Excellent Weekend in Santa Fe!

Santa Fe is such a singular vacation spot that’s actually like nowhere else within the United States. With orange pueblo buildings, tons of artwork galleries and stress-free spas, New Mexico’s capital metropolis is the proper place for a women getaway or a soothing 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 pieces.

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

It’s additionally fairly canine pleasant with plenty of outside patios and pet-friendly resorts, so I selected to fly there with my Pomeranian, Luna. Her snow white fur bought completely lined 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 prepare that takes guests on a journey by means of New Mexico’s panorama.

I completely loved my time in Santa Fe and would undoubtedly suggest you go to! That can assist 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 one 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 only a few airways. Airways that fly into Santa Fe embrace American, United, Delta and Alaska.

Flights to Santa Fe will be somewhat costly, so most individuals fly into Albuquerque, which is what we did. Try my information to discovering low-cost flights, which is full of ideas for locating the most cost effective 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. For those who don’t need to lease a automobile, you possibly can e-book a shuttle to/from the airport with an organization known as Groome Transportation. 

Your different choice is to take a prepare from downtown Albuquerque. For those who’re coming from the airport, you possibly can catch an Uber to Albuquerque prepare station. The New Mexico Rail Runner prepare 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

For those who plan on sticking simply to the downtown space in your weekend in Santa Fe then you possibly can 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 known as the Santa Fe Trails bus, which operates numerous routes round city. You possibly can see the schedules and routes right here. You might additionally get round by renting a motorbike and biking – try Mellow Velo bike rental, which is situated within the Historic Downtown space.

Personally I’d suggest you lease a automobile in your 3 days in Santa Fe so you might have the liberty to go wherever you need. Renting a automobile will 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 are on the sting of Santa Fe too, reminiscent of Ten Thousand Waves, Ojo Santa Fe Spa and Meow Wolf.

Santa Fe Itinerary: 3 Days

Now that we’ve lined how one can 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 reminiscent of Canyon Highway. Your final day shall 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 finest artwork museums – the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Artwork. Subsequent, make your solution to the plaza and stroll across the historic heart. Most of Santa Fe’s points of interest are situated inside a small radius, so all the pieces is inside strolling distance.

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and New Mexico Museum of Artwork

Situated 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. A lot of her works had been impressed by the panorama of New Mexico and she or he was identified 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 lots 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 full of work, sculptures, drawings, images and numerous mixed-media works. 

The constructing was designed by architects Isaac Hamilton and William Morris Rapp and accomplished in 1917. Its ‘Pueblo Revival’ architectural model makes use of fashionable 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 significant gathering place and Nationwide Historic Landmark. It has the appear and feel of a standard Spanish plaza and options grass, timber and benches to take a seat on. Crimson chile ristras dangle from the timber and a 33 ft (10 m) stone cenotaph known as “The Soldier’s Monument” stands within the heart.

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 best way 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. As we speak, 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 kind of discreet however you possibly can simply spot it from the colourful wood signal hanging outdoors. The Shed serves New Mexican delicacies and is understood for its purple chile enchiladas and yummy margaritas. 

Loretto Chapel

When you’ve crammed 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 marriage ceremony venue. 

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

In keeping 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 in search of 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 most likely need to chill and calm down. I’d counsel you head to a rooftop so you possibly can 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 proper place to observe the sundown. Situated on the fifth ground of the resort, it presents panoramic views over town.

Alternatively you possibly can 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 – top-of-the-line eating places in Santa Fe. Every little thing 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 critically top-of-the-line 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 heart. I’m not often a lot of a museum individual so I questioned if this is able to be value it, however it completely was!

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

The hill is residence 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 full of cacti and different flaura/fauna which are native to the New Mexico panorama. Dotted across the backyard you’ll see numerous sculptures and artworks – it’s a brilliant stress-free place that’s undoubtedly value 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. The complete resort has been modeled within the model 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, hen and wagyu beef is natural or sustainably raised, and there are many gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan gadgets on the menu. The entire desserts are made in-house and there’s an intensive Japanese sake menu in the event you like sake!

Every little thing we ate at izanami was scrumptious and it was top-of-the-line meals we had on the journey. We dined outdoors as a result of I had my canine with me, however the restaurant has various seating choices, together with cubicles, desk seating and conventional tatami ground seating.

Kakawa Chocolate Home

Be sure you depart somewhat room for some dessert, since your subsequent cease shall be Kakawa Chocolate Home, which is situated close to Canyon Highway. This specialty chocolate firm makes numerous historic ingesting sweets utilizing recipes that date from the time interval 1000 BC to the mid-1900s AD.

Along with ingesting elixirs, Kakawa additionally sells do-it-yourself ice lotions, truffes, agave caramels and laborious sweets, that are made in small batches. The corporate makes use of recent, seasonal components and makes use of some distinctive flavors reminiscent of pomegranate, cherry-chili, prickly pear, and mezcal.

Canyon Highway

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

Canyon Highway is lined with artwork galleries that includes advantageous artwork created by a number of the finest artists in the US – and the world. 

Spend your afternoon searching 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 proper place to relaxation your weary legs after a day of sightseeing! 

For those who don’t really feel like ingesting alcohol you possibly can 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 combined 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 reminiscent of pan-seared salmon, beef medallions and Spanish paella.

Alternatively you possibly can make a reservation for Geronimo, which is a advantageous eating restaurant housed in an adobe residence constructed by Geronimo Lopez in 1756. The restaurant has received quite a few awards and was voted one of many prime eating places within the US. On the menu you’ll discover numerous 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 shall be a bit extra relaxed, with the chance to wash in a scorching spring and go to the strange Meow Wolf. 

Ikonik Espresso Roasters

Begin your day with a espresso from Ikonik Espresso Roasters, which is one in every of Santa Fe’s finest espresso outlets. Housed in a former college constructing, the espresso store boasts a big ethereal house with classic chandeliers, cozy armchairs and lengthy communal tables for working. For those who didn’t have breakfast at your resort you then’ll discover quite a lot 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 up to date artwork galleries housed in spacious warehouse model buildings. On Saturdays the railyard additionally hosts the Santa Fe Farmers Market, which is full of lots 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 proper place to assuage 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 extremely lovely 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 components 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 actually need a automobile, because it’s situated about 15 miles southwest of downtown Santa Fe so that you’ll have to drive to get there. Uber is typically obtainable, 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 known as The Home of Everlasting Return and options over 70 rooms of immersive artwork which are appropriate for adults and kids of all ages. It was constructed on the positioning of a former bowling alley and has since turn out to be a highly regarded Santa Fe attraction. 

I had completely no concept what to anticipate after we lined up for it, however I’m so glad I went! It’s so tough to elucidate, however it was kind 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 mainly 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 by means of the fireside and also you’ll end up in a room full of strange 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 and 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

In case you have greater than 3 days in Santa Fe, lease a automobile so you possibly can 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 embrace:

Bandelier Nationwide Monument

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

Most of Bandelier is simply wilderness, however it does include numerous 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 possibly can take the Fundamental Loop Path, which is a brief 1.2 mile loop that leads by means of excavated archeological websites in Frijoles Canyon. One other widespread 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 delightful vistas alongside the best way. 

Jemez Springs/ Spence Springs

One other widespread day journey from Santa Fe is a visit to Jemez Springs, which is understood 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 embrace the Jemez State Monument (Jemez Historic Website), which dates again lots 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 through a brief mountain climbing path. The recent spring is situated off NM State Freeway 4 and has a small parking space that matches about seven autos. The spring incorporates a small pool with water that sits round physique temperature, so it’s finest to go to throughout the hotter summer season months when it’s not too chilly.

Within the city of Jemez Springs there are a selection of economic scorching springs and bathhouses the place you possibly can soak and revel in numerous spa remedies. Try Jemez Scorching Springs, Jemez Springs Tub Home, Canon del Rio Retreat & Spa, and Adobe Morning Day Spa.

Taos Pueblo

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

It’s nonetheless a dwelling Native American group with a inhabitants of round 4,500 individuals, so it’s necessary 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 beneath 10 go free. The pueblo is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so don’t attempt to go to on nowadays. Verify the Taos Pueblo web site for up-to-date opening occasions.

Madrid and the Turquoise Path

For those who’re driving from Santa Fe again to Albuquerque in your rental automobile, you possibly can drive alongside the Turquoise Path Scenic Byway, which extends for roughly 50 miles alongside Freeway 14. This scenic drive will take you previous previous 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 stuffed with colourful buildings, artwork galleries, cafes and outlets, so it’s the proper spot to cease off for a espresso on the best way 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 resorts on the outskirts of city however you’ll then need to spend cash on Ubers if you wish to drink, otherwise you’ll be in search of parking downtown. 

There are tons of cute boutique resorts in downtown Santa Fe, however these are a number of the finest ones:

The Parador Santa Fe

I stayed at The Parador Santa Fe, which is a cute boutique resort that’s a few 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 possibly can learn all concerning the resort in my Parador overview.

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

I at all times discover Rosewood resorts to be very luxurious and this one is not any exception. The resort is located only a stone’s throw from the principle plaza and its interiors pay homage to the realm’s native Anasazi tribe. Rooms on the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi characteristic handcrafted furnishings, native artwork work, conventional wood 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. Plenty of individuals go to the resort’s restaurant, Luminaria, which has a romantic outside patio serving southwestern fare. The resort is situated adjoining to the Loretto Chapel and is housed in a big adobe constructing that’s harking back 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 lovely 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 when 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

Situated within the heart of city, Resort St. Francis is the oldest resort in Santa Fe. This historic resort has a stunning foyer and a steakhouse with outside patio known as Market Steer. For those who fancy a drink after a day of sightseeing, head to the Secreto Lounge, which serves “Backyard-To-Glass” cocktails utilizing recent fruits, greens and herbs. 

Las Palomas

Situated 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 characteristic rustic wood décor and hand-woven rugs, whereas others boast mid-century furnishings and spacious dwelling areas.

A Remaining Phrase…

I hope you get pleasure from this Santa Fe itinerary! A weekend in Santa Fe is certainly one thing you need to take into account in the event 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 help you see all the key points of interest, though I’d 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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