šŸŒ®šŸš— The Ultimate Taco Road Trip: From San Diego to Santa Fe

Pack Your Bags and Your Appetite

Ready to hit the road for a flavor-packed adventure? This ultimate taco road trip takes you from the sun-soaked shores of San Diego to the high desert charm of Santa Fe, with tacos leading the way. Stretching across California, Arizona, and New Mexico, this journey celebrates the diverse taco traditions of the American Southwest.

This isn’t just about food—it’s about culture, local stories, and discovering what makes each taco stop unforgettable.

tacos chiwas

šŸ—ŗļø The Route: 1,000+ Miles of Taco Glory

Start: San Diego, CA
Finish: Santa Fe, NM
States Covered: California, Arizona, New Mexico
Best Time to Go: Spring or Fall (cooler temps, epic sunsets)
Total Drive Time: Approx. 16 hours (not including taco time!)

šŸ“ Taco Trail Stops (with Signature Bites) –

  1. San Diego, CA
    Must-Eat: Baja Fish Tacos
    Spotlight: Oscar’s Mexican Seafood – Perfectly battered fish with creamy white sauce and pico.
    Bonus: Watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs with a taco in hand.
  2. Palm Springs, CA
    Must-Eat: Jicama-Wrapped Tacos or Vegan Carnitas
    Spotlight: Tac/Quila – Upscale Mexican with desert-chic vibes.
    Bonus: Sip a prickly pear margarita poolside.
  3. Phoenix, AZ
    Must-Eat: Carne Asada Tacos on Flour Tortillas
    Spotlight: Tacos Chiwas – Authentic Northern Mexican family recipes.
    Bonus: Pair it with a cold Mexican lager.
  4. Tucson, AZ
    Must-Eat: Birria or Sonoran-style Tacos
    Spotlight: El Güero Canelo – Iconic Tucson stop, now a James Beard award winner.
    Bonus: Try the Sonoran hot dog for the full experience.
  5. Hatch, NM (Quick Stop)
    Must-Eat: Green Chile Pork Tacos
    Spotlight: Sparky’s – A kitschy roadside gem for legendary green chile everything.
    Bonus: Snap a photo with the giant cowboy statue.
  6. Albuquerque, NM
    Must-Eat: New Mexico Red Chile Tacos
    Spotlight: El Modelo – Home-style comfort and deep flavor.
    Bonus: Explore Old Town after your taco fix.
  7. Santa Fe, NM (Final Stop!)
    Must-Eat: Blue Corn Tacos with Lamb or Elk
    Spotlight: The Shed – Traditional meets creative in the heart of Santa Fe.
    Bonus: Sip a mezcal cocktail on a rooftop overlooking the Plaza.

šŸŒ®šŸ’” Road Trip Tips

šŸ Conclusion: Tacos as the Journey
The beauty of this road trip isn’t just in the delicious bites—it’s in the people, stories, and moments shared between taco stops. Whether you’re a foodie, adventurer, or just taco-obsessed, this route is a love letter to the Southwest—one tortilla at a time.

Burrito Renaissance: Unwrapping the Hottest Burrito Trends in the U.S.

There’s a burrito renaissance happening across America, and it’s deliciously bold, creatively stuffed, and unapologetically over-the-top. While tacos may get the Tuesday spotlight, burritos have quietly taken center stage with chefs pushing boundaries and diners craving comfort with flair. From global mashups to giant eats made for Instagram, here are the top burrito trends shaping menus—and appetites—across the country in 2025.

🌟 5 Hot Burrito Trends You Need to Know

  1. Birria Burritos Are Booming
    Following the massive wave of birria tacos, birria burritos are now taking over. These rich, slow-stewed beef burritos are often pan-seared or dipped in consommĆ© before grilling, delivering intense flavor and that signature juicy interior. They’re also being stuffed with cheese, rice, pickled onions, and cilantro for an indulgent experience.
  2. Breakfast Burritos Go Gourmet
    From truffle-infused eggs to duck confit and microgreens, the breakfast burrito has leveled up. No longer just a hangover cure, it’s now a culinary canvas for chefs showcasing their flair with scratch-made sauces, heritage pork, and locally sourced eggs.
  3. Burrito Bowls 2.0
    Health-forward and customizable, burrito bowls are getting an upgrade with ancient grains (farro, quinoa), vegan chorizo, and global sauces like tahini chipotle crema or gochujang aioli. Think build-your-own with wellness in mind.
  4. Fusion Burritos Go Global
    Korean BBQ burritos, Indian tikka masala burritos, and sushi-style burritos are dominating the scene. These fusion flavors let diners explore the world one tortilla at a time—without leaving their city.
  5. The Mega Burrito Challenge
    Bigger is better when it comes to viral food moments. Enter: the five-pound burrito stuffed with multiple meats, fries, guac, queso, and salsa—served with a side of bragging rights. Restaurants are drawing crowds with timed eating challenges and prize giveaways.

šŸ† Top 5 Burritos in the U.S. Right Now

These burritos are making headlines, racking up online buzz, and winning hearts coast to coast.

  1. El Farolito – San Francisco, CA
    Known for its Super Burrito, El Farolito wraps up the essence of Mission-style burritos: tender carne asada, perfectly seasoned rice and beans, creamy avocado, and a touch of magic. Locals swear it’s the best in the Bay.
  2. La Azteca Tortilleria – Los Angeles, CA
    Their Chili Relleno Burrito has become legendary. A crispy chile relleno nestled inside a hand-rolled flour tortilla with beans and salsa—simple, fiery, unforgettable.
  3. Rito Loco – Washington, D.C.
    This gourmet burrito shop blends bold ingredients with chef-inspired precision. Try their Jerk Chicken Burrito with mango salsa and cilantro lime rice—it’s DC’s flavor bomb.
  4. Burrito Boyz – Chicago, IL
    The Korean Bulgogi Burrito combines soy-marinated steak, kimchi, gochujang crema, and pickled veggies. A Midwest favorite that nails fusion without compromise.
  5. The Shed – Santa Fe, NM
    Home to the Green Chile Pork Burrito, this cozy eatery wraps New Mexican soul into every bite. Their house-roasted Hatch green chile sauce is reason enough to book a flight.