Beach scenery and a small-town vibe make Todos Santos a calming Mexico getaway

Todos Santos, a small Mexican town on Baja California's Pacific coast about 50 miles north of Los Cabos, is the destination for people who don't plan to haul in marlin or get rowdy in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo. Many hotels, restaurants and shops have opened in recent years, so it's not as quiet as it once was. But it's calmer than Los Cabos and has plenty of good food, greenery, beach scenery and more than a few American expats. On a three-night stay in October I ate well; browsed several art galleries; and watched hatchling sea turtles creep into the sea. I also savored big views from Los Colibris Casitas, the hillside lodging where I stayed two nights. The tab: about $645 for a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Los Cabos and rental car; about $180 for one night at the Todos Santos Inn; $270 for two nights at Los Colibris Casitas; and $250 for meals.