Curator’s statement
If New Mexico is the Land of Enchantment, Santa Fe is surely its patron saint and muse. Imbued with golden light reflected from the city’s mandated adobe dwellings, this laid-back artsy community draws visitors from around the world. Skiers flock in the winter to “ski Santa Fe”, while the arid desert climate brings throngs of refugees escaping the heat in the summer. The breathtaking Sangre de Cristo mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for gourmet patio dining as well as outdoor adventuring; and music lovers can find casual performances around town or dress up for the open-air Santa Fe Opera. Regardless of your preference, Santa Fe truly has something for everyone.
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Where to stay in Santa Fe, NM
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Things to do in Santa Fe, NM
Entertainment & Shopping
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Not just an amazing artist, but an incredible person. Her story and bio are inspiring. Be sure and reserve your tickets in advance.
Santa Fe Opera
Opera under the stars in an open-air pavilion during the months of July-August. Not to be missed!
Canyon Road
High end museums, art galleries and restaurants. Park at one end of the road and spend a leisurely morning or afternoon exploring, shopping and dining.
Railyard/Farmers Market
The Railyard is a relatively recent addition to the Santa Fe community. On the site of the historic Santa Fe Railyard, the City of Santa Fe reimagined the 50-acre site to build an eclectic gathering space. The Railyard is now a contemporary hub housing a mix of community organizations, from the Santa Fe Farmers Market, arts groups such as SITE Santa Fe and El Museo Cultural, to innovative restaurants, performance art spaces, shops and art galleries.
Palace of the Governors
Dating to 1610, the Palace of the Governors was the original capital of New Mexico, and has been in public use longer than any other building in the country. Today, it houses a museum, and on the portico outside, you can find all manner of Native American artisans selling their authentic wares. Be sure and bring cash as many vendors do not take credit cards. (Conveniently, there is a bank and a cash machine on the opposite street corner!).
Wellness/Spa
Two locations, Ojo Caliente and Ojo Santa Fe, house natural hot springs for soaking as well as spas, yoga, farm-to-table dining and overnight lodging. Recommended!
Ten Thousand Waves
Well-known to Santa Fe travelers, Ten Thousand Waves is a Japanese “bath house” and inn, providing hot baths, spa services, dining and lodging. Guests are invited to fully embrace the experience by shedding their street clothes and donning kimonos for the duration of their visit.
Day Trips
Chimayo/ El Santuario de Chimayo
Take the long way to Taos, the “High Road”, and stop on the way to visit this sacred Spanish mission, built in 1813.
Las Vegas, New Mexico
No, not the one in Nevada. This sleepy little town 65 miles from Santa Fe, has a not-so-sleepy history worthy of a quick detour. Las Vegas has more than 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including its City Hall and Carnegie Library. Visitors can tour these and many other remnants of the “Wild West” that are part of New Mexico’s colorful history. Movie and television studios have taken note of these historical locations, filming shows and movies such as Easy Rider, Longmire, No Country for Old Men and Red Dawn in the area. Today, the buildings are full of contemporary shops, restaurants and hotels.
Madrid - Turquoise Trail
This is a fun alternate route if you fly into Albuquerque and have some extra time to detour onto the Turquoise Trail (Highway 14) en route to Santa Fe. Stop in the small community of Madrid and stretch your legs for a bit while browsing the shops in the artist’s village.
Abiquiu/Ghost Ranch
Most notably, Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and artist studio. Ghost Ranch is also 21,000 acres of serene space in the New Mexico desert. The Ranch offers activities and events to encourage visitors to rest, find renewal, and nurture their spirits. Rustic lodging is available for overnight stays.
Insider Tips
If your primary plans revolve around the downtown area, I would recommend staying near the square so that most of your itinerary is walkable. You’ll still need a car for any day-trips or hikes, and possibly Canyon Road to the east. But we’ve found that being centrally located makes for an easy and more relaxed experience.
Altitude sickness is real. Drink lots of water and give yourself at least 24 hours to adjust. It’s recommended to be mindful of alcohol consumption within this 24-hour window because it could worsen potential dehydration.
Places to eat & drink in Santa Fe, NM
Breakfast/Brunch
Cafe Pasqual’s
A favorite in my family for many years (we have their cookbook!). Authentic New Mexican cuisine. The restaurant also has its own art gallery. Get there early, there is often a line and I don’t think they take reservations.
The Teahouse
Located at the east end of Canyon Road. Park your car (get here early to snag street parking) and have breakfast before setting out for your morning of gallery and museum shopping. Perfection!
Lunch/Dinner
The Shed
Everyone’s favorite lunch spot for a reason!
Geronimo’s
White-linen dining on Canyon Road. Housed in the historic Borrego House, built in 1756 by farmer Geronimo Lopez, the restaurant’s namesake. Creative, eclectic (and award-winning!) menu.
Happy Hour
Bell Tower at La Fonda Hotel
Stop here at the end of your busy shopping and sightseeing day and enjoy a cocktail and the glorious Santa Fe sunset from the roof of La Fonda Hotel.
El Farol
This actually hits the sweet spot in several categories: bar, restaurant and entertainment. El Farol boasts the oldest bar and restaurant in New Mexico (1835). They also have flamenco performances three nights a week. Be sure and stop by and at least have a drink at the bar when you’re on Canyon Road.
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Travel Advisor
Donna Daugherty
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Jill Albino’s guide, Quick Getaway to Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Santa Fe.