Nestled between the high desert and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe’s culture goes back hundreds of years. And thanks to a distinctive cuisine, robust art scene, and stellar wellness reputation, New Mexico’s capital makes a great getaway. Get the scoop from this Santa Fe destination guide by travel journalist, Devorah Lev-Tov.
TO STAY:
Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection
This luxe, new resort covers 317 acres. Gorgeous backdrops and a 150-year history make this hotel an ideal base to explore the city and its natural surroundings. Bishop John Baptiste Lamy’s original chapel still stands on property (and hosts yoga classes), while adobe suites, a pool, and horse stables complete the picture.
El Rey Court
El Rey Court is a 1936-built vintage motor inn that’s taking on a new life as an adorable boutique hotel. It’s boho-Southwestern vibes and a fairly affordable stay.
TO EAT:
The Shed
Determine whether you prefer red or green chile—the two mother sauces of New Mexican cuisine—at this vibrant family-owned restaurant that’s been downtown since 1953. Sample traditional state dishes like chile-smothered burritos and enchiladas, posole, and red-chile-marinated pork.
Opuntia Café
Opuntia moved to a larger location at the Railyard last fall, so now there’s ample room for comfy seating, a massive tea and coffee collection, and its array of on-sale plants, which also create a lush oasis. Munch on dishes like huevos rancheros and cornflake-encrusted French toast.
TO DRINK:
Secreto Lounge
Santa Fe’s most lauded craft cocktail bar is Secreto Lounge. The bar is known for its Garden-to-Glass program, which sees the establishment source ingredients for their cocktails from an on-site garden at its host, Hotel St. Francis.
TO DO:
Shop Downtown Santa Fe
Santa Fe’s shopping scene is legendary and it’s hard to go wrong poking your head into any downtown shop, but if you’re gallery hopping along Canyon Road, swing over to Folklore — a modern store selling locally made housewares, jewelry, and more — and Shiprock Santa Fe — a gallery showcasing an impressive collection of top-line Native American and Southwestern Art
Experience Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return
The original immersive art experience, visiting Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return is an absolute must. We won’t spoil it, but prepare to be amazed, whether you’re an art obsessive or not.
Indulge at Kakawa Chocolate House
Ask for an elixir tasting inside this historic adobe structure and you’ll delve into chocolate’s Mayan and Aztec origins and trace its history through Europe and the U.S., sipping delicious hot chocolates along the way.
Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
American modernist artist Georgia O’Keeffe’s work is on display at the informative Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. When visiting this cultural hub, you will receive an intuitive look into the works of the”Mother of American Modernism,” who was known for her paintings of enlarged flowers, New York City’s skyline, and New Mexico’s vast beauty, among other subjects.
