoy the tranquility of the street before the crowds arrive.
Look for local artisan markets for unique handmade goods.
Try local cuisine at various eateries for authentic flavors.
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, as the sun can be intense.
Bring cash, as not all vendors accept credit cards.
Take plenty of photos to capture the vibrant visual landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Todos Santos?

The closest airports to Todos Santos are the San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD) and the La Paz International Airport (IATA) in Baja California Sur. Each of these airports is about 1.5 – 2 hours driving distance from Todos Santos.

Several shuttle and private car services provide transportation to Todos Santos from the airport, though it’s best to book ahead. Don’t hesitate to consider renting a car as roads are safe and well-maintained. You’ll come across tolls (casetas) from San Jose del Cabo so it’s recommended to have small bills in pesos on hand (about 100 pesos).

Highway 19 from San Jose del Cabo to Todos Santos extends up the Pacific coastline and is a beautiful drive, while Highway 1 from La Paz (that turns into 19) provides a winding adventure through the rugged landscape linking the two coasts.

Renting a car in San Jose del Cabo or La Paz is a great option as this offers you the freedom to explore area beaches more easily, hop up to El Triunfo or over to Los Barriles, or drive between Baja California Sur’s two largest cities.

What's the best way to spend one day in Todos Santos?

Start the day off with the rich aroma of coffee from Chiapas and freshly baked bread at La Esquina. As its name states, this is “the corner” of Todos Santos for a delicious meal any time of day. With an abundance of locally produced fruits and vegetables, La Esquina has over 16 years of experience serving up some of the best breakfasts in the region. Take your time and enjoy the open-air patio as all dishes are made to order.

Continue your journey with a stroll along Calle Benito Juarez, renowned for colorful papel picado overhead that complements the inviting art galleries and handcrafts lining the street. While along Calle Juarez, stop for a picture at the colorful Todos Santos sign right across from the Todos Santos Mission Church. Venture on to the somewhat mistakenly infamous Hotel California for a cool drink at what centuries ago was the first bar to serve ice-cold beer in town.

Take the afternoon to enjoy the waves, surf, and tranquil beaches in and around Todos Santos. Join a surf class at Cerritos Beach and get ready to hit the waves at one of Mexico’s best surf spots. For true adventurers, hike down the lush jungle-like entrance to Palm Beach (Playa San Pedro) that opens out to nearly virgin sands and one of the most picturesque spots on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

After a day with sand between your toes, wind down with the authentic essence of Mexican cuisine at Los Adobes de Todos Santos. Fresh herbs cultivated in their own garden is only one of the unique touches to this idyllic culinary destination. Todos Santos and Cerritos Beach in El Pescadero are all about art, so you can bet there’s a vibrant, happening music scene to wrap up the night. From banda to reggae, trop-rock to jazz, and guitar strumming to salsa, you will surely find your groove in Todos Santos.