A Weekend Trip To Santa Fe
Move over Denver – Santa Fe is the highest capital city in the U.S. at 7,199 feet. This little hot-spot is a hub for hiking, hot peppers, adobe architecture, and smart people. Santa Fe (and it’s neighbor Taos) are not to be missed on your Southwest travel agenda.
If you’re looking for a getaway that mixes desert landscapes, history, incredible food, and an arts scene, Santa Fe, New Mexico should be on your list. This small but charming city has a vibe all its own — a blend adobe architecture, Southwestern culture, and even some pretty scenic sunsets. Whether you’re wandering through art galleries, sampling green chile everything, or just soaking up the mountain air, Santa Fe is the kind of place that has a little something for everyone.
As aspiring Spanish speakers, we liked learning that Santa Fe means “holy faith.” And fun fact – it is actually the oldest capital city in the United States. You could spend a whole weekend devouring this city, especially if you’re in to food. And art. But since my adventure-loving travel partner has zero interest in museums, we had to opt out of Santa Fe’s over 250 galleries. (I did sneak away for a solo visit to the O’Keeffe museum.) Below are some of our highlights, and itinerary of Santa Fe, including surrounding points of interest.
HIGHLIGHTS
Los Alamos
A short (scenic) drive from Santa Fe. Los Alamos is where the atomic bomb was developed, and currently remains a world renowned hot spot for science and tech research.
My Future Employer
A personal goal of mine – to one day contribute something relevant enough to the adventure community to have it published in Outside Magazine. #lifegoals
Get Outside
Santa Fe and it’s surrounding areas have some great outdoor recreational options. Check out the AllTrails app, or consult the locals to find the right adventure for you.
OUR MINI ITINERARY
DAY 1:
- Stop in Las Vegas, NM to check out the Historic Plaza Hotel – original structure build in 1625 and was a hacienda housing one of Santa Fe’s oldest families. Also known for the spot Teddy Roosevelt announced his intention to run for president.
- Stop for a drink at Evangelo’s – A “must” – especially for live music lovers, according to one of our family members who lived in Santa Fe for years.
- Dinner at Pajarito in Los Alamos (attempt to have conversations with people at the bar who might be Einstein level scientists)
DAY 2:
- Check out White Rock Overlook for some incredible views of the landscape
- Head to Valles Caldera National Preserve to check out the Valle Grande Overlook – an area formed by a supervolcano eruption
- Wander Santa Fe’s Historic Plaza
- Check out the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Drinks/Lunch at Ortiz and BOXCAR
- Walk over to Outside Magazine’s headquarters… just because it’s there
DAY 3:
- Explore Taos
- Drinks at Adobe Bar
- Lunch at Doc Martin’s
- Stop at Rio Grande Gorge Bridge – Because Brandon wants to walk across the 10 highest bridges in the U.S.
Where To Stay In Santa Fe
- Hamton Inn Los Alamos
- This hotel was a little more affordable than the Hilton Santa Fe, and we wanted to check out Los Alamos anyway
- Inn of the Governors
- Stephanie’s rec
How To Get Around
- Walk!
- Rent a car (to drive to neighboring cities or hikes)
- Check out the Santa Fe Tourism website for additional information on buses, trains, parking, ride share options, and ADA resources.
Stephanie's Don't-Miss Recommendations
Food:
- The Shed
- Horno Restaurant
- Tia Sophia’s for breakfast
- Manzanita Market, Taos
- Orlando’s Taos
Drinks:
- World Cup Taos for coffee
- Rolling Still Lounge, Taos
- Daleee KTaos, also has live music
The 3 Chapels:
- Regardless of faith, the stairs at the Loretto Chapel are legendary. Don’t miss seeing this structure that defies architecture and engineering rules.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Santa Fe, it’s one of those places that sticks with you long after you leave. Between the fiery sunsets, rich cultural traditions, and that unbeatable combo of art, food, and history, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with this little city in the high desert. So pack your bags, leave room for some turquoise jewelry, and remember to recreate (and cocktail) extra-responsibly if you’re not used to the altitude!
P.S. Is any visit to Santa Fe really complete if you’ve never seen Christian Bale’s iconic solo from Newsies? ♥
