Guidebook for Santa Fe
Shopping
Humorist Will Rogers said on his first visit to Santa Fe, "Whoever designed this town did so while riding on a jackass, backwards, and drunk." The maze of narrow streets and alleyways confounds motorists; however, pedestrians delight in the vast array of shops, restaurants, flowered courtyards, and eye-catching galleries at nearly every turn. Park your car, grab a map, and explore the town on foot. Leave the car at home and walk into the Plaza to enjoy all it has to offer.
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Santa Fe Plaza
63 Lincoln AveHumorist Will Rogers said on his first visit to Santa Fe, "Whoever designed this town did so while riding on a jackass, backwards, and drunk." The maze of narrow streets and alleyways confounds motorists; however, pedestrians delight in the vast array of shops, restaurants, flowered courtyards, and eye-catching galleries at nearly every turn. Park your car, grab a map, and explore the town on foot. Leave the car at home and walk into the Plaza to enjoy all it has to offer.
Fresh local food, culture, music, crowds. Located in the Railyard Area, worth strolling around.
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Santa Fe Bauernmarkt
1607 Paseo De PeraltaFresh local food, culture, music, crowds. Located in the Railyard Area, worth strolling around.
Arts & Culture
A delicate Gothic church modeled after Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, Loretto was built in 1878 by the same French architects and Italian stonemasons who built St. Francis Cathedral. The chapel is known for the "Miraculous Staircase" that leads to the choir loft. Legend has it that the chapel was almost complete when it became obvious that there wasn't room to build a staircase to the choir loft. In answer to the prayers of the cathedral's nuns, a mysterious carpenter arrived on a donkey, built a 20-foot staircase—using only a square, a saw, and a tub of water to season the wood—and then disappeared as quickly as he came. Many of the faithful believed it was St. Joseph himself. The staircase contains two complete 360-degree turns with no central support; no nails were used in its construction. The chapel closes for services and special events. Adjoining the chapel are a small museum and gift shop.
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Loretto Chapel
207 Old Santa Fe TrailA delicate Gothic church modeled after Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, Loretto was built in 1878 by the same French architects and Italian stonemasons who built St. Francis Cathedral. The chapel is known for the "Miraculous Staircase" that leads to the choir loft. Legend has it that the chapel was almost complete when it became obvious that there wasn't room to build a staircase to the choir loft. In answer to the prayers of the cathedral's nuns, a mysterious carpenter arrived on a donkey, built a 20-foot staircase—using only a square, a saw, and a tub of water to season the wood—and then disappeared as quickly as he came. Many of the faithful believed it was St. Joseph himself. The staircase contains two complete 360-degree turns with no central support; no nails were used in its construction. The chapel closes for services and special events. Adjoining the chapel are a small museum and gift shop.
you’ll find art ranging from cutting-edge contemporary to traditional and even ancient works. Some artists are internationally renowned, like Fernando Botero, others' identities have been lost with time, like the weavers of magnificent Navajo rugs.
There are few places as festive as Canyon Road on Christmas Eve, when thousands of farolitos illuminate walkways, walls, roofs, and even trees. In May the scent of lilacs wafts over the adobe walls, and in August red hollyhocks enhance the surreal color of the blue sky on a dry summer day.
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Canyon Road
Canyon Roadyou’ll find art ranging from cutting-edge contemporary to traditional and even ancient works. Some artists are internationally renowned, like Fernando Botero, others' identities have been lost with time, like the weavers of magnificent Navajo rugs.
There are few places as festive as Canyon Road on Christmas Eve, when thousands of farolitos illuminate walkways, walls, roofs, and even trees. In May the scent of lilacs wafts over the adobe walls, and in August red hollyhocks enhance the surreal color of the blue sky on a dry summer day.
Even if you're not interested in attending the Opera itself; go see the Opera House. It's an architecturally beautiful open air amphitheater with stunning views. Backstage tours 9am Friday's for $10
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Santa Fe Opera
301 Opera DrEven if you're not interested in attending the Opera itself; go see the Opera House. It's an architecturally beautiful open air amphitheater with stunning views. Backstage tours 9am Friday's for $10
5 different Museums located in this one location; lovely location, beautiful views, history, art, and culture all located here. Try the Museum Cafe for rest & refreshments before or after your visit.
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Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
710 Camino Lejo5 different Museums located in this one location; lovely location, beautiful views, history, art, and culture all located here. Try the Museum Cafe for rest & refreshments before or after your visit.
Locally owned by George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones Author). Shows current titles, art house and indie films. Grab a bite and a cocktail inside. Best popcorn you'll ever have as well!
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Jean Cocteau Cinema
418 Montezuma AveLocally owned by George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones Author). Shows current titles, art house and indie films. Grab a bite and a cocktail inside. Best popcorn you'll ever have as well!
One of many East Coast artists who visited New Mexico in the first half of the 20th century, O'Keeffe returned to live and paint here, eventually emerging as the demigoddess of Southwestern art. O'Keeffe's innovative view of the landscape is captured in From the Plains, inspired by her memory of the Texas plains, and Jimson Weed, a study of one of her favorite plants. Special exhibitions with O'Keeffe's modernist peers are on view throughout the year—many of these are exceptional, sometimes even more interesting than the permanent collection. The museum is also your point of contact for booking guided tours of O'Keeffe's historic home and studio an hour north in Abiquiú.
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Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
217 Johnson StOne of many East Coast artists who visited New Mexico in the first half of the 20th century, O'Keeffe returned to live and paint here, eventually emerging as the demigoddess of Southwestern art. O'Keeffe's innovative view of the landscape is captured in From the Plains, inspired by her memory of the Texas plains, and Jimson Weed, a study of one of her favorite plants. Special exhibitions with O'Keeffe's modernist peers are on view throughout the year—many of these are exceptional, sometimes even more interesting than the permanent collection. The museum is also your point of contact for booking guided tours of O'Keeffe's historic home and studio an hour north in Abiquiú.
This impressive museum, opened in 2009, is the anchor of a campus that encompasses the Palace of the Governors, the Museum of New Mexico Press, the Fray Angélico Chávez History Library, and Photo Archives (an assemblage of more than 1 million images dating from the 1850s). Behind the palace on Lincoln Avenue, the museum thoroughly encompasses the early history of indigenous people, Spanish colonization, the Mexican Period, and travel and commerce on the legendary Santa Fe Trail. Inside are changing and permanent exhibits. From 1 until 5, Tuesday–Friday.
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New Mexico History Museum
113 Lincoln AveThis impressive museum, opened in 2009, is the anchor of a campus that encompasses the Palace of the Governors, the Museum of New Mexico Press, the Fray Angélico Chávez History Library, and Photo Archives (an assemblage of more than 1 million images dating from the 1850s). Behind the palace on Lincoln Avenue, the museum thoroughly encompasses the early history of indigenous people, Spanish colonization, the Mexican Period, and travel and commerce on the legendary Santa Fe Trail. Inside are changing and permanent exhibits. From 1 until 5, Tuesday–Friday.
This 5,000-square-foot adobe museum occupies a classically Southwestern former home designed in 1930 by acclaimed regional architect John Gaw Meem. The Spanish Colonial Art Society formed in Santa Fe in 1925 to preserve traditional Spanish-colonial art and culture, and the museum, which sits next to the Museum of International Folk Art and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture complex, displays the fruits of the society's labor—one of the most comprehensive collections of Spanish-colonial art in the world. Objects here, dating from the 16th century to the present, include retablos (holy images painted on wood or tin), elaborate santos, tinwork, straw appliqué, furniture, ceramics, and ironwork. The contemporary collection of works by New Mexico Hispanic artists of the 20th century helps put all this history into regional context. On the grounds outside, you can also view the exterior of a 1780s Mexican Colonial house and visit the small but colorful Artist's Garden.
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Museum of Spanish Colonial Art
750 Camino LejoThis 5,000-square-foot adobe museum occupies a classically Southwestern former home designed in 1930 by acclaimed regional architect John Gaw Meem. The Spanish Colonial Art Society formed in Santa Fe in 1925 to preserve traditional Spanish-colonial art and culture, and the museum, which sits next to the Museum of International Folk Art and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture complex, displays the fruits of the society's labor—one of the most comprehensive collections of Spanish-colonial art in the world. Objects here, dating from the 16th century to the present, include retablos (holy images painted on wood or tin), elaborate santos, tinwork, straw appliqué, furniture, ceramics, and ironwork. The contemporary collection of works by New Mexico Hispanic artists of the 20th century helps put all this history into regional context. On the grounds outside, you can also view the exterior of a 1780s Mexican Colonial house and visit the small but colorful Artist's Garden.
Food Scene
Lovely courtyard for outdoor dinning (indoor as well), relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and a vast collection of teas to choose from. My favorite location on Canyon Road.
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The Teahouse
821 Canyon RdLovely courtyard for outdoor dinning (indoor as well), relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and a vast collection of teas to choose from. My favorite location on Canyon Road.
Casual atmosphere, live music and delicious small plates in the bar every night. White table cloth full service fine dinning in restaurant. Walking distance from your front door.
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El Meson Restaurant and Tapas Bar
213 Washington AveCasual atmosphere, live music and delicious small plates in the bar every night. White table cloth full service fine dinning in restaurant. Walking distance from your front door.
The Bull Ring
150 Washington AveTake a 10 minute walk to the Best Steak in Town!
Off the well worn tourist path. A local favorite for the amazing food and incredible staff. In the mood for Southern Fried Chicken and Sage Waffles? Go. Here.
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Loyal Hound
730 St Michaels DrOff the well worn tourist path. A local favorite for the amazing food and incredible staff. In the mood for Southern Fried Chicken and Sage Waffles? Go. Here.
Desserts so delicious they defy description. Also serves amazing brunch. Reservations recommended.
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Chocolate Maven
821 W San Mateo RdDesserts so delicious they defy description. Also serves amazing brunch. Reservations recommended.
Stroll in for amazing samples of South American and American Indian chocolate. Enjoy coffee, amazing array of truffles, other desserts AND sipping chocolate (not your mothers hot coco!) Drop in!
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Kakawa Chocolate House
1050 Paseo De PeraltaStroll in for amazing samples of South American and American Indian chocolate. Enjoy coffee, amazing array of truffles, other desserts AND sipping chocolate (not your mothers hot coco!) Drop in!
Tired of Southwestern food? Go to Jambo! Think African-Caribbean Fusion - for example Fried Cornmeal Plantain Crab Cakes and Banana Leaf Wrapped Island Spiced Mahi Mahi!
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Jambo Cafe
2010 Cerrillos RdTired of Southwestern food? Go to Jambo! Think African-Caribbean Fusion - for example Fried Cornmeal Plantain Crab Cakes and Banana Leaf Wrapped Island Spiced Mahi Mahi!
With its long front portal and expansive back patio, this ancient adobe restaurant is a lovely spot to enjoy the afternoon and evenings of summer. The roomy, rustic lounge has a true Old West atmosphere—there's been a bar on the premises since 1835—and you can order some fine Spanish brandies and sherries in addition to cold beers, sangria, and margaritas, and the kitchen turns out authentic Spanish fare, from hearty paellas to lighter tapas. It's a great place to see a variety of music; the dance floor fills up with a friendly crowd.
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El Farol
808 Canyon RdWith its long front portal and expansive back patio, this ancient adobe restaurant is a lovely spot to enjoy the afternoon and evenings of summer. The roomy, rustic lounge has a true Old West atmosphere—there's been a bar on the premises since 1835—and you can order some fine Spanish brandies and sherries in addition to cold beers, sangria, and margaritas, and the kitchen turns out authentic Spanish fare, from hearty paellas to lighter tapas. It's a great place to see a variety of music; the dance floor fills up with a friendly crowd.
Parks & Nature
The chair lift at the Santa Fe Ski Area runs year round for skiiers in winter and hikers in summer, but is somewhat weather and crowd dependent. A round trip ride costs $8; $6, one-way. You can also just hike up the mountain as far as you'd like but be mindful of weather and the effects of altitude. Before heading up the mountain you can lunch at the ski area’s café, La Casa Grill. Clear skies, a warm sun and the electric gold of the Aspens—it is a gorgeous drive down.
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Ski Santa Fe
1477 NM-475The chair lift at the Santa Fe Ski Area runs year round for skiiers in winter and hikers in summer, but is somewhat weather and crowd dependent. A round trip ride costs $8; $6, one-way. You can also just hike up the mountain as far as you'd like but be mindful of weather and the effects of altitude. Before heading up the mountain you can lunch at the ski area’s café, La Casa Grill. Clear skies, a warm sun and the electric gold of the Aspens—it is a gorgeous drive down.
With the beautiful landscaped paths and lovely Milner Plaza, Museum Hill has always been about much more than the collections inside its four world-class museums. The summer 2013 opening of this 12-acre garden across the street from Milner Plaza's parking lot has added an another great reason for exploring this neighborhood situated on a bluff with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
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Botanischer Garten Santa Fe
715 Camino LejoWith the beautiful landscaped paths and lovely Milner Plaza, Museum Hill has always been about much more than the collections inside its four world-class museums. The summer 2013 opening of this 12-acre garden across the street from Milner Plaza's parking lot has added an another great reason for exploring this neighborhood situated on a bluff with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
Essentials
Whatever you do, make time for Ten Thousand Waves, a traditional Japanese-style bathhouse, during your visit. This tranquil oasis sits near national forest land and though it’s just fifteen minutes from downtown, you’d never guess it, since you’ll feel transported by the Japanese baths, gardens and architecture. Splurge if you can—the private suites are the way to go. They feature sitting showers (an important part of the Japanese bathing ritual), saunas and “ultimate toilets,” a modern marvel that has more features than many cell phones. There’s also an on-site farmhouse-style restaurant, Izanami, that serves small plates (average main: $10) and more than 50 varieties of artisanal sake. Try the Wagyu ishiyaki, delicate slices of beef served on a 500-degree searing stone. At the spa, go for the Nose to Toes treatment: a full body exfoliation; massage with Thai stretching and extended head, neck, and shoulder work; Japanese foot massage; and a foot scrub with rice bran, green tea, and adzuki-bean powder (80 minutes, $165).
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Ten Thousand Waves
21 Ten Thousand Waves WayWhatever you do, make time for Ten Thousand Waves, a traditional Japanese-style bathhouse, during your visit. This tranquil oasis sits near national forest land and though it’s just fifteen minutes from downtown, you’d never guess it, since you’ll feel transported by the Japanese baths, gardens and architecture. Splurge if you can—the private suites are the way to go. They feature sitting showers (an important part of the Japanese bathing ritual), saunas and “ultimate toilets,” a modern marvel that has more features than many cell phones. There’s also an on-site farmhouse-style restaurant, Izanami, that serves small plates (average main: $10) and more than 50 varieties of artisanal sake. Try the Wagyu ishiyaki, delicate slices of beef served on a 500-degree searing stone. At the spa, go for the Nose to Toes treatment: a full body exfoliation; massage with Thai stretching and extended head, neck, and shoulder work; Japanese foot massage; and a foot scrub with rice bran, green tea, and adzuki-bean powder (80 minutes, $165).
Trader Joe's
530 W Cordova RdWhole Foods Market
753 Cerrillos RdMore like a co-op, less a grocery store. Good for a quick stop.
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Sprouts Farmers Market
3201 Zafarano DrMore like a co-op, less a grocery store. Good for a quick stop.
Drinks & Nightlife
Relax, kickback on the outdoor patio, enjoy great southwest style food (Green Chile Cheeseburger!), drinks, and listen to the best live music every day! Don't miss it. Make reservations for patio!
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Cowgirl Hall of Fame
319 S Guadalupe StRelax, kickback on the outdoor patio, enjoy great southwest style food (Green Chile Cheeseburger!), drinks, and listen to the best live music every day! Don't miss it. Make reservations for patio!
This beautifully designed bar inside the dramatically renovated Hotel St. Francis makes the best and most interesting craft cocktails in town, including a classic Manhattan with clove tincture spritzed over the top, and a smoked-sage margarita. There's a nice selection of appetizers and light entrées, too, prepared by the kitchen at the hotel's Tabla de Los Santos restaurant. When the weather is good, try to get a seat on the loggia out front.
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Secreto Lounge
210 Don Gaspar AveThis beautifully designed bar inside the dramatically renovated Hotel St. Francis makes the best and most interesting craft cocktails in town, including a classic Manhattan with clove tincture spritzed over the top, and a smoked-sage margarita. There's a nice selection of appetizers and light entrées, too, prepared by the kitchen at the hotel's Tabla de Los Santos restaurant. When the weather is good, try to get a seat on the loggia out front.
Sightseeing
This church has been rebuilt five times and contains one of the most beautiful stain glass rose windows I have seen. The congregation was established in 1610; the first church was built in 1610; and the church that stands today was built in 1886 and contains, in the La Conquistadora Chapel, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary brought to Santa Fe in 1626 by Franciscan priest, Fray Alonso Benavides.
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Die Kathedralbasilika des heiligen Franz von Assisi
131 Cathedral PlThis church has been rebuilt five times and contains one of the most beautiful stain glass rose windows I have seen. The congregation was established in 1610; the first church was built in 1610; and the church that stands today was built in 1886 and contains, in the La Conquistadora Chapel, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary brought to Santa Fe in 1626 by Franciscan priest, Fray Alonso Benavides.
Experience El Santuario de Nuestro Senor de Esquipulas, a.k.a., El Santuario de Chimayo. Constructed in 1814, people have been drawn to this church for its power to heal. An annual pilgrimage to the church takes place each year on Good Friday with people arriving on foot from as far away as Albuquerque. Left behind, as testimony to the healing, are crutches, canes, and shoes as well as pictures, prayers and stories. It was for me a very moving, warm, and uplifting experience.
The village in which the church resides is small and charming and contains a few shops, a restaurant or two as well as another small chapel. The surrounding area is a sight to behold with a small creek running behind church grounds, surrounded by a pasture of grazing horses near the base of a mountain which serves as a backdrop to this quiet community.
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Chimayo
Experience El Santuario de Nuestro Senor de Esquipulas, a.k.a., El Santuario de Chimayo. Constructed in 1814, people have been drawn to this church for its power to heal. An annual pilgrimage to the church takes place each year on Good Friday with people arriving on foot from as far away as Albuquerque. Left behind, as testimony to the healing, are crutches, canes, and shoes as well as pictures, prayers and stories. It was for me a very moving, warm, and uplifting experience.
The village in which the church resides is small and charming and contains a few shops, a restaurant or two as well as another small chapel. The surrounding area is a sight to behold with a small creek running behind church grounds, surrounded by a pasture of grazing horses near the base of a mountain which serves as a backdrop to this quiet community.