A Southwestern destination that sparks genuine soulful connections, we’re walking you through our Santa Fe Guide tailored for curious travelers.
Whether you’re in town to get the ultimate custom hat created (warning: this will require 16-18 months of patience), eager to peruse Native American art, or simply want to kick your feet up in front of a wood-burning fireplace, this adobe building lined city has it all. As the oldest capital in the United States thanks to its Native American settlers dating back to 1050, history buffs will have plenty to dive into. This New Mexican gem has long drawn in creative types seeking solitude in the desert — ultimately, a trip to Santa Fe and its surrounding parks is about getting outdoors and connecting with yourself.
Where to Stay in Santa Fe
Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection: Situated on land settled over 150 years ago by Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, this historical Santa Fe landmark has undergone extensive restorations to preserve its Southwest heritage. Accommodations are split between Guestrooms, Suites, Casitas, and the 12-bedroom Bunkhouse, each built with a reverence for the rich textures and subtle colors of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Bishop’s Lodge is your home base for nature-driven adventures, ancient healing arts, and culinary explorations; we love the hiking accessible directly from the property.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe: Set on 57 rolling acres in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Rancho Encantado is your romantic escape just ten minutes outside downtown Santa Fe. Casita accommodations feel cozy and inviting with traditional wood-burning fireplaces and private patios or balconies to soak up the striking desert sunrises and sunsets. Spend your days hiking nearby ridges and arroyos as your guide shares tales of the region’s dude-ranch history before retiring to the pool to relax, indulging in a healing treatment at the spa, or having dinner at Terra, a stand-out on-property outlet.
Rosewood Inn at the Anasazi: Located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe just steps from Santa Fe Plaza, Rosewood In at the Anasazi is a boutique property that fuses Southwest charm with signature Rosewood service. The creative spirit of this region’s artistic heartbeat is on full display here through an extensive collection of art paying homage to the region’s native Anasazi tribe. With only fifty-eight guestrooms and suites, a stay here feels like you’re coming home, whether your night ends downstairs at Anasazi Bar and Lounge, or just steps away downtown.
Casual Dining in Santa Fe with a Southwestern Flair
While stays booked by your SmartFlyer travel advisor are sure to have breakfast included, sometimes, you just might want to step out and get a bit of local flair. We’ve rounded up a few top picks beloved by locals and out-of-towners alike.
Breakfast Spots
- Cafe Fina: If you’re in the mood to try a morning soup (think New Mexican lamb bone broth), this casual, counter service spot will do the trick.
- The Pantry Rio: This laid-back restaurant provides traditional New Mexican fare including heaping sandwiches and burritos, plus classic omelets.
- Plaza Cafe: As Santa Fe’s oldest restaurant, Plaza Cafe has been serving highly acclaimed, authentic dishes since 1905.
Lunch Spots
When it comes to a more laid-back lunch in town, we’ve narrowed down our list to a few favorites.
- Cafe Pasqual’s: This old-Mexico and New Mexican fare is made with local and organic ingredients.
- La Choza: Located in the old adobe headquarters of a turn-of-the-century ranch, this local favorite has been serving traditional New Mexican plates since 1983. The pillowy sopapillas are a must, but their green and red chile are award-winning.
- Gabriel’s: We love sitting out on the garden patio of this inviting spot serving regional Southwestern cuisine such as guacamole made tableside.
- Tesuque Village Market: A funky cafe with a varied, eclectic menu centered on New Mexican fare, Tesuque Village Market is also a general store and bakery.
Elevated Santa Fe Dining Experiences
Best suited for dinner, this roundup of restaurants each offers a high-caliber dining experience.
- The Compound: New American fine dining with Southwestern influences in a cozy adobe home setting.
- Geronimo: With eclectic New American fare served against elegant, minimalist decor in a circa-1756 adobe home, this Santa Fe standout will transport you back in time. The Wasabi Ceasar and margaritas made with house-infused green chile tequila are noteworthy.
- Santacafe: Upscale New American eatery and bar serving regional fare in an 1850s house with a courtyard.
Where to Shop for Homeware in Santa Fe
- Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery: Indigenous works from masters and current artists can be found spun by Andrea Fisher.
- The Palace of the Governors: Set under the nation’s oldest government building, Native American artists gather at The Palace of Governors to sell handmade jewelry, pottery, and art. This is your spot for a hyper-authentic shopping experience.
- True West Gallery: Featuring the finest in local, contemporary, and Native American jewelry, pottery, carvings, and art, True West Gallery offers museum-quality designs you can bring into your own home.
- Shiprock Santa Fe: Curated collection of historic and contemporary Navajo rugs and blankets, Native American jewelry, Pueblo pottery, sculpture, basketry, folk art, and fine art by leading Native American artists.
- The Rainbow Man: Open since 1945, The Rainbow Man is a leader in authentic regional arts.
