The Santa Fe Margarita Trail offers a unique experience through 43 local bars, restaurants, and hotels. Participants collect rewards while exploring signature cocktails and the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Fe. 

The Santa Fe Margarita Trail is a unique way to explore the city while indulging in one of the Southwest’s most iconic drinks. This modern version of the Santa Fe Trail highlights the historic city’s favourite cocktail. The Santa Fe Margarita Trail is a pub crawl-style challenge, featuring 43 different restaurants and bars across the area. At each venue, visitors can order the signature margarita and earn a stamp on their Margarita Trail Passport. With just five stamps collected, participants can claim their first prize.

Launched in 2016 by TOURISM Santa Fe, the Margarita Trail has grown to include 43 stops. While most locations are restaurants or bars, several Santa Fe hotels also take part. There is even a somewhat otherworldly cotton candy tequila creation available at Meow Wolf.

Most of the stops are within Santa Fe city limits. For those aiming to win a T-shirt prize, five margaritas can easily be found within walking distance of the Plaza. Some stops are further afield, with the farthest location being in Chimayo, around 30 miles north of downtown Santa Fe.

Good to know: After collecting five stamps in Margarita Trail Passport, participants are eligible for a prize, adding an extra layer of fun to the experience.

The Origin of the Margarita Trail

The Santa Fe Margarita Trail was introduced by TOURISM Santa Fe as a way to showcase the city's flourishing cocktail culture and its deep connections to New Mexican heritage. With over 40 restaurants and bars participating in this trail, it has become a major attraction for visitors who wish to explore the culinary and cultural vibrancy of the region. Each venue offers its own distinct version of the margarita, celebrating the diversity of flavours that can be achieved with this simple yet versatile cocktail.

The concept is simple: Margarita lovers are encouraged to visit various locations across Santa Fe, collecting stamps from each venue to document their progress along the trail. Participants on the Margarita Trail can collect a stamp in their Margarita Trail Passport with each margarita they try at a participating location. After collecting a certain number of stamps, they can redeem their passports for special rewards, including branded merchandise and keepsakes. 

Good to know: Established in 2016, the Santa Fe Margarita Trail has been a popular attraction for visitors, with each stop offering a unique, signature margarita. As they progress along the trail, participants gather stamps in their passports, earning prizes along the way.

Santa Fe Margarita Trail Map

The Santa Fe Margarita Trail map is a guide to the 43 stops, many of which are located near the city's historic Plaza. While most of the venues are within walking distance, the map also guides visitors to Chimayo, the farthest location about 30 miles from downtown. Whether exploring the city or travelling further out, the map ensures no margarita experience is missed.

Top Margarita Trail Locations

Here are some must-visit spots on the Santa Fe Margarita Trail, where guests can enjoy both exceptional margaritas and the city’s cultural and culinary delights:

• The Shed – This cosy spot is known for its authentic New Mexican dishes, offering a classic margarita that pairs perfectly with their renowned red chile enchiladas.
• Coyote Cafe – A well-known Santa Fe destination, the cafe blends Southwestern flavours with modern creativity. Its seasonal margaritas often feature fresh fruits, providing a different taste experience each time.
• La Fonda on the Plaza – Situated in one of Santa Fe’s oldest hotels, La Fonda serves a classic margarita made with locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by stunning views of the Plaza.
• Meow Wolf – The famous immersive art venue also serves a unique drink on the trail—a cotton candy margarita, which fits perfectly with the artistic, playful atmosphere.
• Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen – With Santa Fe’s largest tequila selection, Maria’s offers a variety of margaritas, making it a must-stop for true margarita lovers.

Santa Fe Margarita Trail Passport

The Margarita Trail Passport is the ticket to experiencing all the excitement of the trail. Available for purchase at most stops, the passport allows participants to collect stamps with each margarita they sample. After collecting five stamps, they become eligible for a prize, and with 20 stamps, they can receive a Margarita Trail T-shirt. The passport not only encourages visitors to explore a variety of margarita flavors but also serves as a memorable keepsake of their margarita adventures in Santa Fe.

Good to know: The passport also offers discounts on margaritas, making it both a fun and cost-effective way to explore the city’s bar scene.

Must-Try Margaritas Along the Trail

Though all the stops offer something special, a few margaritas have earned a legendary reputation among Margarita Trail fans. Here are some that shouldn't be missed:

• The Palace Margarita at La Fonda on the Plaza: Made with Patron Silver Tequila, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lime juice, this drink is a classic. The hotel’s history adds to the appeal, making it a memorable experience.
• The Maria Margarita at Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen: A local favourite, Maria’s margarita menu is a sign of their expertise. The Maria Margarita is a well-balanced mix of tequila, lime, and a house-made orange liqueur.
• The Fire & Ice Margarita at Inn of the Anasazi: For those who like a bit of heat, this drink combines the spice of jalapeños with the refreshing coolness of cucumber and lime.
• The Santa Fe Margarita at The Bell Tower Bar: Situated atop the La Fonda Hotel, the Bell Tower Bar offers spectacular views of the city and mountains. Their signature margarita, made with local silver tequila, prickly pear, and lime, is the perfect refreshment for the scenery.

Fact: The Santa Fe Margarita Trail was launched in 2016 to celebrate Santa Fe’s rich culinary scene and has since become a major attraction for visitors, drawing thousands of margarita lovers each year.

Final thought

The Santa Fe Margarita Trail offers a great experience for both margarita fans and those keen on exploring local culture. This self-guided tour covers 43 bars, restaurants, and hotels, giving participants a chance to try various unique and tasty margaritas while diving into Santa Fe’s rich culture, history, and culinary treats. By following the trail, visitors can discover the city’s famous landmarks, sample local flavours, and enjoy a lively nightlife, all while collecting rewards with the Margarita Trail Passport. Whether it’s classic margaritas or more adventurous twists, the trail caters to all tastes. Embark on the Santa Fe Margarita Trail for a truly memorable way to enjoy the essence of the Southwest.

FAQ: Santa Fe Margarita Trail

1. How many stops are on the Santa Fe Margarita Trail? 

Ans. There are 43 stops on the trail, including bars, restaurants, and hotels, each offering a unique margarita.

1. What is the Margarita Trail Passport? 

Ans. The Margarita Trail Passport allows to collect of stamps at each stop. After five stamps, an individual can claim a prize, and after 20 stamps, get a free T-shirt.

1. Where can I get the Margarita Trail Passport? 

Ans. Individuals can purchase the passport at most of the trail’s stops, or download the digital version through the Santa Fe Margarita Trail app.

Himani Verma

Himani Verma is a seasoned content writer and SEO expert, with experience in digital media. She has held various senior writing positions at enterprises like CloudTDMS (Synthetic Data Factory), Barrownz Group, and ATZA. Himani has also been Editorial Writer at Hindustan Time, a leading Indian English language news platform. She excels in content creation, proofreading, and editing, ensuring that every piece is polished and impactful. Her expertise in crafting SEO-friendly content for multiple verticals of businesses, including technology, healthcare, finance, sports, innovation, and more.