Santa Fe is a city that transforms you. A blend of Native American, European and Mexican cultures, Santa Fe is a place where the Old West intertwines seamlessly with the contemporary and where the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are just minutes away. The charms of The City Different are undeniable , and it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Here are my recommendations for the best things to do in Santa Fe.
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Best Time to Visit Santa Fe
While Santa Fe is a great destination any time of year late summer into fall (August through November) brings festivals and the best temperatures (average high temperatures range from the mid 80s in August to mid 50s in November). December brings the luminaria and celebrations of the holiday season while winter means fewer crowds and great skiing at Ski Santa Fe.
How to Get to Santa Fe
You can fly to Santa Fe directly through its small regional airport or for more flight options you can fly to Albuquerque, located about 65 miles away. I highly recommend renting a car for the greatest flexibility, or you can take a shuttle service. There is also train service between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Hotels in Santa Fe
If you like hotels that are big on charm and character then Santa Fe is your kind of town. There are a lot of hotels located within easy walking distance of Santa Fe’s historic downtown (this is where I would recommend staying if you only have a few days) but there are also a lot of great budget friendly options outside the downtown area along Cerillos Road.
La Fonda on the Plaza
I stayed at La Fonda on the Plaza and found it to be a great base for everything Santa Fe has to offer. This historic property is about as close to the plaza as you can get and has been welcoming travelers to Santa Fe for over 100 years. Rooms are decorated uniquely with local art and the concierge can help you plan your stay.
Inn and Spa at Loretto
The Inn and Spa at Loretto is right next door to the famed Loretto Chapel and the rooms here are just as heavenly.
El Rey Court
Located outside of downtown on Cerrillos Road El Rey Court is a fun, modern take on the classic roadside motel. Equal parts kitsch and tradition El Rey Court exudes a cool, welcoming vibe.
Hotel Santa Fe
Hotel Santa Fe is a Native American owned property that is convenient to both downtown and the Railyard District. Peruse the multi-million dollar collection of Native American art or enjoy a modern take on Indigenous cuisine at Amaya.
Hotel Chimayo Santa Fe
Hotel Chimayo is a boutique inn featuring spacious suites, many of which have a kiva fireplace. Book a tour of Santa Fe in the hotel’s custom ’64 Chevy Impala lowrider to experience The City Different in style.
Hotel St. Francis
Named for the patron Saint of Santa Fe the Hotel St. Francis is the oldest hotel in Santa Fe but offers updated and understated luxury one block from the Sant Fe Plaza.
Things to Do in Santa Fe
Santa Fe Plaza and Historic Downtown
The Plaza is the beating heart of Santa Fe and historic downtown is a feast for the eyes. Spend an afternoon exploring Santa Fe’s unique downtown with its signature adobe architecture set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Discover boutiques and galleries with one of a kind finds, thought provoking museums and delicious restaurants.
Canyon Road Art District
Just east of Santa Fe’s Historic Plaza the Canyon Road Art District is home to over 100 galleries, shops and restaurants. Tucked away in Santa Fe’s signature adobe style buildings you’ll find everything from contemporary fine art to handmade jewelry and crafts.
Loretto Chapel
Loretto Chapel, and it’s famed spiral staircase, are truly a sight to behold. Built in 1878 for the Sisters of Loretto this chapel was modelled after King Louis IX’s Sainte Chapelle in Paris. The beautiful spiral staircase has two 360 degree turns built without nails or means of external support.
The Railyard Arts District
For decades the Santa Fe railyard was a vein connecting Santa Fe with the rest of the country. Today, in addition to serving as a transportation hub the surrounding area is now also home to a thriving creative community. Peruse modern art galleries, enjoy the bounty of New Mexico at the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market or enjoy one of the countless restaurants, breweries or distilleries that have made the Railyard one of the most exciting destinations for locals and visitors alike.
Museums
Museum lovers are spoiled for choice in Santa Fe. Whether you experience the timeless paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the though-provoking works at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts or learn the stories of New Mexico at the New Mexico History Museum you are sure to leave inspired.
Meow Wolf
You can’t come to Santa Fe and not take part in the other-worldly experience that is Meow Wolf. With over 70 rooms of immersive art , with each room more trippy than the last, to explore Meow Wolf is an over the top experience that will transport you to another dimension (or two).
Dale Ball Trails
The natural beauty of northern New Mexico is evident throughout Santa Fe and you can get a taste of the great outdoors just minutes from downtown. The Dale Ball Trails offer over 25 miles of trails in the Sangre de Cristo foothills with trails suitable for both beginner and advanced hikers.
Hot Springs at Ojo Santa Fe
The spring fed pools at Ojo Santa Fe are the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you choose to soak in the outdoor communal pools or pamper yourself with a private pool and kiva fireplace you’re sure to find peace and rejuvenation at Ojo Santa Fe.
Where to Eat in Santa Fe
From traditional New Mexican cuisine to Michelin star caliber fine dining and everything in between Santa Fe is considered one of the best food cities in the United States. With so many great restaurants it’s hard to get them all in one trip but I personally dined at each of these and enthusiastically recommend them all.
Cafe Pasqual’s
This James Beard nominated cafe has been a Santa Fe favorite for over 30 years. Using fresh, organic ingredients Cafe Pasqual’s serves up a creative twist on New Mexican flavors as well globally inspired dishes.
Tomasita’s
The debate on the best New Mexican food in Santa Fe is as strong as who has the best cheesesteak in Philly or the best coffee in Seattle, and Tomasita’s is definitely a strong contender. Come her for the friendly atmosphere, strong margaritas and an over-flowing plate of enchiladas. Order them “Christmas style” to have you enchiladas come generously smothered with both green and red chile.
The Teahouse
Located in the Canyon Road Art District The Teahouse is the perfect respite after a morning perusing art galleries or hiking the nearby Dale Ball Trails. With a generous menu of teas from around the world as well as offering breakfast and lunch the Teahouse is a popular stop for locals and visitors alike.
Paloma
This upscale Mexican restaurant would be equally at home in Mexico City’s Condesa neighborhood as it is in Santa Fe. Using organic ingredients and corn nixtamalized in house Paloma offers up a menu full of vibrant Mexican fare. The bar at Paloma’s also features an extensive list of tequilas, mezcals and sotol.
Kakawa
Kakawa serves up some of the most interesting hot chocolate I’ve ever had. Intense and lightly sweetened, Kakawa’s chocolate elixers take their inspiration from traditional MesoAmerican, Colonial and European recipes (I’m partial to the Rose Almond Elixer that has a nice kick of chile). Kakawa also offers a variety of unique truffles with flavors like pinon caramel or goat cheese and sage.
Gruet Tasting Room
New Mexico probably isn’t the first place you think of when it comes to wine but Albuquerque based Gruet is known for making some of the best sparkling wines in the US. Enjoy a glass of bubbly (or a tasting flight) in Gruet’s beautiful tasting room attached to the St. Francis hotel.
The Bell Tower Bar
There may be no better way to end your day than with a rooftop sip at The Bell Tower Bar at La Fonda on the Plaza. Enjoy the sunset over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with a margarita or glass of wine in hand.
If you like this article be sure to take a look at some of my other posts!
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Weekend Trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama
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