Curator’s statement
A confluence of Mexican, Native American and Spanish tradition meets at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, giving birth to Santa Fe, the heart of The Land of Enchantment. Santa Fe's sunny and semi-arid climate makes it a perfect destination for year-round travel. Enjoy sweeping landscapes, outdoor adventures, traditional pueblo architecture, Southwest art and culture and an incredible food and wine scene. This is a destination that has something for everyone.
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Where to stay in Santa Fe
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Things to do in Santa Fe
Georgia O'Keefe Museum: Georgia O'Keefe, the "Mother of American Modernism," has nearly 150 paintings on display here, including her famed New Mexican landscapes and flowers.
Stroll Santa Fe Plaza: Stroll through the Santa Fe Plaza, the heart of Santa Fe. Shop for handmade jewelry outside The Palace of the Governors and visit the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Art.
Visit art galleries: Santa Fe is a mecca for art, with over 250 art galleries, designers and studios, no one like the other. The Canyon Road Arts District is a great place to start!
Take a cooking class: If you've ever been asked the question "green, red or Christmas?", you've probably eaten a good meal in New Mexico. Santa Fe School of Cooking offers classes multiple times a week and teaches everything from whipping up the perfect Southwest brunch to cooking with red and green chiles.
Take an art class: Let your creativity come to life in Santa Fe! Private and group classes are available for wheel throwing and hand building pottery classes, painting classes, drawing classes and so much more. TOURISM Santa Fe is an excellent resource to connect you to local artists.
Visit Santa Fe National Forest: There are hikes of all levels in and around Santa Fe National Forest. Easy ones include Dale Ball Trails North and Grasshopper Canyon Trail, working up to the difficult Nambe Lake Trail, about a 6.7-mile out-and-back trail that takes around four hours to complete.
Visit Meow Wolf: Meow Wolf is mind-bending. Its kaleidoscopic installations are truly one of a kind. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the food trucks outside.
Take a hot air balloon ride: Not afraid of heights? This one's for you! Take in the stunning New Mexican sunrise from a hot air balloon, available from May through October.
Places to eat & drink in Santa Fe
Modern General Feed and Seed: Brunch is served! Their signature "modcakes" are savory and filling. Try the green chile cilantro corncakes with red chile maple syrup.
Coyote Cafe & Rooftop Cantina: Make a beeline for the rooftop, with its colorful, eclectic vibe and menu.
The Bell Tower Bar: Located inside La Fonda, this is the perfect location to sip a cocktail and take in a warm New Mexican sunset.
Whoo's Donuts: Green chile apple fritter? Blue corn blueberry lavender donut? Yes and amen.
Kakawa Chocolate House: After you spend the afternoon at the Canyon Road Arts District, head over the Kakawa Chocolate for a chocolate drinking elixir.
Hervé Wine Bar: A fabulous wine bar with a stunning glass and metal ceiling.
Tender Fire Kitchen: Their pizza pies are good, real good. Although currently closed for the winter, their standard sourdough gluten-free crust is one of a kind. Lots of vegan options, too!
Gerionimo: Geonimo makes nearly every "best restaraunt" list written about Santa Fe, but for good reason. Reservations are a must, and no kids under 10.
Day trips in Santa Fe
Taos: Taos is a quick 1.5 hours from Santa Fe by car and is a mecca for art, food and drink in its own right. Take a slower drive and stop along the way to admire the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Head to the Historic Taos Inn for live music and margaritas, Love Apple for a regionally-inspired and organic meal. And don't miss Rio Grande Gorge bridge, or a drive by Taos' famous earthships.
From Albuquerque: Santa Fe In A Day is a small, family-owned company that takes visitors from Albuquerque to Santa Fe "the long way," including stops at the Jemez Pueblo, Jemez Springs, Soda Dam, San Diego Canyon Overlook and Calles Valdera Overlook. The trip also includes four hours exploring Santa Fe on your own. Owner / operator Mike Potter is knowledgeable and hilarious, so much so, in fact, you'll wish he was your uncle, too!
Looking to extend your trip to New Mexico? Check out this guide: A Quick Getaway to Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Mexico.