An Artsy, Hoppy Weekend in Santa Fe, New Mexico
We visited Santa Fe for a long weekend get-away. We wanted to go somewhere warm, relaxing and with a little culture. Santa Fe was the perfect place. In our experience, Santa Fe has a very laid back atmosphere and people are genuinely friendly and polite. The city celebrates i's rich cultural heritage through its food, architecture and art which makes for a wonderful vacation. Additionally, Santa Fe is located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and has over 300 days of sunshine each year - you can't beat the weather and the beautiful landscape. All of this makes Santa Fe a wonderful place to go for a romantic, couples weekend or as a family to enjoy nature and culture.
When Mexico gained it's independence from Spain, Santa Fe became the capital of the province of New Mexico. In 1846, the United States took over New Mexico which gained statehood in 1912. In the early 1900's, many people were drawn to Santa Fe for the weather and climate. In 1917, the Museum of Fine Arts opened, with a focus on local history and native culture and set the stage for the Santa Fe of today. Today, the city has preserved and celebrates the traditions, culture and architecture of it's rich heritage.
For additional information go to History of Santa Fe and History of New Mexico.
https://www.lorettochapel.com/
We encourage you to start your weekend in Santa Fe in the Santa Fe plaza area, specifically at Loretto Chapel. If you park close to the Chapel, everything will be within walking distance.
It is worth paying the $5 to see this beautiful chapel and the 'Miraculous Stairway'.
The Sisters of Loretto started construction of this chapel in 1873. During construction, the architect died, leaving the chapel unfinished. Legend has it that "the Sisters of Loretto prayed a nine day novena to St. Joseph, Patron Saint of Carpenters.... On the final day of the novena, a carpenter appeared with only a hammer and carpenter’s square. He built what is now known as the Miraculous Staircase with simple tools and wooden pegs."
https://www.cbsfa.org/
Next, take a short walk across the street, behind the Loretto Chapel, to the beautiful Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi & Cathedral Park.
According to the Cathedral website, the cathedral opened and was dedicated in 1887. Stained glass windows from France depicting the seven apostles are located in the windows in the lower bay. In 1967 the Cathedral was strengthened and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel was built. In 1987 the altar screen depicting saints from North and South America was installed.
Note: The Cathedral is closed for cleaning on Mondays and has Mass on Sundays.
Info at: https://lacasasena.com/sena-plaza/
After you spend some time at the Cathedral and park, cross the street to Sena Plaza and do some shopping or have a bite to eat.
Sena Plaza, one of the oldest surviving house in the Santa Fe area, was originally owned by the Sena family who were notable in Santa Fe. After being passed from generation to generation, in 1868 the small adobe house what extended into a 33 room hacienda. The home continued to be transferred to the next generation and remodeled until the 1980s when an art dealer, Gerald Peters took ownership of the historic home. Today, Sena Plaza is home to museums, art galleys, coffee shops, delicious food and high end shops.
https://www.nmhistorymuseum.org/
As you walk toward Santa Fe Plaza, check out the historic Palace of the Governors, located just north of the Santa Fe Plaza. Go inside and enjoy the history or peruse the beautiful Native American art and crafts on sale on the sidewalk.
This icon dates back to 1610 and is the oldest European building in continuous use in the continental United States. It was build by the Spanish and has been remodeled many times over the years. In 1909, the Museum of New Mexico took ownership of the building and the building was renovated as with regard to the culture connected to the history of the building. The Spanish-Pueblo style is what we see today. In 2015, the one-story adobe building was recognized as a National Treasure.
Next, walk one block down the street to the Santa Fe Plaza.
Enjoy the history, the beauty and do some shopping along the way. A National Landmark, the Santa Fe Plaza was established in 1610. The original plaza was a fort surrounded by a defensive wall. Today, the plaza hosts a park, benches, a bandstand, ethnic markets, festivals and community events.
https://www.boesebrothersbrewery.com/desert-dogs.html
Just a short walk from the plaza, this brewery is a great place to stop for an afternoon snack or dinner, and a beer (of course).
They are located on the 3rd floor, have a small patio and serve locally made (Boese Brewery) beer, cider, cocktails and tacos. This is a fun place to relax, hang out and play a game of pool or shuffleboard. Tacos are FANTASTIC!
https://www.chilelinebrewery.com/
This small batch brewing brewery and tap room is in the heart of Santa Fe. The tap room is quite small with a bar and a few tables, but they also have a patio out front. You can order food from the restaurant next door, Lino Trattoria and Pizzeria, which is delivered to you.
French Pastry Shop & Restaurant -- 100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Rooftop Pizzeria & Draft Station -- 60 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
La Fogata Grill -- 112 W San Francisco St #101, Santa Fe, NM 87501
https://www.nmartmuseum.org/
https://www.newmexicoculture.org/
Built in 1917, the New Mexico Museum of art, located in a Native American & Spanish colonial style adobe building, holds an expansive collection of contemporary regional art & photography and works to provide visitors with a variety of ways to connect with art.
https://www.nmhistorymuseum.org/
The New Mexico History Museum is currently a campus of three connected building - The Palace of the Governors, the Domenici Building, and the Chavez Library Building. The Palace of the Governors, dates back to 1610 and became part of the museum in 1909. The Chavez Library Building was built in 1907 and in the 1990s became part of the museum. Lastly, the Domenici Building was added in 2009, the modern part of the museum.
https://okeeffemuseum.org/
Learn about Georgia O’Keeffe, one of the most significant artists of the 20th century and explore exhibits that honor her contribution to modern art.
https://iaia.edu/mocna/
This museum features works of art of contemporary Native artists.
https://www.nmartmuseum.org/vladem-contemporary/
Opening in 2022, this is the 2nd location of the New Mexico Museum of Art is located in Santa Fe's Railyard District. Named after Robert and Ellen Vladem, this space provides opportunities for large installations, multi-media projects and performance based works. The goal, according to the museum, is to promote state-of-the-art ideas.
https://sitesantafe.org/
This museum opened in 1995 and is committed to innovative visual arts. A unique, contemporary art museum. Admission is free and it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
https://tickets.meowwolf.com/santa-fe/
Immerse yourself in a unique artistic experience through artistic exploration at this very different museum.
https://www.railyardsantafe.com/
For your second day in Satna Fe, we encourage you to take a stroll around the Santa Fe Railyard area. Play at the Railyard park, walk in and out of galleries and antique shops and grab a bite to eat.
If you are in Santa Fe in the summer, we encourage you to come back in the evening for the Railyard music series.
Grab a coffee and walk the sidewalk full of tents with vegetables, LOTS of vegetables (garlic, carrots, peas, chilies, onion, radish, potatoes, lettuce...), fruit, honey, mustard, sausages, and so much more. Buys some Danishes for breakfast or bread for dinner. Purchase some handmade crafts. The sights and smells are simply amazing.
When you are done at the Farmer's Market, cross the tracks to the Artist Market and peruse the beautiful paintings, scarves, jewelry and more.
https://www.secondstreetbrewery.com/railyard
This larger brewpub and restaurant has a patio and serves a full food menu of traditional and REALLY yummy bar food. And, if you would are thinking that another cold beer sounds good..
https://santafebrewing.com/
This brewery and tap room has is small & dark inside and large patio. They open at 12:00, so it is a good option for an afternoon craft beer. They have a dog friendly, large patio and food trucks.
This is a relaxing and enjoyable way to see some of the country's finest art. Stroll in and out of the large variety of galleries, take pictures of the amazing sculptures and even take a hike along the river.
Cowgirl BBQ - 319 S Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
El Falor - 808 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Osteria D'Assisi Ristorante Italiano - 58 S Federal Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501
If you would like to check out another brewery, we had the best time at the Santa Fe Brewing Company in southern Santa Fe. This is a very large brewery, taproom and biergarten. They have a food truck, fire pits, lawn games and might even have live music.
Santa Fe Brewing Company (Beer Hall at HQ)
35 Fire Pl, Santa Fe NM 87508
http://www.santafebrewing.com
https://ojosparesorts.com/ojo-santa-fe/
15 minutes south of downtown Santa Fe, this spa and resort has hot, spring fed pools, a salt water pool, a spa and a restaurant.
https://tenthousandwaves.com/spa
10 minutes away from downtown Santa Fe and minutes from the National Forest. Enjoy a hot tub, massage, spa treatment and lunch in a Japanese inspired resort.
We hope you enjoyed Santa Fe as much as we did!
Why visit Santa Fe?
- Santa Fe celebrates the many native cultures that have historical roots in the area and still call this area home.
- Santa Fe is the oldest European community west of the Mississippi and the oldest capital city in the United States.
- Santa Fe has one of the largest arts markets in the United States.
- Santa Fe is and has been home to many famous artists and writers. Santa Fe has a unique style of food - New Mexican cuisine - with amazing red and green chili.
- Santa Fe's climate, weather and nature are amazing, with over 300 days of sunshine each year, which provides for many outdoor activities - hiking, golfing, biking, camping...
Know before you go...How the Santa Fe of today came to be...
Santa Fe was originally home to several Pueblo Indian villages. The struggles between the native Pueblos and Europeans dates back to 1540. In 1540, the Spanish empire traveled to the New Mexico area to look for gold, silver, silk and land that could be used for force labor, known as the Coronado Expedition. In 1607, Santa Fe's first population of Europeans built a small clutter of European type houses in the area. In the early 17th century, the Spanish Empire declared the area the "Kingdom of New Mexico." For much of the 17th century, Spanish soldiers and Franciscan missionaries worked to conquer and convert the Pueblo Indians until 1680, with the Revolt of 1680, the Pueblo Indians took control of Santa Fe for 12 years. In 1692, the Spanish reconquered the area. Thus, Santa Fe is the oldest European community west of the Mississippi and the oldest capital city in the United States.When Mexico gained it's independence from Spain, Santa Fe became the capital of the province of New Mexico. In 1846, the United States took over New Mexico which gained statehood in 1912. In the early 1900's, many people were drawn to Santa Fe for the weather and climate. In 1917, the Museum of Fine Arts opened, with a focus on local history and native culture and set the stage for the Santa Fe of today. Today, the city has preserved and celebrates the traditions, culture and architecture of it's rich heritage.
For additional information go to History of Santa Fe and History of New Mexico.
Travel Itinerary - 3 days in Santa Fe
In our opinion, the first day in Santa Fe should be getting to know the area and strolling through the historical and cultural locations. The best place to do this in Santa Fe is in the downtown, plaza area.Day 1 - Santa Fe Plaza area
Loretto Chapel
207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://www.lorettochapel.com/
We encourage you to start your weekend in Santa Fe in the Santa Fe plaza area, specifically at Loretto Chapel. If you park close to the Chapel, everything will be within walking distance.
It is worth paying the $5 to see this beautiful chapel and the 'Miraculous Stairway'.
The Sisters of Loretto started construction of this chapel in 1873. During construction, the architect died, leaving the chapel unfinished. Legend has it that "the Sisters of Loretto prayed a nine day novena to St. Joseph, Patron Saint of Carpenters.... On the final day of the novena, a carpenter appeared with only a hammer and carpenter’s square. He built what is now known as the Miraculous Staircase with simple tools and wooden pegs."
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi & Cathedral Park
131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://www.cbsfa.org/
Next, take a short walk across the street, behind the Loretto Chapel, to the beautiful Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi & Cathedral Park.
According to the Cathedral website, the cathedral opened and was dedicated in 1887. Stained glass windows from France depicting the seven apostles are located in the windows in the lower bay. In 1967 the Cathedral was strengthened and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel was built. In 1987 the altar screen depicting saints from North and South America was installed.
Note: The Cathedral is closed for cleaning on Mondays and has Mass on Sundays.
Sena Plaza
125 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501Info at: https://lacasasena.com/sena-plaza/
After you spend some time at the Cathedral and park, cross the street to Sena Plaza and do some shopping or have a bite to eat.
Sena Plaza, one of the oldest surviving house in the Santa Fe area, was originally owned by the Sena family who were notable in Santa Fe. After being passed from generation to generation, in 1868 the small adobe house what extended into a 33 room hacienda. The home continued to be transferred to the next generation and remodeled until the 1980s when an art dealer, Gerald Peters took ownership of the historic home. Today, Sena Plaza is home to museums, art galleys, coffee shops, delicious food and high end shops.
Palace of the Governors
105 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://www.nmhistorymuseum.org/
As you walk toward Santa Fe Plaza, check out the historic Palace of the Governors, located just north of the Santa Fe Plaza. Go inside and enjoy the history or peruse the beautiful Native American art and crafts on sale on the sidewalk.
This icon dates back to 1610 and is the oldest European building in continuous use in the continental United States. It was build by the Spanish and has been remodeled many times over the years. In 1909, the Museum of New Mexico took ownership of the building and the building was renovated as with regard to the culture connected to the history of the building. The Spanish-Pueblo style is what we see today. In 2015, the one-story adobe building was recognized as a National Treasure.
Santa Fe Plaza
63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501Next, walk one block down the street to the Santa Fe Plaza.
Enjoy the history, the beauty and do some shopping along the way. A National Landmark, the Santa Fe Plaza was established in 1610. The original plaza was a fort surrounded by a defensive wall. Today, the plaza hosts a park, benches, a bandstand, ethnic markets, festivals and community events.
At this point, you are likely getting hungry or perhaps a bit thirsty....
If breweries are you thing....they are ours! There are two options close by with some tasty treats.Desert Dogs Brewery and Cidery -
112 W San Francisco St #307, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://www.boesebrothersbrewery.com/desert-dogs.html
Just a short walk from the plaza, this brewery is a great place to stop for an afternoon snack or dinner, and a beer (of course).
They are located on the 3rd floor, have a small patio and serve locally made (Boese Brewery) beer, cider, cocktails and tacos. This is a fun place to relax, hang out and play a game of pool or shuffleboard. Tacos are FANTASTIC!
Chile Line Brewery --
204 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://www.chilelinebrewery.com/
This small batch brewing brewery and tap room is in the heart of Santa Fe. The tap room is quite small with a bar and a few tables, but they also have a patio out front. You can order food from the restaurant next door, Lino Trattoria and Pizzeria, which is delivered to you.
If you are more interested in a restaurant, there are many choices in the area. You can't go wrong, as long as you choose local. Some good options are....
The Shed Restaurant -- 113 1/2 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501French Pastry Shop & Restaurant -- 100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Rooftop Pizzeria & Draft Station -- 60 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
La Fogata Grill -- 112 W San Francisco St #101, Santa Fe, NM 87501
For the afternoon, we encourage you to check out a museum or two. There are many wonderful museums in the area.
New Mexico Museum of Art
107 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://www.nmartmuseum.org/
https://www.newmexicoculture.org/
Built in 1917, the New Mexico Museum of art, located in a Native American & Spanish colonial style adobe building, holds an expansive collection of contemporary regional art & photography and works to provide visitors with a variety of ways to connect with art.
New Mexico History Museum
113 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://www.nmhistorymuseum.org/
The New Mexico History Museum is currently a campus of three connected building - The Palace of the Governors, the Domenici Building, and the Chavez Library Building. The Palace of the Governors, dates back to 1610 and became part of the museum in 1909. The Chavez Library Building was built in 1907 and in the 1990s became part of the museum. Lastly, the Domenici Building was added in 2009, the modern part of the museum.
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
217 Johnson St, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://okeeffemuseum.org/
Learn about Georgia O’Keeffe, one of the most significant artists of the 20th century and explore exhibits that honor her contribution to modern art.
IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA)
108 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://iaia.edu/mocna/
This museum features works of art of contemporary Native artists.
New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary
107 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://www.nmartmuseum.org/vladem-contemporary/
Opening in 2022, this is the 2nd location of the New Mexico Museum of Art is located in Santa Fe's Railyard District. Named after Robert and Ellen Vladem, this space provides opportunities for large installations, multi-media projects and performance based works. The goal, according to the museum, is to promote state-of-the-art ideas.
SITE Santa Fe
1606 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://sitesantafe.org/
This museum opened in 1995 and is committed to innovative visual arts. A unique, contemporary art museum. Admission is free and it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Meow Wolf Santa Fe
1352 Rufina Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87507https://tickets.meowwolf.com/santa-fe/
Immerse yourself in a unique artistic experience through artistic exploration at this very different museum.
For dinner, we encourage you to check out any local restaurant....you really can't go wrong.
We also feel like, since you are in New Mexico, well, a New Mexican cuisine should be the first choice. Some good options are:The Shed Restaurant
113 1/2 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501La Choza Restaurant
905 Alarid St, Santa Fe, NM 87505Tomasita's
500 S Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501Day 2 - Railyard area
For your second day in Santa Fe, we encourage you to see some more sights, but focus on the wonderful art that Santa Fe has to offer.Santa Fe Railyard
332 Read St, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://www.railyardsantafe.com/
For your second day in Satna Fe, we encourage you to take a stroll around the Santa Fe Railyard area. Play at the Railyard park, walk in and out of galleries and antique shops and grab a bite to eat.
If you are in Santa Fe in the summer, we encourage you to come back in the evening for the Railyard music series.
Farmer's Market
If you are in Santa Fe on a Tuesday or Saturday, between 8:00-1:00, the Farmer's Market is the place to be.Grab a coffee and walk the sidewalk full of tents with vegetables, LOTS of vegetables (garlic, carrots, peas, chilies, onion, radish, potatoes, lettuce...), fruit, honey, mustard, sausages, and so much more. Buys some Danishes for breakfast or bread for dinner. Purchase some handmade crafts. The sights and smells are simply amazing.
When you are done at the Farmer's Market, cross the tracks to the Artist Market and peruse the beautiful paintings, scarves, jewelry and more.
It is probably time for lunch by now, and for sure you are thinking that a cold beer (or wine or cocktail) would be fantastic...
For lunch, we encourage you to try out the Second Street Brewery at the Railyard!Second Street Brewery at The Railyard
1607 Paseo De Peralta #10, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://www.secondstreetbrewery.com/railyard
This larger brewpub and restaurant has a patio and serves a full food menu of traditional and REALLY yummy bar food. And, if you would are thinking that another cold beer sounds good..
Santa Fe Brewing
510 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://santafebrewing.com/
This brewery and tap room has is small & dark inside and large patio. They open at 12:00, so it is a good option for an afternoon craft beer. They have a dog friendly, large patio and food trucks.
For the afternoon, we encourage you to check out the Canyon Road Arts district. There are many wonderful museums in the area.
Canyon Road Arts District
A short drive west of downtown Santa Fe is the Canyon Road Arts District. Check out the more than 100 galleries, boutiques and restaurants within a half-mile!This is a relaxing and enjoyable way to see some of the country's finest art. Stroll in and out of the large variety of galleries, take pictures of the amazing sculptures and even take a hike along the river.
For dinner, and happy hour, we encourage you to check out another local restaurant. Some additional options are:
Agave - 309 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501Cowgirl BBQ - 319 S Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
El Falor - 808 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Osteria D'Assisi Ristorante Italiano - 58 S Federal Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501
If you would like to check out another brewery, we had the best time at the Santa Fe Brewing Company in southern Santa Fe. This is a very large brewery, taproom and biergarten. They have a food truck, fire pits, lawn games and might even have live music.
Santa Fe Brewing Company (Beer Hall at HQ)
35 Fire Pl, Santa Fe NM 87508
http://www.santafebrewing.com
Day 3 - A day to relax in nature or at a spa...maybe both
After a few days of site seeing you deserve a day to slow down. Santa Fe has some beautiful nature, as well as, a few amazing spas. Treat yourself to one or both!Relax at a Spa
Spiritualists, yoga teachers, healers...they love this part of our country. Experience the positive energy and healing waters of Santa Fe for yourself with a spa day.Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort
242 Los Pinos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507https://ojosparesorts.com/ojo-santa-fe/
15 minutes south of downtown Santa Fe, this spa and resort has hot, spring fed pools, a salt water pool, a spa and a restaurant.
Ten Thousand Waves
21 Ten Thousand Waves Way, Santa Fe, NM 87501https://tenthousandwaves.com/spa
10 minutes away from downtown Santa Fe and minutes from the National Forest. Enjoy a hot tub, massage, spa treatment and lunch in a Japanese inspired resort.
Take a hike!
Santa Fe is located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains which provides for beautiful nature and many choices for hikes. Santa Fe sits at 7000 feet above sea level and has a dry and semi-arid climate. Though all four seasons are experienced, on average, Santa Fe has 325 days of sunshine each year which provides for opportunities to experience nature all year long.- Dale Ball Trails - 25 mile trail network
- Picacho Peak Trail - 3.9 miles - Amazing view from one of the highest hills that you can see the city from.
- Ancestral Sites Trail - 1.25 miles - 17 miles from Santa Fe, you will see the remains of what was once the largest Indian pueblo in this short walk through Pecos National Historic Park.
- Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks - 3.0 miles - Choose one of two trails to see the amazing conical sandstone formations.
- Atalaya Mountain Trail - 5.8 miles - A challenging trail the ends with an amazing view of Santa Fe from 2000 feet above.
Google Map Santa Fe Hikes
“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” -Benjamin Franklin
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