Planning a girls’ trip is a high-stakes endeavor.

You need a destination that balances fun, relaxation, and Instagram-worthy moments. Well, ladies, let me save you the trouble of Googling “best spots for girl gang getaways” because the answer is Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment’s crown jewel is tailor-made for a group of women who need a break from the chaos of everyday life (and maybe a bit of margarita-fueled mischief).

Here are five reasons why Santa Fe is the ultimate girls’ trip destination.

1. Food: A Culinary Love Affair

If the way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach, then Santa Fe is a heartthrob. The city’s food scene is a spicy, savory, and totally swoon-worthy love letter to Southwestern flavors.

You can’t go wrong with a plate of blue corn enchiladas smothered in red or green chile (or both—go “Christmas” style!). For brunch, head to Café Pasqual’s, where the huevos rancheros will have you singing praises to the culinary gods. It is well worth the typical wait.

For you ladies with a penchant for dessert, Kakawa Chocolate House provides decadent elixirs and every chocolate incarnation anyone could desire. For our State Cookie (yes, its true, we have a state cookie) visit Santa Fe Biscochito Company for an authentic New Mexican delight.

2. Drinking: Cheers to saying “Salúd”!

And let’s not forget the beverages. Santa Fe boasts some truly exceptional craft cocktails and margaritas. The Margarita Trail—a collection of over 40 stops featuring the city’s best margaritas—is your ticket to happiness…and swag as each visit provided “passport stamps” (app online) that garner gifts when redeemed.

Feeling a little fancy? Head to Gruet Tasting Room to sip on sparkling wines made in New Mexico (yes, New Mexico does award winning Méthode Champenoise wines, and they’re fabulous). Or, if you’re more into craft cocktails, visit As Above So Below Distillery. Master Distiller and owner Caley Shoemaker and her team craft some of the most delicious (and girly!) cocktails from spirits distilled on site in a seductive, moody space in the popular Rail Yard Arts District.

3. Spas That Will Spoil You Rotten

No girls’ trip is complete without some serious pampering, and Santa Fe is spa heaven. Ten Thousand Waves, nestled in the foothills just minutes from downtown, is inspired by Japanese onsen culture. Think private hot tubs under the stars, luxurious massages, and a peaceful vibe that makes you forget about that email you accidentally sent to the wrong person.

Then there’s Ojo Caliente, a quick drive away. This mineral springs oasis offers therapeutic soaking pools and mud baths that will make your skin so soft, you’ll want to pet yourself (weird but true). Bonus: NOSA restaurant + inn is just 12 miles down the road and provides the perfect modern/classic farm to table experience to replenish a girl after all that strenuous soaking. Bliss.

4. Shopping: Retail Therapy Done Right

Santa Fe is a shopper’s paradise, especially if you love unique finds. Forget boring chain stores; this city is all about artisan goods, Native American jewelry, and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Shopping here isn’t just about spending money—it’s a cultural experience. (At least, that’s how you’ll justify it to your credit card.) Visit the portal at The Palace of the Governors where Native American artisans sell their indigenously made wares at fair prices with goods ranging from trinkets to cultural artifacts.

For chic-chick clothing and accessories, head to locally owned boutiques like Maya, Spirit or Shiprock.

And let’s not overlook the phenomenal museum gift shops including Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, where you can snag artsy souvenirs and channel your inner O’Keeffe. Site Santa Fe in the Rail Yard Arts District houses one of our faves!

5. Great Places to Stay: Home Away from Home

After a long day of shopping, spa-ing, and margarita sampling, you’ll need a fabulous place to rest your head. Luckily, Santa Fe delivers in the accommodations department.

For that togetherness every girls’ trip demands, reach out to Two Casitas and wrangle yourself one of the many charming and well-appointed adobe homes. Start and end your days together gossiping and giggling in your PJs with coffee or cocktails.

If hotel accommodations are your group’s thing, check into the Inn of the Five Graces, for boutique luxury, where each room is decked out in vibrant textiles and stunning mosaic details.

And for a more resort style getaway, try Bishop’s Lodge, an Auberge Resort tucked into the hills with a spa, pool, and ridiculously comfortable beds. Wherever you stay, make sure there’s a fireplace—nothing beats sipping wine in front of a crackling fire with your favorite peeps.

The Bottom Line

Santa Fe isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience. From the mouthwatering food to the soul-soothing spas, the city checks every box for a girls’ trip that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and possibly a little tipsy. So pack your cutest boots, your stretchiest pants (you’ll need them), and your most adventurous spirit. Santa Fe is waiting—and it’s fabulous.

Five Reasons Santa Fe is the Perfect Destination for a Girls’ Trip