Things To Do
in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is the high-desert capital of New Mexico known for its Pueblo-style adobe architecture, vibrant arts scene, and deep blend of Native American, Spanish and Anglo cultures. The compact historic Plaza and winding Canyon Road galleries make it an easy city to explore on foot, while nearby mountains and mesas invite outdoor adventures. Santa Fe is also a culinary destination celebrated for New Mexican chile—served red or green—plus unique regional dishes and a strong farm-to-table ethos.
At about 7,200 feet elevation the climate features sunny days, cool nights, and dramatic seasonal contrasts that shape local life and festivals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a warm cup of coffee at a local café near the Santa Fe Plaza, soaking in the morning sun. Stroll through the vibrant streets, taking in the historic adobe architecture that characterizes the area. Don't miss the chance to visit the Palace of the Governors, where local artisans display their crafts right outside.
After a morning of exploration, grab lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring New Mexican cuisine, such as enchiladas or green chile stew. Spend your afternoon visiting the New Mexico Museum of Art, where you can admire both contemporary and traditional works that reflect the culture of the Southwest. As you wander, take time to appreciate the serene landscapes depicted in the artwork.
As the sun sets, make your way to a local restaurant for a memorable dinner experience, perhaps trying a plate of tamales or carne adovada. Enjoy the ambiance of live music often found in the area, which adds to the vibrant cultural scene. Wrap up your evening by taking a leisurely walk around the plaza, where the twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere.
Begin your day with a visit to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, where you can appreciate the iconic works of this renowned artist who captured the essence of New Mexico. Spend some time in the museum’s beautiful gardens, reflecting on the colors and forms that inspired O'Keeffe. Afterward, take a short walk to explore the nearby galleries featuring contemporary local artists.
For lunch, head to one of the quaint bistros in the Railyard Arts District, enjoying a farm-to-table meal. Post-lunch, dive into the creative world of artisans at the Santa Fe Farmers Market, where you can browse handmade goods and fresh produce. Engage with local vendors who are passionate about their crafts and stories.
In the evening, consider attending a performance at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, where you might catch a concert or theatrical production. Enjoy a pre-show dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling unique dishes that highlight the local flavors. After the performance, take a nighttime stroll in the Railyard, where art installations and moonlit paths create an enchanting setting.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-7 |
| 🚕Taxi / short ride (local) | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with exceptional art, architecture and museums
- Unique New Mexican cuisine and thriving food markets
- Compact downtown that’s highly walkable with nearby outdoor recreation
- Clear high-desert skies great for photography and stargazing
- High elevation can cause altitude sickness for some visitors
- Tourist peaks and festivals can make accommodations and parking scarce
- Cold winters and occasional snow can disrupt travel plans
- Some attractions and pueblos have restricted access or specific visiting rules
Places to Visit in Santa Fe
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic heart of the city surrounded by adobe buildings, market vendors and the Palace of the Governors—excellent for street, architecture and market photography.
A picturesque lane lined with galleries, courtyards, and sculptures—beautiful light in the late afternoon and charming details around every corner.
Photo-worthy for the famous miraculous spiral staircase and ornate interior (note modest photography rules during services).
Panoramic views of Santa Fe and the Sangre de Cristo range at sunrise or sunset—great for landscape photography.
Museum architecture, desert plants and curated displays make for varied photo subjects; O’Keeffe-related landscapes nearby echo her paintings.
Nearby geological formations, cliff dwellings and hoodoos provide dramatic nature photography opportunities.
Food in Santa Fe
Santa Fe Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Stacked or rolled enchiladas smothered in either roasted red or green chile sauce (or 'Christmas' for both); found at classic eateries like The Shed or La Choza.
Must-Try!
Light, puffy fried bread served with honey as a dessert or alongside savory dishes; common at many New Mexican restaurants and cafés.
A hearty hominy and meat stew, often pork-based and flavored with red chile—served at traditional restaurants and seasonal gatherings.
A regional favorite: a juicy burger topped with roasted green chile and melted cheese; easy to find at local burger joints.
Steamed masa parcels often filled with pork and chile or vegetarian options—available at markets, festivals and mom-and-pop restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the best farmers’ markets in the region (seasonal, Saturdays and Tuesdays) with local produce, prepared foods, Native artisans and occasional live music.
Downtown vendors sell pueblo-made foods, baked goods and handheld bites—great for quick sampling, especially during market and festival seasons.
Food trucks and pop-ups around the Railyard and Rail Runner station offer tacos, tamales, and fusion street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be respectful at pueblos, ceremonial sites and cultural events—observe signage about photography and access, and ask before photographing people or sacred objects.
A friendly greeting (a nod or 'Hola'/'Good morning') is appreciated; Santa Fe is casual but polite. Tipping and courteous behavior in small businesses goes a long way.
Ask permission before photographing inside galleries or studios. Many artists sell work directly—respect posted prices and reproduction rights.
Stick to trails, pack out trash, and respect fire restrictions—wildfire risk and fragile high-desert ecosystems require caution.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Fe
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping is 15–20% at full-service restaurants; $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for coffee counter staff is appreciated, and 10–20% for taxi/rideshare drivers. Tip tour guides, bell staff and spa therapists according to service quality; many small vendors rely on cash tips.
Major credit/debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and most shops. Smaller galleries, markets and Native American vendors may prefer cash—carry some bills for purchases and tips. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool mornings and warmer afternoons with wildflowers and clear skies; mornings can still be chilly—layers recommended. Spring festivals begin to pick up and pollen may affect allergy sufferers.
Warm to hot daytime temperatures but cooler nights; monsoon season (July–August) brings afternoon thunderstorms and brief heavy rain—carry sun protection and waterproof layers. Peak festival season (opera, music) and higher visitor numbers.
Crisp days, brilliant fall colors in the higher elevations, and generally stable weather—ideal for hiking and cultural events such as the State Fair in nearby areas.
Cold nights and regular snowfall in town and heavier snow in the nearby mountains—good for skiing at Ski Santa Fe; be prepared for icy roads and altitude-related effects.
Santa Fe at Night
Hiking in Santa Fe
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular local hike that begins near the city and climbs to sweeping views of Santa Fe and the Sangre de Cristo range; good for sunrise or sunset.
An extensive network of well-maintained trails near town suitable for hiking, running and biking with multiple loop options and scenic viewpoints.
A short drive from Santa Fe with unique cone-shaped rock formations, slot canyons and a rewarding lookout—ideal for half-day hikes and dramatic photos.
Ancient cliff dwellings, canyons and mesas a reasonable day trip away; trails range from easy river walks to steeper mesa hikes.
Vast trail systems in the national forest and higher elevations offer longer backpacking routes, alpine lakes, and summer wildflower meadows.
Airports
How to reach Santa Fe by plane.
Located just north of the city, SAF offers limited commercial service and convenient access to downtown (short drive or taxi). Good for quick regional flights and convenient arrival/departure.
Approximately 60–70 miles (about 1–1.5 hours) south of Santa Fe, ABQ is the major airport serving the region with many domestic connections and more rental car/flight options; shuttle and rental car services connect ABQ to Santa Fe.
Smaller airport to the north with limited seasonal and charter services; useful for direct access to northern New Mexico destinations during peak seasons.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant and culturally central population with living traditions, arts and communities that predate European settlement; many artisans represent Pueblo nations.
Longstanding Hispano communities trace their roots back to Spanish colonial and Mexican periods, shaping language, cuisine, festivals and land grants.
An influx of artists, writers, retirees and professionals attracted to the arts scene, climate and lifestyle; contributes to Santa Fe’s galleries, markets and cultural institutions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Winter sport popularity due to Ski Santa Fe in the nearby mountains; locals and visitors enjoy alpine and backcountry skiing.
With extensive trails and varied terrain, trail running and hiking are widely practiced year-round depending on conditions.
Robust singletrack and multi-use trails around the Sangre de Cristo foothills make mountain biking popular.
Rodeo culture and equestrian events reflect the region’s Hispano and ranching heritage and are celebrated at local fairs and gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Fe.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options; ask about chile-based sauces (often vegetarian) and seek out farm-to-table spots and Café Pasqual’s for creative plant-based plates.
Vegan choices are increasingly common—request no cheese and verify broths/sauces. Farmers’ market vendors often have vegan snacks and prepared foods.
Corn-based dishes (tamales, many enchiladas) are often gluten-free, but always confirm with restaurants about thickening agents, fried items, and cross-contamination.
Carry allergy cards in Spanish/English if needed; many kitchens are accommodating, but small, traditional spots may have limited substitution options.