Excellent Weekend in Santa Fe!

Santa Fe is such a singular vacation spot that’s actually like nowhere else in the US. With orange pueblo buildings, tons of artwork galleries and stress-free spas, New Mexico’s capital metropolis is the right place for a ladies getaway or a calming lengthy weekend. There’s lots to do right here, however 3 days in Santa Fe is simply the correct amount of time to cowl all the things.

Whereas Santa Fe is a metropolis, it feels very very like a small city. The downtown space is compact, so you may simply get round on foot. Based in 1610 as a Spanish colony, town has quite a few historic sights to see, together with the normal plaza and the Palace of the Governors. 

It’s additionally fairly canine pleasant with numerous out of doors patios and pet-friendly motels, so I selected to fly there with my Pomeranian, Luna. Her snow white fur received completely coated in desert mud although, so be warned your pup would possibly find yourself wanting fairly grubby!

There are additionally tons of distinctive and funky issues to do in Santa Fe, together with Meow Wolf – a wacky immersive artwork expertise – and the Sky Railway, a historic practice that takes guests on a experience via New Mexico’s panorama.

I totally loved my time in Santa Fe and would positively suggest you go to! That will help you plan your journey, I’ve put collectively this 3 day Santa Fe itinerary, which covers all one of the best sights and locations to eat. 

How you can Get to Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe has its personal airport, Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF), nonetheless it’s pretty small and is principally served by non-public plane and just some airways. Airways that fly into Santa Fe embody American, United, Delta and Alaska.

Flights to Santa Fe might be somewhat costly, so most individuals fly into Albuquerque, which is what we did. Try my information to discovering low-cost flights, which is crammed with ideas for locating the most affordable airfares.

Albuquerque Worldwide Sunport (ABQ) is about 68 miles south west of Santa Fe and the driving time is roughly 1 hour. 

We rented a automobile from Albuquerque airport and the expertise was fairly seamless. I like to recommend utilizing Rentalcars.com or Uncover Vehicles to search out one of the best offers. If you happen to don’t need to lease a automobile, you may ebook a shuttle to/from the airport with an organization referred to as Groome Transportation. 

Your different choice is to take a practice from downtown Albuquerque. If you happen to’re coming from the airport, you could possibly catch an Uber to Albuquerque practice station. The New Mexico Rail Runner practice operates between Albuquerque and Santa Fe seven days per week. You’ll get off on the Santa Fe Depot, which is near the farmer’s market and quite a few eateries.

Getting Round On Your 3 Days in Santa Fe

If you happen to plan on sticking simply to the downtown space in your weekend in Santa Fe then you could possibly get round Santa Fe primarily by strolling or taking Uber. Visiting Santa Fe is feasible with out a automobile, however you’ll need to be sure to’re staying at a downtown resort and never one which’s on the sting of city.

Santa Fe has a bus service referred to as the Santa Fe Trails bus, which operates varied routes round city. You may see the schedules and routes right here. You possibly can additionally get round by renting a motorbike and biking – try Mellow Velo bike rental, which is situated within the Historic Downtown space.

Personally I might suggest you lease a automobile on your 3 days in Santa Fe so you might have the liberty to go wherever you need. Renting a automobile will can help you go to different locations in New Mexico, together with Taos Pueblo and Jemez Springs. It’ll additionally make it a lot simpler to get to locations which can be on the sting of Santa Fe too, akin to Ten Thousand Waves, Ojo Santa Fe Spa and Meow Wolf.

Santa Fe Itinerary: 3 Days

Now that we’ve coated get round Santa Fe, let’s get straight into this Santa Fe itinerary! You’ll spend your first two days discovering the Historic Downtown space and locations akin to Canyon Highway. Your final day might be spent having a pleasant stress-free spa day! 

Day 1: Historic Downtown & Dinner

Begin your first day of your Santa Fe itinerary by heading downtown and visiting two of town’s greatest artwork museums – the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Artwork. Subsequent, make your strategy to the plaza and stroll across the historic middle. Most of Santa Fe’s sights are situated inside a small radius, so all the things is inside strolling distance.

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and New Mexico Museum of Artwork

Positioned on Johnson St, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum celebrates the life and works of artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who spent a lot of her time within the southwest. Lots of her works had been impressed by the panorama of New Mexico and he or she was recognized for work of flowers, leaves, rocks, shells, bones and landscapes. 

The museum homes 3,000 items created by O’Keeffe, together with 140 oil work, 700 drawings and tons of of others created over the course of her profession.

Close by you’ll additionally discover the New Mexico Museum of Artwork, which is devoted to New Mexico artwork and is crammed with work, sculptures, drawings, pictures and varied mixed-media works. 

The constructing was designed by architects Isaac Hamilton and William Morris Rapp and accomplished in 1917. Its ‘Pueblo Revival’ architectural type makes use of trendy building supplies made to appear like the historic adobe church buildings that may be discovered all through New Mexico.

Santa Fe Plaza

On the coronary heart of town is Santa Fe Plaza, which is a serious gathering place and Nationwide Historic Landmark. It has the appear and feel of a standard Spanish plaza and options grass, timber and benches to sit down on. Purple chile ristras grasp from the timber and a 33 ft (10 m) stone cenotaph referred to as “The Soldier’s Monument” stands within the middle.

Palace of the Governors

To the north of the plaza is the Palace of the Governors, which is a big adobe construction that dates all the way in which again to 1610. Constructed by the Spanish as an administrative constructing, it served because the seat of the New Mexico authorities for hundreds of years. Immediately, many native artisans promote their wares and handicrafts beneath the lengthy walkway outdoors it. 

Lunch at The Shed

Subsequent up in your Santa Fe itinerary – lunch time! Stroll to The Shed, which is a really well-known family-run spot with a cute courtyard patio. The doorway is sort of discreet however you may simply spot it from the colourful picket signal hanging outdoors. The Shed serves New Mexican delicacies and is thought for its purple chile enchiladas and yummy margaritas. 

Loretto Chapel

When you’ve stuffed your abdomen with tasty Mexican meals, stroll on over to The Loretto Chapel, which was as soon as a Roman Catholic church however now operates as a museum and wedding ceremony venue. 

The chapel (commissioned in 1873) is known for its staircase, which has two full 360 diploma turns with no middle pole for structural help. Your complete weight of the staircase rests on the underside stair, which is fairly wonderful when you consider it! 

In accordance with legend, the Sisters of Loretto prayed a 9 day novena to St. Joseph, Patron Saint of Carpenters. The architect of the chapel had died earlier than entry to the choir loft was constructed and they also prayed to the saint to assist them remedy the issue. 

Supposedly on the ninth day of prayer, a carpenter confirmed up with solely a hammer and carpenter’s sq.. After he constructed the staircase he disappeared with out a hint and so the sisters of the chapel tried searching for him however couldn’t discover him. Some individuals imagine he was Saint Joseph himself, whereas others imagine he was despatched by Saint Josef. 

Initially the staircase didn’t have banisters, however these had been added about 10 years later to make it simpler to climb the steps.

Margaritas at Coyote Rooftop or La Fonda on the Plaza

After a protracted day of sightseeing you’ll in all probability need to chill and chill out. I’d counsel you head to a rooftop so you may have one thing to drink and benefit from the views over Santa Fe. 

The Bell Tower Bar at La Fonda on the Plaza is arguably one of the best rooftop in Santa Fe and is the right place to observe the sundown. Positioned on the fifth flooring of the resort, it presents panoramic views over town.

Alternatively you could possibly go to Coyote Rooftop & Cantina, which has a colourful mural-painted rooftop and serves tasty southwestern delicacies.

Dinner at Sazón

Finish your day with dinner at Sazón – among the best eating places in Santa Fe. All the things on the menu is wonderful and the bar workers are very educated. This upscale restaurant serves Mexican dishes with a recent twist and presents a nine-course degustation menu with distinctive creations from the restaurant’s acclaimed chef, Chef Olea.

I didn’t strive the degustation menu however I did strive a number of dishes from the menu, together with the chef’s signature soup, pan seared tuna with purple cabbage, and the Crepes de Cajeta. The dessert was severely among the best desserts I’ve ever tasted, and I don’t even have a lot of a candy tooth.

Day 2: Museum Hill, Ten Thousand Waves, Canyon Highway

Museum Hill

Start your day by visiting Museum Hill, which is situated 2-miles southeast of Santa Fe’s historic middle. I’m not often a lot of a museum particular person so I puzzled if this may be price it, but it surely completely was!

Museum Hill is a cluster of museums which can be perched on prime of a hill, providing breathtaking views throughout Santa Fe and past. Even in case you don’t go inside any of the museums, positively cease up right here to have a drink outdoors Weldon’s Museum Hill Cafe and take in the unbelievable panorama.

The hill is house to 4 museums:

• Museum of Spanish Colonial Artwork
• Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
• Museum of Indian Arts & Tradition
• Museum of Worldwide People Artwork

Whereas I didn’t go contained in the museums, I did go to Santa Fe Botanical Backyard, which is a beautiful backyard crammed with cacti and different flaura/fauna which can be native to the New Mexico panorama. Dotted across the backyard you’ll see varied sculptures and artworks – it’s a brilliant stress-free place that’s positively price your time.

Lunch at Ten Thousand Waves

After visiting Museum Hill, drive on over (or Uber) to Ten Thousand Waves, which is a Japanese-style spa situated northeast of Santa Fe. 

Arriving at Ten Thousand Waves I felt like I’d been teleported straight to Japan. Your complete resort has been modeled within the type of a standard Japanese mountain onsen and is extremely peaceable. 

We didn’t truly soak right here (we selected to go to the Ojo Santa Fe Spa for that), we did have lunch within the resort’s izanami restaurant. This upscale izakaya serves genuine Japanese delicacies, together with seafood that’s flown in instantly from Tokyo. 

A lot of the restaurant’s pork, rooster and wagyu beef is natural or sustainably raised, and there are many gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan gadgets on the menu. All the desserts are made in-house and there’s an intensive Japanese sake menu in case you like sake!

All the things we ate at izanami was scrumptious and it was among the best meals we had on the journey. We dined outdoors as a result of I had my canine with me, however the restaurant has plenty of seating choices, together with cubicles, desk seating and conventional tatami flooring seating.

Kakawa Chocolate Home

Ensure you depart slightly room for some dessert, since your subsequent cease might be Kakawa Chocolate Home, which is situated close to Canyon Highway. This specialty chocolate firm makes varied historic consuming goodies utilizing recipes that date from the time interval 1000 BC to the mid-1900s AD.

Along with consuming elixirs, Kakawa additionally sells do-it-yourself ice lotions, truffes, agave caramels and laborious goodies, that are made in small batches. The corporate makes use of contemporary, seasonal elements and makes use of some distinctive flavors akin to pomegranate, cherry-chili, prickly pear, and mezcal.

Canyon Highway

After sampling goodies at Kakawa, head to Canyon Highway, which is Santa Fe’s well-known artwork road. Santa Fe is house to tons of of galleries and has the second largest artwork scene after New York Metropolis.

Canyon Highway is lined with artwork galleries that includes tremendous artwork created by among the greatest artists in the US – and the world. 

Spend your afternoon looking the artwork after which cease by the Ahmyo Wine Backyard, which serves wine and artisanal meals in a peaceable desert oasis backyard setting. It’s the right place to relaxation your weary legs after a day of sightseeing! 

If you happen to don’t really feel like consuming alcohol you could possibly cease by The Teahouse, which presents an intensive menu of loose-leaf natural teas and distinctive botanicals. The teas are sustainably sourced and imported instantly from the growers, then blended in-house by grasp tea blenders.

Dinner at El Farol or Geronimo

For dinner there are a few nice choices on Canyon Highway. El Farol is known for its Flamenco Dinner Present, which takes place each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. The present begins at 8pm and features a Pre-Fixe dinner that includes entrees akin to pan-seared salmon, beef medallions and Spanish paella.

Alternatively you could possibly make a reservation for Geronimo, which is a tremendous eating restaurant housed in an adobe house constructed by Geronimo Lopez in 1756. The restaurant has gained quite a few awards and was voted one of many prime eating places within the US. On the menu you’ll discover varied a la carte dishes in addition to a four-course vegetarian tasting menu, which prices $80 per head.

Day 3: Railyard, Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, Meow Wolf

Day 3 of your Santa Fe itinerary might be a bit extra relaxed, with the chance to wash in a scorching spring and go to the bizarre Meow Wolf. 

Ikonik Espresso Roasters

Begin your day with a espresso from Ikonik Espresso Roasters, which is one among Santa Fe’s greatest espresso retailers. Housed in a former faculty constructing, the espresso store boasts a big ethereal area with classic chandeliers, comfortable armchairs and lengthy communal tables for working. If you happen to didn’t have breakfast at your resort then you definitely’ll discover a wide range of breakfast gadgets right here, together with breakfast tacos, croque madame waffles, benedicts and Egyptian dukkah.

Railyard Arts District

Subsequent, try the Railyard Arts District, which options seven modern artwork galleries housed in spacious warehouse type buildings. On Saturdays the railyard additionally hosts the Santa Fe Farmers Market, which is crammed with tons of of various distributors promoting all kinds of agricultural produce. 

Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort

Among the best spas in Santa Fe, Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort boasts a number of spring-fed thermal swimming pools and 77 acres of lush gardens. It’s the right place to appease your physique, coronary heart and thoughts.

The resort’s communal bathing areas overlook a small lake and are surrounded by cottonwood timber and lounge chairs. It’s a very stunning setting and I felt so relaxed right here! Spend your afternoon soaking within the mineral-rich waters, then get pleasure from lunch within the resort’s Blue Heron Restaurant.

The restaurant serves farm-to-table dishes made with elements from the Ojo Caliente Farm and native Southwest area. We ordered the The Butcher The Baker & The Farmer grazing platter – it was wonderful!

To get to Ojo Santa Fe you really want a automobile, because it’s situated about 15 miles southwest of downtown Santa Fe so that you’ll must drive to get there. Uber is usually accessible, however it may be tough to snag one. 

Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf is an immersive artwork expertise that began in Santa Fe however has since expanded to Las Vegas and Denver. Santa Fe’s expertise is named The Home of Everlasting Return and options over 70 rooms of immersive artwork which can be appropriate for adults and youngsters of all ages. It was constructed on the location of a former bowling alley and has since develop into a very fashionable Santa Fe attraction. 

I had completely no thought what to anticipate after we lined up for it, however I’m so glad I went! It’s so tough to clarify, but it surely was form of like stepping right into a Tim Burton film. Assume Alice in Wonderland meets Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility meets…Japanese Kawaii Monster Cafe?

It principally begins in a home, besides it’s not your regular home. Open the fridge door and also you’ll uncover a tunnel that results in one other dimension. Crawl via the fireside and also you’ll end up in a room crammed with bizarre artwork. It’s very interactive and there are all kinds of secret passageways and issues to climb.

Count on to spend about 2 hours at Meow Wolf and attempt to go within the late afternoon when it’s much less busy. That’s why I’d counsel visiting the spa first after which you are able to do this within the afternoon.

The expertise is open until 8pm on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so don’t try to go then!

Dinner at Radish and Rye or Restaurant Martin

My favourite restaurant in Santa Fe was Restaurant Martin – it was so good we ate there twice! One other nice restaurant we tried was Radish and Rye, which serves farm-to-table delicacies.

Issues to Do Close to Santa Fe

If in case you have greater than 3 days in Santa Fe, lease a automobile so you may see extra of New Mexico. I LOVED the surroundings and driving on empty open roads. Some prime day journeys to incorporate in your Santa Fe itinerary embody:

Bandelier Nationwide Monument

This nationwide monument protects over 33,000 acres of land that options proof of the Ancestral Pueblo those that dates again 1000’s of years. 

Most of Bandelier is simply wilderness, but it surely does comprise varied petroglyphs, masonry pueblos and dwellings carved into the cliffs. If you wish to be taught extra concerning the monument, begin on the Customer Heart, which incorporates a museum, bookstore, 14-minute film, giftshop, snack bar, and picnic space.

From the Customer Heart you may take the Most important Loop Path, which is a brief 1.2 mile loop that leads via excavated archeological websites in Frijoles Canyon. One other in style hike is the The Tsankawi part of the park, which incorporates a 1.5 mile mesa-top path with 4 ladders. You’ll get to see petroglyphs, an unexcavated Ancestral Pueblo village, and exquisite vistas alongside the way in which. 

Jemez Springs/ Spence Springs

One other in style day journey from Santa Fe is a visit to Jemez Springs, which is thought for its therapeutic mineral springs and mountain surroundings. The village is situated on the Jemez Mountain Path Scenic Byway, which is near Valles Caldera Nationwide Park.

Sights right here embody the Jemez State Monument (Jemez Historic Website), which dates again tons of of years, and the sixteenth century San José de Guisewa (Jemez) Church) – one of many largest missions in the US.

If you wish to soak in a pure scorching spring with unbelievable views, I’d counsel visiting Spence Springs, which is accessible by way of a brief climbing path. The new spring is situated off NM State Freeway 4 and has a small parking space that matches about seven automobiles. The spring incorporates a small pool with water that sits round physique temperature, so it’s greatest to go to through the hotter summer season months when it’s not too chilly.

Within the city of Jemez Springs there are a variety of business scorching springs and bathhouses the place you may soak and luxuriate in varied spa therapies. Try Jemez Sizzling Springs, Jemez Springs Tub Home, Canon del Rio Retreat & Spa, and Adobe Morning Day Spa.

Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo is a delegated UNESCO World Heritage Website, situated about 73 miles (a 1 hour 40 minute drive) from Santa Fe. You may take the scenic Santa Fe to Taos Excessive Highway to get there. The village is ready on the base of the attractive Sangre de Cristo Mountain vary and consists of many multi-storied adobe buildings which have been constantly inhabited for over 1000 years. 

It’s nonetheless a residing Native American group with a inhabitants of round 4,500 individuals, so it’s essential to be respectful of their privateness and guidelines if you go to. 

Entry to the pueblo prices $16 for adults and $14 for seniors or college students. Youngsters underneath 10 go free. The pueblo is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so don’t attempt to go to on today. Test the Taos Pueblo web site for up-to-date opening occasions.

Madrid and the Turquoise Path

If you happen to’re driving from Santa Fe again to Albuquerque in your rental automobile, you may drive alongside the Turquoise Path Scenic Byway, which extends for about 50 miles alongside Freeway 14. This scenic drive will take you previous outdated mining cities of Golden, Madrid and Cerillos.

I’d counsel making a cease in Madrid, which is a unusual artist’s group that was as soon as a coal mining city and ghost city. This small city is filled with colourful buildings, artwork galleries, cafes and retailers, so it’s the right spot to cease off for a espresso on the way in which to Albuquerque. 

The place to Keep For Your 3 Days in Santa Fe

For this Santa Fe itinerary I’d counsel staying as near downtown as potential. There are less expensive motels on the outskirts of city however you’ll then should spend cash on Ubers if you wish to drink, otherwise you’ll be searching for parking downtown. 

There are tons of cute boutique motels in downtown Santa Fe, however these are among the greatest ones:

The Parador Santa Fe

I stayed at The Parador Santa Fe, which is a cute boutique resort that’s a couple of 10 minute stroll from the plaza. The resort has its personal car parking zone and there’s a scrumptious a la carte breakfast served day by day within the breakfast room. You may learn all concerning the resort in my Parador evaluate.

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

I all the time discover Rosewood motels to be very luxurious and this one isn’t any exception. The resort is located only a stone’s throw from the principle plaza and its interiors pay homage to the world’s native Anasazi tribe. Rooms on the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi function handcrafted furnishings, native artwork work, conventional picket ceilings, and both double or king beds.

Inn & Spa at Loretto

The Inn & Spa at Loretto presents 136 well-appointed suites and visitor rooms, an award-winning spa, a year-round heated backyard pool, and several other on-site galleries and boutiques. Numerous individuals go to the resort’s restaurant, Luminaria, which has a romantic out of doors patio serving southwestern fare. The resort is situated adjoining to the Loretto Chapel and is housed in a big adobe constructing that’s paying homage to Taos Pueblo.

The Inn of the 5 Graces

Housed in a standard adobe and stone construction, The Inn of the 5 Graces is a high-end boutique resort with stunning courtyards, round the clock concierge and a Tibetan-inspired spa. Visitor suites are embellished in vibrant colours with handcrafted items and one-of-a-kind treasures from the Silk Highway that after linked Europe and Asia. All of them have kiva wood-burning fireplaces and a few of them have their very own non-public balconies.

Resort St. Francis

Positioned within the middle of city, Resort St. Francis is the oldest resort in Santa Fe. This historic resort has a beautiful foyer and a steakhouse with out of doors patio referred to as Market Steer. If you happen to fancy a drink after a day of sightseeing, head to the Secreto Lounge, which serves “Backyard-To-Glass” cocktails utilizing contemporary fruits, greens and herbs. 

Las Palomas

Positioned not removed from the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Las Palomas is a boutique resort with artfully embellished rooms and a bistro serving scrumptious breakfast burritos. The resort has a comfy, Southwestern atmosphere and every room is completely different. Some function rustic picket décor and hand-woven rugs, whereas others boast mid-century furnishings and spacious residing areas.

A Closing Phrase…

I hope you get pleasure from this Santa Fe itinerary! A weekend in Santa Fe is unquestionably one thing it’s best to take into account in case you like artwork, scrumptious Mexican meals and stress-free spas. The surroundings in New Mexico is unbelievable and I liked simply driving across the state! 

3 days in Santa Fe will can help you see all the most important sights, though I might spend perhaps 4 to five days right here if you wish to go to locations like Taos Pueblo, Bandelier Nationwide Monument and the pure scorching springs.

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