November 2024 / VINTAGE SLANG

Birthdays in Baja: Celebrating Milestones in Todos Santos, Mexico

Nestled just below the Tropic of Cancer, where the desert meets the ocean, lies Todos Santos—a town so charming it feels like it stepped right out of one of my daydreams. Known for its vibrant art scene and effortlessly cool surfing vibe, it had been sitting pretty on our must-visit list for far too long. Then, during one of those "Where should we go next?" conversations, it hit me like a warm desert breeze: Todos Santos, one of my ultimate "why not?" destinations.

The trip had an extra sprinkle of magic because it wasn’t just about us—it was about celebrating our son Rio's third birthday. You see, from the moment Rio entered our lives, we made a pact: his birthdays would always come with a passport stamp. So, in the heart of this picture-perfect town in Baja our little globetrotter turned three. And while there were plenty of sun-soaked moments, my favorite? Wandering through local shops, picking out birthday gifts that doubled as souvenirs for memories in the making.

The streets of Todos Santos are graced with colorful papel picado flags, swaying gently in the breeze. Beneath them, towering cacti stand proud, while palm trees reach up towards blue sky. The colonial buildings, with their sun-bleached facades and wrought-iron balconies, whisper stories of another time. It's a place where every corner seemed to say, “Stop. Take a picture. Stay a while.” And, like any good traveler—I obliged.

As we strolled through the picture-perfect streets of Todos Santos, Rio’s tiny hand tucked in ours, this was the real magic of celebrating his birthday here. It wasn’t about balloons or cake. It was about the little moments: watching him proudly pick up new Spanish phrases, his fingers coated in guacamole, and the pure joy in his eyes as he gazed up at the colorful flags fluttering above. This wasn’t just another birthday; it was a chapter in his story—one written with adventure, culture, and a kind of love you can only find when you let the world in.

Lost in a whirlwind of decisions about where to head in Mexico, we realized that Baja had been untouched by us for far too long—years, in fact. Cabo San Lucas, once a taboo destination for me, was now back on the map.

My hesitation stemmed from past visits. Cabo had never quite made the cut for a return trip. Not that it was terrible—those days were filled with virgin piña coladas, chasing the sun, and perfecting tan lines. Nights were ideal for sipping margaritas and soaking in the nightlife. Despite these dreamy memories, it always felt like a "been there, done that" destination.

This time, Cabo wasn’t the only stop but a brief layover en route to our final Baja locale. Setting up camp in Cabo for a few days was a chance to rekindle nostalgic memories while creating new ones—with a twist. Now, I was traveling with my mini-adventurer, a 2-year-old on the brink of turning 3 during the trip.

A New Side of Cabo: Family-Friendly Charm

Navigating Cabo as a parent brought a completely different perspective. What once was a playground for sun-soaked leisure and vibrant nights transformed into a family-friendly haven. Sunny days were spent at the beach, where ocean dips brought smiles and long naps. Evenings became a mix of toddler chaos and quiet moments, paired with the indulgence in local flavors and music.

From exploring fresh spots and enjoying Baja’s vibrant culture to embracing the beautiful chaos of family travel, Cabo offered a wild blend of adventure and relaxation.

Making Unforgettable Memories in Cabo

Despite my initial reservations, this trip redefined Cabo for us. It became a destination of shared laughs, cherished moments, and new discoveries. Now, talks of returning are already on the horizon.