Living in Todos Santos: The Good, the Bad & the Beautiful

Living in Todos Santos in Baja California Sur here in Mexico has been absolutely incredible. One month was enough to explore, go hiking, see lots of whales, and eat TONS of seafood. Where to next?!
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All Songs from Epidemic Sound
Song One: Taiga by Ever So Blue
Song Two: Bookmarks by Ever So Blue

[@fredjones5318]

Please be aware this video was posted two years ago and the cost of living and tourist traffic has really increased in that time period to where the prices in Todos are now comparable or higher than Cabo.

[@donaldjmccann]

You indicate it was cheaper than you expected to live there, some details on what rent is, what a beer costs, or a meal in a restaurant would be helpful.

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

hiya Donald, she made this video outlining lots of costs of items. If you live in the US one US dollar = 20 Mx Peso. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2itm3lparB8b5o

[@AH-ui7ei]

I was just there. As an American we were ripped off left and right and the people were not nice at all. Well, they were nice at Coyote Restaurant, the only place I would recommend; we went back time after time.

[@denisepummer5112]

Thank you for all of your videos about Todos Santos which helps me explain to my mom and others why we have made a home here. To be honest, we selfishly cringe at the good PR but right now, those that depend on tourism would really appreciate the business.

[@laura-bronner]

I'm so glad you've enjoyed the videos and I'm glad they could help in some way! It's certainly a little slice of paradise, I can see why you live here!

[@decentdiversions]

I just got back from an attempted bikepacking trip in BCS (Air Canada never sent my bike!). Loved my time in Mexico and your videos are helping show me a bit of what I missed (and what I’ll experience when I inevitably return!). ¡Gracias!

[@harrymadray3682]

We love your wonderful videos and your honesty opinion about the places in Mexico you live and visit. Looking forward to seeing more of your marvelous videos. Thank you.

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you so much, that's really lovely of you to say. I'm so glad you enjoy the videos! Lots more to come :)

[@misao3004]

We just visited this town today for the first time. I knew there was something special after walking for a bit.

[@IsabelaAvila03]

I will go to Todo Santos as soon as I can! Great video, love the genuineness and honesty.

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoy them!

[@kirkmanley3164]

Beautiful. Have followed you for awhile and you look so refreshed and happy living in a rural area!

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you!

[@michelelovesfreedom]

Where to next? Would love to see La Paz more in depth! ♡

[@laura-bronner]

A few days in Cabo and then thinking we'll spend the next month or so in La Paz so lots of videos to come!

[@user-cl4rh1sg7g]

@@laura-bronner please please do! I love watching your coverage on the seafood 😍😍😋 I miss Mexico

[@josegallegosdds]

Man! You are so fortunate to be able to do this. I would love to retire soon and head to Mexico and explore the country. It looks like Mexico is so much more affordable than the U.S and Chile ( where I’m originally from ).

[@christopherstevenson9737]

Nicely done. Your exuberance and smiles say it all. And doesn’t hurt that you do have a pleasant speaking voice. I’m about to retire in a few months and can’t wait to visit (hopefully sail my small blue water Flicka-20) to this fun and friendly town!! Maybe bump into you.! Please do more videos of other places to explore.!!

[@Hierrito]

thanks for sharing looking forward to seeing this area in person very inspiring for music making!

[@Becky_Cal]

I’d never heard of Todos Santos! Thanks for introducing me to this city! I’m so motivated to go there for the food scene. I love seafood and fresh fish! 💪

[@seesthruit]

Yes it looks wonderful. I just hope those prices were Pesos!

[@mikemacias5047]

Wife and I enjoy your videos. You’ve inspired us to try residing in todo santos. She has dual citizenship I’m working on residency. A bit discouraged on the rental prices. We’ve been looking and it’s tough finding anything in our price range. Trying to stay under 1,300 a month for 6-12 months but nada do far.

[@laura-bronner]

Have you checked with Ricardo Amigo Real Estate (RARE) - they are a great rental agency to check out in that area. But yes, Todos Santos has really spiked in prices and popularity since I was there two years ago. Cerritos and Pescadero may be a bit cheaper if you check that area.

[@Seventhstream211]

wow! I think I found a gem in your KZbin channel! thank you so much for informative, friendly, and respectful videos.

[@johneason6540]

What a very beautiful town. The food does look insanely good 👍 what a great outdoor location.

[@laura-bronner]

It’s such a beautiful place!

[@thespotvannes5551]

Which would be your favourite place to live if you'd have to choose between Todos Santos, Sayulita, San Pancho y Yelapa?

[@lydiaskapura7725]

Sayulita - ugh no. I stayed in San Pancho for 2 months (May, June 2021) and loved it, but am afraid it's on its way to becoming a Sayulita (overly crowded, loud party town with growing crime). I'm currently in San Sebastian del Oeste (magical town in the Sierra Madre mountains), and am trying to figure out where to go next. I may buy/build a tiny home here and make it my home base during the hotter months on the coast, but it's definitely a remote area which most people would not like. I've been to Lake Chapala, Ajijic, San Pancho, Hugera Blanco, Sayulita, San Pancho, Sayulita, and here. Overall I think if you need water in your life I would probably pick San Pancho (San Francisco) .. great surf, good food, good people, good access to most everything you need, and good times. . . but not over-the-top crazy.

[@missmayflower]

Totally agree. Don’t want a car. There are so many places to live where transportation is great.

[@prime8nate]

I'd much rather ride a decent bike (not a junky cheap one rented to tourists) in TS than buses in Cabo or La Paz.

[@phildodd5532]

Thanks for taking us along on your travels.

[@kwaggoner2494]

I have so enjoyed "visiting" Todos Santos with you. Thank you for bringing the beauty of Mexico and her people to us. I look forward to your next adventure!

[@richardcupples8757]

The bar across the street from the Hotel California serves an award winning Margarita 🍹

[@stevemazzucaq7148]

Tequila sunrise. Restaurant is great

[@Johnleefromthemist]

Thank You Laura for the Todos Santos Mexico trip and your I really appreciate your video planning to visit Todos Santos this year your video is very informative. I feel you make a connection with your KZbin audience

[@Becky_Cal]

Instead of a car, many small towns in Mexico rent mopeds. Have you considered that? Cheaper and easier to navigate the smaller streets.

[@laura-bronner]

I haven't seen any moped for rent here. There are some quad bikes, but to rent them for an entire month would have probably cost about as much as my rent.

[@prime8nate]

Great video. I really appreciate seeing some of the hiking/cycling trails around town and not just saying "Here's the Hotel California and some people say the Eagles song is about this hotel". I really wish I could loan you guys some better bikes, it would make all the difference. I'm surprised people don't ride around on ATVs/Cuatritmotos a lot there. Keep up the good work!

[@laura-bronner]

There are a few people on ATVs around, but not that many. I support if I had known in advance that we would buy bikes, I would have bought nicer ones in La Paz and then brought them here, but they've been great to have to get around town. Glad you have been enjoying seeing a different side to Todos Santos!

[@roberthayes2027]

Yeah, the views of the wide streets and glimpses of the views from bicycle riding 8:03 were really great. I only wish they could have been longer and more revealing of the "great outdoors" that can be experienced in Todos Santos neighborhoods. Those desert peaceful trails made by small animals over the many decades are really memorable to me. I know the cinematography aspect might be difficult, but that's the Magdalena biome there near T.S. There are tiny clumps of heath species which capture the floss & dross with seeds blowing in the wind and help establish and nurture desert life. So seemingly ephemeral yet, they're really well established around T.S. Maybe you'll be exposed to amazing biomes elsewhere and be able to show us what's unique and memorable again. Thx2!

[@RobertIsaacson-hi9sz]

Thanks for bringing more gringos. Like we don't have enough.

[@bradsanders6954]

Cabo Pulmo,out on the tip of peninsula is one of the neatest quietest places Ive found in Baja. Swimming with sea lions was cool,Nancy's place has great food.

[@jaenmartens5697]

My son and friends(all from Sonoma County CA.) live or vacation there yearly. I like the Colonial type interior myself but wanted to see TS thru your eyes. IF we move coastal I would rather be on the Sea of Cortez for the gentle warm swimming and oysters.

[@michelelovesfreedom]

I'm from there too!

[@michelelovesfreedom]

Sonoma County that is

[@jaenmartens5697]

@@michelelovesfreedom Forestville Occidental

[@prime8nate]

It's an interesting phenomenon how Todos Santos attracts so many people from California (the US part). I'm born and raised in the Bay Area and the difference between the gringos who come to TS and those that go to the east side of Baja (like Los Barriles) is very noticeable.

[@joshhanft4863]

@@prime8nate like what differences do you notice? we are trying out the various spots you mention and we live in ca

[@seeseebee3214]

I love your videos of Baja and Mexico City. You have a cheerful personality that makes you and your videos irresistible! Plus I happen to like this country south of our border (California).

[@MrJx4000]

I drove there in a rented VW bug from SJC in January of '98 and by far the most eye opening experience was the highway drive. Did you see any roadrunners there?

[@chortleboy]

That’s about when I drive down there late 90’s in a 2 wheel drive Toyota pickup with tents and surfboards from Colorado…the road was pothole central didn’t drive at night we were warned camped anywhere we pulled off for the night in the open desert..spent a month in Todos Santos area….Good times!

[@ShihanTomCallahan]

Nice video thank you . Long term living Mazatlan or Todos Santos> very active couple i their 60’s

[@darkkstar5647]

It's changed a lot since I was there about 20 years ago.

[@jeanporter5734]

if you love it keep it a hidden gem..

[@michelleespinoza816]

How exciting for the next location. I can’t wait to see!

[@matthewwillis4892]

Check it out in july through october the hurricane season is so exciting and hot.

[@shannonlawsonnashville]

I love Todos Santos, and even Pescadaro.

[@sebastiancabot3378]

Great to see what you have lived..we will visit soon.

[@laura-bronner]

Glad you enjoyed seeing it!

[@instantclients6120]

The car comment was very valuable

[@chrisshelton3504]

Fantastic video! I do want to mention your improvements, but I will also acknowledge that I have never produced anything and my remarks are purely subjective and probably not shared by the general populace. It was great the way you cut back and forth between your image and narration of the video and the scenes in and around where you are currently living. I’m sorry, but I had noticed in some of your previous videos, you would be talking to the camera and describing things around you, and you might do a twirl to show your background, but it was almost like you were keeping those things to yourself, not really showing what you were seeing. This video was so different! In the scene at the beach, you described seeing the whales, THEN YOU SHOWED US THE WHALES! I was almost shouting to myself YES, YES, YES! Please keep videos like this coming!

[@erodriguez1042]

There are amazing places in the peninsula but you need a car, for example you can do a loop tour in the penisula start in La Paz, go to Todos Santos, Cerritos and Cabos San Lucas, and then to San Jose del Cabo, Los Barriles, Cabo Pulmo( a Divers heaven), Miraflores and other small towns and you will arrive to Todo Santos or La Paz

[@stevemazzucaq7148]

Try tequila sunrise restaurant always make special trips from cabo

[@starseedsassemble6372]

Is there a hospital, doctors, dentists or do you have to go out of town for that?

[@alannagod]

I am enjoying your videos, from the view of an expat, not just the tourist version. Honest, local, refreshing. 😊 Will you be going to Los Barriles at all?

[@laura-bronner]

Glad you're enjoying them! Barriles is on the list - hoping to get there in early or mid-March!

[@ljacobs357]

Nice town. Stayed there many years ago before it went more upscale.

[@rayvogensen2983]

I can see why you like Todos Santos compared to a city like Mazatlán for example. I have been watching videos and it is now a big, bustling city with almost half a million people. Everything looks a bit like the Costa del Sol in southern Spain with hotel after hotel, shopping centers, Burger Kings, Carl's Junior etc. It is the epitome of urban sprawl. There is just too much over-building. Where you are you can get out on dirt roads or even paths and be completely by yourselves, alone with nature. In the town you can, and have to, speak to the locals in Spanish and I can identify with that completely.

[@laura-bronner]

Yea it's been really nice to be sort of "away from it all" while still being connected to a town that has pretty much everything that you need. Mazatlan is great and has a lot to offer, but if you want somewhere quieter this has been a great option.

[@CrystalConsults]

Wonderful video! Thank you so much! 🐳

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jimboit2]

In 1993, I got a ticket there. Coming off the highway, there is a T intersection that dipped down and the traffic light was about 100 feet high. The sun was setting and blinds you from seeing the light. Cop pulled us over 5 blocks away. The owner of the shop at the intersection apparently calls the cops everytime someone violates the light. Nice setup as the cop waits for you up the road. Cop pulled us over 4 blocks away, admitted he was called by the shop and took us to the station/jail. I paid US$65. Cop was great as he visited with us and let me go into the jail cell that had ocean view, no glass on barred window and freezing cold cement structure. He would let us take pictures or let me try on the 100 year old handcuffs he had. Welcome to the Hotel California...we were able to leave so the saong was a lie!!!

[@elizabethhamilton1166]

I enjoyed your video! I have a suggestion. Try an electric bike. They are not cheap but they are no expensive compared to having a car. You can get an electric bike from $500 us - $1600 or more.

[@philschiavone101]

I find it difficult in Guadalajara because the people are polite and friendly. Just going to the store can take an hour. San Pedro Tlaquepaque has small pockets that are like very small towns.

[@BeepBeepAndVanillaBean]

love your videos!!!!!

[@cindyeyler]

Looks like a great place.

[@Liza-gd7jf]

From all the places you have visited in Mexico, where do you recommend the most for nature lovers

[@claireantonia1830]

Would you say that driving there alone from the airport / staying at a rental home seems safe as a solo traveler?

[@cryptosherpa2022]

How about a Super Scooter?

[@aimefiori1104]

Hola nice videos. Is the water cold down there?

[@viipsrvs1]

Buenas noches Senorita! What month did you live in Todos Santos? I would love to go to Todos Santos to see the Whales in the wild. Thank you in advance!

[@owenbscott]

Doce Cuarenta? Is there a Doce Cuarenta there, and is it run by the same people in La Paz?

[@cryptosherpa2022]

The Sea of Cortez: The World's Aquarium no doubt! Jacques Cousteau😆🤗👻🍓

[@enriqueibarra9659]

this is in the pacific side!

[@sunnysmilessunshine4060]

OMGoodness, I just found you. I want to check out your 'rent' shopping video. For Sure visit others too. I'm a Sr. Looking to get out & LIVE. But, I'm Single & apprehensive about traveling by myself. Perhaps I'll get lucky and find another who has similar interest. More for protection than anything. But company is nice too~ Your videos are inspiring me so keep them coming~ Thanks!

[@tomkelly3896]

Do they flush septic waste into the ocean there also???

[@tomkelly3896]

Post a pic of the septic wasre treatment plant......oh...they dont have one🤔

[@KH-nz4ld]

Hello.Would you suggest Todos Santos for someone Who likes seclude,relax,long walks on the beach kind of vacations.Food seems a lot more authentic than Cabo...And are there any car rentals,or it’s better to be arranged in Cabo? Any bike rentals? Is any hotels offering airport transfers? Wi-Fi’s are OK? Thank you so much!!! Alejandro...

[@LifeYounger]

Hello, I have the opportunity to move to Todos Santos for few months, what do think. Am I going to be bored? Is a lively town/village where you can meet lots of people?

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

hiya Expat....can you tell me which beach you were on when you saw the whales? I don't recognize it...I live in Mexico (San Jose) for 3 or 4 months per year and are spending more time in Todos Santos but not enough for me to recognize things by site yet....muchas gracias!

[@laura-bronner]

That was the main beach in Todos Santos. We entered the beach from the road near La Esquina, but any of the entrances off of Las Playitas will take you to this beach. You can also see the whales from Punta Lobos.

[@gilberto5304]

Where are the galleries?

[@ADONAIsays-so]

I'd it wasn't for the heat/humidity, we could get lost there (in a good way).....I'm still looking towards Puebla.

[@philippehebert]

Where was that beach that you could see whales from the shore? 🐳

[@carloslember5945]

What do you guys do for a living that allows you to live in BCS?

[@cindyjugglegoddess7821]

Did a Baja bike ride in the 90’s up the Sea of Cortez side then one night at Hotel California in Todos Santos with the Eagles soundtrack playing in my head the whole time and then back down to Cabo on the Pacific side. Thank you for your video which resurfaced so many of my wonderful memories 🙏🏻

[@andreavanda4722]

If you could say how much rent etc. is, it would really be helpful.

[@tomrauser4720]

so, you are living there now ? or you went there for a month and are calling that living there ?

[@juanear586]

Nice 😍❤️👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@mccoyji]

U got no car? How did you get to todo santos?

[@DvorakFranco]

Hey, so say you work in the patio. What the internet situation in Todos Santos. Obviously fine to load videos and alike.from the casita.

[@drchristopherpowell8980]

Thanks for your video. Appreciate it do you know if there’s anywhere to park in RV? I have a Vintage Airstream and I thought about pulling it down there and staying for a month or two but would like a place at least with water hook ups.

[@dannyho6786]

can hear them roosters squawking in the background

[@jm-bv1wh]

Did you say that you don't have a car? How did you get there? And how will you leave there? I understand that you can use the bikes while there,. but how about beyond that? Thanks.

[@laura-bronner]

There are plenty of buses that connect the towns. We flew into la Paz and then took the bus from downtown la Paz to downtown todos Santos. Then we took the bus from todos Santos to San Jose del Cabo where we are now. Buses each cost about $8 each.

[@aesparzas]

Me encanto!!!!!!

[@RobertIsaacson-hi9sz]

IT was the same price as the USA.

[@claireantonia1830]

Loved your video! Would you recommend renting a car for staying for a week?

[@laura-bronner]

For Todos Santos, yes. It’s much easier to explore around here with a car 👍

[@sunnyla2835]

Hola! Did you find a monthly rental through AirBNB? Thanks

[@JohannaEarthlyRamos]

You’re awesome. Thanks!

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks so much!

[@mariorojas3724]

Where are u from?

[@rochelledejesus2894]

The comment about city people not being mean is naive. I have been to plenty of busy, high trafficked restaurants in rural areas and smaller cities, and no one ever uses the amount of foot traffic as an excuse to be an a-hole. The reason that city folks are so awful is that they are disconnected from nature and what is important in life. We were not meant to live our lives staring at phones, basking in artificial light, breathing chemicals and fumes, sitting in traffic, fighting crowds, having little personal space, etc.

[@MikeMike-fp8sm]

Do people use golf cars living there?

[@laura-bronner]

It doesn't seem as popular there as it is places like barriles or the east cape. A few people have them, but mostly cars around todos Santos.

[@MikeMike-fp8sm]

@@laura-bronner thanks 👍🏼

[@siwash99]

awesome stuff !

[@venanciooctavioramirezcisn6463]

Just remember that Todos Santos belongs to México

[@terrygatewood340]

I liked it need a drone

[@creativeclerk6087]

I like the slow, friendly social atmosphere, but I don't like the desert too much. I would tire of this place fast.

[@inglizardelizarde9051]

Eres una mujer muy hermosa

[@mercedessalvadorignacio8050]

Los santos San Andreas

[@RobertIsaacson-hi9sz]

This was 3years ago.not like this now.

[@dandeluca]

Not needing a car is high on my list of attractive qualities for a place. I rarely hear anyone agree with me on that. Appreciate your perspective on various places.

[@prime8nate]

I was just there and I certainly don't believe you need a car to live there. A mountain bike with a rack and panniers works great if you're used to riding bikes and investing in decent bikes. You could get an e bike if you really think the hills are too much. Some people rode ATVS or motorcycles around. The one thing is that it can be a very dusty experience because not much is paved in TS....although at the rate it's growing that may be changing.

[@enriquepalacios7878]

Im mexican, from Chihuahua. I saw your videos and im glad that you enjoy my country, enjoy the beautiful península. Sorry for my english i don’t speak english. Saludos ✋🏻

[@laura-bronner]

Tu ingles parece mejor que mi español jaja - me encantó Chihuahua y espero que pueda regresar y conocer mas de tu hermoso estado!

[@chrisw341]

Your English is great 👍🏻

[@LoveMoneySecretsTV]

Well you write it perfectly, so don't apologize! You are doing great and you speak two languages vs one which most americans only speak one although many do speak multiple languages if they live in large cities like LA, NYC, MIAMI etc. Anyhow don't apologize for your english. Bravo to you that you adventure out and seek life and play it large rather than small and safe.

[@annaneufeld8571]

I was born in chihuahua

[@Twincityvisions]

I can’t thank you enough for the work you have put into your videos. I am exploring Mexico without any Spanish skills (yet) and you have inspired and helped me in overcoming the intimidation and obstacles. I am in Todos Santos at the moment and this is just the info I was looking for! Keep recording and posting! Por favor!

[@lancebarker]

I'm enjoying your videos. Love your energy, thanks. I visited Todos Santos for an afternoon several years ago and I'm considering going back for an extended stay - a month or so like you, perhaps next Winter. I'm looking forward to where you're off to next. Cheers, from Alta California del Norte.

[@andrewthacker114]

Todos Santos, has a lovely wine festival early part of the year. Lots of fun.

[@frankfalcon6372]

I have enjoyed watching your videos. Last time I was in Todos Santos was in 2018 and it is a beautiful town. The beaches are spectacular. When I retire I plan to move to Mexico and Todos Santos is at the top of the list with La Paz. I look forward to more videos from your channel.

[@laura-bronner]

It's such a beautiful region of Mexico, I am absolutely loving my time here. I'm so glad you've enjoyed the videos!

[@James-Jacobsen]

They make a lot of Fat Tire Electric Bikes that are good for about 20 mile range and 20 mph work in sand and are reasonably priced

[@prime8nate]

Here's a guy that gets it.

[@Lucky_charmz2.0]

I just moved to Mexico!

[@BlueMoonBrightStar]

How is it going?

[@itzenormous]

How do you earn a living there? I'd love to go abroad, but earning additional means of subsistence is my main concern.

[@mt-nv4jd]

I saw "Krakatoa" on your bookshelf. If that's the Simon Winchester book, it's one of the best reads of my life.

[@laura-bronner]

oo ok maybe I'll have to read it then, that's a big recommendation!

[@justagirlsd3000]

Todos Santos has always been my favorite place in BCS. I wanted to live there and we never materialized it. The town bakery in the back of the house with the big beehive oven has spoiled me forever with their hot pan dulces. We used to camp on a completely empty beach. Now there’s a resort there. So sad