Weekend in Santa Fe
By Ashish Kumar · Follow on Instagram
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a cultural gem nestled in the high desert. With its Pueblo-style architecture, vibrant art scene, and spicy Southwestern cuisine, it’s perfect for a rejuvenating escape. Founded in 1610, it’s one of America’s oldest cities and feels like stepping into another world.
The scent of piñon smoke in the morning, the hush of adobe courtyards, the chili warmth that lingers on your tongue—Santa Fe isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling.
If you’re planning a weekend in Santa Fe, look no further. We’ve got you covered with everything you need for an unforgettable trip.
When to Visit
The sweet spot is April to October when festivals light up the city and temperatures hover in the 70s (°F). September’s balloon-filled skies during Fiesta are magical. Winters bring chilly nights but cozy adobe fireplaces and far fewer crowds.
How to Get There
Fly into Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) or the larger Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), just an hour’s drive south. From ABQ, take the scenic Turquoise Trail (Highway 14) past old mining towns. Once in Santa Fe, explore downtown on foot—everything’s walkable—or grab a rideshare for Canyon Road galleries.
Where to Stay
For wallet-friendly comfort, El Rey Court is a retro-chic motel with a pool and Southwestern flair. Splurge seekers will love Inn of the Five Graves or Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi—think kiva fireplaces and handmade tiles. Prefer a casita? Airbnb has charming adobe rentals with chili-pepper string lights near the Plaza.
If you’re craving nature, Black Canyon Campground sits 20 minutes outside town beneath ponderosa pines. For stargazing, Hyde Memorial State Park offers tent sites just 8 miles from downtown.
Day 1
Depending on your arrival time, settle into your accommodation or dive straight into the city’s heartbeat: the Historic Plaza.
Canyon Road Art Stroll
Start your morning wandering Canyon Road—a half-mile stretch lined with 100+ galleries. Pop into Morning Star Gallery for Native American ledger art or GF Contemporary for bold modern pieces. Sculptures spill into sun-dappled courtyards, and window-shopping is half the fun.
Pro tip: Grab a prickly pear latte at Iconik Coffee Roasters en route.
Lunch at The Shed
Refuel at The Shed, a 1950s hacienda serving legendary red-chili enchiladas since 1953. Their blue-corn tortillas and posole (hominy stew) are Santa Fe staples. Expect a wait—it’s worth it.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Beat the afternoon heat indoors at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. It houses the largest collection of her desert landscapes and flower close-ups.
Fun fact: Her "Black Place" paintings were inspired by drives along Highway 550.
Rooftop Sunset & Meow Wolf
As dusk paints the sky watermelon pink, head to La Fonda’s Bell Tower Bar for margaritas overlooking terracotta rooftops. Then, dive into Meow Wolf—an interactive psychedelic art exhibit inside a faux Victorian house. Crawl through glowing refrigerators or piano-key tunnels; it’s pure magic.
Day 2
Palace of the Governors & Local Treasures
Start at the Palace of the Governors (1610!), where Native artists sell handmade jewelry under the portal. Chat with a silversmith—many are third-generation artisans. Inside, peek at colonial-era maps and conquistador armor.
Entry fee: $12, but Sundays are free for NM residents.
Hike Atalaya Mountain
For a moderate 6-mile hike with skyline views, tackle Atalaya Trail. It climbs 1,800 ft through piñon pines to a ridge overlooking the city. Start early—the high desert sun is fierce by noon.
Lunch at Tomasita’s
Reward yourself at Tomasita’s, a railyard institution since 1974. Order Christmas-style (both red and green chili) on your huevos rancheros. Their sopaipillas—puffy fried bread drizzled with honey—are life-changing.
Loretto Chapel & Shopping
Marvel at the "miraculous" spiral staircase at Loretto Chapel—built without nails! Then browse Santa Fe Farmers Market (open Tue/Sat) for red-chili ristras or locally woven blankets.
Dinner on the Plaza
End your trip at Coyote Cafe, where rooftop tables offer views of the Cathedral Basilica. Try the elk tenderloin or blue-corn-crusted trout. Afterward, stroll the lantern-lit Plaza as guitar music floats from cantinas.
Ashish Kumar
Like this sample? I craft bespoke travel blogs with original research and a dash of wanderlust.
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