Weekend in Santa Fe Itinerary: 3 Days 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 right place for a women getaway or a soothing lengthy weekend. There’s rather a lot to do right here, however 3 days in Santa Fe is simply the correct quantity of time to cowl all the things.

While 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. Founded in 1610 as a Spanish colony, the town has quite a few historic points of interest to see, together with the normal plaza and the Palace of the Governors. 

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 journey by way of New Mexico’s panorama.

I completely loved my time in Santa Fe and would positively suggest you go to! To allow you to 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 to Get to Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe has its personal airport, Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF), nevertheless it’s pretty small and is especially served by non-public plane and only a few airways. Airlines that fly into Santa Fe embrace American, United, Delta and Alaska.

Flights to Santa Fe may be fairly costly, so most individuals fly into Albuquerque, which is what we did. Check out my information to discovering low-cost flights, which is stuffed with ideas for locating the most cost effective airfares.

Albuquerque International 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 Discover Cars to seek out one of the best offers. If you don’t need to lease a automobile, you may e-book a shuttle to/from the airport with an organization known as Groome Transportation. 

Your different possibility is to take a practice from downtown Albuquerque. If you’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 every week. You’ll get off on the Santa Fe Depot, which is near the farmer’s market and quite a few eateries.

Getting Around On Your 3 Days in Santa Fe

If you intend 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 no automobile, however you’ll need to be sure you’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 varied routes round city. You can see the schedules and routes right here. You may additionally get round by renting a motorbike and biking – take a look at Mellow Velo bike rental, which is positioned within the Historic Downtown space.

Personally I might suggest you lease a automobile to your 3 days in Santa Fe so you’ve the liberty to go wherever you need. Renting a automobile will will let 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 might be 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 the right way to 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 Road. Your final day shall be spent having a pleasant stress-free spa day! 

Day 1: Historic Downtown & Dinner

Start your first day of your Santa Fe itinerary by heading downtown and visiting two of the town’s finest artwork museums – the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Art. Next, make your approach to the plaza and stroll across the historic heart. Most of Santa Fe’s points of interest are positioned inside a small radius, so all the things is inside strolling distance.

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and New Mexico Museum of Art

Located 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. Many of her works have been impressed by the panorama of New Mexico and he or she 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 a whole lot of others created over the course of her profession.

Nearby you’ll additionally discover the New Mexico Museum of Art, which is devoted to New Mexico artwork and is stuffed 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 fashion makes use of fashionable development supplies made to appear like the historic adobe church buildings that may be discovered all through New Mexico.

Santa Fe Plaza and Palace of the Governors

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

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. Built by the Spanish as an administrative constructing, it served because the seat of the New Mexico authorities for hundreds of years. Today, many native artisans promote their wares and handicrafts beneath the lengthy walkway outdoors it. 

Lunch at The Shed

Next up in your Santa Fe itinerary – lunch time! Walk to The Shed, which is a really well-known family-run spot with a cute courtyard patio. The Shed serves New Mexican delicacies and is understood for its crimson chile enchiladas and yummy margaritas. 

Loretto Chapel

Once 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 wedding 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 concentrate on it! 

According to 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 resolve 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 no hint and so the sisters of the chapel tried on the lookout for him however couldn’t discover him. Some folks consider he was Saint Joseph himself, whereas others consider he was despatched by Saint Josef. 

Originally the staircase didn’t have banisters, however these have 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 an extended day of sightseeing you’ll in all probability need to chill and calm down. 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. Located on the fifth flooring of the resort, it affords panoramic views over the 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

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

I didn’t attempt the degustation menu however I did attempt a number of dishes from the menu, together with the chef’s signature soup, pan seared tuna with crimson cabbage, and the Crepes de Cajeta. The dessert was severely among the finest 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 Road

Museum Hill

Begin your day by visiting Museum Hill, which is positioned 2-miles southeast of Santa Fe’s historic heart. I’m not normally a lot of a museum individual so I puzzled if this is able to be price it, however it completely was!

Museum Hill is a cluster of museums which might be 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, positively cease up right here to have a drink outdoors Weldon’s Museum Hill Cafe and take in the unimaginable panorama.

The hill is house to 4 museums:

• Museum of Spanish Colonial Art
• Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
• Museum of International Folk Art

While I didn’t go contained in the museums, I did go to Santa Fe Botanical Garden, which is a beautiful backyard stuffed with cacti and different flaura/fauna which might be native to the New Mexico panorama. Dotted across the backyard you’ll see varied sculptures and artistic endeavors – it’s an excellent 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 positioned 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 fashion of a conventional Japanese mountain onsen and is extremely peaceable. 

We didn’t really 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. 

Most 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. All of the desserts are made in-house and there’s an intensive Japanese sake menu in the event you like sake!

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

Kakawa Chocolate House

Make positive you permit just a little room for some dessert, since your subsequent cease shall be Kakawa Chocolate House, which is positioned close to Canyon Road. This specialty chocolate firm makes varied historic consuming goodies utilizing recipes that date from the time interval 1000 BC to the mid-1900s AD.

In addition to consuming elixirs, Kakawa additionally sells home made ice lotions, truffes, agave caramels and laborious goodies, that are made in small batches. The firm makes use of recent, seasonal components and makes use of some distinctive flavors reminiscent of pomegranate, cherry-chili, prickly pear, and mezcal.

Canyon Road

After sampling goodies at Kakawa, head to Canyon Road, which is Santa Fe’s well-known artwork avenue. Santa Fe is house to a whole lot of galleries and has the second largest artwork scene after New York City.

Canyon Road is lined with artwork galleries that includes high quality artwork created by among the finest artists within the United States – and the world. 

Spend your afternoon shopping the artwork after which cease by the Ahmyo Wine Garden, 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 don’t really feel like consuming alcohol you could possibly cease by The Teahouse, which affords 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 Road. El Farol is known for its Flamenco Dinner Show, which takes place each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night time. 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 could possibly make a reservation for Geronimo, which is a high quality eating restaurant housed in an adobe house 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 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 shall be a bit extra relaxed, with the chance to wash in a scorching spring and go to the bizarre Meow Wolf. 

Ikonik Coffee Roasters

Start your day with a espresso from Ikonik Coffee Roasters, which is one in all Santa Fe’s finest espresso outlets. Housed in a former college constructing, the espresso store boasts a big ethereal house with classic chandeliers, comfortable armchairs and lengthy communal tables for working. If you 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

Next, take a look at the Railyard Arts District, which options seven up to date artwork galleries housed in spacious warehouse fashion buildings. On Saturdays the railyard additionally hosts the Santa Fe Farmers Market, which is stuffed with a whole lot of various distributors promoting all kinds of agricultural produce. 

Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort

One of one of 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 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 really want a automobile, because it’s positioned about 15 miles southwest of downtown Santa Fe so that you’ll must drive to get there. Uber is typically out there, however it may be troublesome 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 House of Eternal Return and options over 70 rooms of immersive artwork which might be appropriate for adults and kids of all ages. It was constructed on the location 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 troublesome to clarify, however it was form of like stepping right into a Tim Burton film. Think Alice in Wonderland meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets…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 by way of the hearth and also you’ll end up in a room stuffed with bizarre artwork. It’s very interactive and there are all kinds of secret passageways and issues to climb.

Expect 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! 

Another nice restaurant we tried was Radish and Rye, which serves 

Things to Do Near Santa Fe

If you’ve 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 embrace:

Bandelier National 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 varied petroglyphs, masonry pueblos and dwellings carved into the cliffs. If you need to study extra concerning the monument, begin on the Visitor Center, which includes a museum, bookstore, 14-minute film, giftshop, snack bar, and picnic space.

From the Visitor Center you may take the Main Loop Trail, which is a brief 1.2 mile loop that leads by way of excavated archeological websites in Frijoles Canyon. Another fashionable hike is the The Tsankawi part of the park, which includes 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 way in which. 

Jemez Springs/ Spence Springs

Another fashionable 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 positioned on the Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway, which is near Valles Caldera National Park.

Sights right here embrace the Jemez State Monument (Jemez Historic Site), which dates again a whole lot of years, and the sixteenth century San José de Guisewa (Jemez) Church) – one of many largest missions within the United States.

If you need to soak in a pure scorching spring with unimaginable views, I’d counsel visiting Spence Springs, which is accessible through a brief climbing path. The scorching spring is positioned off NM State Highway 4 and has a small parking space that matches about seven automobiles. The spring includes 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.

In the city of Jemez Springs there are a selection of business scorching springs and bathhouses the place you may soak and luxuriate in varied spa therapies. Check out Jemez Hot Springs, Jemez Springs Bath House, Canon del Rio Retreat & Spa, and Adobe Morning Day Spa.

Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo is a delegated UNESCO World Heritage Site, positioned about 73 miles (a 1 hour 40 minute drive) from Santa Fe. The village is ready on the base of the gorgeous Sangre de Cristo Mountain vary and consists of many multi-storied adobe buildings which have been repeatedly inhabited for over 1000 years. 

It’s nonetheless a residing Native American neighborhood with a inhabitants of round 4,500 folks, so it’s vital to be respectful of their privateness and guidelines once you go to. 

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

Madrid and the Turquoise Trail

If you’re driving from Santa Fe again to Albuquerque in your rental automobile, you may drive alongside the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway, which extends for about 50 miles alongside Highway 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 neighborhood 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 right spot to cease off for a espresso on the way in which to Albuquerque. 

Where to Stay For Your 3 Days in Santa Fe

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

There are tons of cute boutique accommodations in downtown Santa Fe, however these are among the finest 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 parking zone and there’s a scrumptious a la carte breakfast served day by day within the breakfast room. You can learn all concerning the resort in my Parador assessment.

Hotel St. Francis

Located within the heart of city, Hotel St. Francis is the oldest resort in Santa Fe. This historic resort has a stunning foyer and a steakhouse with out of doors patio known as Market Steer. If you fancy a drink after a day of sightseeing, head to the Secreto Lounge, which serves “Garden-To-Glass” cocktails utilizing recent fruits, greens and herbs. 

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

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

Inn & Spa at Loretto

The Inn & Spa at Loretto affords 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. Lots of individuals go to the resort’s restaurant, Luminaria, which has a romantic out of doors patio serving southwestern fare. The resort is positioned adjoining to the Loretto Chapel and is housed in a big adobe constructing that’s paying homage to Taos Pueblo.

The Inn of the Five Graces

Housed in a conventional adobe and stone construction, The Inn of the Five Graces is a high-end boutique resort with lovely courtyards, round the clock concierge and a Tibetan-inspired spa. Guest suites are adorned in vibrant colours with handcrafted items and one-of-a-kind treasures from the Silk Road that after linked Europe and Asia. They all have kiva wood-burning fireplaces and a few of them have their very own non-public balconies.

Las Palomas

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

A Final Word…

I hope you get pleasure from this Santa Fe itinerary! A weekend in Santa Fe is unquestionably one thing it is best to contemplate in the event you like artwork, scrumptious Mexican meals and stress-free spas. The surroundings in New Mexico is unimaginable and I beloved simply driving across the state! 

3 days in Santa Fe will will let you see all the main points of interest, though I might spend possibly 4 to five days right here if you wish to go to locations like Taos Pueblo, Bandelier National Monument and the pure scorching springs.

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