Magical Weekend in Santa Fe

There's so much to do during a weekend in Santa Fe; incredible museums and galleries, delicious restaurants and cafes, not to mention a photographer's dream! We've listed some of our favorites to make your planning easier.

Get Your Bearings

Explore What Makes Santa Fe Unique

• Walk the Plaza - A designated National Historic Landmark, this is the city’s cultural heartbeat and a must-visit for people-watching, shopping, and soaking in the historic vibe.

• Palace of the Governors - Browse Native American artisan wares under the shaded portals of the oldest public building in the U.S.

• San Miguel Chapel – Step into one of the oldest churches in the country. The adobe walls and quiet sanctuary are both humbling and beautiful.

• Canyon Road Art District - A half-mile stretch lined with 100+ galleries housed in historic Pueblo-style buildings. Expect contemporary works, regional folk art, and Native American masterpieces.

• Railyard District – A lively blend of contemporary art galleries, food vendors, local events, and the striking SITE Santa Fe gallery.

Where to Stay

• La Fonda on the Plaza - This historic hotel once welcomed travelers of the Fred Harvey Company. With its hand-painted furniture, cozy interiors, and unbeatable location, it's a classic Santa Fe experience.

• Eldorado - A family favorite with a great rooftop pool and luxe spa - perfect after a long day of gallery-hopping, backpacking or hiking.

Where to Eat

Santa Fe’s culinary scene blends tradition with innovation. Here are some standout favorites:

• Coyote Café – Southwestern fine dining at its boldest. Rooftop margaritas are a must.

• Pasqual's Café – A colorful, bustling café with a big heart and even bigger flavor. Great for breakfast or lunch.

• il Piatto Italian Farmhouse – Fresh, local ingredients with rustic Italian flair.

• Sazón – A dinner to remember. Known for their mole-tasting menu and refined Mexican dishes in a dramatic setting.

• La Boca – Spanish-influenced tapas served in a lively atmosphere.

• The Compound – An eclectic menu with French influences, perfect for a special night out.

• The Shed – A local legend with casual vibes and traditional New Mexican favorites.

Museums Not to Miss

• Meow Wolf – House of Eternal Return – An immersive, otherworldly art installation that’s part funhouse, part science fiction, part social experiment. You have to see it to believe it.

• Georgia O’Keeffe Museum – A thoughtful look into the life and work of one of America’s most iconic artists.

• New Mexico Museum of Art – A beautiful downtown collection with regional and international exhibitions. Don’t miss the Vladem Contemporary branch in the Railyard.

• Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) – Global traditions come alive through colorful exhibits and rare artifacts.

• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture – Deeply rooted in the stories and traditions of Indigenous peoples.

• IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) – Contemporary Native voices and innovation on full display.

• SITE Santa Fe – Cutting-edge contemporary art in an equally bold architectural

Gallery-Hopping

With over 200 galleries, Santa Fe is an art lover’s dream. A few we recommend:

• Sage Creek Gallery – Southwestern landscapes and realism.

• GF Contemporary – Bold, playful, and thought-provoking modern art.

• Tai Modern – Japanese bamboo art and contemporary sculpture.

• Nedra Matteucci Galleries – A gorgeous setting with classic Western and wildlife art.

• Worrell Gallery – Known for vivid color and kinetic sculptures.

• McLarry Fine Art – Focused on American Western and landscape painting.

Whether you're a solo traveler chasing creativity or a small group looking for a blend of culture and comfort, Santa Fe is guaranteed to inspire. Between the aroma of roasting chiles, the adobe silhouettes against high desert skies, and the sheer amount of visual and culinary beauty - it’s no wonder people fall in love with this town.