Santa Fe, NM Destination Guide – Updated Oct 22nd, 2021
YOU GUYS. Where do I even start about Santa Fe, NM?! There is a reason they call this place The Land Of Enchantment. There’s just something about this city that pulls you in and makes you love it.
I ended up living in Santa Fe somewhat by accident. In 2018, I was embarking on my first ever travel assignment that I’d be completing with a travel buddy. We knew our options would be a little more limited because we had to land in a place that needed 2 travelers and wanted to hire both of us. We got the call from Santa Fe and said why the heck not?
When we accepted the contract, I didn’t really know that much (read: anything) about Santa Fe or New Mexico in general honestly. I figured since I had heard of it and it was the capital of the state, it would probably be a fun town right? Well, let me tell you. Santa Fe was not at all what I thought it would be based on the nothing that I knew about it, but it became a city that will always hold a special place in my heart.
If you’re looking for big city life, this town probably isn’t for you. But, if you want to eat some amazing food, meet some amazing people, and fall in love with the beauty of a charming little town, keep reading. I’ll give you all my favorite insider tips from my fabulous three months living in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
PS – If you want to check out more destination guides and travel tips, check out this page!
Places To Eat in Santa Fe
You guys know that food is the way to my heart, and honestly the thing that stands out most to me about Santa Fe is the AMAZING food. I literally go back to this town and my entire itinerary is based around where I’m going to eat. Obviously this is where I have to start. Here are my favorite places to eat in Santa Fe, NM.
The Pantry
If you go to Santa Fe and you don’t go to The Pantry for breakfast I will find you and punch you in your face. It is so good it doesn’t even make sense. I will not –will not– eat juevos rancheros anywhere else ever again because it will never be as good as it is here. Give yourself some time when you arrive, there’s usually a wait. Anything on the menu is amazing. Please honestly tag me on IG in pictures so I can live vicariously through you while you eat here because it’s one of my favorite restaurants on earth (@adventuresofarealgirl). I’m literally drooling.
La Boca
Oh. My god. This is a tapas restaurant and it is so stupid good. I actually never went here when I lived in Santa Fe – I always wanted to but for some reason just never made it. I ended up going with my honey when we visited for a weekend and I was pissed that it took me so long. Order a glass of wine and a little of everything on the menu. It’s delicious and their staff is amazing at making suggestions based on your preferences. They can offer wine pairing suggestions as well!
Maria’s
Maria’s is THE margarita spot. I’m gonna be real honest, the food here is good, but it’s not the best you’ll have in Santa Fe. The reason you go here is because the margarita list is a mile long and they’re all good. If you’re out for drinks and need something that will please everyone in your group, Maria’s is the place to be.
Canyon Road
Canyon Road will be listed again later in the “things to do” section, but it’s definitely a spot you want to add to your list of places to eat. This is a great spot for when you’re looking for something a little fancier/more upscale. There are world renown chefs cooking in restaurants on Canyon Road and you can tell. I’ve never been to a restaurant I didn’t like in this neighborhood. Geronimo and El Farol are two of my favorite spots. I highly recommend making a day out of exploring the area and then ending with a nice dinner. You will not regret it.
Tomasita’s
This place is a Santa Fe staple. They have a huge menu full of amazing New Mexican food. It’s a great place to hit up when you just can’t decide what you want because they have a little of everything. They also have delicious margaritas. There’s this very dangerous thing there called the Swirl – it’s a frozen house marg with Sangria swirled in and it’s amazing. Would highly recommend, but not when you have important things to do. This is a great place to start for dinner before a night out.
Things To Do in Santa Fe
While I can seriously eat my way through Santa Fe, I know that normal people also want to explore other activities when you visit. Many of the guides I’ve read suggest lots of museums and the famous Santa Fe Plaza. While some of the typical “go-to” recommendations are on my list, I want to give you the cannot miss things to do that you may not find from others who haven’t had an extended period to really explore this beautiful city.
Meow Wolf
Please if you do nothing else while you’re here go to Meow Wolf. I don’t even really know how to explain this place, but it’s one of the coolest spots I’ve ever visited. It’s an interactive, immersive art exhibit with a story. You will literally feel like you’re Alice and you’ve fallen into wonderland when you check this place out. I honestly recommend going twice. The first time you’ll just want to wander, take pictures, and be in awe of all the cool rooms. You’ll spend an entire day just finding hidden passages and little eater eggs. Walk through the fridge, slide down the dryer, go into the closet and come out in a treehouse – it’s WILD. Then when you go back, stop at the mailbox and read the letters. Read the newspaper on the table. Look at the family photos. Try to solve the mystery of Meow Wolf Santa Fe. It’s impossible to explain, but when you know you know.
Bonus: they also have amazing drinks. My favorite is the Meowgarita. It comes with cotton candy and glitter on top. You’re welcome.
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Fort Marcy Park/Cross of the Martyrs
If you’re looking for a great view of the city without having to go far, check out the Cross of the Martyrs. You can drive up to the top and park for a super short walk out to the overlook, but you can also walk to the top if you’re out and about walking the Plaza. The walk up is filled with little plaques with information about the history of the spot, so if you’re looking for some history of the city this is a great spot! It’s a quick detour and honestly just a really beautiful view of the city with a little history mixed in. Bonus: go in the evening, watch the sunset, and then catch a view overlooking the city at night. So gorgeous!
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Santa Fe Plaza
This is going to be on just about every Santa Fe guide/blog/website that you read, but honestly it’s something you have to do. The plaza is just a cute little square surrounded by shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more. On warm days you’ll find locals selling their own little gems out on the sidewalks – art, jewelry, and more. This is honestly just a great place to spend an afternoon – grab some lunch with margs and then walk the plaza. See how many things you can buy that you didn’t know you needed. It’s a great time.
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Canyon Road
Canyon Road is what I would consider the Santa Fe “art district,” and it is literally the cutest spot to just walk around and explore. They have amazing restaurants, coffee shops, tea houses, and art galleries. It’s also just a really beautiful area. I highly recommend hitting up Canyon road for some afternoon coffee, walking around to see the galleries, and then grabbing dinner at one of the amazing restaurants in the area.
Bonus: if you keep driving up Canyon road, pass ten thousand waves, keep going up the mountain, eventually you’ll start to hit overlooks on the left side. Park and watch the sun go down over the city. The views are gorgeous and the stars are insane.
Bonus: Ten Thousand Waves Spa
If you’re a spa day kind of person, you can’t miss Ten Thousand Waves. This gorgeous property is modeled after Japanese hot spring mountain resorts and has some seriously luxurious spa treatments and hot soaking pools. You can book packages that include spa treatments as well as access to the soaking pools for the rest of the day, so you really can make an entire day out of just relaxing at Ten Thousand Waves. Bonus: you can book an overnight stay here too if you’re really looking to splurge on a total relaxation experience 😍
I hope this guide has given you some insight and ideas on how to spend your time in Santa Fe! It really is a magical city full of charm. When you visit let me know your favorite places in the comments! Also, please tag me in ALL the food photos in your Instagram stories. You can connect with me on IG here.
Want to see more destination guides? Drop me a list of cities you’d love to see posts about in the comments! I always love suggestions for new places to explore and I love sharing it with you!
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