Getaway to Santa Fe

1. Ten Thousand Waves Spa - An authentic Japanese onsen which happens to be located in New Mexico. Inspired by the great Japanese mountain hot spring resorts and one of the only spas in the US to offer shiatsu massage exactly as it is done in Japan. This transformative, serene thermal spa is only 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. Come for the thermal spa and massage, stay for the outstanding sushi restaurant on site.

2. Canyon Road Galleries Walk and shopping

3. Museum Hill - Collection of museums in and around the central plaza, including the International Folk Museum, the largest collection of folk art in the world.

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture is a must for anyone interested in the history/culture of the Southwest’s indigenous peoples. The Museum of Spanish Colonial Art and the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens are also included.

4. Santa Fe Railyard - Saturday Farmer’s Market and Sunday Artisan’s market.

5. Georgia O'Keefe Museum - Take in O’Keefe’s timeless art in this small but comprehensive museum. A good option if you don’t have a lot of time to devote to museums while visiting.

6. International Museum of Contemporary Native Arts - Home to the largest collection of contemporary Native art in the world.

7. Santa Fe School of Cooking - Giving cooking classes, restaurant and food tours for over 35 years.

8. International Folk Art Market - Takes place in July; world’s largest folk-art market, ticketed entry required.

9. Santa Fe Discovery Walking Tours - Choose from 6 different themed historical walking tours, ranging from Chocolate to Billy the Kid.

Day trips

While Santa Fe is largely walkable, a rental car will prove valuable for venturing out and exploring. Prehistoric Village of Tsankawi, part of the Bandelier National Park area

Ancestral home of the modern Pueblo of San Ildefonso.

Parts of the trail are carved into volcanic tuff along with caves, petroglyphs, ladders, a wide mesa, and dry pinyon-juniper woodlands.

Abiquiu to visit the Georgia O'Keefe home and tour the studio.

Guided hiking and snowshoeing with Outspire Hiking

Take the Scenic High Road to Taos and visit Taos Pueblo, stopping at ​​El Santuario de Chimayó and Santo Niño Chapel

Coyote Cafe - A necessary stop along the Santa Fe Margarita Trail. Ask to be seated outside on the rooftop to enjoy the sunset if it’s not too chilly.

Del Charro Saloon at Inn of the Governors - Grab a house margarita and some green chile chicken chowder at this favorite local watering hole.

Radish and Rye - Innovative takes on classic Farm to Table cuisine with a strong emphasis on local ingredients and great cocktail offerings. This was my personal favorite meal during my time in Santa Fe.

Geronimo - Great for special occasions. New Mexico’s only AAA Four Diamond restaurant.

Sazon - Traditional Mexican fine dining with an emphasis on mole by Beard Award-winning Chef Fernando Olea, with stunning art scattered throughout the space.

La Choza - Family-owned spot for classic margaritas, Christmas burritos (IYKYK) and southwestern favorites. You may have to queue, but it goes fast and you can have a margarita while you wait. This is the sister restaurant to The Shed.

The Shed - Time-tested institution and local favorite for creative New Mexican cuisine, since 1953.

Maria's New Mexican Kitchen - Serving up margaritas, Green Chile stew, Maria’s famous tortilla burger and other local favorites since 1950.

Tia Sophia - Legendary diner-style breakfast spot serving traditional New Mexican fare. Don’t leave without ordering at least one Blue Corn pancake to share with the table.