Top Mother-Daughter Travel Destinations: My Favorite Getaway in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The moment my daughter was born, everyone started calling her a “daddy’s girl.” While I appreciate the special bond between fathers and daughters, I aim to foster a strong connection through shared experiences and adventures. I’m all about girl talk and unforgettable trips. Although she’s only six months old, I’m already dreaming of the activities we will enjoy together, from mountain adventures to instilling a sense of well-being through travel.

To that end, I have been conceptualizing a few exciting mother-daughter getaways, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, is undeniably at the top of my list. This charming destination is often underestimated, which is surprising given its remarkable characteristics. It is recognized as the oldest capital city in the U.S. and has a rich history that pre-dates its official founding by Indigenous peoples. The architectural landscape showcases adobe styles and features the country’s oldest church, San Miguel Chapel. Moreover, Santa Fe is the highest U.S. state capital with an elevation of 7,000 feet and is nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The mixture of desert and mountainous scenery captures my heart.

While the historical insights are fascinating, the true appeal of Santa Fe lies in its potential for an ideal mother-daughter getaway. It boasts a myriad of adventurous outdoor activities for us to engage in—from camping to whitewater rafting. Unlike many mountainous locations, the weather remains mild enough for year-round hiking and biking, complemented by Santa Fe’s impressive 320 days of sunshine each year. The city also embraces a significant wellness culture, crucial for any mother-daughter retreat. A standout is a spa that has captured my dreams since my first visit over a decade ago: Ten Thousand Waves. This Japanese-style thermal water resort features private hot tub suites, saunas, and cold-plunge pools.

Exploring the natural beauty and indulging in hot tub relaxation are tremendous experiences; however, the culture of Santa Fe significantly enhances the trip. The rich blend of Hispanic, Anglo, and Native American heritage has established Santa Fe as a distinguished art destination, complete with nearly 250 galleries and dealers. In terms of cuisine, New Mexican fare stands out due to its distinctive Southwestern elements—most notably the incorporation of chile. You can savor enchiladas, tamales, and burritos topped with either green or red chile (affectionately known as “Christmas style”), along with green chile cheeseburgers and chiles rellenos made with fresh green chiles.

There’s something immensely bonding about sharing a plate of chiles rellenos with your daughter after a day filled with hiking and relaxation. If you share similar sentiments, this experience represents the essence of quality time spent together.