Sun-warmed adobe buildings. World-class art. Chile-drenched New Mexican cuisine. Historic museums and churches. And, of course, margaritas 🙂 It’s called City Different for its combination of rich cultures. And a weekend in Santa Fe, surrounded by art, mountains, and the color teal, will make you feel…
happy, energetic, and curious from start to finish.
And did you know, founded between 1607 and 1610, it’s the highest and oldest capital in the United States? The Spanish revival style architecture, a blend of Spanish and Native American cultures, and narrow streets that don’t follow a grid pattern, but the lay of the land instead, all make for a preserved legendary history.
Whether I’ve already convinced you to visit or not, keep reading. First, a few standard questions…
How Many Days Should I Spend in Santa Fe?
Three days makes for a great experience in Santa Fe. But there are plenty of attractions, museums, restaurants, and shops to extend your trip to a long weekend in Santa Fe for a total of 4-5 days. This way, you can do things at a more leisurely pace.
We did not take days off work, drove from Colorado, arrived in Santa Fe on a Friday night around 7:00 PM, and left on Sunday around 2:00 PM. I think having a few more hours on Friday or Sunday would have been ideal. But, as always, we squeezed A LOT in. 🙂
Make it a full road trip and incorporate some of these other Best Vacation Destinations in New Mexico!
Is Santa Fe, New Mexico Walkable?
YES—it’s one of the best parts about a trip here. A small city relative to some in the U.S., nearly everything you experience is within walking distance. And the lively, picturesque streets make it that much more enjoyable. Everywhere you turn, there is artwork, pops of colors, and green trees and mountains!
During the full day Saturday, we walked 6.5 miles. And on Sunday (we did drive to a different area), 3.5 miles.
Where to Stay in Santa Fe, New Mexico
There are some great hotels and Airbnbs to stay at in Santa Fe. I highly recommend staying right in the downtown area—everything is so close and it’s worth the extra expense vs. spending money on cabs or relying on your own car (keep in mind there are a LOT of margaritas in this area…lol.)
If you are looking for a hotel experience, the historic La Fonda on the Plaza is magnificent with a ton of amenities, including a rooftop patio, restaurants, an outdoor pool, and robes. You will pay for it though at $300-400 per night. (If you don’t stay here, still hit the rooftop bar! More on that later.)
If you want a bit cheaper option right in the city, we loved our Santa Fe Airbnb just a 5-minute walk to the heart of downtown. It was cute and clean with a comfy bed and a hot tub. When it was all said and done, it came out to just over $200 per night.
Chile? What do I need to know?
Santa Fe’s love language is chiles. Smothered all over everything you eat. And you’ll love it. Your answer is either “red chile,” “green chile,” or “Christmas” which is a combination of both. It’s spicy with a sweet flavor and I think it changed my life lol.
That covers the basics, so let’s get into the Weekend in Santa Fe Itinerary!
Weekend in Santa Fe: Day 1
If you arrive before dinnertime, check out one of the museums outlined down below before you eat. But we’ll kick off with the first great meal in Santa Fe—there will be many:
Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen
This is easily one of the best restaurants in Santa Fe! Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen is a huge space—general dining areas, an indoor bar, an open-air bar, and an outdoor patio. And you’ll realize how good this place is right off the bat because their chips and salsa are the BEST—plus, they are free and unlike some of the trendy restaurants that charge. (Pet peeve.)
Not only that, but you’ll peruse a menu of literally over 100 margaritas! It’s tough to choose, but you can’t go wrong. I loved “Girl’s Best Friend.” And their tacos (go with pork belly) were delicious, authentic, and didn’t skimp on the avocado. Maria’s is a local favorite, as well as a popular spot for tourists. Don’t miss it!
More Santa Fe Dinner Options to Choose From
La Choza
La Choza is another fantastic, highly rated option for dinner that we had recommended to us multiple times. Unfortunately, we did not make it here but it is #1 on my list for next time. If you go, make sure to let me know how it is! And don’t skip the red chile. Or green chile. Or Christmas! 🙂
Paloma
Another option is Paloma which you will also see recommended often; it’s one of the best restaurants in Santa Fe according to many internet reviews. We made reservations for when we got into town and LOVED the atmosphere of the outdoor patio—very trendy.
But, we were disappointed with the food. Our dishes included good pieces of meat and homemade tortillas, but both lacked any flavor. To pay over $90 for steak fajitas, two fish tacos, chips & salsa, one margarita, and one whiskey was a tough swallow. And though we won’t come back, maybe we just got unlucky because people RAVE about Paloma.
After dinner and drinks, get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow is a LARGE day!
Weekend in Santa Fe: Day 2
The first full day of your weekend in Santa Fe. I promise it’s going to be a memorable one full of delicious food, strong margaritas, art, and the opportunity to learn more about this beautiful city.
Dolina Bakery
Dolina Bakery is the perfect place to start your day! An aesthetically-pleasing inside and a front-side outdoor patio space give you two options for enjoying your coffee. Order at the counter, and whatever you do, don’t skip the Almond Croissant. It was one of the best I have ever had! Bonus: this is a fun, short walk from the Airbnb.
TIP: Don’t get full here. Treat it as your morning coffee stop and split any food with others. Trust me, there is plenty in your future!
Santa Fe Farmer’s Market
After you are ready and energized, it’s time for the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market. This lively market is the place to be on a Saturday morning! I absolutely loved the vibe and strolling through the food vendors with local produce, art, and fresh baked goods.
And it’s huge! Start on the north end at the artisan market and make your way along the railroad tracks where you eventually end up at the food market. There are outdoor tents as well as a big indoor space with even more goodies. Make sure to walk the whole thing—it’s one of the best outdoor activities to enjoy the weather.
Note: There is also a Spanish Market and an Indian Market—check to see if you are visiting when those are scheduled.
Santa Fe Plaza
Next, make your way right into the heart of the downtown which is the Santa Fe Plaza. This area is bustling with tourists, street vendors, shops, and restaurants. Here, downtown Santa Fe shows off its natural beauty and culture. And one of my favorite things was all of the green—something I did not expect! Once you make it here, you’re right at the center of everything you want to do!
And if you didn’t get full at Dolina Bakery or the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market…
Cafe Pasqual’s
Walk over to brunch at Cafe Pasqual’s where you will love the atmosphere just as much as your food. Small, quaint, and full of artwork, Cafe Pasqual’s offers breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros, pancakes, and more that are all organic with pasture-raised meats.
I ordered the Huevos Barbacoa Con Chile and loved the slow-cooked beef cheeks with green chiles. (We also had a plain black coffee and loved it!) Keep in mind that this place gets busy so stop by and get your name on the list. They will call/text you and in the meantime, you can…
Shop in Santa Fe
Shops are endless in Santa Fe. And you will quickly experience all of the creative talents in this city. Not to mention, the beautiful Spanish and Native American cultures. One of my favorite ways to learn about the area was through the shops, boutiques, and studios.
Spend some time both while you wait and after your meal walking around the different shops in this area. A few of my favorites:
Santa Fe Olive Oil & Balsamic Co.
Forever a favorite of mine. “Uh oh” is usually what comes out of my husband’s mouth when we notice an olive oil shop! And Santa Fe Olive Oil & Balsamic Co. did not disappoint. They offer free, do-it-yourself tastings and a variety of oils, vinegar, olives, and spices. There are also other souvenirs including fun-shaped pasta, books, and gift sets. I left with the White Truffle Olive Oil and a bag of pasta and can’t wait to put it to good (delicious) use!
Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse
I don’t know what gives me the feels more—olive oil or new books lol. Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse is a great bookstore with Santa Fe stories and history, new fiction, memoirs, and a children/teens section. There’s also a large cafe with comfy seating, puzzles, and a peaceful community vibe. Make sure to stop in here if you’re a reader!
Indigo Rug #2
The first shop that made me say WOW, there are some talented folks out here. This shop does not stop at rugs and you will have such a fun time admiring the cool art pieces. We spent a solid half-hour walking through, talking to the owner, and picking a (small) piece to take home with us.
Shopping is hard work. And there are too many sensational margaritas in this area to not get to one by noon!
After a nice, relaxing morning with coffee, brunch, and shopping, it’s time for a little marg-hop. Here are all of the places to stop:
Coyote Cafe
The colorful, lively, and fun rooftop at Coyote Cafe is where to start. The adobe building overlooks the touristy streets and has pops of color and artwork in every direction. If you’re a little slow from a big brunch, this place will pick you right back up!
I went with the Turquoise Margarita and it was a good choice. And after this, I was ready to ramp up the day drinking lol. (Shoutout to the fantastic waitress who helped us out with some great recommendations for the rest of our trip, too.)
NOTE: This is one of the top restaurants to eat at as well. Their indoor dining is more elegant and expensive.
Cowgirl
Margaritas on a vibrant outdoor patio with live music? Yep, sign me up. And sign up everybody else too because this popular place is ALWAYS busy. At least on the weekends. We made our 5-minute walk over from Coyote Cafe and there was about a 30-40 minute wait at Cowgirl. But it’s worth it! And there are a few shops right along the block to kill some time.
Cowgirl is known for its award-winning BBQ, green chili cheeseburger, and the Caddilac Margarita. While we didn’t eat, we continued the margarita tour. And weren’t disappointed—plus, had local musicians to go with it! Definitely a fun, Saturday afternoon experience.
Shop While You Wait
As I mentioned, stroll around a few of these shops while you wait for a table at Cowgirl. P.S. you 100% want outdoor seating there vs. indoor. It’s worth the wait. Here is where to shop:
Array
A fun, high-end home decor and gift shop. Array is one of those places where you want to take home one of everything! Charcuterie boards, soaps and lotions, ceramics and artifacts, plus pillows, frames, and candles. You will be ready to revamp every room in your home.
Double Take Consignment Shop
Looking for a pair of cowboy boots or turquoise jewelry? Peruse Double Take where they combine retail and resale in a very large space with two levels. It is higher-priced than most thrift stores, but you may just snag a steal.
Okay, back to the marg-hop…
The Pantry
More margs? More outdoor patios? Yep, there’s more where that came from. Start heading back towards the Santa Fe Plaza (you’ve explored most of the southwest side and now we’ll head east.) And no, I don’t expect you to make this entire 10-minute walk without a margarita break 😉
Make a pit stop at The Pantry, where you can sit on a corner patio and sip your drink. They have a very good classic margarita and if you like them on the sweeter side, this might be your favorite one!
La Fonda on the Plaza: Bell Tower Rooftop Bar
Make sure you go into La Fonda on the Plaza at some point during your trip—even if you aren’t staying there! It’s a beautiful historic hotel. And the best part is the Bell Tower Rooftop Bar. Head to the elevators and get to floor 5.
From there, you can walk out and find a table or seat along the perimeter for the best views of Santa Fe! Adobe buildings, churches, green mountains. It’s one of the best things to do in the area and they also happen to serve my top-rated Margarita in Santa Fe! (My full ranking to come—I will link here!)
We’re 4 margaritas in, maybe it’s time for some food?
Dinner at The Shed
This is hands down the best Mexican food I have ever eaten in my entire life. The Shed is as AUTHENTIC as it gets, plus spicy and delicious. The Shed opened in 1953 and has been in its current location, adobe hacienda (Prince Patio), since 1960.
A Weekend in Santa Fe is not complete without The Shed.
And it’s not a secret. We had a TWO-HOUR wait here on a Saturday night and didn’t get in until 8:30 PM—they take reservations up to 3 months in advance. And, trust me, it was worth every single second of waiting. We almost ate elsewhere and I am beyond thankful we didn’t. I had the Chicken Enchiladas Plate with Green Chile. The flavor was unreal with both heat and hints of sweetness. (And their famous red and green chile come directly from the farm.)
While You Wait…
Okay, so a 2-hour wait is quite a long time. Make sure to secure a reservation or come long before you want to eat something and get your name on the list. We learned this the hard way but, luckily, there are plenty of other places to explore while you wait.
Anasazi Restaurant
Anasazi, an upscale Southwestern restaurant, is just around the corner and lured us in with its beautiful outdoor space. While the margarita was one of the best I had the entire trip, the 25 minutes it took to get it wasn’t all that enjoyable. I like a slower-paced restaurant experience just so it’s not over in a half over, but the service here will stop me from ever coming back. There was zero urgency, the staff didn’t seem happy, and after mentioning a look at the appetizer menu, we were never asked what we’d like. Skip this and head to:
Low ‘n Slow
Ah, much more our style. Fun bar area with smiling bartenders, good music, and a few TVs to catch some of the game. We were (after taking a look at the pizzas coming out) 10 seconds away from skipping The Shed and eating at Low n’ Slow. I’m still glad we didn’t, but next time, I would love to dig into a fresh-looking pizza!
NOTE: They serve HAWT Pizza Co. which is just down the block.
Weekend in Santa Fe: Day 3
After you eat at The Shed, you will be as full as it gets haha. Enjoy a well-earned sleep. Here is what to do first thing on Day 3 (if you can stop yourself from going to Dolina Bakery again!)
Ikonic Cafe
Ikonic Cafe has a gorgeous outdoor space with green plants, flowers, and the adobe building backdrop that is perfect for morning coffee. And the inside is large, welcoming, and full of character. They offer large breakfast menu items like tacos, benedict, and waffles, and while it looked delicious, I was still full and just went with a classic Americano.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
After grabbing coffee, we wanted to explore the east side of Santa Fe (specifically Canyon Road) since much of yesterday was the west. And if you thought everything was artsy and colorful over there, this walk will bring it to a whole new level!
There are a ton of historic buildings to explore in Santa Fe—honestly, we probably should have spent more time on this! But it was fun to admire a few from afar, including the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
Stroll Canyon Road
An art lovers dream! Walk along the narrow streets of Canyon Road and you will find over 100 art galleries and boutiques. Art from both local artists and those around the country (and the world) are showcased. It is such a gorgeous place to be.
The Teahouse
All the way towards the far end of the art galleries is The Teahouse. And they serve some delicious breakfast! Their patio space is full of green trees and pretty flowers and you’ll love a Sunday morning experience here. We ordered a quiche and I did not want to stop eating it! “Today’s Quiche” was with mushrooms, green chiles, and cheese—yum. We also shared the granola yogurt bowl full of fresh fruit.
NOTE: Parking is horrendous over here! The best way to do it is to walk (which is very entertaining) or take an Uber. The parking lot is very small for their large outdoor patio and it’s one of the only restaurants open for breakfast in the morning so it gets busy.
Meow Wolf
If you’re in Santa Fe, you should check out a museum or two. And if the standard museum doesn’t excite you, I have something that just might be up your alley—in a weird way? Lol. After breakfast, head to…
A Santa Fe main attraction, and a short 10-minute drive from the heart of downtown, which is the crazy Meow Wolf, the House of Eternal Return. A crazy, 70-room interactive experience that will have you in a different universe every 60 seconds.
It’s fun, it’s bizarre, and it’s definitely a unique experience.
It costs $42 per person ($27 for a child) which is a little steep (what isn’t these days?) but you also get a unique experience you won’t forget! Enter during your timeslot and you can stay as long as you want. There is a missing family mystery game to be played throughout the rooms if you wish. Otherwise, just walk around, find new rooms, touch and climb, and have fun!
TIP: Right when you get in, skip the first couple of rooms nearby (unless you play the game) and get more towards the back to help avoid people. It does get a bit crowded.
ONE MORE TIP: You have to pay a few dollars extra for 3D glasses and coins for the photo booth or games. Skip it. I did both and it’s not worth it.
Additional Things to Do in Santa Fe, New Mexico
As mentioned, we should have had a few more hours in Santa Fe to accomplish a couple more things! If you do happen to have more time, make sure to explore a few museums and churches. They are some of Santa Fe’s top attractions.
Museums in Santa Fe
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: This would be my first pick! Dedicated to her legacy this museum is full of modern watercolors, charcoals, and oil paintings. It’s $18 and free for kids.
- New Mexico Museum of Art: Regional art and photography in the cutest adobe building. I’d love to do this one, too! It’s $12 for non-residents and free for kids.
- New Mexico History Museum: Three interlocking buildings, including the Palace of the Governors (1610), you will learn all about New Mexico’s deep history and rich cultures. It’s $12 for non-residents and free for children.
- Museum of Indian Arts and Culture: Interactive exhibits and artifacts to explore and learn more. It’s $9 for non-residents and free for kids.
- Museum of International Folk Art: Art and artifacts from 100+ countries. It’s $12 for non-residents and free for kids.
- Wheelright Museum of the American Indian: Founded in 1937 and dedicated to Native American Arts. It’s an $8 admission.
- Museum of Spanish Colonial Art: Spanish colonial style art, textiles, and furniture. This one is free!
Churches in Santa Fe
- San Miguel Chapel: the oldest church in Santa Fe—1610.
- The Loretto Chapel: the unique spiral staircase is a must-see.
Weekend in Santa Fe, New Mexico Itinerary
I want to spend another weekend in Santa Fe as soon as possible! And I hope you enjoy your trip to northern New Mexico as much as I did. As one of the most historic cities in North America, it is a destination that does not lack rich culture, artist’s studios, or views. (Or top-notch tacos and margaritas!) You won’t regret a trip here. And let me know your favorite part!
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