bigtravelbuzzSanta Fe is the capital city of New Mexico, known for its historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural surroundings. Here are some of the top things to do in Santa Fe:
Visit the historic Santa Fe Plaza: This central square is the heart of Santa Fe, surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. It’s also home to the iconic Palace of the Governors, which dates back to the 17th century.
Explore the art galleries: Santa Fe is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and museums showcasing everything from traditional Native American art to contemporary works.
Check out the historic churches: Santa Fe is home to several beautiful and historic churches, including the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, which dates back to the 19th century.
Visit the museums: Santa Fe has several excellent museums, including the Museum of International Folk Art, the New Mexico History Museum, and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
Take a hike: Santa Fe is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Santa Fe National Forest. There are numerous hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities nearby.
Try the local cuisine: Santa Fe is known for its delicious food, particularly its spicy southwestern cuisine. Be sure to try local specialties like green chile stew, enchiladas, and sopapillas.
Relax at a spa: Santa Fe is home to numerous spas and wellness centers, where you can indulge in a relaxing massage, soak in natural hot springs, or try a yoga or meditation class.
Overall, Santa Fe is a beautiful and unique destination with plenty to see and do. Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or food, you’re sure to find something to love in this vibrant city.
Places to Visit in Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico is a vibrant and historic city with many unique attractions. Here are some of the top places to visit in Santa Fe:
The Santa Fe Plaza: This historic central square is the heart of Santa Fe, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
The Palace of the Governors: Located on the Santa Fe Plaza, this iconic building dates back to the 17th century and now houses a museum dedicated to New Mexico history.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: This beautiful and historic church is located in downtown Santa Fe and dates back to the 19th century.
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous American artist, who lived and worked in New Mexico for many years.
The Museum of International Folk Art: This museum houses one of the largest collections of international folk art in the world, with exhibits from around the globe.
The Santa Fe Railyard: This historic district is home to shops, restaurants, and art galleries, as well as a weekly farmers’ market and numerous events and festivals.
Canyon Road: This historic street is lined with galleries, shops, and restaurants, and is a must-visit destination for art lovers.
The Santa Fe National Forest: This beautiful natural area is located just outside of Santa Fe and offers numerous hiking trails, campgrounds, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Bandelier National Monument: This park is home to ancient Native American ruins, including cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.
The Santa Fe Opera: This world-renowned opera company performs in a stunning outdoor theater with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Overall, Santa Fe is a unique and fascinating destination with a rich history, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Best Time To Visit Santa Fe
The best time to visit Santa Fe, New Mexico depends on your interests and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
Weather: Santa Fe has a high desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit for mild weather is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when temperatures are comfortable and there is less chance of extreme weather conditions.
Events and Festivals: Santa Fe hosts a number of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Santa Fe Indian Market in August, the Santa Fe Opera in the summer, and the Farolito Walk during the winter holidays.
Crowds: Santa Fe is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer months. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
Overall, the best time to visit Santa Fe depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you enjoy outdoor activities and mild weather, consider visiting in the spring or fall. If you want to experience the city’s cultural events and festivals, plan your trip around those dates.
Things to Do in Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many things to see and do. Here are some top things to do in Santa Fe:
Explore the Santa Fe Plaza: The historic central square is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and museums.
Visit the Palace of the Governors: This iconic building on the Santa Fe Plaza dates back to the 17th century and now houses a museum dedicated to New Mexico history.
Discover Native American art: Santa Fe is home to many galleries and museums featuring Native American art, including the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian.
See the art on Canyon Road: This historic street is lined with art galleries showcasing a wide range of works.
Visit the Santa Fe Opera: This world-renowned opera company performs in a stunning outdoor theater with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Take a hot air balloon ride: Experience the beauty of the New Mexico landscape from the air on a hot air balloon ride.
Explore the Santa Fe Railyard: This historic district is home to shops, restaurants, and art galleries, as well as a weekly farmers’ market and numerous events and festivals.
Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous American artist, who lived and worked in New Mexico for many years.
Soak in natural hot springs: There are several natural hot springs within a short drive of Santa Fe, including Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa.
Hike in the Santa Fe National Forest: This beautiful natural area is located just outside of Santa Fe and offers numerous hiking trails, campgrounds, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Overall, Santa Fe offers a unique and vibrant mix of culture, history, and outdoor recreation.
How to get around in Santa Fe
There are several ways to get around in Santa Fe:
Walking: Santa Fe is a pedestrian-friendly city, especially in the historic downtown area around the Santa Fe Plaza. Walking is a great way to explore the city’s many shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Biking: There are several bike rental shops in Santa Fe, and the city has a network of bike lanes and trails. Biking is a great way to explore the city and surrounding areas.
Public Transportation: Santa Fe Trails is the city’s public transportation system, which operates bus routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. Fares are affordable, and there are discounts available for seniors and people with disabilities.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Santa Fe. They can be more expensive than other transportation options, but they offer convenience and flexibility.
Car Rental: Renting a car is a good option if you want to explore the surrounding areas outside of Santa Fe. There are several car rental companies located in the city, and parking is generally easy to find.
Overall, the best way to get around in Santa Fe depends on your preferences and the nature of your trip. If you’re staying in the downtown area and plan to do a lot of walking, you may not need a car or other transportation. If you want to explore the surrounding areas or have mobility issues, you may want to consider other options like public transportation or renting a car.
Where to eat in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is known for its diverse culinary scene, which blends Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences with modern flavors and techniques. Here are some top recommendations for where to eat in Santa Fe:
Cafe Pasqual’s: A local institution, Cafe Pasqual’s serves up delicious and creative Southwestern cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The Shed: This historic restaurant has been serving up traditional New Mexican cuisine since 1953. Try the red or green chile, which is a staple of the local cuisine.
Sazon: Chef Fernando Olea creates artful and flavorful dishes that fuse traditional Mexican and modern techniques.
La Choza: A sister restaurant to The Shed, La Choza offers a more casual atmosphere and equally delicious New Mexican cuisine.
Jambo Cafe: This African-Caribbean restaurant is a unique and tasty option in Santa Fe, serving up dishes like jerk chicken and goat stew.
Dr. Field Goods Kitchen: This farm-to-table restaurant focuses on using locally sourced ingredients to create seasonal and flavorful dishes.
Railyard Restaurant & Saloon: Located in the vibrant Railyard district, this restaurant offers a cozy and rustic atmosphere and serves up classic American dishes like burgers and steaks.
These are just a few of the many great restaurants in Santa Fe. Be sure to explore the city and try out some of the local favorites during your visit!
Famous street stalls in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is known for its diverse culinary scene, but it doesn’t have as much of a street food culture as some other cities. However, there are still some great street stalls and food trucks that you can check out. Here are a few:
The Beestro: Located in the Railyard district, The Beestro is a food truck that serves up delicious sandwiches, salads, and other lunch options using locally sourced ingredients.
Santa Fe Farmers Market: While not strictly a street stall, the Santa Fe Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh and delicious food from local vendors. You can find everything from fresh produce to baked goods to hot tamales.
El Parasol: This local favorite has several locations around Santa Fe, including a roadside stand on the way to Taos. El Parasol serves up tasty New Mexican cuisine like green chile stew and breakfast burritos.
Santa Fe Indian Market: The Santa Fe Indian Market is the largest and most prestigious Native American arts market in the world, but it also offers plenty of delicious food options from Native American vendors. You can find fry bread, roasted corn, and other tasty treats.
These are just a few of the street stalls and food trucks you can find in Santa Fe. Be sure to explore the city and keep an eye out for other tasty options!
Where to stay in Santa Fe
Luxury accommodation
Santa Fe has several luxury accommodations options to choose from, ranging from historic hotels to modern resorts. Here are some top recommendations:
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi: This elegant hotel is located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe and features luxurious rooms with traditional Southwestern decor, a fine dining restaurant, and a spa.
La Fonda on the Plaza: A historic hotel that dates back to the 1920s, La Fonda on the Plaza is located on the Santa Fe Plaza and features rooms decorated in traditional Southwestern style, a rooftop bar, and several restaurants.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe: This modern resort is located just outside of Santa Fe and offers spacious rooms and casitas, a spa, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Inn of the Five Graces: This unique and luxurious hotel features rooms decorated with antiques and textiles from around the world, a courtyard with a hot tub, and a gourmet breakfast.
Eldorado Hotel & Spa: This upscale hotel features stylish rooms and suites, a full-service spa, and several restaurants and bars, including a rooftop lounge with stunning views of the city.
These are just a few of the many luxury accommodations available in Santa Fe. Be sure to research and compare options to find the perfect one for your needs and preferences.
Where to stay in Santa Fe
Budget accommodation
Santa Fe offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodations that range from simple motels to cozy bed and breakfasts. Here are some top recommendations for budget accommodations in Santa Fe:
Motel 6 Santa Fe Plaza – Downtown: Located just a few blocks from the historic Santa Fe Plaza, this motel offers simple and affordable rooms with free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool.
Old Santa Fe Inn: This charming bed and breakfast is located within walking distance of the Santa Fe Plaza and offers comfortable rooms with traditional Southwestern decor, a daily hot breakfast, and a complimentary shuttle service to downtown Santa Fe.
Inn of the Turquoise Bear: This historic bed and breakfast is located just a few blocks from the Santa Fe Plaza and offers cozy rooms decorated in a classic Southwestern style, a daily continental breakfast, and a peaceful garden with a hot tub.
Santa Fe Sage Inn: This budget-friendly hotel is located just a short drive from downtown Santa Fe and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a complimentary shuttle service to the Santa Fe Plaza, and an outdoor pool and hot tub.
Las Palomas: This charming inn is located just a few blocks from the Santa Fe Plaza and offers cozy rooms and suites with traditional Southwestern decor, a daily continental breakfast, and a tranquil courtyard with a koi pond.
These are just a few of the many budget-friendly accommodations available in Santa Fe. Be sure to research and compare options to find the perfect one for your needs and preferences.
Travel Tips Santa Fe
Here are some travel tips for visiting Santa Fe:
Plan your trip during the off-season: Santa Fe can be quite crowded and expensive during the summer months and around holidays, so consider planning your trip during the quieter off-season, typically from November to March.
Bring layers: Santa Fe experiences a wide range of temperatures, especially during the fall and winter months, so be sure to pack layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Explore the art scene: Santa Fe is known for its thriving art scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and art markets throughout the city. Consider taking a walking tour or visiting the Santa Fe Railyard Arts District to explore some of the local art.
Take advantage of free events: Santa Fe offers a number of free events throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals. Check local listings to see what’s happening during your visit.
Try the local cuisine: Santa Fe is famous for its Southwestern cuisine, including dishes like green chile stew, posole, and enchiladas. Be sure to try some of the local specialties while you’re in town.
Visit the historic sites: Santa Fe has a rich history as one of the oldest cities in the United States, with numerous historic sites and landmarks throughout the city. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
Rent a car: While Santa Fe is a relatively small city, having a car can make it easier to explore some of the surrounding areas, such as the nearby Pecos National Historical Park and Bandelier National Monument.
Overall, Santa Fe is a wonderful destination for those interested in art, history, and culture, and there’s plenty to see and do for travelers of all ages and interests.