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Travel with the Twins to Todos Santos, Mexico

We spent the holidays in Todos Santos, on the Pacific coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Motivated to find a direct flight for our family in California (traveling with lots of young ones), we settled on this beautiful surf town—known for its perfect weather, popularity among artists, and great food—backed by the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range. We flew into Cabo and drove ninety minutes north (with a stop at Fresko, the fabulous, well-stocked grocery store, along the way).

Where To Stay:

We were traveling with five kids under five, so we opted for an Airbnb in Cerritos—the dusty surf town known for its big breaks and barefoot beach restaurants, about 15 minutes down the highway from Todos Santos. The spot was perfect: huge and perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the Pacific, where we watched whales breach! 

Views from our house, “La Cima”

Hotel San Cristóbal: We visited for dinner but would love to return for a stay! This oceanfront boutique hotel epitomizes luxury at the end of a long, dusty dirt road. I couldn’t stop snapping pictures of the tiles (or the chairs in the bar room) and wanted more time to explore their shop.

Hotel San Cristóbal via @hotelsancristobal

Paradero: Another exquisite spot I’d love to return to (sans kiddos!). Muted, brutalist buildings with luxury amenities are seamlessly built into the desert landscape.

Paradero via @paraderohotels

Cien Palmas: If you want to stay in the town of Todos Santos, we’ve heard wonderful things about the self-check-in, no-fuss boutique hotel Cien Palmas. The property (complete with a café, bar, and shop) looks charming, and we referred to their travel guide often when trip-planning.

Where To Eat:

Barracuda Cantina: Peter declared these the best shrimp tacos of his life. Situated right on Cerritos beach, this barefoot beach bar offers casual dining with fantastic food.

Benno: Among the higher-end restaurants in the area, this seafood spot is located within Hotel San Cristóbal (the hotel also houses another restaurant, Cosecha). The food was excellent, and the service was even better.

Benno

The Green Room: With tables situated directly on the sands of La Pastora beach (just north of the La Pastora surf break in Todos Santos), the setting—complete with its spectacular view of the blue-green Pacific—is magical.

The Green Room

Jazamango: We had Christmas Day lunch here, and it was arguably the favorite meal of the trip. The whole grilled fish was among the best I’ve ever had, and the cocktails were excellent. There’s also a café in central Todos Santos, but we opted for the farm-to-table restaurant on the edge of town.

Jazamango

Pizzeria RomAntica: You wouldn’t think to visit Mexico for Italian food, but the pizza at this charming downtown spot rivaled New York and was a crowd-pleaser for our group.

Same Same But Different Café: We frequented this café in Cerritos (just a few minutes down the dirt road from our house) several times for avocado toast, amazing huevos, and unexpectedly fantastic lattes. We also purchased ceramics here!

Same Same But Different Café

We also heard great things about Baja Beans Coffee, which has an outdoor space for kids to play and a coffee cart on Cerritos beach.

Hierbabuena: This “garden-inspired cuisine” was high on our list but fully booked during the busy holiday season. It’s definitely a must-visit next time!

Taller 17: A café in downtown Todos Santos with ridiculously delicious baked goods.

Nevería Rocco: Also in central Todos Santos; a must-stop for ice cream!

Nevería Rocco

Chef Jeanna: On our last evening, we hired Chef Jeanna for a festive dinner at home (an early celebration of our dad’s 70th!) and highly recommend her. She had great tips about the area and served spectacular food, including a street corn salad with greens from her garden.

What To Do:

Lovers Lips Yachts: A highlight of the trip was our boat day out of La Paz, the state capital, about ninety minutes from Todos Santos. We snorkeled in a vibrant reef, watched dolphins alongside our boat, and enjoyed a fresh tuna lunch at the pristine Balandra Beach. Our captain, David, was highly knowledgeable about the area, and we’d highly recommend him!

Best day with Lovers Lips Yachts

Dos Marias Day Spa: We loved this slightly rustic but beautiful and revitalizing spa in the little village of Pescadero (bordering Cerritos). From the tea they offered upon arrival to decorative gourds grown on-site and the herbal scents used in their body scrub, the whole experience was blissful.

Dos Marias Day Spa

Tortugueros Las Playitas: We were lucky enough to see a turtle release just after sunset at this magical beach. Biologists and volunteers here rescue and protect at-risk turtle nests, releasing the baby turtles into the Pacific as part of their rehabilitation and preservation efforts. Watching these little guys scurry off to sea was incredible!

Playa de Las Palmas: Our favorite beach of the trip! There are no umbrellas or chairs for rent, but this spectacular cove—where freshwater streams meet the ocean, creating mangroves and towering palms—is breathtaking.

Playa de Las Palmas

Cuatro Vientos: While we didn’t make it to yoga here, we heard wonderful things for anyone seeking some exercise while on vacation.

Where To Shop:

Todos Santos is filled with boutiques, and it’s worth spending an afternoon shopping around. Even if you just stop for a brownie (Taller 17!) or coffee, there are many picturesque buildings to explore, especially at golden hour.

Exploring Todos Santos; we loved the picturesque streets and beautiful brick buildings, which housed chic cafes and shops. Kathryn wears the Laguna Necklace paired with the Lamai Heart Necklace & Ruby is all dressed up in the Royal Hawaiian Necklace

El Taller: Gorgeous textiles—I wanted to bring home all the pillows—and caftans.

El Taller

Tierra Madre: I bought a sweet little basket bag and some ceramics at this beautiful shop showcasing Mexican crafts.

My basket bag from Tierra Madre

Pronto Muy Pronto: Probably my favorite store we discovered! This cool shop stocked lamps from Casa Veronica, chic apparel, and beautiful ceramics from Perla Valtierra. I could have spent longer here had we not had kids in tow.

Pronto Muy Pronto

Desert Fox Baja: Mom and Sis found gorgeous straw totes at this lovely shop stocked with beachy apparel, hats, and bags.

Corazón Nativo: A beautiful apothecary where we purchased luxurious lotions (a must in this arid landscape!). The operators also own some casitas in downtown Todos Santos that look charming!

Lizzie's Packing List:

1. A very chic beach towel to carry along (and wrap souvenirs in) during your travels.

2. I lived in the Laguna Necklace during our travels; it’s very durable and withstands sun and sea, making it a constant companion at the beach.

3. I love this colorful crochet cotton dress—perfect to throw on for dinner in town after a day in the sun.

4. A colorful hoop that matched every outfit in my (carry-on!) suitcase.

5. The quickest way to dress up a look.

6. I brought this Soleil Soleil Sarong along and wore it over suits, laid on it at the beach, and tied it around me for lunch!

7. I’m a sucker for woven bags and love this one, which doubles as a terrific plane tote and beach bag.

8. I love this playful bikini by the eco-conscious Colombian resortwear line, Cala de la Cruz.

9. Bananagrams is our family’s favorite travel game, hands down.

10. Our mama brought her pair of Aria Earrings along for the trip. The color of the sky and sea, these simple stunners were perfect for dressing up a low-key vacation outfit.

11. Sis layered the New Bloom Necklace with so many other pieces during our trip, but I also love it on its own. The red quartz carved flower feels equally tropical and holiday-appropriate.

12. I love a stick sunscreen, especially when traveling with kids.

13. The makeup that lives in my tote: RMS Lip2Cheek in Beloved—a perfect poppy red that makes you feel ready to go out even if you’re sandy and haven’t showered.

14. Imagine how good this will look on tanned fingers!

15. All the women in our family love Lisa Corti, and this dress is no exception. I adore the joyful print and sophisticated palette.

16. The Black Mesh La Playa Dress by Sara Cristina is perfect for wearing over a swimsuit or dressing up for the evening. Sis and I travel exclusively with carry-ons and always look for multitasking pieces.

17. The Paloma Slides from Bembien are the dressiest shoes you’ll need.

17. I love packing solid swimsuits that pair well with an array of printed sarongs (I’m known to bring a lot!). This one from Eres is perfect.

18. As the mom of a kid with very curly hair, I find these travel-sized detangling brushes in a rainbow of yummy colors to be perfection!

19. I’m a big proponent of packing a robe when traveling to Airbnbs. It’s the best way to lounge around when you don’t have the luxury of a plush hotel robe. This lightweight cutie from our friends at Blockshop is perfect!

20. My daughter Ruby lives in jellies, and I think these would be perfect for my next beach vacation.

21. Not something I’d wear in my normal life, but vacation life calls for a pair of easy, chic pull-on shorts.

XX,

LF

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