New Mexico’s capital is home to world-class galleries, stunning nature trails, mouthwatering cuisine, and more.
As far as capital cities go, Santa Fe is a bit of an anomaly.
Set in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it has Pueblo-style buildings instead of skyscrapers.
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The entire city revolves around a traditional plaza where arts and handicrafts are still sold to this day.
Explore Meow Wolf.
The art on display atMeow Wolfbends the mind.
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This 70-room art installation has one foot set firmly in another world.
Get inspired at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
Just confirm to reserve your ticket early, as they do sell out.
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Visit Bugs Bunny and co. at the Chuck Jones Gallery.
Get a drink on the “oldest hotel corner in America.”
Treat yourself at a Japanese-inspired spa.
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You don’t have to travel to Japan to experience the country’s iconic hot spring resorts.
Check out the “miraculous” staircase at Loretto Chapel.
Loretto Chapelis a beautiful old church, but most people visit to see the “miraculous” staircase.
Order your burrito smothered in green chile or better yet, “Christmas style.”
New Mexico is known for its green chile.
And the celebrated ingredient is used at every opportunity (no complaints here!).
Hike the Aspen Vista Trail.
Go gallery hopping in the Railyard.
Experience the Canyon Road art destination.
Canyon Roadpacks more than 100 galleries, restaurants, and boutiques into a mere half mile.
But rest assured quantity does not negate quality.
Sip your way around town on the Margarita Trail.
(Plus, you’ll get $1 off the signature margarita at each participating location.)
Shop for turquoise jewelry at the Santa Fe Plaza.
The Santa Fe Plaza is the true heart of the city.
Catch a show at the open-air opera house.
A trip to theSanta Fe Operais a memorable way to spend an evening in New Mexico’s capital.
Just ensure to pack a jacket for when the temperature drops.
Swing by one of the nation’s oldest and largest farmers markets.
Thefarmers market in Santa Femight put your local operation to shame.
The Saturday market runs year-round in the uber-hip Railyard District.
Visit the oldest church in the U.S.
The original structure was built around 1610 as a Spanish colonial mission church.
Take a glass-blowing class from a master.
Blowing glass is something many people want to try but never get the opportunity.
The artists will help you create any number of things, from paperweights to flower vases.
Rent a bike and cruise the La Tierra trail system.
When it comes to mountain biking, Santa Fe continually tops the charts.
All the trails are just a few miles outside of town.
Catch a sunset from the top of the Cross of the Martyrs.
The cross itself was erected to commemorate the death of 21 Franciscan friars during a revolt against colonial occupation.
Meander through Allan Houser’s sculpture garden.
On a sunny day, head just south of Santa Fe to theAllan Houser Sculpture Garden and Gallery.
Tours are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, weather permitting.
Hop in the car and drive to the Bandelier National Monument.
Less than an hour down the road isa national monumentthat protects the land and homes of the ancestral Puebloans.
Plus, the community of Chimayo is also famous for its stunning, handcrafted weavings.
Grab a fish taco from Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill.
When you think of land-bound Santa Fe, seafood probably doesn’t come to mind.
ButBumble Bee’s Baja Grillis working to change that.
Swing by for a fish taco and anaguas frescaand enjoy your meal outside.
Then, go back in for more.
Visit the largest collection of international folk art in the world.
Santa Fe may be small, but it has a long and rich cultural heritage.
Inside you’ll find pieces from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and of course,New Mexico.
