In collaboration with City of Santa Fe. Thank you for supporting the brands that support A Taste of Koko!
Hello from Santa Fe, New Mexico! This is one of my favorite cities in the U.S. that I try to visit at least once a year. Santa Fe is rich in culture, art, and food – there are about one hundred art galleries on Canyon Road alone! The food is incredible – I love both the red and green chile (ask for Christmas when dining at the restaurants).
SEE ALSO: 27 Top Things To Do In New Mexico
Here’s a three day itinerary to Santa Fe for the best restaurants, things to do, and hotels.
Table of Contents
Day one
Oldest House Museum
Explore Santa Fe
I love Santa Fe for all the local shops, artist goods, and hundreds of art galleries. Here are a few of my favorite spots:
- The Palace of the Governors – Native American Artisans Program helps local artisans to display their handmade wares at the Palace of Governors every day from 8:30am – 5pm. We bought a pair of turquoise earrings here!
- Santa Fe Plaza – local shops and art galleries in this area
- Canyon Road – about 100 art galleries, an interior designers dream (Tip: stop by Kakawa Chocolate House for a chocolate elixir to sip on while you explore)
- Oldest House Museum – one of the oldest buildings in the US
Check into: Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
Nestled in the heart of Santa Fe, the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is an enchanting hotel that offers a serene retreat with cozy fireplaces throughout the hotel and in the rooms. We loved our stay here and how convenient it was to walk to all the coffee shops, restaurants, and shops.
Amenties:
- 58 rooms and suites at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi with handcrafted furnishings, traditional Southwestern decor, and modern amenities.
- Anasazi Restaurant
- Spa Services
- Fitness Center
- Rooftop Terrace
113 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM, rosewoodhotels.com/en/inn-of-the-anasazi-santa-fe
Happy Hour at Los Poblanos Bar Norte
I’ve stayed at the Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm in Albuquerque and love the property so I was excited to see Los Poblanos open a shop in Santa Fe. The shop is well curated with home goods, bar accessories, snacks, and beverages. Bar Norte is a super cute bar with craft cocktails, wine, and snacks. We loved the tin fish spread!
201 Washington Ave, lospoblanos.com/shop/farm-shop-norte
Dinner: Anasazi Restaurant
For dinner, we had dinner at the Anasazi Restaurant at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi.
113 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM, rosewoodhotels.com/en/inn-of-the-anasazi-santa-fe/dining
Day two
Breakfast and coffee: Mille French Café
Mille French Café is a charming and authentic French café located in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The cafe is super cozy with French pastries like quiches, croissants, savory crepes, macarons and eclairs. We had the French toast and it was delicious.
Hours: 7am to 3pm
451 W Alameda St, Santa Fe, NM, millenm.com
Visit Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to see the new exhibit “Making a Life.”
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico is dedicated to the life and work of the iconic American artist Georgia O’Keeffe featuring an impressive collection of her paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well as photographs and personal artifacts that offer a glimpse into her fascinating life.
The museum’s collection includes over 3,000 works of art by O’Keeffe, showcasing her talent and her impact on American art. From her early abstract works to her later landscapes and floral paintings, the collection offers a comprehensive look at her career. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that explore different aspects of O’Keeffe’s life and work, as well as the work of other artists who were influenced by her including the new exhibit, “Making a Life.”
Admission: $20
Hours: 10am to 5pm
217 Johnson St, Santa Fe, NM, okeeffemuseum.org
Lunch: El Chile Toreado food truck
I stopped by El Chile Toreando twice during this visit because the food was so good. The chef/owner of this truck was nominated as a semi-finalist for a 2023 James Beard Chef of Year award. The pork Adobada (marinated pork in adobo sauce cooked with onions) burrito was sooo good.
Hours: 7:30am to 2:30pm
807 Early St, elchiletoreado.com/
Ojo Santa Fe
I’ve been to Ojo Santa Fe several times and it’s one of my favorite things to do in Santa Fe! Ojo Santa Fe is a luxurious spa and resort that’s situated on 70 acres of pristine desert landscape and features natural hot springs, which have been flowing for over 3,000 years.
You can purchase a day soaking pass for $45-$65 and enjoy their natural hot springs and they recently added on the largest saltwater pool in Santa Fe.
Day pass pricing: $45 Monday–Thursday // $65 Friday–Sunday and on holidays.
Day soaking hours: 10am–10pm daily
242 Los Pinos Rd, ojosparesorts.com/ojo-santa-fe/
Happy Hour at Tumbleroot Pottery Pub
Tumbleroot Pottery Pub is not just your average watering hole – it’s also a working pottery studio, where you can enjoy handcrafted beer and pottery creations in a charming and laid-back atmosphere. We had a lot of fun sculpting our own creations while enjoying beer and cocktails out of handmade pottery!
Hours: 11am to 9pm
135 W. Palace Ave. Suite 100 Santa Fe, NM, tumblerootpotterypub.com
Dinner + show: El Flamenco Cabaret
El Flamenco Cabaret was one of our favorite things we experienced on this Santa Fe trip! This is a must-visit destination if you’re looking for an exciting and authentic flamenco experience.
El Flamenco Cabaret starts with dinner first – a delicious menu of Spanish-inspired tapas and drinks. We loved the food and enjoyed a bottle of wine during the show. It’s an intimate and cozy venue with live performances of traditional flamenco music and dance, featuring some of the best local and international artists. The cabaret-style seating lets you feel close and personal with the performers, creating a unique and immersive experience. El Flamenco Cabaret left us mesmerized and inspired by the passion and artistry of this beloved Spanish art form!
135 W. Palace Ave, entreflamenco.com/
Day three
Coffee at Crash Murder Business
The name of this local coffee shop is interesting but don’t let that keep you from coming. I loved the Race of Roadrunners coffee that I came back multiple times on this trip! It’s a thick, chocolatey coffee with a slight spicy kick and salty notes – so good. We also love the Crash of Rhinos that’s like a chai tea in a coffee.
Hours: 9am to 2pm
312 Montezuma Avenue, cmbcoffeeshop.com
Explore Santa Fe Farmers Market
The Santa Fe Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. My recommendation? Come hungry. There are local vendors selling fresh produce, chiles, pastries (make sure you get a lavender glazed blue corn doughnut from Whoo’s Donuts), and more. We also tried a pupusa with red pork chile sauce. Walk across the railroad tracks to the mercado for vendors selling rugs, cowboy hats (we got a deal on a Stetson hat!), boots, art, jewelry, and more.
Located on Santa Fe Railyard and Guadalupe Street – this area is filled with modern art galleries, home décor shops, vintage/consignment stores, etc.
Shops:
- Built design
- Array
- Cielo Home
- Double Take
- Kowboyz
- Lust & Fond
- Smash Bangles
- Form & Concept
- Art Vault
- Tai Modern
Hours: 8am to 1pm
1607 Paseo de Peralta, santafefarmersmarket.com
Lunch: Opuntia Café
Located near the Santa Fe Railyard area is Opuntia Café, plant-filled teahouse/greenhouse with healthy bowls, salads, and an extensive tea list.
1607 Alcaldesa St Suite 201, Second Floor, opuntia.cafe
Ride the Sky Railway Ale Train
The Sky Railway Ale Train by George RR Martin is a unique and one-of-a-kind experience for beer and train enthusiasts visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico. This train takes us on a scenic ride through the picturesque landscapes of New Mexico, while enjoying delicious beers from local breweries. The train is co-owned and operated by George RR Martin, the bestselling author of the Game of Thrones series, and is designed to recreate the nostalgic atmosphere of early 20th-century train travel. The train features vintage coaches and an open-air observation deck, allowing guests to take in the stunning views of the New Mexican countryside. The beer selection on the train is curated by Martin himself, who is also an avid beer enthusiast. With its unique blend of history, beer, and scenic beauty, the Sky Railway Ale Train by George RR Martin is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Santa Fe.
Boarding does take 20 minutes ahead so arrive early to find parking. There’s plenty of parking around the rail area.
Tickets: book here
430 West Manhattan Avenue, skyrailway.com/adventure/new-mexico-ale-trail
Bar: As Above So Below
We stopped by As Above So Belows for a cocktail after the Sky Railway – it’s located right by the railroad tracks!
Hours: 12pm to 11pm
545 Camino de la Familia, aasbdistillery.com
Dinner: Sazón Restaurant
Sazon Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Santa Fe known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. This cozy and elegant Latin American restaurant focuses on traditional flavors and ingredients. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, from classic favorites such as guacamole and tacos, to more unique and innovative creations like mole negro and ceviche. Our meal started with a mole tasting of their six different moles!
The kitchen is led by Chef Fernando Olea, who has over 30 years of experience in Mexican cuisine and is passionate about using fresh and local ingredients in his dishes. The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of tequila and mezcal, as well as a curated list of wines from around the world. With its warm ambiance, impeccable service, and mouth-watering cuisine, Sazon Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable dining experience in Santa Fe.
Hours: 5pm to 8pm
221 Shelby St, sazonsantafe.com
Day four
Breakfast: Café Pasqual’s
Another one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Fe is Café Pasqual’s – it’s a beloved and iconic restaurant that’s known for its creative and flavorful Southwestern cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by traditional Mexican and New Mexican flavors, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Some of the most popular dishes include the huevos rancheros, blue corn pancakes, and carne adovada. The restaurant’s vibrant and colorful decor creates a festive and welcoming atmosphere that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the food.
The blue corn pancakes that come with maple syrup, mole, and chile made me tear up at breakfast. It’s that good. We came back for breakfast twice on this trip.
Hours: 8am to 3pm
121 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, pasquals.com
