How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Santa Fe, New Mexico
A charm-filled state capital with a small-town feel and a population of just 88,000 residents, Santa Fe, New Mexico is a creative hub with galleries, studios, and museums galore. The sun-baked pueblo architecture inspires awe. You certainly don’t have to look far to find incredible food. Family-run eateries whip up green chile stew made the same way for generations, while upscale restaurants helmed by talented chefs put a new twist on local classics. Relaxation seekers will be delighted by the rejuvenating spas and boutique hotels. Idyllic hiking trails await in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, just a short drive from historic downtown
From Canyon Road to the Railyard, here's how to spend a perfect weekend in New Mexico’s most enchanting city.
Friday Afternoon
Santa Fe Regional Airport welcomes just a handful of flights each day. Since the vast majority of visitors connect somewhere else and have spent most of the travel day living off in-flight coffee and cookies, food is typically the first thing on their minds. Before heading to a late lunch, drop your bags at Rosewood Inn Of the Anasazi, a true respite just off Santa Fe Plaza in the heart of downtown. Resist the urge to sink into a cozy chair by the fire in the library or your rustic-meets-refined room (there will be plenty of time for that later) because it’s time to eat.
Walk down the street to The Shed, an award-winning, family-run establishment that opened back in 1953 and continues to serve up some of the tastiest New Mexican cooking in the area. You can’t go wrong with the traditional posole. Be sure to save room for the tamales smothered in red and green chile sauce. Afterward, bop into some of the lovely curated shops — notably Los Poblanos Farm Shop Norte, Heritage By Hand, and Santa Fe Dry Goods.
Friday Evening
Once the shops close around 5 p.m., Santa Fe gets pretty quiet, save the handful of excellent restaurants that welcome patrons with warm ambiance and delicious food. A lauded local favorite, Cafe Pasqual's is tucked inside a historic adobe building on Don Gaspar Avenue.
The lively setting pairs perfectly with craft cocktails and Yucatan-style cochinita pibil (a slow-roasted pork dish that's out of this world). Pro tip: make a reservation well in advance because tables book up quickly. Finish the evening with a nightcap at Secreto Lounge, a craft cocktail bar with a garden-to-glass program that uses fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, local spirits and bitters.
Saturday Morning
After a good night's sleep in the comfy beds at Rosewood Inn Of the Anasazi, rise at your leisure, and get a specialty espresso drink (and perhaps a pastry) at CrashMurderBusiness on your walk to the Santa Fe Railyard Arts District.
Held every Saturday morning, the Santa Fe Farmers Market brings together heaps of local vendors selling everything from seasonal produce to chile wreaths. The indoor section has even more artisan products. Hungry? Grab a burrito or some yummy baked goods. Then stroll over to the Santa Fe Artists Market to browse the selection of local woodworking, handmade candles, paintings and more.
Saturday Afternoon
For a sweet treat, beeline it to Kakawa Chocolate House. The knowledgeable team will happily recommend a personalized assortment of small-batch truffles, caramels and solid dark chocolate based on your tastes. The pomegranate, chile, prickly pear, and mezcal are some of the most popular flavors. The homemade ice cream is not to be missed either. Don’t sleep on the Mesoamerican drinking chocolate elixirs.
Now that you’re energized, mosey over to Canyon Road, a famous half-mile stretch of more than one hundred galleries and shops. Even if you aren’t planning to add something to the collection, it’s worth allocating a few hours to admire the eye-catching sculptures, paintings, textiles, and jewelry.
Saturday Evening
Not far from Canyon Road sits one of the most renowned fine-dining restaurants in Santa Fe. At Sazón, James Beard Best Chef Southwest 2022 winner Fernando Olea puts his own unique, contemporary spin on things.
Molé may be the star of the show, but everything on the menu is divine. Bold, colorful artwork covers the walls and the bar pours mezcal flights and housemade sangria.
Sunday Morning
While it’s certainly tempting to pack the entire weekend wandering around downtown, there’s more to Santa Fe than just its artsy core. The Dale Ball Trail system offers a variety of trails for all skill levels. You can do a quick walk to soak in the fresh air and mountain views or spend a couple of hours exploring the beautiful New Mexico scenery.
Alternatively, if you’re more interested in pampering than outdoor adventures, consider booking a restorative journey at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Relish a sage smudging ceremony, a nutrient-rich adobe clay, and a chakra balancing massage before retreating to the relaxation room for tea by the fire.
Terra, the signature restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, does an awesome weekend brunch. Expect prickly pear parfaits and rancho cobb salads alongside scenic mountain views. In the mood for something more casual that’s right downtown? Tia Sophia's is a no-frills favorite for breakfast burritos and spicy green chile stew.
Sunday Afternoon
Founded in 1997, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum tops the list of can’t-miss cultural institutions in Santa Fe. Be sure to bring earbuds for the free complimentary audio tour. Due to popularity and limited tickets, advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Depending on timing, you might be able to squeeze in a visit to the Museum of International Folk Art to an impressive collection that includes African metalwork, Indonesian shadow puppets, Japanese woodblock prints, and Northern New Mexican weavings before departing.
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