2026 Santa Fe Visitors Guide

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Santa Fe

the #1 Best City in the U.S. with Travel + Leisure readers and featured as one of the magazine’s top 50 places to travel in 2026. We invite you to uncover your different in The City Different! Experience rich cultural heritage and pueblo architecture, a buzzy arts scene, inventive local cuisine, and unique shopping that will continue to remind you of your stay long after you leave. All with the Sangre de Cristo mountains as the stunning backdrop. Come visit and then come back again and again. There’s always something new and always something historic for you to enjoy.

Santa Fe welcomes a new Mayor!

What’s New & Special in 2026? Beyond the exciting new events, hotels, and restaurants, the Santa Fe Margarita Trail celebrates its 10th anniversary of introducing visitors to inventive takes on the popular Tequila cocktail.

Travel + Leisure readers rank Santa Fe #1 Best City in the U.S

Native Fashion: Santa Fe is the destination to experience cutting-edge and traditional Indigenous fashion.

Local Artisans & Farmers: Don’t miss the Railyard on the weekends to shop from local art makers and farmers.

Classical Music for All: Visit during one of these world-class music festivals.

Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial: Established in 1926, the original Route 66, aka the Mother Road, looped in a 10-mile portion of Santa Fe.

Master the Lingo: Santa Fe has a vernacular all its own. Learn it before you visit.

CULTURE: Santa Fe is born of many influences, beginning in 1050 when Native Americans established permanent communities on land that is now Santa Fe’s Plaza and downtown.

HISTORY: Santa Fe is the oldest and highestelevation state capital in the United States and its second-oldest city, evolving from a mix of Native American, Hispanic, Mexican, and Anglo cultures.

UNESCO Creative City & Sister Cities: Learn about The City Different’s longtime affiliations.

Santa Fe by the Seasons: Visit during the season that suits you best with our helpful highlights.

Top 16 Must-Dos: Try them all for a memorable visit to Santa Fe.

TiraHoward Photography

Must-See Events & Markets

Plan your trip around any number of The City Different’s exciting events and markets, like the International Folk Art Market.

Gals’ & Guys’ Trip Itineraries

Get together with your group of trusted travel companions and curate an itinerary for the books!

Neighborhoods: Tour the top 6 neighborhoods in Santa Fe with help from our TOO GOOD TO MISS highlights!

VISUAL ARTS: This UNESCO Creative City is full of galleries, museums, art markets, and immersive arts installations!

PERFORMING ARTS: Santa Fe entertains all year long with opera, theater, flamenco, ballet, live music of all kinds, circus arts, and more!

Spa & Wellness: Restore your mind and body in Santa Fe with our recommendations.

Historic Santa Fe map: With this charming map, you won’t miss a spot.

CUISINE: Santa Fe’s culinary scene is a gastronomic epicenter in the Southwest with hundreds of one-of-a-kind, locally owned restaurants to choose from. Come dine with us!

Culinary Treasures: Check out our roster of delicious eateries, all more than 50 years old!

OUTDOORS: Enjoy 320+ days of sunshine in our foothills at the base of the Southern Rocky Mountains.

PUEBLOS: New Mexico is home to 4 Native American Tribes and Nations and 19 established Pueblos, 8 of which are between a 15- and 75-minute drive of Santa Fe.

Film & Television: Get the skinny on robust film and television development in Santa Fe.

Family Activities: Plan a visit that everyone loves with our insights.

Shop: Take a piece of The City Different home with you!

Day Trips: Experience something new outside of Santa Fe.

Weddings: Say “I DO” in The City Different with our recommendations.

Meetings & Groups: Your next conference in Santa Fe could be your best one yet!

Tips on Getting Here: Enjoy the journey to Santa Fe with our quick tips.

Calendar of Events: Plan your trip around something exciting—there’s a lot to choose from!

Lodging: Make sure your homebase in Santa Fe suits your vibe.

The Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide is provided as a service by TOURISM Santa Fe

201 W. Marcy Street Santa Fe, NM 87501

800.777.2489

VisitSantaFe.com

MAYOR

Michael Garcia

CITY COUNCIL

Elizabeth Barrett, Jamie Cassutt, Alma Castro, Amanda Chavez, Pilar Faulkner, Patricia Feghali, Lee Garcia

OCCUPANCY TAX ADVISORY BOARD

Rik Blyth (Chairman), Bonnie Bennett, Jonathan M. Butler, Sam Gerberding, Ray Sandoval

TOURISM SANTA FE

Randy Randall, Executive Director

Jordan Guenther, Director of Marketing

David Carr, Director of Sales

Ryan Dodge, Program and Events Manager

Melanie Moore, Operations Director

PUBLISHER

TOURISM Santa Fe

EDITOR

Cullen Curtiss

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jasmine Quinsier

Copyright © 2026 by TOURISM Santa Fe.

TOURISM Santa Fe has made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this directory, but assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. TOURISM Santa Fe in no way warrants or assume liability for the products and services offered. Inclusion in this publication does not imply endorsement by TOURISM Santa Fe.

For up to date information and more content visit: VisitSantaFe.com

DISCOVER

Your Santa Fe

Dear Visitor, Welcome to Santa Fe!

As Santa Fe’s newly elected mayor—and as someone who was born and raised right here in this community—I’m honored to welcome you to The City Different. Before becoming mayor, I served as a member of our City Council, and I’ve spent my life working alongside the people who make Santa Fe such a vibrant and inspiring place to call home. Now, as I raise my own family here, I’m reminded every day why this city is so special.

Santa Fe’s story stretches back centuries. We are the oldest state capital in the United States, built on the ancestral lands of the Tewa people, who call this place O’Ga P’Ogeh White Shell Water Place. Founded by the Spanish in 1610 as La Villa Real de la Santa Fé de San Francisco de Asís, our city has grown through generations of cultural exchange, resilience, and creativity. From Native, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions to contemporary innovation, Santa Fe’s art, architecture, and cuisine reflect a legacy that continues to shape who we are today.

If it’s adventure, flavor, and fun you’re after, you’ll find them in every corner of our city. Nestled at 7,000 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in all four seasons—hiking, skiing, cycling, or simply soaking in the beauty of our blue skies and star-filled nights. Take time to explore our world-class museums, galleries, restaurants, and shops, and you’ll discover the creative energy and welcoming spirit that make this city unforgettable.

Whether this is your first visit or one of many, I know you’ll feel the same warmth and magic that generations of families—including mine—have cherished for decades. Santa Fe is more than a destination; it’s a community rooted in history, united by culture, and alive with possibility. Relax, enjoy, and let Santa Fe work its charm. We’ll be here to welcome you back time and time again.

With warm regards,

What’s Special in 2026? About Santa Fe

2026 has arrived with new traditions to share in 416-year-old Santa Fe. Come experience a few!

Centennial Celebration of Route 66

Celebrate the original Route 66 (santafe.org/route66), the “Mother Road,” created in 1926 as the shortest, year-round route from Chicago to Santa Monica. For 10 years before the realignment in 1937, Route 66 traveled through The City Different along the Old Santa Fe Trail, around the Plaza and down Cerrillos Road. Expect a lot of fanfare as The City Different looks back at this dawning of car culture and exciting road travel in America.

Events & Places

Debuting in 2026 with the intention of coming back year after year are three unique events that will invigorate your summer. The Santa Fe Magazine Festival (santafemagazine.co/festival, June 11–14) promises to bring Santa Fe stories to life with exclusive interviews, headliner concerts, world-class standup, thought leader roundtables, art tours, and VIP dinners. Tumbleweed Ranch Productions presents The Last Dance of Billy the Kid (thelastdanceofbillythekid.com, August), the untold 1881 love story of Billy the Kid and Paulita Maxwell. Don’t miss New Mexico True Singletrack (transrockies.com, September 19–21), a three-day, International Mountain Bicycling Association staged race. Speaking of bikes, the Picurís Pueblo All-Wheel Park (visitpicuris.com), just 50 miles from Santa Fe along the High Road to Taos, is wowing everyone with its feature-rich, asphalt-paved pump track, jumps, ramps, berms, wall rides, and drops.

Gatsby’s

Hotels & Restaurants

New and hip spots to lay your head and vibe on good food and drink just keep coming! And the most exciting news for them is that the prestigious stars of The MICHELIN Guide could potentially show up in New Mexico in 2026 with The MICHELIN Guide Southwest. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide stated, “Our anonymous Inspectors have been eager to expand further into the Southwest. We are excited to showcase the distinct cuisine styles that are representative of the cultures throughout the Southwest, which blends a rich mix of traditions and culinary talent.”

In the meantime, check out the Railyard’s boutique Hotel Flora and its open-air restaurant Railyard Social (hotelflorasantafe.com). Nearby, two ends of the gastronomic spectrum—Steam & Smoke BBQ (steamsmokebbq.com) food truck and 2nd floor restaurant and cocktail lounge Gatsby’s (gatsbysnm.com). Downtown, consider The Washington Inn (washingtoninnsantafe.com), a newly constructed luxury all-suite hotel in the Territorial style, and up on the hill overlooking the city, Hotel Glorieta (hotelglorietasantafe.com) is reimagined lodging set against an extensive trail system and complete with a swimming pool, Lady Duff’s Lounge, and The Marigold Room, an intimate live music space. In the Siler Rufina District, make a special stop at Keeping Together Brewery and Beverage Garden (keepingtogether.com), housed in a repurposed greenhouse. And add Leo’s (leossantafe.com) to your list. This new Southeast Asian–inspired neighborhood restaurant made Esquire’s annual list of the Best New Restaurants in America 2025! The collaborative team includes James Beard Foundation Award–winning chef Zakary Pelaccio.

We love our anniversaries in Santa Fe and a super special one celebrates our Margarita Trail (santafemargaritatrail.com) in its 10th year. At some of the most popular restaurants and bars in town, sample 50+ unique takes on that Tequila cocktail everyone loves. Cheers!

Finally, in mid-2026, brought to you by Heritage Hotels & Resorts is the highly anticipated Santa Fe Food Market (heritagerec.com/ properties/santa-fe-food-market), arriving downtown with a diverse selection of 19 top culinary vendors, offering everything from coffee to cocktails inside a bank vault, Native American cuisine to sushi, and a juice bar to sumptuous desserts. Grab a delicious bite from these artisans of cuisine in a bustling community space that celebrates a Santa Fe design aesthetic. The Santa Fe Food Market promises to be one of the most exciting venues in the downtown area, providing not only great seasonal food and beverage, but opportunities for socializing, people-watching, and entertainment.

Leo’s
Santa Fe Margarita Trail

World’s Best Travel + Leisure Magazine

Readers’ Rank Santa Fe #1 in the U.S. and #19 in the World!
“Captures one’s heart.”

Since 2002, Santa Fe has consistently landed on Travel + Leisure’s list of top cities in the U.S., making it one of the most awarded cities in the 30 years of the World’s Best Awards, earning the designation as a Hall of Fame Honoree.

And in 2025, Travel + Leisure readers made sure The City Different claimed the very top spot on the list for the first time ever, unseating long-time winner Charleston, South Carolina. In the comments section of the voting process, Santa Fe enthusiasts raved about the inventive New Mexican cuisine, the natural beauty, and the urban offerings, such as markets and art galleries. One repeat visitor said, “Every trip

exceeds the last, with so many new things to discover,” adding, “Santa Fe offers a multilayer experience.” Another summed it up: Santa Fe is “a true gem of a place in America.”

And not only is Santa Fe #1 in the U.S., but #19 out of 25 best cities in the world, according to readers. In fact, Santa Fe is the only U.S. city featured on the list of winning international destinations.

In addition to the best cities lists, Santa Fe resorts also appeared on lists of best hotels and spas. Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Collection took the #2 spot on the list of top resorts in the West and Ten Thousand Waves was #15 on the list of best domestic U.S. spas. And in Travel + Leisure’s list of the “5 Favorite Santa Fe Hotels of 2025,” The Inn of the Five Graces, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, La Fonda on the Plaza, and Hotel Santa Fe The Hacienda and Spa and Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi were noted.

Come visit to find out why we’re #1 in the U.S. and #19 in the world!

“The

City Different

is

like

a big hug. The art, culture, history, food and outdoor activities are endless and ever changing.”

Indigenous Style

Takes Over Santa Fe

with two events, May 7-10, proving The City Different is the mecca for Native fashion

SWAIA Native Fashion Week

swaianativefashion.org

SWAIA Native Fashion Week, established in 2024, is an offshoot of the popular SWAIA Native Fashion Show produced at the Santa Fe Indian Market, since 2014. Its aim is to establish Santa Fe as the Indigenous fashion capital of the United States—showcasing Indigenous creativity, creating networking opportunities, and amplifying Indigenous voices. Experience most programming at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

“2026 marks the third annual SWAIA Native Fashion Week—an exhibition of the world’s best Native American fashion designers, hair and makeup artists, models and creative professionals working in the burgeoning Native American fashion design industry. Fashion Week is a time to celebrate cultural expression and the enormous talent of contemporary Native American design voices. We hope to see you there!” —Jamie Schulze (Northern Cheyenne/ Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate), SWAIA’s executive director

Native Fashion Week Santa Fe

nativefashionweeksantafe.com

Debuted in 2025, Native Fashion Week Santa Fe showcases not only Indigenous designs, textiles, and cultural symbols that have long been at the forefront of fashion innovation, but also the creators behind these influences who are often overlooked. The Indigenous designers and brands you’ll see throughout the Railyard are asserting ownership over their heritage and using fashion as both a canvas for storytelling and a platform for social change.

“This isn’t fashion week as you know it, it’s history unfolding in real time. I invite you to Native Fashion Week Santa Fe to feel the pulse of Native brilliance on the runway, from Jontay Kahm’s sculptural couture that turns fabric into architecture, to Patricia Michaels’ flowing Project Runway designs that move like water. Every look carries our past and declares our future. This is where culture, couture, and you collide.”

—Amber-Dawn Marie Bear Robe, SIKSIKA Nation, Canada, Native Fashion Week Founder & Creative Director

Photo by Taylor Washburn
Tira Howard Photography
Clockwise from top left: Yellow mask, Museum of International Folk Art,
Addison Doty. Navajo woman
photograph, New Mexico, ca. 1945, courtesy of Palace
El Santo, 1919, oil on canvas, collection
the New Mexico
photograph by Blair Clark Jar, Acoma Pueblo or Laguna Pueblo, ca. 1910, gift of Juan Olivas, MIAC 12024/12, photograph by Addison Doty

On the Railyard Come

Santa Fe Artists Market

Saturdays, March–December, 9 AM–2 PM | West Casitas, North of the Water Tower santafeartistsmarket.com

Operating in the Railyard since 2010, the Santa Fe Artists Market is a lively showcase of 60+ juried artists. The nonprofit provides services and marketing opportunities, enabling both start up and established artists to grow their business and make a living selling their art. The Market is an exciting destination serving both the local community and visitors alike.

“Our nonprofit organization functions as a business incubator for many artists in New Mexico. Our thriving art market offers a truly unique shopping experience for both local and visiting customers to meet and purchase artwork directly from the makers.”

—Linn Cotrell, President, Santa Fe Artists Market

Railyard Artisan Market

Sundays, year-round, 10 AM–3PM | Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Pavilion santafefarmersmarket.com/railyard-artisan-market

Owned and operated by Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, the Railyard Artisan Market hosts makers and designers who take pride in showcasing and selling their original work, including fine art, crafts, jewelry, health & beauty items, home goods, in the light and airy environs of the Farmers’ Market Pavilion. Railyard Artisan Market strives to build a strong local economy, support small business, and celebrate our talented and diverse community.

At the Railyard Artisan Market, you’ll find truly local, handcrafted goods—all made right here in New Mexico. We’re proud to offer a vibrant space where artists and makers connect directly with the community, supporting small businesses and celebrating the creative spirit that makes Santa Fe so unique.”

—Debbie Burns, CEO of the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, owner and operator of the Railyard Artisan Market

Santa Fe Farmers’ Market

Saturdays, year-round; Tuesdays, May-September | Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Pavilion santafefarmersmarket.com

The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market loosely started during the late 1960s and the early days of the farm-to-table movement with a group of farmers gathering to sell their produce from the back of their trucks. By the mid 1970s, the farmers became more organized, invited additional vendors, and outgrew both the Alto Recreation Center and the Sanbusco Market Center, as well as various other locations. In 1999, the Market moved to the Railyard District, an area destined for revitalization under a master plan that included a grand permanent building for the Market. Today, you can purchase produce from more than 150 vendors at their permanent location.

“The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market is a very special place for our community and visitors. As a true farmers’ market, we offer an abundance of the freshest, locally grown produce and serve as a vital community hub where friends and family gather every week, year-round.”

—Debbie Burns, CEO of the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market

Fine Art and Crafts by Local New Mexico

SATURDAYS IN THE SANTA FE RAILYARD

MARCH THROUGH DECEMBER 9AM - 2PM

Music for All Classical

The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus

September–May | santafesymphony.org

New Mexico-born and raised trumpeter Greg Heltman founded The Santa Fe Symphony in 1984 and was its Executive Director until 2018. The first concert, an enthusiastic all-volunteer effort held at the New Mexico Museum of Art’s venerable St. Francis Auditorium, marked the beginning of a beautiful passion project, dedicated to a model of cooperative governance. From thrilling classics to spirited pops presentations, The Symphony produces a wide array of concerts. It’s the only fully professional, full-sized symphony in Santa Fe and employs more than 100 New Mexican orchestral and choral musicians each season.

“No visit to Santa Fe is complete without hearing The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus. In a city steeped with arts and culture, we showcase the best musicians in New Mexico alongside world-renowned soloists. With a wide variety of pops and classical, there’s something for everyone at The Symphony!”

—Emma Scherer, Executive Director, The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus

Santa Fe Pro Musica

October–May | sfpromusica.org

Originally named Ensemble of Santa Fe, Santa Fe Pro Musica was founded in 1980 by woodwind musicians Thomas O’Connor and Carol Redman with a calling to spread classical music throughout New Mexico in true troubadour style. Now GRAMMY-nominated, Santa Fe Pro Musica offers a variety of classical music experiences in historic Santa Fe venues. The programming reflects Artistic Director Colin Jacobsen’s 20 years of working with Yo-Yo Ma’s Silkroad Ensemble, and features three distinct series—Orchestra, a String Quartet, and a Bach Festival.

“As one audience member remarked, ‘Santa Fe Pro Musica hit a home run when they hired Colin Jacobsen as artistic director.’ Others have remarked about ‘the brilliance of the Pro Musica Orchestra under his leadership.’ And it’s all true! He has reinvented and re-energized the winter classical music scene in Santa Fe.”

—Carol Redman, Senior Advisor and Co-Founder, Santa Fe Pro Musica

Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival

July & August | santafechamberfestival.org

In 1972, husband and wife duo, pianist Alicia Schachter-Rich and music and film producer Sheldon Rich, became enchanted with Santa Fe on their visit from New York City, and after speaking to the many artists and writers they met, they were inspired to create an international chamber music festival. In 1973, locals and visitors alike enjoyed the very first six concerts at the illustrious St. Francis Auditorium in the New Mexico Museum of Art. In its 53rd year, at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, throughout July and August, expect 40 extraordinary concerts of more than 130 works spanning centuries of genius, from Bach to Brahms, Ravel to Beethoven, Mozart to Bartók, Dvořák to Schubert, and more, performed by many world-class musicians.

One of the most prestigious chamber music festivals in the world … the quality of the music is always top-notch.” New York Times

Photo by Mariah Olesen

ON ROUTE 66 Get Your Kicks

Celebrate the Centennial of the original Mother Road

“If you ever plan to motor west Travel my way, take the highway that’s the best Get your kicks on Route 66.”

—recorded in 1946 by Nat King Cole

Santa Fe is a storied stop along the original Route 66, aka the Mother Road, commissioned in 1926 and at the time, the quickest way to motor West from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier. Now, 100 years later, a visit to The City Different remains an essential stop in celebrating America’s most famous highway. Until 1937, the 2,448-mile, two-lane Mother Road linked countless rural towns across three time zones and eight states and looped in a 10-mile portion of Santa Fe.

Today, nostalgic enthusiasts can follow the legacy of the Mother Road down the same adobe-lined streets that carried those early road trippers into New Mexico’s capital city. Exit Interstate 25 at Old Pecos Trail to experience the original alignment. Cruise along Old Santa Fe Trail and marvel at how many businesses and landmarks have withstood the test of time, including the oldest church in the U.S. (San Miguel Chapel), the Loretto Chapel, La Fonda on the Plaza, the New Mexico Museum of Art, the Palace of the Governors, and the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Linger for a spell to perhaps shop for a souvenir at The Original Trading Post, a landmark on San Francisco Street for 400+ years. Or grab a Frito Pie at the Five & Dime General Store (originally F. W. Woolworth Co.) before meandering to Cerrillos Road southward towards Albuquerque. Along the way, you’ll see The New Mexico School for the Deaf, established on this site in 1891 and lodging properties like the El Rey Inn, which opened in 1935. Get your kicks! santafe.org/route66

the Lingo Master

Learn a little of The City Different’s unique vernacular before your arrival!

CHRISTMAS

RISTRA

It’s Spanish for string, but it’s so much more here in Santa Fe. You will see ristras strung with red chile pods all across The City Different, serving as an iconic and decorative symbol of welcome.

When asked your chile preference, “Red, green, or Christmas?” answer “Christmas, por favor!” and you’ll get to try the best of both.

FAROLITO

Spanish for little light or lantern farolito is a warm and welcoming glow found most often during the holidays lining roofs or walkways. And it’s the simplest design—a small paper bag containing a handful of sand and a votive candle.

SANTAFEMOUS

ENCHANTMENT

The reference dates to the early 1900s when a book titled The Land of Enchantment was published about the wonders and marvels of the Southwestern landscape. Beginning in 1941, every New Mexico license plate bore the slogan forevermore!

In a global celebrity-obsessed culture, The City Different prefers to honor and exalt its own, homegrown folk, who are making the news and winning hearts and minds for their good works. It pays to be a big fish in the small capital city pond!

A LOT and with Santa Fe’s average humidity of 44%, just imagine how light and fluffy our annual average 225 inches is! Get out and enjoy it up at Ski Santa Fe, the 12,075-foot mountain, 16 miles from downtown with beginner slopes, sunny glades, and challenging tree runs. Don’t miss a day of powpow! And feel free to brag about our super short lift lines!

BISCOCHITO

anniversary of the Burning of Zozobra (which means anxiety in Spanish). A 50-foot tall marionette, Old Man Gloom (as he is also known) is built anew each year and stuffed

Our state cookie is simply delicious—the spice (the fragrant and unique anise), the crunch, the buttery richness. You won’t have to look too hard to find one!

MAÑANA-LAND

Spanish for tomorrow, mañana, in this instance, means taking a moment to slow down, relax, and enjoy yourself—for there’s always tomorrow, and we wish you lots of tomorrows in Santa Fe.

Fiesta, Día de los Muertos, Fall Fiber Fiesta, Fiesta de Santa Fe, and more! Come fiesta with us!

Remember you are at 7,000 feet in Santa Fe! Acclimatize—allow your body to adjust to the elevation by avoiding overexertion in your first 1 to 2 days, increase your water intake, and control your alcohol consumption. We want you to feel great!

SOPAIPILLA

It is not a stretch to say that every culture has a version of this tasty treat. In Santa Fe, you’ll love this pillowy bread served with most New Mexican dishes. Use yours to sop up your chile or douse it with honey.

BREAKFAST BURRITO

Beware, that the breakfast burrito may spoil you for any other burrito ever again! Think soft, savory scrambled egg with melted cheese, hash browns or rough-cut roasted potatoes, your choice of bacon, sausage, or chorizo, pinto or black beans, red, green, or Christmas chile, wrapped in a fluffy warm tortilla. Get it handheld or smothered, mis amigos, any time of day. ACCLIMATIZATION

SPICY MARGARITA

Rimmed with red chile, infused with green chile or jalapeño, the spicy marg is worth a sip, even if you’re fearful of a little heat. Find your fave along the Santa Fe Margarita Trail, now with 50+ stops to choose from.

A Culture

born of many influences, beginning in 1050 when Native Americans established permanent communities on land that is now Santa Fe’s Plaza and downtown.

Immerse yourself in The City

Different

How did Santa Fe become

The City Different?

In the early 1900s, the “City Beautiful Movement” was sweeping the United States. Advocates were convinced that re-envisioned urban planning and architecture would attract tourists and new residents. In Santa Fe, city officials embarked on a different approach with the realization that their hamlet in the Southwest was already beautiful and naturally possessed a unique and historic “Santa Fe Style” that just needed codifying and expanding. Ever since, Santa Fe has celebrated its Style and identified as The City Different—it’s essentially a promise to itself and to every visitor that it will protect its history and approach things differently.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2009, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Santa Fe one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations in America, citing the city’s individual architectural style, well-preserved historic districts and dedication to cultural conservation.

What is Santa Fe Style?

As New Mexico became a state in 1912, a planning board of city officials, architects, and archaeologists announced an architectural preservation plan at the New-Old Santa Fe Styles Exhibition. The core mission was aesthetic harmony through preserving the ancient styles of earthen adobe Pueblos while adopting new design elements that would stay true to a mix of existing traditions.

At that time, many architectural looks had emerged due to the opening of the Santa Fe Trail and the advent of the railroad, however Santa Fe desired an identifiable, cohesive style that would be singularly unique. Drawing on its heritage and architectural roots, the city decided to fully embrace the Spanish-Pueblo architectural look that originated with the Pueblo Indians—the area’s First Peoples—in combination with the more linear Territorial, Greek, and Roman styles. Collectively, the styles were revived, and became known under the umbrella as the Santa Fe Style. Many ambitious individuals are to credit for this movement, including architects Isacc Rapp and John Gaw Meem.

Santa Fe Style IS... Spanish-Pueblo

the foundation of the 1957 Historic Styles Ordinance that still governs building regulations in The City Different’s five historic districts today. And has evolved to dictate the look in our fashion and in our homes.

As the Spanish began to populate the Santa Fe area in the early 1600s, they adopted the look, design, and materials of the Pueblo Indians’ homes.

Territorial-

Revival

During the early years of the American army’s occupation of Santa Fe beginning in 1846, carpenters added classically inspired details around the windows, portals and portal columns, beams, and balcony balustrades, doors, and adopted brick coping along the parapets of more linear adobe- and timberconstructed buildings.

Pueblo-

Revival

These are one-story rooms, contiguous inside a walled courtyard, designed with a contoured adobe (earth and straw) exterior, nichos (wall niches), corner (fogón) (kiva) fireplaces, covered portales (porches), and flat roofs, supported by timber vigas (beams).

Santa Fe Style in Your Home and on You!

Complementing the historic architecture is another type of Santa Fe Style. You can see it in our fashion and in our interiors. Think ancient Native American and centuries-old Hispanic heritages, rugged Southwestern living, and our cowboy and cowgirl couture. The result? Santa Feans clad in denim, turquoise, bandanas, Navajo broom skirts, Nativepatterned shirts, 10-gallon or wide-brim hats, snakeskin or cowhide boots, bolo ties, and ponchos. And homes decorated in ristras, handmade pottery, displays of retablos and kachinas, and vigas painted the blue of our skies. While you’re here, get the look!

The “Oldest House” in the U.S.
Villagra Building, designed by by John Gaw Meem and completed in 1934
New Mexico Museum of Art, designed by architect Isaac Rapp and completed in 1917

How Different is

Culinary Mecca

The City Different?

As the oldest capital city in North America, Santa Fe is endlessly studied as an exemplar of Southwestern culture. Through centuries of trade and governance, it has evolved from a mix of Native American, Hispanic, Mexican, and Anglo cultures into an inclusive, dynamic multicultural destination.

Creativity

From architect John Gaw Meem, a strong influence in Santa Fe Style, artist Georgia O’Keeffe, honored with her own fine art museum to author and visionary George R.R. Martin, a master of immersive, experiential art, creative people intuitively sense that freedom of expression is considered a right here

Santa Fe boasts dozens of award-winning chefs at 400+ restaurants, mastering everything from traditional Northern New Mexican and Native cuisine to international fare. Foodies are also drawn to the many culinary happenings, including Restaurant Week, Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, and one of the country’s oldest Farmers’ Markets. Also, try the homegrown heat—our ubiquitous red and green chile.

Hometown Ski Resort

Diverse Cultural Events

Pueblo Feast Days, Fiesta de Santa Fe, Día de los Muertos, and other traditions have roots older than the United States, but newer traditions, such as the annual Burning of Zozobra, the Christmas Eve Canyon Road Farolito Walk, the New Year’s Eve celebration on the Plaza, Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend, our Indian, Spanish, and Contemporary Hispanic Markets have become equally representative of and important to Santa Fe

Explore one of the highest points in The City Different (12,075 feet at Ski Santa Fe), just 16 miles from downtown, where there are 90 trails for the beginner to the advanced snow enthusiast, the snow is fluffy, the lines are mercifully short, and there’s a new highspeed quad!

George R.R.M
Santa Fe Farmers
Día de los Muertos
Linda Carfagno Photography

Landscape

Santa Fe’s location at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the Southern Rocky Mountains boasts a diverse terrain and a semiarid climate at the juncture of the historic Camino Real and the Santa Fe Trail trade routes (and from 1926-1937, Route 66).

Native Peoples

Within miles of The City Different are the Eight Northern Pueblos, each a sovereign nation with its own tribal council, its own customs, and its own form of reverence for the land.

PuebloofPojoaque dancers

Nature Lovers’ Paradise

The award-winning clean air and 320+ days of sunshine annually make Santa Fe a gem for nature lovers, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and health devotees, with hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, and snowboarding trails in and near the 1.6-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest. For fishing or boating, the legendary Rio Grande or the Rio Chama, both federally designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers, are a great day trip.

Southwestern Wear

Oldest & Highest

Santa Fe is the second-oldest city and oldest and highest-elevation capital city in the United States, founded in 1610.

Embrace your inner cowboy or cowgirl—bring on the denim, turquoise jewelry, bandanas, Navajo broom skirts, Western hats and boots, bolo ties, and ponchos.

Santa Fe’s Capitol Building(Roundhouse)
Heartworks
SOUTH AFRICA

to the oldest and highest-elevation state capital in the United States and its second-oldest city, evolving from a mix of Native American, Hispanic, Mexican, and Anglo cultures into the inclusive, dynamic multicultural destination it is today. Welcome the oldest state capital in the United States

DID YOU KNOW?

Santa Fe is short for La Villa Real de la Santa Fé de San Francisco de Asís, which means, The Royal Town of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi.

1050

Tewa Peoples occupy the present-day downtown and Plaza, building settlements collectively named O’Ga P’Ogeh (White Shell Water Place).

1610

Santa Fe (Spanish for holy faith) is formally founded by Spanish conquistador and appointed Governor-General Don Pedro de Peralta, who built the still-standing Palace of the Governors for colonial administration. For the next 70 years, Spanish inhabitants and Franciscan missionaries subjugated and converted to Catholicism the Indigenous population they called Pueblo (Spanish for town) of 100,000 Peoples with nine distinct languages.

1680

The Peoples of 46 Pueblos joined forces in revolt, driving the Spanish colonists back to what is now the country of Mexico. Much of the city was burned in the uprising.

Today’s Plaza looks a lot like the one founding Governor Pedro de Peralta designed more than four centuries ago!

1692

Appointed Governor of New Mexico Don Diego de Vargas reconquered the region, grew the city, and established a lasting Spanish presence. Battered by raids and revolts from the surrounding Indigenous nations, yet intent on maintaining its empire in Santa Fe, the Spanish coexisted with the Pueblo Peoples.

1821–1846

Mexico gained independence from Spain and retained control of Santa Fe, designating it the capital of Nuevo Mexico. In 1822, William Becknell pioneered the 1,000-mile-long Santa Fe Trail and the area became a popular destination for traders and trappers.

1846

During the Mexican-American war, the United States government conquered the city and claimed the entire state.

1848

New Mexico became a territory of the United States through the Treaty of Hidalgo Guadalupe.

1912

New Mexico achieved statehood as the 47th state on January 6, 1912.

Palace of the Governors
Map by Colonel Jeremy Francis Gilmer (1846-47), sourced through The Historic Santa Fe Foundation

Get to Know

Some of Santa Fe’s Historic Sites

Historic Plaza

Built on the site of a Tewa settlement, the National Historic Landmark Plaza is the heart of Santa Fe, hosting everything from revolts and conquests to local commerce and trading. Today, the city’s most important celebrations happen here.

Looking West on the Plaza, this image, dated from 1935, shows what is now First National 1870.

Palace of the Governors

At 400+ years old, this Pueblo-Spanish style adobe is the oldest public building in the United States, erected for the Spanish colonial government and now home to the New Mexico History Museum.

Palace of the Governors around the 1926-dawning of the 2,448-mile Mother Road that meandered through Santa Fe on its way from Chicago to Santa Monica, California.

Historic Plaza

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

Franciscan friars built the first church on this site in 1610. It was rebuilt in 1714, after the Pueblo Revolt, and named in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Santa Fe.

Santa Fe Railyard

In 1880, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company rolled its first train into the depot. Today, the hub welcomes the New Mexico Rail Runner Express trains from Albuquerque and Sky Railway entertains passengers on adventure rides.

The Loretto Chapel and the Miraculous Staircase

The Sisters of Loretto commissioned the Gothic-Revival-style chapel for their girls’ Academy, modeled after King Louis IX’s Sainte Chapelle in Paris. The 1878 glorious edifice remains a draw, with a mysterious spiral staircase, featuring two 360-degree turns with zero apparent means of support!

Historic Santa Fe Foundation 545 Canyon Rd Ste 2 historicsantafe.org | 505.983.2567

Historic Santa Fe Foundation’s El Zaguán hosts year-round history tours, lectures, preservation programming, art and history exhibitions, shop featuring local art and gifts, and celebrated garden – available for venue rentals. El Zaguán is the perfect destination for history and art lovers.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
The Loretto Chapel’s Miraculous Staircase
Santa Fe Railyard
@rlincoff
@windspiritphoto

DID YOU KNOW?

Many historic sites, including the San Miguel Chapel, the Loretto Chapel, and The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, existed during the heyday of car travel, popularized by the advent of Route 66, celebrating its Centennial Anniversary!

SCAN for a short video that revels in the depth of Santa Fe’s history.

San Miguel Chapel “The Oldest Church”

Originally constructed in the early 1600s by Spanish-allied Indigenous Tlascalans from Mexico, the present adobe dates from 1710, and over the years has hosted memorials, vow renewals, lectures, concerts, and masses.

109 East Palace

In 1943, Los Alamos National Laboratory director J. Robert Oppenheimer rented this Spanish hacienda to house the administrative center of the Manhattan Project. This top-secret location welcomed and transferred scientists, engineers, and their families up to the Lab. Today, a plaque identifies its former notoriety.

Want a unique tour experience with a local professional historian? Regularly scheduled walks, hikes, step-on services. Walks: Artists and Acequias; Bars and Brothels; Bread and Chocolate; Garden Tour; Ghost Tour, Historic Headstones; Jewish Legacy; Women’s History. Custom tours and group presentations available.

109 East Palace (circa 1943)
San Miguel Chapel

Santa Fe’s Connections to Communities Beyond the Southwest

Don’t miss the International Folk Art Market, July 9 - 12, 2026!

SANTA FE IS THE DESTINATION FOR CELEBRATION CRAFT & FOLK TRADITIONS

For more than 20 years, Santa Fe has proudly been a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art, a designation acknowledging the generations of diverse and living traditions, including pottery, fiber arts, metalwork, music, and foodways

Don’t miss the chance to experience art at the Museum of International Folk Art and purchase art at annual festivals and markets or learn about the city’s Artist Exchange Programs, where the collaborations lead to exhibitions and education! santafe.org/unesco-creative-cities-network

To commemorate the 20th anniversary, the community gathered for a celebration titled “GENERATION/S: Tradition as Innovation” with a spotlight on intergenerational craft making and the vibrant artistry of local and regional artists.

THE CITY DIFFERENT’S SISTER CITYSHIP WITH 10 COMMUNITIES

Santa Fe and its 10 Sister Cities are united through Sister City International, a program created at President Eisenhower’s 1956 conference on citizen diplomacy. The mission “to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation” creates bonds between people from different cities and cultures around the world. One of Santa Fe’s commitments is to a rich and longstanding student exchange program.

Appointed Chair of the Santa Fe Sister Cities Committee, Carol Robertson-Lopez, says, “I can confirm Santa Fe’s openness to people around the world in part through this program’s footprint.” santafenm.gov/tourism/sister-cities

Sister Cities of Santa Fe

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Holguin, Cuba

Icheon, South Korea

Livingston, Zambia

Parral, Mexico

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Santa Fe de la Vega, Spain

Sorrento, Italy

Tsuyama, Japan

Zhangjiajie, China

Experience a Day in Los Alamos

MORNING AFTERNOON

Begin your day at Ruby K’s Bagel Cafe, a downtown Los Alamos staple known for its fresh-baked bagel and creative sandwiches. The warm atmosphere makes it an inviting place to start your adventure. Next, make the short drive to Bandelier National Monument, where, within over 33,000 designated acres of wilderness, you’ll discover a timeless landscape of vast mesas and steep-walled canyons. Frijoles Canyon in particular preserves the homes and petroglyphs of the Ancestral Pueblo people. From the Visitor Center, follow the 1.2-mile Main Loop Trail (partially handicapped accessible) through Frijoles Canyon to see Ancestral Puebloan homes and even climb ladders into cavates, small rooms carved into the rocks. It’s a walk through living history surrounded by striking scenery and the quiet rhythm of nature.

Return to town for lunch at Blue Window Bistro, a long-time favorite praised for its fresh ingredients and inventive menu. Then explore downtown’s MainStreet & Creative District with its welcoming streets and inspired spirit. Visit Fuller Lodge Art Center to browse exhibits, showcasing regional artists and local craftsmanship. Stop at Samizdat Bookstore & Teahouse for a cup of tea or boba and a good read. Or enjoy house-made pastries and gelato from Sugar & Cream. For locally made gifts and unique finds, check out the consignment shops, museum stores, and galleries.

EVENING

Wrap up at Pajarito Brewpub & Grill, known for their Green Chile Cheeseburger and a wide selection of local brews. Then walk through Ashley Pond Park, stop at a scenic overlook, or check listings for live music and events. The mountain air and views are a memorable finale to a day spent exploring Los Alamos County’s past and present.

Bandelier National Monument
Ashley Pond Park

Santa Fe WINTER SPRING

average highs in the high 40s average lows in the mid 20s

Late December, there can be just a dusting of snow downtown and lots of fluffy inches of it gracing Ski Santa Fe in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just 16 miles from the Plaza. You’ll be thrilled to find out there are few lift lines. No worries if you are not a snow sports enthusiast— the sun is always shining and the streets are generally clear, beckoning you to shop, eat, and museum hop. The holiday season is in full swing, with a host of traditions for you to embrace.

THINGS TO DO

• Ski and board at Ski Santa Fe

• Amble the spirited Canyon Road Farolito Walk on Christmas Eve

• Experience a Pueblo dance

• Ring in 2027 at New Year’s Eve Celebration on the Plaza

• Reserve a table during Restaurant Week

• Visit a one of Santa Fe’s 20 museums

• Enjoy world-class performing arts, like the 44th Santa Fe Symphony and the 46th Santa Fe Pro Musica

average highs in the low 70s average lows in the low 40s

Late March, the aspens and cottonwoods start leafing and you’ll begin to see the cactus flowers bloom in reds, pinks, and yellows. As well, Santa Fe’s fruit trees blossom and the forsythia and lilacs join in. The Santa Fe River is rushing with melting snow from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and a late spring snowstorm could surprise you!

• Hike among the budding cacti

• Learn all about the resident flora at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden on Museum Hill

• Pay a visit to the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market for early greens, baby carrots, asparagus, cherries, and peas

• Shop locally at the Santa Fe Artists Market and the Railyard Artisan Market, and globally at El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe Mercado

• Don’t miss Native Fashion Week at the Convention Center and the Railyard

• Marvel at the creativity at the Canyon Road Spring Art Festival

• Meet famous and local authors at the 5th Santa Fe International Literary Festival

• Take advantage of deals and specials on lodging and spa services

No matter the season, Santa Fe will always welcome and entertain you! Come for the unique cultural events and traditions, signature Northern New Mexico cuisine, 320+ days of sunshine and clear, starry night skies. And so much more!

SUMMER Autumn

average highs in the high 80s average lows in the mid 50s

Late June and the very busy summer months bring days that never end! Be prepared with a brimmed hat, a full water bottle, sunscreen, and a raincoat. While Santa Fe’s semiarid climate and high-elevation sun can be an adjustment, summer is monsoon season and the city can receive up to 6 inches of rain. BUT the storms never last too long, routinely produce rainbows, and always cool you off!

THINGS TO DO

• Don’t miss the inaugural Santa Fe Magazine Festival

• Meet the artisans at the 22nd International Folk Art Market, the kickoff to Art Week

• Purchase from the concurrent 74th Traditional Spanish Market and 40th Contemporary Hispanic Market

• Get your tickets for the 69th Santa Fe Opera, the 44th Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and the 53rd Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival

• Enjoy two days of free art markets, a fashion show, gala, and more at the 104th Santa Fe Indian Market

• Bring the whole family for free live music and movies compliments of producer Lensic 360

• Explore our 1.6 million acres of coniferous National Forest

• Be a part of the raucous crowd at the 102nd Burning of Zozobra

average highs in the low 60s average lows in the mid 30s

Late September, the aspens and cottonwoods are aglow everywhere you turn, so take advantage of the chance to hike one of Santa Fe’s many trails or ride the Ski Santa Fe chairlift into the golden treescape. Even though the sun is still quite warm, the days are cool and nights cooler, so bring a layer or two! Aside from the color and the weather, autumn is a brilliant time of year in The City Different with studio art tours throughout the region.

• Be a foodie and an oenophile at the 35th Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta

• Hop the shuttle for the 54th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

• Admire the creations at the Canyon Road Paint & Sculpt Out

• Rejoice and reflect with the 10th Indigenous Peoples’ Day

• Reconnect with your ancestors at the 5th annual Día de los Muertos

• Smell the roasted-chile-scented air and take some chile home with you!

Santa Fe’s Top 16 Must-Dos

Get the most out of your experience in Santa Fe!

>> CHILE

New Mexico is internationally known for its outstanding red and green chile! Experience the spicy flavors to say you’ve truly been here! But don’t be afraid of the heat. Your restaurant server will gladly steer you right when you order New Mexican fare.

>> EVENTS & MARKETS

To experience a Santa Fe event or market is to begin to understand the soul of The City Different. Try the International Folk Art, Indian, Spanish, or Contemporary Hispanic markets. Be one in the chanting crowd at the 102nd Burning of Zozobra, celebrate Native American culture during the 10th Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend, or honor your ancestors during the 5th Día de los Muertos or sing festive songs along the Christmas Eve Canyon Road Farolito Walk. santafe.org/must-see-events

>> FLAMENCO

Be wowed by The City Different’s flamenco scene, tracing its local fame back to renowned dancer from Taos, MarÍa BenÍtez. In intimate cabaret settings and on celebrated stages, you’ll find yourself moved by intensely expressive, elaborately costumed performances, born in Spain and enduring in Santa Fe.

>> GALLERIES

An incubator for creativity, The City Different hosts 250+ world-class galleries! Don your walking shoes for a day along Canyon Road, a half-mile stretch featuring more than 100 galleries ensconced in charming adobe homes. Round out your exploration in the downtown Plaza and contemporary Railyard and Baca arts districts. You’ll be treated to everything from the traditional to the abstract contemporary. santafe.org/galleries-and-studios

Entreflamenco

>> MEOW WOLF’S

HOUSE OF ETERNAL RETURN

Happy 10th anniversary to the original Meow Wolf location, where the intensely creative artist collective of the same name began lighting imaginations aflame. Immerse yourself in the interactive funhouse of 70+ connected rooms for a wild ride. meowwolf.com/visit/santa-fe

>> MUSEUMS

Clustered in and around the Plaza and Museum Hill, more than 20 important institutions include works of Indian art and culture, Georgia O’Keeffe, international folk art, the history and art of New Mexico, originals, and more. Newer to the must-do list is the Vladem Contemporary and the re-envisioned Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum. santafe.org/museums

Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return
Museum Hill

>> NATIVE AMERICAN PUEBLOS

New Mexico is home to 19 Pueblos, and eight are located just north of Santa Fe! Plan to attend a Pueblo Feast Day or Tribal Celebration to witness ceremonial dances, sample traditional foods, and learn more about the First Peoples’ customs and culture. Heed their etiquette and you are bound to have an enriching experience. santafe.org/pueblos

>> NORTHERN NEW MEXICO CUISINE

Santa Fe’s award-winning culinary scene emphasizes our Northern New Mexican cuisine, neither Tex, nor Mex, but a blend of Hispanic and Pueblo influences. Plot your tastebuds’ trip using the annual Santa Fe Menu Magazine, the official guide to dining in The City Different, to savor the hearty beans, fresh corn, spicy green and red chile sauces, and fluffy tortillas. santafe.org/dine

>> OUTDOOR RECREATION

Santa Fe offers a pleasant semiarid climate with ample opportunities to hike, bike, fish, ski, boat, golf, horseback ride, balloon, and explore ancient ruins. Located in the Southern Rocky Mountain chain in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, The City Different is just 4 miles from 1.6 million acres of coniferous National Forest. Come experience 320+ days of sunshine, four distinct seasons, brilliant blue skies, and some of the purest air in the world. santafe.org/outdoors

Pojoaque Pueblo
Diablo Canyon

>> SANTA FE FARMERS’ MARKET

Going strong for more than 50 years, the award-winning Santa Fe Farmers’ Market is a positive community event. Stroll down the brick promenade along the Railyard’s tracks among the more than 150 local farmers and vendors selling their fresh produce and products. Open Saturday mornings year-round and Tuesdays, May to December. santafefarmersmarket.com

>> SANTA FE OPERA

Every July and August, revel in the extraordinary performances of international operatic superstars in an only-in-Santa-Fe open-air opera house. Set in a peaceful, rugged landscape, the venue is an architectural wonder and every seat feels VIP. Since 1957, opera lovers come for the world-class productions by America’s premier opera festival. santafeopera.org

>> SANTA FE MARGARITA TRAIL

Choose from 50+ of the best 100% agave margaritas in the world along the Santa Fe Margarita Trail. Enjoy discounts, earn rewards, and learn the recipes at some of Santa Fe’s most popular restaurants and bars! Download the app or pick up a Passport at any TOURISM Santa Fe Visitor Information Center or participating restaurant/bar. Travel the Trail responsibly! santafemargaritatrail.com

Santa Fe Farmers’ Market
Santa Fe Opera

>> SANTA FE PLAZA

A National Historic Landmark, Santa Fe’s Plaza has stories to share via its architecture and design and also endures as the host for many of The City Different’s important cultural celebrations. Enjoy museums, shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings. And absolutely don’t miss the artwork in the Native American Artisans Portal Program at the Palace of the Governors.

>> SKY RAILWAY

Climb aboard a uniquely imagined adventure train, born of refurbished historic railcars, your ticket to a dozen different experiences along the tracks—cuisine, theater, flamenco, sunset serenades, jazz, craft beer and wine tasting, and more. Book before your arrival so you don’t miss out. skyrailway.com

>> SPAS, SOAKS, MASSAGES

The City Different is uniquely restorative, but don’t miss the chance to soak in a private tub at a Japanese-inspired bathhouse set high in the mountains or experience multiple spring-fed pools set on a pastoral 77-acre resort. Take advantage of a range of rejuvenating body treatments, too. Or luxuriate at your hotel’s spa! santafe.org/spa-and-wellness

>> WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Whether your interests lie in music, spirituality, photography, painting, sculpture, cuisine, glassblowing, writing, or drawing, you will find instruction here. And The City Different is the perfect place to learn something new, amid kindred, creative people in a peaceful high-elevation mountain setting. santafe.org/classes-and-workshops

Ten Thousand Waves
Sky Railway

Events & Markets

With Santa Fe’s long history, unique mix of cultures, and boundless creativity, we host dozens of events, markets, fiestas, and festivals each year. Check out the calendar on page 126 for even more!

Visual Arts

Come see more than 250 galleries, 20 museums, art markets, and immersive arts installations!

DIG INTO THE ART SCENE

Plan your visit during Santa Fe Art Week (santafe.org/artweek, July), where you can experience more than 100 happenings at some of Santa Fe’s most popular galleries, including Art Santa Fe ( redwoodartgroup.com/art-santa-fe , July) and the 22nd International Folk Art Market ( folkartmarket.org , July), where approximately 150+ master artists from more than 60 countries travel with their artwork to this vast and colorful bazaar.

Also in July is Contemporary Hispanic Market (contemporaryhispanicmarket.org) and Traditional Spanish Market (traditionalspanishmarket.org). And don’t miss the December Winter Spanish Market. Other options include pleinair-painting and sculpting artists who create a visual stir during Canyon Road’s Spring Art Festival (May) and October’s Paint & Sculpt Out (visitcanyonroad.com).

EXPLORE THE FUTURE OF ART

CURRENTS 2026 Art and Technology Festival (currentsnewmedia.org, June) offers immersive and expansive art experiences in new media for all ages.

GET UPCYCLED GIFTS

Check out the country’s largest and oldest recycled art market, Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival (recyclesantafe.org, November).

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS

SCAN to read the overview blog about local artist happenings.

September through November, show the local and regional Santa Fe artists some love during their studio tours. A not to miss is the Santa Fe Studio Tour (sfestudioart.com, September) in its 18th year. Also, juried local artisans present works at New Mexico Fine Arts & Crafts Guild (artsandcraftsguild.org, Summer).

Traditional Spanish Market traditionalspanishmarket.org 505.873.6035

Join us in Santa Fe for the Traditional Spanish Market, July 25-26, and Winter Spanish Market, Dec 5-6. Celebrate centuries-old traditions with art, food, and culture unique to New Mexico

Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival
Art Santa Fe

Cuisine Outdoors

TANTALIZE YOUR TASTE BUDS

Your vote matters when you sample dozens of tasty soups dreamt up by inspired local chefs to raise money to alleviate hunger at the Souper Bowl (thefooddepot.org, January). Make several reservations to experience all The City Different has to offer during Santa Fe Restaurant Week (nmrestaurantweek.com, March), savor snack-sized burgers to declare which is best at the Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown (ediblesmackdown.com, September).

BRING ON THE LOCAL WINE, SUDS & SPIRITS

Did you know that New Mexico is the oldest grape-growing region in the United States? Try domestic and international wines paired with local cuisine at the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta (santafewineandchile.org, September) or New Mexico wines at the Santa Fe Wine Festival, presented by El Rancho de las Golondrinas (golondrinas.org, July). Santa Fe’s also got you with New Mexico Brewers Guild’s WinterBrew (nmbeer.org, January), where more than a dozen regional craft beer creators offer their suds, Cocktails & Culture Festival, including TACO WARS (theliquidmuse.com, May), New Mexico Cocktail Week (nmcocktailweek.com, May & June), and El Rancho de las Golondrinas’ Santa Fe Beer and Food Festival, (golondrinas.org, August).

GET ACTIVE AND A BIT COMPETITIVE

The Santa Fe Striders hosts a half dozen events throughout the year, including the 6-kilometer Snow Shoe Classic at 9,500 feet in elevation in January and the Big Tesuque Trail Run in October (santafestriders.org/races), a 12-ish-mile race, beginning and ending at the golden-hued 10,000-foot Aspen Vista trailhead with a dizzying overall 2,000 feet of gain!

Regardless of your cycling prowess, consider signing up for the 40th annual Santa Fe Century Ride (santafecentury.com, May), offering several lengths and scenic courses that highlight the landscape of Northern New Mexico or the inaugural New Mexico True Singletrack (transrockies.com, September), a three-day staged race, presented by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. More of a runner? Try the 5th annual Santa Fe International Half Marathon (santafehalfmarathon.com September), whose rolling course takes you along Old Santa Fe Trail, landing you to celebrate with local cheer at Nuckoll’s Brewing Co. in the Railyard.

CHECK OUT THE WESTERN IN SOUTHWESTERN

Santa Fe hosts two rodeos at the city’s Southside neighborhood grounds: The 77th annual Rodeo de Santa Fe (rodeodesantafe.org, June) boasts action-packed performances of top PRCA rodeo athletes and top PRCA rodeo entertainment. And the 34th Zia Regional Rodeo (nmgra.org/rodeo, August) presents breakaway calf roping, team roping, barrel racing, flag race, pole bending, and the rough stock events of bull riding and steer riding. Check ‘em out!

Rodeo de Santa Fe
Big Tesuque summit

Culture/History

Santa Fe’s culture is born of many influences, beginning in 1050 when Native Americans lived on land that is now its Plaza and downtown. With the Spanish arrival, Santa Fe was founded and attracted all manner of travelers and settlers over the centuries.

CHECK OUT HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE

Check out the festivals at El Rancho de las Golondrinas (golondrinas.org, April–October), a 200-acre 18th and 19th century living history museum located on the Camino Real.

EXPLORE NATIVE & INDIGENOUS CULTURES

Consider a day trip to one of the Eight Northern Pueblos to experience a Pueblo Feast Day, dance or seasonal celebration ( indianpueblo.org And, running simultaneously in May, don’t miss the 2nd Native Fashion Week Santa Fe (nativefashionweeksantafe.com) and 3rd SWAIA Native Fashion Week (swaianativefashion.org), both of which feature Indigenous designers. Later that month, try the 2nd Native Elements Art Festival & Market (visitsfbg.org/native-elements), which celebrates Native land, plants, and people and features 160 Native American artists. In August, the 104th Santa Fe Indian Market (swaia.org) is the largest and most prestigious intertribal art market in the world; Winter Indian Market is in November. Just a few blocks away is the 8th Free Indian Market (freeindianmarket.org) featuring 600 Native artists in Federal Park. Another August event is the 48th Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show (whitehawkshows.com), a collection of American Indian and international tribal art. In October, take the long weekend for the 10th Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend (santafe.org/indigenouspeoplesday), celebrating the citizens and cultures of the 23 New Mexican Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos with a powwow, dancing, drumming, and singing on the Plaza. And check the lineup and schedule for the 5th IndigenousWays Festival (indigenousways.org), featuring Native and Indigenous performing artists.

DON’T MISS OTHER UNIQUE SANTA FE EVENTS

In June, celebrate our diverse and multicultural population at the 33rd Santa Fe PRIDE ( hrasantafe.org ), partying all month and culminating in a Parade. Kick off your Labor Day weekend with 60,000 others at the 102nd Burning of Zozobra burnzozobra.com), where the 50-foot-tall mythical monster of gloom is burned along with our woes in a highly choreographed performance. The 314th Fiesta de Santa Fe, celebrating Spanish heritage, arts, and crafts follows (santafefiesta.org). In October, honor our fellow ancestors at Día de los Muertos (santafe.org/dia-de-muertos) with festive mariachi music, boleros, signature Mexican foods, brightly colored masks, decorative skulls, and hundreds of marigolds! Christmas Eve, stroll with carolers on the Canyon Road Farolito Walk (farolitowalk.com) and stay for New Year’s Eve on the Plaza (santafe.org/nye)!

Readers of Newsweek

Magazine voted Santa Fe as the #6 “Best Christmas Town” in the US.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Performing Arts

Whether you’re looking for free live music, an elaborately orchestrated opera or a celebration of the cinematic arts, Santa Fe has you covered with world-class talent on our stages.

GET DOWN WITH CLASSICAL, ORCHESTRAL, AND CHAMBER MUSIC

See internationally known musicians and vocalists during the seasons presented by the following arts organizations:

New Mexico Performing Arts Society nmpas.org, throughout the year

Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival santafechambermusic.org, July & August

Santa Fe Desert Chorale desertchorale.org, July & August, December

Santa Fe Pro Musica sfpromusica.org, November–April

Santa Fe Symphony santafesymphony.org, September–May

Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble sfwe.org, December & April

PSYCHED TO BE A CINEPHILE

The City Different is one of the nation’s hottest destinations for making film and television (see page 104 to get the skinny). Major festivals present a series of award-winning films and offer networking opportunities, panels, and workshops.

Santa Fe Film Festival (santafefilmfestival.com, February)

Santa Fe International Film Festival (santafe.film, October) Santa Fe Jewish Film Festival (santafejff.org, throughout the year)

SING ALONG TO LIVE TUNES

Lensic 360’s Summer Scene (lensic360.org, May–August) presents FREE outdoor music performances and movies and the popular Blossoms & Bones Festival at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiú. New Mexico Jazz Festival (lensic.org/new-mexico-jazz-festival, September) brings

Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival

BE IN AWE AT THE OPERA

It’s a compact and rich summer season each year for the Santa Fe Opera (santafeopera.org, June–August) presenting internationally known operatic superstars in five performances at an architectural wonder of a venue. In its 69th year!

Get to know the Characters

A handful of theater companies present productions throughout the year, including Shakespeare in the Garden (santafebotanicalgarden.org July & August) and the 100+-year-old Santa Fe Playhouse ( santafeplayhouse.org ). The Last Dance of Billy the Kid (thelastdanceofbillythekid.com , August) makes its debut at the Alhambra Theater, Scottish Rite Temple. Visit theatresantafe.org for more.

CELEBRATE THE LITERATI

The inaugural Santa Fe Magazine Festival (santafemagazine.co/festival, June) kicks off with exclusive interviews, headliner concerts, world-class standup, thought leader roundtables, art tours, and VIP dinners. The 5th annual Santa Fe International Literary Festival (sfinternationallitfest.org, May) is your chance to hear from world-renowned authors and thinkers, including some beloved locals.

Santa Fe International Film Festival santafe.film 505.397.0371

The Academy Award®-qualifying Santa Fe International Film Festival (SFiFF) is a spectacular event for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. SFiFF presents more than 200 new independent and international films and more than 150 visiting filmmakers from October 14-19, 2026.

Santa Fe Opera, Die Walküre
Amy Tan in conversation with Kathleen McCleery at the 2025 Santa Fe International Literary Festival.
Photo by Tira Howard.
Alhambra Theater, Scottish Rite Temple

Gather Your Crew for

a Guys’ Getaway

vibe in Santa Fe’s outdoor mecca

Four miles from the historic Santa Fe Plaza, find 1.6 million acres of National Forest. With the help of the city’s Blue Bus transport, get a trailhead dropoff and mountain bike for hours. OR slap on the boards and hit Ski Santa Fe, topping out at 12,075 with fluffy snow on 90 trails. OR venture to the Rio Grande and Pecos rivers for some fly fishing. OR play a round at Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe, just 8 miles from downtown. santafe.org/outdoors

take your tastebuds for a ride

Saying “Yes” to Northern New Mexican cuisine means saying “Yes!” to chile, be it red or green or Christmas. Try it all—enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, chile rellenos, frito pies, tamales, and more. santafe.org/dine

sample crafted suds & spirits

Imbibing is some of the glue that affirms dude friendships, so lucky for y’all, Santa Fe is an adult craft beverage goldmine. santafe.org/dine/breweries-and-taprooms

groove on the capital’s live music scene

Post dinner, step out into the clear, starry night and find a cool live music scene. The City Different is proud of its share of local talent, however often draws national acts to venues that feel intimate, yet full of fun. Most neighborhoods deliver something singularly special—check out Canyon Road, the Plaza, the Railyard, Midtown & the Siler Rufina District, and the Southside. For FREE outdoor music June–August and year-round performances, visit lensic360.org; santafe.org/nightlife

work out the kinks

The underlying goal of any vacay, even one spent with your dudes, is to relax, so take advantage of Santa Fe’s super chill nurturing vibe with a professional massage or a rejuvenating soak in outdoor hot springs. Just minutes from the Plaza, choose from Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-inspired bathhouse set high in the mountains or experience multiple spring-fed pools set on a pastoral 77-acre spa resort at Ojo Santa Fe. santafe.org/spa-and-wellness

Where Mountain Ambiance Meets Comfort & Style. Stay in elegant, fully equipped private vacation rentals with stunning views, tranquil vibes, and thoughtful upgrades—all with direct access to the very best of award-winning Santa Fe and beyond.

Ten Thousand Waves

Gather YourBesties for a Gals’ Getaway!

luxuriate at seriously unique spas

Self care in Santa Fe takes a different spin with gorgeous outdoor soaking pools at Ten Thousand Waves ensconced in a mountain piñon-and-juniper setting or the springfed hot springs at Ojo Santa Fe, spread out on 77 pastoral acres. Skilled practitioners deliver intriguing treatments, like a Signature Japanese Shiatsu or a Blue Corn, Prickly Pear Sea Salt Scrub. Your hotel may offer its very own special spa experience, so be sure to ask. santafe.org/spa-and-wellness

shop for cool Southwestern style

Our Santa Fe Style represents an exciting cultural mashup: Adopt the look of our ancient Native American and centuries-old Hispanic heritage, our rugged Southwestern living, and our cowboy and cowgirl ethos with couture pieces like denim, turquoise, bandanas, Navajo broom skirts, Native-patterned shirts, 10-gallon or wide-brim hats, snakeskin or cowhide boots, bolo ties, and ponchos. While you’re here, get the look!

be art curious with countless, inspiring excursions & tours

Lucky for your crew Santa Fe is the 3rd largest art market in the U.S. It could require a lifetime to explore our 250+ galleries, 20 museums, and dozens of art markets, so just take one small step on your first trip. Canyon Road’s 100 galleries along a tree-lined half-mile are a great place to start and so are the 4 museums, plus the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, on Museum Hill. And don’t miss out on the art of the midcentury grande dame herself—Georgia O’Keeffe, whose new museum opens in 2027. Book a guided tour. santafe.org/visual-arts

capture the award-winning cuisine for Instagram

Of course, you are here for the chile and you’ll soon answer “Red, Green, or Christmas?” with utter confidence, but you ought to also be here to sample modern fusion options and diverse cuisine from around the globe. Surprising for this small capital city, there are hundreds of one-of-a-kind, locally owned restaurants and many make headlines! In fact, the only AAA Four Diamond restaurants in New Mexico are right here in The City Different and dozens of chefs have been nominated for the James Beard Foundation “Best Chef of the Southwest” awards. santafe.org/dine

gab over locally crafted wine and margaritas!

Did you know New Mexico is home to the oldest wine-growing region in the nation! We’re talking as far back as 1629, 50 years before the first vines were planted in California! That certainly deserves your sipping attention! Also, The City Different is in its 10th year of hosting the Santa Fe Margarita Trail. santafemargaritatrail.com

Back at the Ranch

Top 6 Neighborhoods of Santa Fe

Walk The City Different to take in the character of all of its unique neighborhoods. Explore historic architecture along quaint alleyways, contemporary retail and progressive public spaces, and emerging pockets for art, cuisine, and culture.

Canyon Road

world-class galleries & charming boutiques Find the heart of Santa Fe’s gallery scene and the highest density of galleries in the U.S. (100+) along a half-mile stretch. The charming adobe buildings host pieces ranging from contemporary to traditional, Western to Native American to abstract.

TOO GOOD TO MISS

Art Events: Meet dozens of artists working in every imaginable medium as they demonstrate their creative processes at both May’s Spring Art Festival and October’s Paint & Sculpt Out. Stroll the family-friendly and festive Canyon Road Summer Walk to enjoy live music, food, and community. visitcanyonroad.com

Award-Winning Restaurants: There are many restaurants in Santa Fe, and you can find two award winners on Canyon Road. Over its 30 years, Geronimo with its global eclectic menu holds many high honors, including a AAA Four Diamond Award. Or try The Compound, a contemporary American menu with Mediterranean influences, owned and operated by Chef Mark Kiffin, winner of the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef of the Southwest 2005. santafe.org/dine

Canyon Road Farolito Walk: Be a part of a holiday tradition years in the making! Stroll with hundreds of carolers on the Canyon Road Farolito Walk on Christmas Eve. The “little lanterns” light your way, and you are welcome to warm up around any small piñon bonfire and sing along with others. farolitowalk.com

The Historic Santa Fe Foundation: Here, they preserve, protect, and promote the historic properties and diverse cultural heritage of Santa Fe. Thumb through images and archives, and meander the colorful garden, dating back to the 1890s. historicsantafe.org

Thomas-Carole Bowker Fine Art and Studios 121 Camino Escondido | tcbowkerfineart.com tcbowker4345@comcast.net | 505.670.9289

Thomas and Carole’s unique studios blend with their adjoining gallery, showcasing contemporary art and art inspired by northern New Mexico. Their fresh collection includes stone and mixed media sculpture, paintings, pastels, ceramics and designer jewelry. Located in the Canyon Road Arts District.

Paint & Sculpt Out

Plaza & Downtown

history, shopping & bustle

Spend some time in the original city center and the 416-year-old Plaza! Downtown Santa Fe is full of stories and classic architecture, much of which is now inhabited by eclectic restaurants, galleries, boutiques, bookstores, museums, and world-class hotels.

TOO GOOD TO MISS

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum:

A testament to the 20th century artist’s enchantment with Northern New Mexico, and Santa Fe’s with her. The collections include nearly 150 paintings, hundreds of works on paper, personal property, and a significant archive. In 2027, expect a new O’Keeffe campus. gokm.org

Discover Santa Fe Food Market (coming mid-2026): an inspired food hall with great convenience for the weary museum goer. Grab a bite from some of the top culinary purveyors in the state at this super stylish spot! heritagerec.com/properties/santa-fe-food-market

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts: Home to the largest collection (10,000 pieces) of contemporary Indigenous artworks in the world. iaia.edu/mocna

New Mexico Museum of Art: Opened in 1917, the state’s first building dedicated to art is considered a masterpiece of PuebloRevival architecture housing 20,000 works of American and European art, including a collection from artists working in the Southwest. nmartmuseum.org

Palace of the Governors

& New Mexico History Museum: At 415 years old, this Spanish-Pueblo-style edifice was the original seat of the colonial Spanish administration and now home to the New Mexico History Museum. Shop the Native American Artisans Portal Program. nmhistorymuseum.org

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: Franciscan friars built the first church on this site at the time of the city’s founding in 1610. It was rebuilt in 1714, after the Pueblo Revolt, and named in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Santa Fe. cbsfa.org

The Loretto Chapel and the Miraculous Staircase: Named after the Sisters of Loretto who, in 1878, completed the Gothic-Revival-style chapel. The glorious edifice is famed for a must-see miraculous spiral staircase. lorettochapel.com/staircase

The Oldest Church and The Oldest House: The Oldest Church was originally constructed in the early 1600s by Spanish-allied Indigenous Tlascalans from Mexico, but the present adobe dates from 1710. Across the street, tour The Oldest House, dating from the 1600s. It’s now a museum and Indian Shop. sanmiguelchapelsantafe.org; oldesthousesantafe.com

Located two blocks from the downtown plaza, Inn of the Governors’ complimentary amenities include breakfast, parking, a sherry social hour, wi-fi, and an outdoor heated pool. Book directly with us and receive a $15 daily credit to our Del Charro Saloon. Inn of the Governors 101 W Alameda Street innofthegovernors.com | 505.982.4333

@sjescue

Southside

food trucks, golf & rodeo

Find pockets of residential neighborhoods and grassy community parks amid outlet stores, national chains, lodging, and family-friendly restaurants. The neighborhood’s main artery, Cerrillos Road, a part of which was Route 66, connects downtown Santa Fe to the Southside and beyond, linking the city to the artist communities of Cerrillos and Madrid on the Turquoise Trail.

TOO GOOD TO MISS

Airport Road: Leading to the Santa Fe Regional Airport, serviced by American and United airlines, this is also an excellent spot if you seek some culinary variety. It’s teeming with food trucks (santafe.org/food-trucks) and Mexican restaurants, and it’s home to the second location of El Paisano Supermarket (elpaisanosupermarkets. net), stocked with a variety of Latin American groceries, a full service carniceria, fresh, onsitemade tortillas, and homestyle tamales. During the fall, get your roasted green chile here.

Craft Beer, Live Music, History, and Relaxation: Check out this nexus of activity at State Roads 599 and 14, aka Turquoise Trail. Take a tour or enjoy an event at the 18th and 19th living history museum of El Rancho de las Golondrinas (golondrinas.org), then just down the road, a soak or a treatment at Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort (ojosparesorts.com), followed by a 10-minute drive to Santa Fe Brewing Company (santafebrewing.com) headquarters for some great bar food, craft beer, and live music.

Genoveva Community Chavez Center The City Different’s largest recreation center is a one-stop location for most indoor sports you can imagine. Ice skate, swim, lift weights, take fitness classes, play pickleball or racquetball or basketball. Stay fit while you are visiting! Day rates. santafenm. gov/community-services/recreation/genovevachavez-community-center-gccc

Play golf! Two great courses grace the expansive Southside. Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe (linksdesantafe.com) is at the top of the mustplay list with their 18-hole Championship Course or their legendary mini executive course called the “Great 28.” Another option is Santa Fe Country Club (santafecountryclub.com), a semi-private golf facility with an 18-hole championship course.

Reunity Resources This community farm sells its very own produce as well as 100+ New Mexico-made local products and ready-made items. Visit in the summer during their busy growing season when they support dozens of events, including live concerts. reunityresources.com

Rodeo Grounds/Santa Fe County Fairgrounds:

In June, consider the 77th Rodeo de Santa Fe (rodeodesantafe.org), which remains one of the top 60 PRCA Rodeos in the nation. In August, consider the second-largest LGBTQ event, the 34th Zia Regional Rodeo (nmgra.org), with its Wild Drag Race, or the Santa Fe County Fair (santafecountynm. gov/community-services/fair), complete with 4-H and agricultural and floricultural entries.

Santa Fe Place Mall: Time your visit for the June carnival or the live concert and fireworks display on the 4th of July. Otherwise, this is a perfect spot for some excellent department store and big brand shopping or the LiggettVille Adventure Center, where your kids can swing from the ropes and navigate an obstacle course in the air amid a food court. santafeplacemall.com

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Midtown & Siler Rufina District

exciting maker vibe

From industrial roots still visible today, the Siler Rufina District has grown into a hub of art, theater, tech, and design. Burgeoning as a place to play night and day, this neighborhood is dynamic!

TOO GOOD TO MISS

Food & Fun: In addition to good suds, Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery crafts some fun cocktails with their very own spirits, sports a food truck on their patio, and boasts a diverse live music scene! Same with Second Street Brewery’s Rufina Taproom, whose sister restaurant is in the Railyard. Other spots include Rowley’s Farmhouse, where they specialize in rustic farmhouse and sour ales; Escondido, a breezy, upscale restaurant with a rooftop area, offering a fusion of foods from Coastal, Central, and Northern Mexico; Unit B by Chocolate Maven, an intimate, dinner theater performance space; and Keeping Together Brewery and Beverage Garden, housed in a repurposed greenhouse. santafe.org/dine

Jackalope: Established in 1976, and one of only two like it, this vast open air marketplace of eclectic rugs, home decor, pottery, fountains, novelties, and more is worth a visit! Don’t miss Prairie Dog Glass, where you can create your very own glass art. jackalope.com

Lena Street: This tucked-away maker neighborhood is benevolently ruled by innovation, creativity, hip lofts, and sustainable retail spaces. Find exquisite ceramics, plants, and art and artifacts from around the world and sate your tastebuds at various joints, offering onsite-roasted coffee, bento boxes, and bread. First Saturdays in the summer are a big, buzzy draw. lenastreetlofts.com

Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return : The original Meow Wolf is here and 10 years young! Experience this interactive 70+-room journey to discover just what happened to the Selig-Pastore family. Speaking of family, the Rainbow Rainbow Room hosts free arts & crafts hours for the kids. For the grownups, there’s Float Cafe & Bar and concerts in Fancy Town. meowwolf.com/visit/santa-fe

Prescott Studio: Visit Fredrick Prescott’s 5,000-square-foot gallery and 1.5-acre sculpture garden for a real treat. With a wildly colorful palette, Prescott creates monumental (some up to 10 feet tall) steel kinetic animal sculptures. You are free to look in awe! prescottstudio.com

Performing Arts: Teatro Paraguas ( teatroparaguasnm.org ) is on a mission to support community performing and literary arts with bilingual productions at their 55-seat theater. Check out what’s on tap at the New Mexico Actors Lab and the International Shakespeare Center. More at this roundup: theatresantafe.org

Keeping Together Brewery and Beverage Garden
Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return

USA TODAY’s 10BEST ranked the Santa Fe Railyard Arts District #7 for “Best Art Districts” in 2025

Railyard & Guadalupe Districts

liveliness & contemporary art

Contemporary lofts, galleries, and museums mark the neighboring Railyard, Baca Street, and Guadalupe districts into one evolving popular spot.

TOO GOOD TO MISS

Baca District: Access this renewed, former industrial area via the charming and urban Acequia Trail at the end of Railyard Park. In a short mile, check out the bustling Baca Street District to enjoy shops, contemporary retail outlets, furniture showrooms, artist live-work spaces and galleries, glass blowing studios, and eateries. railyardsantafe.com/baca-district

El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe: At this expansive center of Hispanic culture and learning, walk the gallery and exhibition space and perhaps catch an event at the 200-seat theater. Their weekend arts and culture market supports 50+ vendors, inviting visitors to “travel through history and the world without leaving the Railyard.” elmuseocultural.org

Farmers’ Market/Railyard Park:

Purchase produce from more than 150 vendors year-round on Saturdays and Tuesdays, May–September in the Railyard Plaza, also a hopping spot for live music in the summer. Follow the tracks to the South for the 10-acre Railyard Park—picnic or roam along the many trails in the community gardens. santafefarmersmarket.com; railyardpark.org

Brewing Co.

Local Artists Markets: Recognized internationally as a top art market in the United States, Santa Fe has a long tradition of celebrating local artists’ creative life and process. Come meet and buy fine arts and crafts from local creators at the Santa Fe Artists Market, Saturdays, 9 am–2 pm and the Railyard Artisan Market, Sundays, 10 am–3 pm. santafefarmersmarkets.com/railyard-artisan-market; santafeartistsmarket.com

New Eats This lively neighborhood just got tastier by welcoming two ends of the gastronomic spectrum—Steam & Smoke BBQ and restaurant and cocktail lounge Gatsby’s. Check ‘em out! steamsmokebbq.com; gatsbysnm.com

New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary: Vladem Contemporary, born of a former warehouse, is the destination for contemporary art in the American Southwest. Go see Lucy R. Lippard: Notes from the Radical Whirlwind through August 2026. nmartmuseum.org/vladem-contemporary

SITE Santa Fe: You can’t miss the proud contemporary bow of SITE Santa Fe, established in 1995 to “connect the vibrant cultural life of Santa Fe and its diverse communities with the global art world.” Free admission. sitesantafe.org

Sky Railway: Hop aboard the refurbished rail cars for adventures originating at the historic Santa Fe Depot, constructed in 1909 and recently restored. Enter the Depot to purchase your tickets and buy merchandise. skyrailway.com

Remix Audio Bar Coffee House & Ramen 222 N Guadalupe Street mxaudiobar.com | 505.803.7949

Remix Audio Bar blends coffee, ramen and DJ culture in a zeroproof listening lounge. Voted “Best Espresso Bar in Downtown Santa Fe” and “Best Ramen Ever Tasted” by SFR. It’s a creative hub offering vinyl vibes, craft drinks, and DJ school energy in historic downtown Santa Fe.

Nuckolls

Museum Hill

diverse art collections & views

Home to four world-class museums, as well as the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, Museum Hill is a must-experience destination and itself a public sculpture garden. Plan to enjoy lunch at Weldon’s Museum Hill Cafe.

TOO GOOD TO MISS

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture:

Home to more than 70,000 artifacts of the Native Southwest, with a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and textiles. Through June 2028, see the 600-piece exhibit from the collection titled Here, Now and Always indianartsandculture.org

Museum of International Folk Art: This family-friendly collection of 130,000 objects, including toys and textiles from more than 100 countries, represents the largest international folk art collection in the world. Check out the full wing dedicated to miniature dioramas from the collection of architect and designer Alexander Girard. Through December 2026, see Truths Be Told: Artists Activate Traditions internationalfolkart.org

Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum:

The Spanish Colonial Arts Society formed in 1925, and swiftly began amassing art, but only in 2002 did it open the former Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, where visitors now will find scores of bultos, retablos, paintings, and fiber arts on display, all housed in a striking example of the Spanish Colonial architecture. nmheritagearts.org

Nuevo Mexican Heritage Arts Museum

Santa Fe Botanical Garden: This more than 20-acre oasis teems with natural flora and fauna native to the Northern New Mexico landscape. Weave and wend your way through the xeric, orchard, and meadow gardens, as well as the piñon-juniper woodland area along paths embellished with sculpted works of art. In the summer, be sure to check out Shakespeare in the Garden and the Sunset Concert Series. santafebotanicalgarden.org

Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian:

Founded in 1937 and born of a friendship between Mary Cabot Wheelwright and Hastiin Klah, an esteemed and influential Navajo singer, Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian has evolved to hold approximately 11,000 items of the Navajo, Rio Grande Pueblo, and other Native peoples of New Mexico. The exhibitions are housed in an eight-sided building, a nod to the traditional Hogan homes. Check out the Case Trading Post museum shop. wheelwright.org

Santa Fe is the

first U.S. city designated a UNESCO Creative City for its innovation, investment, and community in a range of arts and creative endeavors.

Come see Santa Fe’s galleries, museums, art markets, & immersive arts

MUSEUMS

Explore 20 museums, clustered in and around the downtown Plaza, the Railyard, and Museum Hill, representing our rich culture, our long history, and our dynamic, innovative interests. santafe.org/museums

Plaza Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: Do not miss this multiroom tribute and gift shop, dedicated to our iconic mid-century artist. A new 54,000square-foot museum space coming in 2027 will exhibit more of the collection, plus a Learning & Engagement Center!

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts: Home to the largest collection of contemporary Native art in the world, in connection with the Institute of American Indian Arts.

New Mexico Museum of Art: Opened in 1917, the state’s first building dedicated to art. Note the Pueblo-Revival architecture.

Palace of the Governors at the New Mexico History Museum: The original seat of the colonial Spanish administration, where exhibitions span the history of Indigenous people, Spanish colonization, the Mexican Period, as well as travel and commerce on the legendary Santa Fe Trail.

Railyard

Explore the Vladem Contemporary, a second location for the New Mexico Museum of Art, SITE Santa Fe, showcasing ever-changing installations by emerging artists, and El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe, devoted to celebrating and promoting local culture and traditions.

MuseumHill

Just a five-minute drive from downtown, take in 360-degree views as well as the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art, the Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. Lunch at Weldon’s Museum Hill Cafe and a meander around the sculptures and flora at nearby Santa Fe Botanical Garden round out your day.

GALLERIES

The City Different is a unique destination of 250+ world-class galleries! And there are four primary neighborhoods to explore santafe.org/galleries-and-studios

Canyon Road: A half-mile stretch of more than 100 galleries in charming adobe homes, featuring sculpture, paintings, photography, pottery, and textiles. Enjoy boutiques and award-winning restaurants, too.

Downtown Plaza: Inviting galleries, shops, and restaurants surround the Plaza, including the Santa Fe Community Gallery, located at the Convention Center, which presents dynamic local artists’ exhibitions.

Railyard Arts District: Home to many contemporary galleries that enliven industrial warehouse-style spaces and line bustling Guadalupe Street. All are in close proximity to the must-experience Santa Fe Farmers’ Market.

The SFXL district: Make time for the expansive art scene South and West of downtown: the edgy and emerging Baca Street District, the tucked-away, hyper-creative Lena Stree t, and the innovators in the Midtown and Siler Rufina District, including Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return.

Canyon Road

IMMERSIVE ARTS

Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return: The original Meow Wolf is right here in The City Different’s innovative Siler Rufina District, thanks to the eponymous Santa Fe-based arts collective that impressed Game of Thrones’ creator George R.R. Martin with their creativity. Experience this interactive 70+-room journey. Bring the kids to the Rainbow Rainbow Room, which hosts free arts and crafts hours. For the grownups, Float Cafe & Bar and fun concerts at Fancy Town.

Sky Railway: A must: Game of Thrones’ George R.R. Martin’s scenic adventure train, offering culinary, theatrical, boozy, and child-centered experiences on rails. Book in advance!

LOCAL & REGIONAL ART MARKETS

The City Different is a world-class city for art and our local artists and artisans are part of the reason. For a taste, check out Saturdays at the Santa Fe Artists Market and Sundays at the Railyard Artisan Market, both held in the Railyard. And in May, July, and September, meet the local and regional makers at the Northern New Mexico Fine Arts and Crafts Guild, held in downtown’s Cathedral Park. And don’t miss the Santa Fe Studio Tour, held in June, where you can visit artists in their working environments

Summer Art Markets

SCAN for a short video that shares Santa Fe’s devotion to the visual arts.

Santa Fe’s annual art markets—Traditional Spanish Market , Contemporary Hispanic Market , and Santa Fe Indian Market transform downtown into a lively labyrinth of pop-up tents, vendors, and patrons. In the Railyard, the International Folk Art Market is a multi-day affair that showcases the work, music, and cuisine of 150 artists from 60 countries. And don’t miss Art Santa Fe and the Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show at the Community Convention Center.

Santa Fe Art Tours is the go-to for curious minds seeking compelling experiences with art. On our expert-led tours, you’re guaranteed to see fascinating artwork and connect with local history. For a 10% discount, enter promo code SF10 at checkout.

Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return
International Folk Art Market

Year-round

February

The Santa Fe Film Festival santafefilmfestival.com

May

SWAIA Native Fashion Week swaianativefashion.org

Native Fashion Week Santa Fe nativefashionweeksantafe.com

Santa Fe International Literary Festival sfinternationallitfest.org

Native Elements Art Festival & Market visitsfbg.org/native-elements

Northern New Mexico Fine Arts and Crafts Guild artsandcraftsguild.org

Studio Tour in El Rito

June

Santa Fe Magazine Festival santafemagazine.co/festival

CURRENTS 2026 Arts & Technology Festival currentsnewmedia.org

Old West & Native American Art oldwestevents.com

July

International Folk Art Market folkartmarket.org

Santa Fe Art Week santafe.org/artweek

Art Santa Fe artsantafe.com

Traditional Spanish Market traditionalspanishmarket.org

Contemporary Hispanic Market contemporaryhispanicmarket.org

Northern New Mexico Fine Arts and Crafts Guild artsandcraftsguild.org

New Mexico Capitol Art Collection nmcapitolart.com

Santa Fe Jewish Film Festival santafejff.org

August

48th Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show whitehawkshows.com

104th Santa Fe Indian Market swaia.org

8th Free Indian Market freeindianmarket.org

September

Santa Fe Fiesta Fine Arts & Crafts Market santafefiesta.org

El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe elmuseocultural.org

Northern New Mexico Fine Arts and Crafts Guild artsandcraftsguild.org

Santa Fe Studio Tour sfestudioart.com

Studio Tours in Pecos, Pojoaque, and Taos

October

Santa Fe International Film Festival santafe.film

Studio Tours in Abiquiú, Galisteo, Eldorado

November

Studio Tour in Dixon

Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival recyclesantafe.org

Review Santa Fe Photo Festival visitcenter.org

Santa Fe Winter Indian Market swaia.org

December

Winter Spanish Market traditionalspanishmarket.org

Venues

Built in 1931, the historic Lensic Performing Arts Center , an 800-capacity SpanishMoorish-style theater just off the Plaza, hosts everything from the symphony to dance to movie nights. Other large performance venues include the 450-seat St. Francis Auditorium at the New Mexico Museum of Art and the 400-seat James A. Little Theater on the New Mexico School for the Deaf campus.

Circus Arts

Wise Fool New Mexico: Throughout the year, the local circus troupe awes audiences with its socially conscious performances. wisefoolnewmexico.org

Theater

Theatre Santa Fe has the lowdown on the 20-plus local theater companies, offering everything from Shakespeare to contemporary productions. And each summer, William Shakespeare’s prose and poetry come alive in the Santa Fe Botanical Garden’ Ojos y Manos: Eyes and Hands amphitheater. theatresantafe.org; santafebotanicalgarden.org

The Exodus Ensemble is an immersive theater company whose original performances thrust audiences into an experiential scenario, making them the epicenter of the story. Expect intimate audiences, mature content, and free tickets. exodusensemble.com

New in August 2026, Tumbleweed Ranch Productions presents its first annual The Last Dance of Billy the Kid—a stunning multimedia fusion of theater, film, music, and dance at Santa Fe’s historic Alhambra Theater. The untold 1881 love story of Billy the Kid and Paulita Maxwell unfolds amid a multicultural convergence on New Mexico’s frontier, where outlaws, lawmen, and dreamers collide. thelastdanceofbillythekid.com

Opera & More

Santa Fe Opera: Featuring stunning views, the open-air Santa Fe Opera presents world-class performances in an architectural wonder of a building, set in a peaceful and rugged landscape. There’s not a bad seat in the house! Plan your trip to catch the 2026 season: Madama Butterfly, The Magic Flute, Eugene Onegin, Rodelinda, and Lili Elbe . Nationally renowned band concert performances show through September. santafeopera.org

Lensic Performing Arts Center
Something Rotten, Santa Fe Playhouse
Santa Fe Opera, Rigoletto

Classical, Orchestral, Chamber Music

There is no shortage of organizations presenting music in The City Different throughout the year! Internationally known musicians and vocalists grace Santa Fe stages.

New Mexico Performing Arts Society nmpas.org

Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival santafechambermusic.org

Santa Fe Desert Chorale desertchorale.org

Santa Fe Pro Musica sfpromusica.org

Santa Fe Symphony santafesymphony.org

Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble sfwe.org

Live Music

Find something to groove to most every night of the week! Venues range from club scenes to intimate hotel bars to more grandiose spots like the Santa Fe Opera, the Lensic Performing Arts Center, and SITE Santa Fe.

June–August, Lensic 360 presents the Santa Fe Summer Scene (lensic360.org)—free, live music and family-friendly movies!

Downtown Plaza: Join the locals for an evening series in the gazebo offering the best of local and national talent—from jazz to bluegrass to rock ’n’ roll.

Railyard Plaza: Listen and dance while drinking and eating from one of the many food trucks or at one of the neighborhood’s restaurants or bars.

Railyard Park: Bring the kids, a blanket, and a picnic for the family-friendly movie series at the grassy park.

SWAN Park or Reunity Resources: These are true family-friendly bring-your-picnic concert experiences.

Other great summer events

• Santa Fe Botanical Garden: Sunset Concert Series in the amphitheater

• Abiquiú: Blossoms & Bones Ghost Ranch Music Festival, Ghost Ranch

• Albuquerque & Santa Fe: New Mexico Jazz Festival, various venues

• Los Alamos: Los Alamos Summer Concert Series, Ashley Pond Park

• Taos: Taos Summer Music, Kit Carson Park

Santa Fe Desert Chorale
Santa Fe Summer Scene
Sunset Concert Series, Santa Fe Botanical Garden
SCAN for a short video that celebrates the passion Santa Fe has for the performing arts.

Santa Fe

Venues & Experiences

Flamenco Capital of the Southwest

Experience the five generations of passionate heritage that began with Vicente Griego and María Benítez!

El Flamenco Cabaret

with Compañía Entreflamenco entreflamenco.com; 505.209.1302 ongoing performances; check for availability

The company Entreflamenco (a 2017 Santa Fe Mayor’s Arts Award winner) is led by 2022 NYC Bessie Award nominee Antonio Granjero (for his outstanding performance at The Joyce Theater), originally from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and Estefanía Ramirez. The artistic duo own and operate El Flamenco Cabaret, Santa Fe’s only venue dedicated 100% to flamenco, where they direct, produce, and star in the shows. In an intimate setting, savor à la carte Spanish cuisine and wines and be captivated by flamenco performances that feature and celebrate guest artists from Spain, including Juan Jose Alba.

EmiArteFlamenco

emiarteflamenco.com; 505.660.9122 special performance runs in Summer, Fall, and in December

Virtually born into flamenco, native New Mexican La Emi was first exposed to the raw emotion of the art form while in utero. It was a family affair to attend the María Benítez Cabaret shows, where her father worked the box office. At the age of four, La Emi began taking classes with Benítez and as a high schooler began teaching for her. Since 2014, EmiArteFlamenco has spellbound audiences with a rotating cast of talented musicians and dancers of various genres from New Mexico and beyond, including singer Vicente Griego and his rumba Flamenca band, ReVóZo. La Emi collaborates with top choreographers to create her shows, including Eloy Aguilar from Granada and Gala Vivancos from Madrid, with whom she studies in Spain.

• Nicolasa Chávez is Serenata Flamenca on Sky Railway (skyrailway.com/calendar; 844.743.3759)

• Compañia Chuscales y Mina Fajardo appear at Teatro Paraguas and El Rancho de las Golondrinas festivals (minafajardo.com; 505.310.5455)

• Casa Flamenca dancer Carmen Montes “La Chispa” and guitarist virtuoso Juani de la Isla perform during the summer (casaflamenca.org; 505.247.0622)

SPA & Wellness

Renew your mind, body, and soul in The City Different!

TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME BODYWORK

There’s no quicker way to relax than with a body treatment, such as shiatsu, salt glow, craniosacral, smudging ceremonies, CBD body wraps, chakra balancing, acupuncture, deep tissue work, float and infrared sauna therapies, aromatherapy, Japanese, Himalayan, Swedish, and Ayurvedic techniques. Santa Fe is home to dozens of private practice therapists, as well as skilled practitioners at resorts and hotels with in-house spas. santafe.org/spa-and-wellness

SOAK YOUR BONES IN HEALING WATER

Soothe your muscles after hiking, skiing, or cycling in The City Different. A soak in natural mineral hot springs has a magical power to heal and rejuvenate. Ten Thousand Waves, Ojo Santa Fe, Ojo Caliente, and Jemez Hot Springs offer communal and private soaking options, and all are within easy, scenic driving distance. Or check with your local lodging— many have spa and sauna services onsite. santafe.org/spa

TRY A MOVEMENT CLASS

After an active day trip, or a sporty day out on the trail, stretch and invigorate your limbs at one of The City Different’s many yoga and dance studios. From beginner to advanced, vinyasa to kundalini to ashtanga, Nia to Pilates, cardio to hip-hop, Santa Fe offers a range of classes throughout the day taught by highly accredited instructors. santafe.org/fitness

CONTEMPLATE & MEDITATE

Long recognized as a place of spiritual awareness and awakening, The City Different offers multiple meditation and healing retreats and workshops in a variety of disciplines and practices year-round. You might find that muchneeded slumber comes easily in our slow-paced, small community. Or amble up to a mountain perch for expansive, azure sky vistas and find a spot to sit in the fragrant piñon trees and breathe deeply—inner peace awaits you! santafe.org/spirituality

ATTRACTIONS

Bataan Memorial

Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis

Cross of the Martyrs

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Lensic Performing Arts Center

Loretto Chapel

IAIA Museum of Contemporary

Native Arts

New Mexico History Museum

New Mexico Museum of Art

New Mexico School for the Arts

Oldest House

Palace of the Governors

San Miguel Chapel

Santa Fe Opera

Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe Railyard

Santuario de Guadalupe

Sky Railway

Vladem Contemporary

Art Museum

HOTELS

Drury Plaza

Eldorado Hotel El Sendero Inn

Santa Fe

Hotel Chimayo

Hotel Flora

Hotel Glorieta

Hotel Santa Fe

Hotel St. Francis

Inn & Spa at Loretto

Inn of the Governors

Inn on the Alameda

La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa

La Fonda on the Plaza

Las Palomas Inn

Palace Modern Hotel

Piñon Court

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

The Sage Hotel

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS

Plaza Visitor Information Center

Paso de Luz, 66 E. San Francisco St

Santa Fe Community Convention Center

201 W. Marcy Street

Railyard Visitor Information Center

Santa Fe Depot Water Street

Visitor Information Center 100 E. Water St

State Visitor Center 491 Old Santa Fe Trail

Santa Fe’s

culinary scene is a gastronomic epicenter in the Southwest with hundreds of one-of-a-kind, locally owned restaurants to choose from.

Sazón is ranked at #2 in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice list of the Best Fine Dining Restaurants in the United States.

Chefs & Restaurants

Beyond endless dishes that feature red and green chile, our very popular resident heat and spice, you can sample modern fusion options and diverse cuisine from around the globe. You can also find classic steakhouses, cozy brew and gastro pubs, eateries specializing in mouthwatering BBQ, fresh seafood, and delicious dining options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free eaters.

Additionally, Santa Fe is home to the only AAA Four Diamond restaurants in the state of New Mexico—Geronimo on Canyon Road, Sazón near the Plaza, and Terra at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado.

The City Different also boasts several chefs who have been nominated for the James Beard Foundation “Best Chef of the Southwest” awards, with Chef/Owner Mark Kiffin of the Compound Restaurant (in 2005) and Chef/Owner Fernando Olea of Sazón (in 2022) receiving top honors. In 2024, the Compound was a finalist in the Outstanding Restaurant award category and Chef Eduardo Rodriguez of Zacatlán Restaurant was a finalist for Best Chef.

Truly all of our chefs are artists and integral members of our community, heralded for their talent and service. See them at work with a ticket to one of the events at September’s Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, where 70 chefs and 100 wineries pair their expert flavors for thousands of attendees.

To plan your culinary journey, pick up a copy of the Santa Fe Menu Magazine at any of our Visitor Centers or visit santafe.org/dine.com.

Sazón 221 Shelby St sazonsantafe.com | 505.983.8604

Fine Dining from Chef Fernando Olea, winner of the James Beard Award: Best Chef Southwest 2022. Join us at Sazón for the award-winning wine list, outstanding service and creative menu for a dining experience like none other!

Chile 101

How should I answer the question “Red, green or Christmas?”

We take the question “Red, green or Christmas?” very seriously, in large part because chile production has a significant impact on New Mexico’s economy. In 2024, New Mexico produced 52,000 tons chile, with an estimated value of $52.2 million, making it the top cash crop in the state. Most of the magic happens 250 miles to Santa Fe’s south in the “Chile Capital of the World,” Hatch, New Mexico.

Heat may be what determines your selection, but neither red nor green is consistently hotter. Ask your server which option packs the most punch. “Christmas” means a combination of green and red, perfect for those seeking the best of both worlds.

What makes a chile red or green, and how are they processed?

It’s all about timing: Red chiles are simply green chiles that have remained on the vine longer and ripened fully. However, once picked, the green chile is typically roasted as a fresh whole chile, then peeled, and served diced, while red chile is dried and processed into a powder, then cooked into a thick roux-based sauce.

Chile as an ingredient Try green chile everything—stews, mac ‘n’ cheese, cheeseburgers, and all manner of sweets, like apple pie. Find red chile powder in pumpkin soup, jelly, infused in dark chocolate, or on the rim of a Santa Fe Margarita Trail cocktail!

Eat it like a local Chile is a staple! Come autumn, most households purchase their green for the year from grocery stores or the Farmers’ Market and watch it roasted on site. And you can find their savory powdered red in the cupboard, marked mild, medium, or hot. Take some home as a spicy reminder of your visit!

What is Northern New Mexican cuisine?

Neither Tex, nor Mex, the cuisine is a blend of Hispanic and Pueblo influences. The hearty beans, fresh corn, spicy green and red chile sauces, and fluffy tortillas are only the beginning. Think tacos, tamales, posole, enchiladas, chile rellenos, sopaipilla, pan dulce, fajitas, stews. You can find these dishes and more at nearly all restaurants in Santa Fe.

DID YOU KNOW?

Car owners have their choice of three standard license plates styles. The newest on the block is the chile plate, which won America’s Best License Plate Award for 2017. The turquoise centennial plate won in 2011.

SCAN for a brief overview of the flavors of Santa Fe.

Farm to Chef

Dine out in The City Different to enjoy farm-fresh, local food!

Agriculture continues to play a large role in New Mexico’s economy with the 2022 Census of Agriculture reporting 20,976 farms in the Land of Enchantment. Many of those are successful niche farms within 100 miles or fewer of Santa Fe, and you could be lucky enough to try their produce.

A longstanding tradition, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market loosely started during the late 1960s and the early days of the farm-to-table movement. Today, you can purchase produce from more than 150 vendors on Tuesdays (May-December) and Saturdays year-round at a permanent location in the Railyard Plaza.

Among the thousands of Farmers’ Market goers are many of The City Different’s award-winning chefs, who have a favorite farmer for each ingredient on their menus. Some chefs have formed deeper relationships, collaborating on grow and harvest plans to ensure not only the sustainability of the farm, but the promise of their restaurant’s brand as a destination for ethically and locally sourced, fresh food.

If local food is a priority for you, definitely visit the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market and do a little bit of research to determine if the restaurant you’ve booked has a farm relationship!

““I am obliged to buy my produce from the farmers who come to the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market. If we don’t have this and don’t support this, we have nothing. I mean, I don’t care if all of my radishes look the same—the flavor is the important thing. Honestly, the Market tells me what to cook. I can’t tell them what to grow. I like the regimen and discipline of following and being guided by their growing seasons. This is everything. This is where the real food and the real people are.”

The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market holds a special place in my heart. From early spring’s peas and baby tender greens, to summer’s radishes, fennel, carrots, to autumn when the green chile roasters are releasing their intoxicating aroma, the Market offers connection to both land and community. As a chef, it is an honor and a joy to let the farmers’ hard work speak to our guest on the plate. In such an uncertain world, it is nice to know that here we can slow down and appreciate the bounty of New Mexico’s air, water, and soil.”

—Chef Dale Kester, Santacafé

tasty culinary events.

Culinary Attractions

Santa Fe Farmers’ Market

One of the oldest, largest, and most successful growers’ markets in the US. More than 150 farmers and producers. santafefarmersmarket.com

Las Cosas Cooking School

The motto here is “We cook for fun!” Try their popular and eclectic classes inside the Las Cosas kitchen and specialty foods kitchen shoppe. lascosascooking.com

Santa Fe School of Cooking

Learn the foods of the Southwest through hands-on and demo-based classes in a state-of-the-art kitchen and dining room. Shop the Market for ingredients and cookware, and join a Restaurant Walking Tour. santafeschoolofcooking.com

January

New Mexico Brewers’ Guild WinterBrew

Samples the suds brought to you by breweries from around the state. nmbeer.org

Souper Bowl

Vote on the best soups from local chefs. Fundraiser to benefit the Food Depot. thefooddepot.org

March

Santa Fe Restaurant Week

Dozens of restaurants invite you to feast on prix-fixe meals at a fraction of the cost. nmrestaurantweek.com

May

Cocktails & Culture Festival

Experience TACO WARS, a competition featuring celebrated chefs and signature cocktails by renowned mixologists, as well as tastings and seminars! theliquidmuse.com

June

New Mexico Cocktail Week

Local bars and restaurants offer cocktail and culinary experiences. nmcocktailweek.com

July

Santa Fe Wine Festival

Sample handcrafted New Mexican wines from 20 vintners around the state. golondrinas.org

In 2025, Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is #3 on USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards list for Best Wine Festival.

August

Santa Fe Beer & Food Festival

Local grub and suds purveyors bring their best, plus live music, arts & crafts, and family activities. golondrinas.org

September

Green Chile Cheeseburger

Smackdown

Chefs compete to make the best green chile cheeseburger. You taste and vote! ediblesmackdown.com

Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta

Five days of events celebrating Santa Fe restaurants and exquisite wines from around the world. Don’t miss Chile Friday, featuring our spicy state tradition, and the Grand Tasting! santafewineandchile.org

TACO WARS

12 Must-Taste Dishes in Santa Fe

The City Different is blessed with food traditions as old as the cultures that settled here so long ago—the First Peoples, the Spaniards, nomadic traders, ranchers, cowboys, and homesteaders. Today, with dozens of chefs from around the world making Santa Fe their home, our food culture is further enhanced in unexpected, wonderful ways. Our traditional New Mexico cuisine is characterized by the smoky earthiness of blue corn tortillas and pinto beans, as well as red and green chile, and you must taste it!

Biscochito

@foodtournewmexico

The history of the fine anise, cinnamon, and sugar shortbread-like cookie we call a biscochito—or bizcochito—dates back to the arrival of the Spanish colonists in the 16th century, after which time it was lovingly influenced by Indigenous cultures. Now it boasts the honor of being the official state cookie as of 1989. Come holiday season, you’ll see a preponderance at parties and events.

Breakfast Burrito The Breakfast Burrito was named in Santa Fe, placed on the menu at Tia Sophia’s restaurant, delivering New Mexican comfort food since 1975! The combination of soft, savory scrambled egg, melted cheese, hash browns or rough-cut roasted potatoes, along with your choice of bacon, sausage, or chorizo, pinto or black beans, red, green, or Christmas—all wrapped in a fluffy warm tortilla—can be handheld or smothered.

Calabacitas The Spanish word for squash is calabacitas, but that’s not the only ingredient in this comfort food—corn and beans are paramount as well, making the dish a Three Sisters (crops planted in a companion fashion by various Indigenous people) extravaganza. Cooked down with chopped onions and sometimes chicken broth, cheese, and green chile, you may never try the same combo twice, but will always love the flavor and texture, a cross between brothy and caramelized.

Carne Adovada Is it enough to say that Carne (meaning meat in Spanish) and Adovada (meaning marinate) is a New Mexican pork stew simmered in a red chile-based sauce packed with spices? This combo can stand alone, be stuffed into a burrito, eaten with corn tortillas, or served over beans and rice. You won’t forget the tender chunks of marinated pork that melt in your mouth.

Wild Leaven Bakery, 2022 Edible NM Local Hero - Food Artisan, supports local and organic farmers, ranchers, and producers. Join us at our cozy shop to enjoy handcrafted sourdough bread, pastries, sweets, and soups. Coffee, housemade chai, and beverages are available. Wild Leaven Bakery 1189 Parkway Dr., E3 wildleavenbakery.com

Chile Relleno

The most-sought-after authentic Chile Relleno (meaning stuffed in Spanish) is a large roasted poblano or Anaheim pepper stuffed with cheese and often other delights, dipped in a fluffy egg batter and fried until golden brown. It’s generally a main dish and can be served with red and/or green and rice. A taste sensation!

Enchiladas The corn tortillas so central to this dish date back to the Aztecs in Mexico, who routinely rolled them around a filling of some sort. Today, that filling is meat, cheese, beans, potatoes, vegetables, or combination of all, with a chile-based sauce to top it off. An early recipe is said to have been published in the first-ever Mexican cookbook in 1831. The name Enchilada comes from the verb enchilar, meaning “to season (or decorate) with chili.”

FLAN It’s said that the Roman Empire is the originator of this dessert, but we thank the Spanish colonists for introducing this flat custardy cake to the Southwest. The tastiest ingredients—cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla—are blended and then baked. The glossy topping is a lovely caramel sauce. You may enjoy yours complemented by various fruits.

FRITO PIE

A classic of Santa Fe cuisine since the 1960s, the Frito Pie is a corn chip base, topped with New Mexico red chile, pinto beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and spicy ground beef or turkey. Taste an original from the Five & Dime General Store on the Santa Fe Plaza, where they cook chile con carne with red chile and ground beef from scratch. Served right from the Fritos bag, it’s perfect for a stroll or find it at countless Santa Fe restaurants.

Green Chile Stew Like all stews, our Santa Fe version developed as an inexpensive approach to making a little bit of meat (typically pork or beef, but chicken is common, and turkey is a seasonal treat) go a long way by adding the humble potato, onion, corn, and spicy green chile. Cover over a low and persistent flame. Of course, vegetarian options are delicious as well!

POSOLE Posole (also spelled pozole) is dried corn kernels, soaked in a lime solution and hulled before being combined with meat (typically pork), garlic, onions, red chile, and a variety of spices. Maize or corn was a critical crop and sacred plant to the ancient and Indigenous cultures and featured at rituals and special occasions. Today, an iteration of it in the form of posole is served as a warm side dish or from a crowd-pleasing pot simmering on the stove.

Sopaipilla Sopaipillas are a puffy fried pastry bread that were most likely created right here in New Mexico close to 200 years ago. Some like theirs drizzled with honey as a sweet treat, while others wield them to soak up New Mexico chile. Or, enjoy a sopaipilla for dinner, stuffed with beans, cheese, chile, and more! Fortunate for you, a basket of fresh sopaipillas is a staple at most every New Mexican restaurant.

TAMALES Originating in Mesoamerica BC, tamales were a portable food for hunters, travelers, and armies. Later, the Mexican tradition of serving tamales at Christmas migrated north to New Mexico and whether you’re assembling them in Grandma’s kitchen, or enjoying at a restaurant, they’re filled with a range of ingredients, from the classic pork and red chile to a variety of vegetarian inventions, all cased in a soft, creamy cornmeal, and steamed inside a cornhusk. Order them topped with red or green chile, or request “Christmas,” which means you’ll taste both!

Gruet Tasting Room

Self-Guided Foodie Tours & Trails

Do you identify as a gastronome, a gourmand, or a gourmet? Or are you just generally hungry?! However you ID, you are in the right place as Santa Fe hosts more than 400 restaurants from the casual to the exquisite.

TimeOut Magazine rated the Santa Fe Margarita Trail the #3 “best drink trail in America for experiencing local flavors.”

Santa Fe Margarita Trail

Thanks to José Cuervo, who reportedly introduced tequila to New Mexico at the turn of the 20th century, Santa Fe has grown into a mecca for the Margarita. Taste more than 50 of the best at bars and restaurants on the Santa Fe Margarita Trail, now in its 10th year of bringing people together over fun drinks. Track your progress with the paper Passport or the app and earn rewards, like T-shirts, an invitation into the Margarita Society, and a Margarita Bartender Kit.

Breakfast Burrito Tour

Beware: You may never return to a regular burrito after trying this combo of soft, savory scrambled egg, melted cheese, hash browns or rough-cut roasted potatoes, your choice of bacon, sausage, chorizo or calabacitas, pinto or black beans, red, green, or Christmas chile, all wrapped in a fluffy, warm tortilla. Handheld or smothered, the Breakfast Burrito is always the right choice!

Coffee Lovers Tour

Santa Fe is known for its chile, but our coffee is pretty remarkable, too, with many shops roasting their own beans for a signature strength and flavor. The Tour will guide you to some engaging locals’ hangouts all over town, where you can relax and absorb the scene.

Second Street Brewery  2920 Rufina St, Santa Fe, NM 87507  secondstreetbrewery.com/rufina-taproom 505.954.1068

Second Street Brewery offers two locations— in the Railyard District and our Rufina Taproom on the industrial side of Santa Fe. Enjoy our relaxed signature atmosphere with full menu, live music, award-winning beers, and warm hospitality with every visit!

In Santa Fe, the demand is high for a super-tasty on-the-go repast, so it’s good thing there are dozens of food trucks open year-round, like El Queretano on Airport Road, Bo’s Authentic Thai near the Capitol building, James Beard Foundation Award-nominated El Chile Toreado off Cerrillos Road, and La Loncherita Salvadoreña in Midtown! This casual meal could be your most delicious.

Craft Beer & Spirits Tour

Jump on this inspired itinerary to various breweries, beer halls, tasting rooms, and distilleries where Santa Feans take their beer and spirits craft quite seriously! For the sudsy side, try hop-filled IPAs, like Santa Fe Brewing Company’s Happy Camper, opaque stouts, hard kombuchas or the local cideries’ variety of fruit-derived fermentations from sweet to dry. For the harder stuff, there’s gin from Tumbleroot or Los Poblanos, Santa Fe Spirits’ American Single Malt Original Mesquite Whiskey, and As Above So Below’s Ritual Vodka. And if you prefer bubbles, don’t miss the New Mexico-based Gruet Winery’s tasting room, which serves Pinot Noir and Chardonnay-based sparkling wines with roots originating from Gilbert Gruet’s Champagne house in Bethon, France.

The Chocolate Trail

This rich and sweetly flavored route connects Santa Fe’s world-class artisan chocolatiers, who offer everything from traditional cacao drinks to handrolled truffles and hand-dipped chocolates accented with piñon nuts and chile. Why not visit all? The Chocolate Maven Bakery, Kakawa Chocolate House, Señor Murphy Candymaker, Sweet Santa Fe, and The Chocolate Smith look forward to welcoming you

Tulsi Restaurant 839 Paseo de Peralta, Suite J tulsisantafe.com | 505.983.9627

Fresh, healthy, flavorful Indian-Asian cuisine, reimagined and redefined, featuring low-fat dishes containing high-quality ingredients. Each vibrant dish spotlights the uniqueness and theatre of Indian cooking–from the drama of smoked ingredients to the richness of slow cooking and the energetic pounding of herbs and spices.

SCAN for access to our culinary tours!

est 1976 or earlier!

Santa Fe’sCulinary Treasures

Visit one of Santa Fe’s oldest restaurants! All are more than 50 years old, many are still operated by the founding family, or now led by someone hand-picked by the founders to carry on the legacy.

El Nido (100+ years old) | elnidosantafe.com

Meaning “The Nest,” El Nido dates to the 1920s with illustrious incarnations as a roadhouse, a brothel, and a meeting spot for Los Alamos scientists building the bomb during WWII. The panache of the place increased in the 1950s with visits from creatives, such as Zozobra-creator and artist Will Shuster and world-famous flamenco dancers Vicente Romero and Maria Benitez. Just six miles north of Santa Fe in the quiet village of Tesuque, the beautiful adobe space feels a world away. Taste the cuisine from the Argentinian grill and wood burning horno. Dine here after a tour of nearby Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden!

El Parasol (68 years old) | elparasol.com

Each summer, entrepreneurial 10- and 12-year-old Pedro and Lorenzo Atencio sold their mom’s beef tacos (15 cents) and red pork tamales (10 cents) from under a patio umbrella (parasol) in Espanola. The family expanded with a Taco Wagon to include hamburgers, tostadas, burritos, and homemade desserts and soon converted the centuries-old tack room of their family compound into a formal restaurant—El Paragua. In the 1980s, the Atencio family capitalized on people’s busy lifestyles and reinvigorated the original stand with carryout services. With the help of third-generation ownership, you can find six locations of El Parasol.

La Plazuela (100+ years old) | lafondasantafe.com/la-plazuela

It’s the 1920s and it’s summer and you are enjoying lunch on the outdoor courtyard patio of a hotel called La Fonda. Little do you know that in 1925, the hotel will become a famous Harvey House and in 1975, your seasonal dining area will be enclosed and become the inimitable La Plazuela restaurant. Serving traditional New Mexican dishes with a modern twist, the restaurant still feels like a garden due to the lush greenery, the colorful hand-painted windows, generous skylights, and the Spanish-style fountain. Don’t miss your chance to visit this romantic spot inside an important historic hotel.

Legal Tender Saloon & Eating House

(56 years old) | legaltenderlamy.com

Located in Lamy, 18 miles from Santa Fe on the original rail lines for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, Legal Tender has that Wild West feel we all yearn to experience. A mercantile beginning in 1881, a restaurant and bar called The Pink Garter in the 1950s and ’60s, and a naming to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Now a gorgeously restored space thanks to historic preservationist Allan Affeldt and a tasty spot for inspired comfort fare and craft cocktails thanks to restaurateur Murphy O’Brien of Cafe Fina, near Eldorado.

Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen (76 years old)

marias-santafe.com

In 1950, Maria and Gilbert Lopez started the namesake Maria’s as a take-out joint to serve traditional New Mexican foods to Fiesta de Santa Fe goers. The wholesome food quickly became very popular. After a few exchanges over the years, local man Al Lucero and his wife Laurie purchased the restaurant in 1985, owning it for 27 years. With the Luceros purchase came a focus on margaritas to accompany your “homecooked” New Mexican meal. In the years since, the restaurant has expanded its footprint and remains a solid culinary tradition.

Palace (60+ years old) | palacesf.com

Today’s Palace proudly references its association with the history, beginning in 1835, of Maria Gertrudis “Tules” Barcelo’s gambling hall and bordello. Fast forward to the 1960s, the Palace Restaurant & Saloon was a draw for fine dining and drinking, with a dark wood interior, red wallpaper, and subdued lighting decor that subtly echoed its past. It briefly morphed into a renewed food concept with Palace Prime Steak & Seafood and today offers yet another inspired experience as Palace, a swanky, yet comfy take on its 200 years as a Santa Fe retreat. Go for the Modern American cuisine and inventive drinks!

1905/ 1947

Plaza Cafe (121 years old) | plazacafedowntown.com

Current Razatos family ownership dates to 1947, though “Plaza Cafe” is a 1905 renaming of Eagle Cafe, an eatery in the same location. Together with his New Mexican wife Beneranda Maria Montoya Saiz, Greek immigrant Dionysus (Dan) Razatos not only ran the Plaza Cafe, but raised six children, all of whom have worked to make the downtown spot a legend. The Southside location has a similar friendly feel and consistent great taste and service. Second generation Leonardo Razatos, says, “We always picked my mom’s brain about what she was eating as a kid up until her untimely death three years ago. We’ve gone back to making it more like a New Mexican diner. I want a place that feels like home.”

Posa’s El Merendero (Posa’s) (71 years old)

santafetamales.com

The story behind what we call Posa’s begins with Mexico-born proprietors Aurora and Jose Lujan‘s El Merendero Cafe (meaning snack) on Galisteo Street in 1955. Santa Feans embraced the tasty menu over the next two decades and in 1978, recognizing the value of the family recipes, their daughter Carmen and her husband Antonio Posa purchased the rights to the original tamale recipe still used today. In addition to their “tamale factory,” the family tradition now includes breakfast burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, and more. Find the deliciousness over on Rodeo Road, along with current owners Jeffrey and Johanna Posa!

Rancho de Chimayó (61 years old) | ranchodechimayo.com

2014 New Mexico Culinary Treasure & 2003 James Beard Foundation Award Winner of “America’s Classic of Timeless Appeal”

In the early 1700s, descendants of the Mexico-born Jaramillo family purchased property in the Cañada de Chimayó and in October 1965, Arturo Jaramillo and his wife Florence restored the ancestral family home, transforming it into Rancho de Chimayó, where they served food using recipes perfected over generations. Helmed lovingly until her passing, Mrs. J earned constant recognition for her culinary contributions. Today, taste the rich tradition through the cuisine and feel the culture of the Jaramillo family in the home of white-washed adobe walls, cozy rooms, fireplaces, and photographs. Plan a whole day trip in the area!

Antonio & Carmen Posa
HarryM . Davidson

The Bull Ring (55 years old)

|

The Bull Ring’s original location, adjacent to the State Capitol building, helped shape and grow its early success as a place to be seen and get work done. In 1995, owner Harry Georgeades, moved the locale to its current spot in a downtown courtyard. Not only that, Harry focused the menu on USDA Prime. Now owned by a local restaurant group, The Bull Ring is a solid steakhouse with all the trappings–the varied menu includes seafood and chicken, generous portions, comfortable booths, a lively bar, and patio seating. It’s a Santa Fe classic.

The Compound (60 years old) | compoundrestaurant.com

James Beard Foundation Award

“Best Chef of the Southwest 2005” Mark Kiffin

You can feel that this restaurant was once a home, in fact, the main house at the Macomb Compound, a retreat for film stars and artists in the 1930s and 40s. Years later, under new ownership, architect and interior designer Alexander Girard transformed it into a fine dining restaurant. Credit him with the cool sunken bar and enjoy a lot of his original work, including “14 Languages of Love.” Other notable artists, like sculptor Allan Houser, are pervasive. Since 2000, The Compound Restaurant has been helmed by chef/owner Mark Kiffin.

The

Mine Shaft Tavern (79 years old) | themineshafttavern.com

Booming coal mining operations in the area now known as Madrid, 27 miles southwest of The City Different, began in 1835 and spurred the Santa Fe Railroad to extend a line in 1889. The original Mine Shaft Tavern built in 1895, burned in 1944. Rising from the ashes, the current dates to 1947, the oldest continually run taverns in the County. Belly up to the historic 40-foot lodge pole pine bar, built for the miners to stretch out and tip a glass or two. Take the Turquoise Trail to The Mine Shaft Tavern to enjoy New Mexico classics, live music, and a local vibe.

1948

The Pantry (78

years old)

pantrysantafe.com | pantryrio.com | pantrydos.com

Founded in 1948 by George Myers and now three locations strong, The Pantry serves all of your New Mexico favorites in a familyfriendly atmosphere. Ask any local about their favorite dish or which significant event they’ve celebrated at a Pantry location, and you’ll get a great story in response. Try the original location on Cerrillos Road and don’t fear the wait, or if you find yourself on the Southside of Santa Fe, visit the built-from-scratch Pantry Dos, or if you happen to be hungry while downtown, swing by the spot on the river known as Pantry Rio. You can’t lose!

The Pink Adobe (82 years old) | pinkadobe.com

Founded in 1944 by artist Rosalea Murphy and serving ‘New Mexico Cajun’ ever since, The Pink Adobe restaurant sits in the heart of the historic Barrio De Analco neighborhood, considered one of the oldest in the U.S. The rose-colored walls of the 400+-year-old adobe hacienda inspired the name of this beloved and iconic gathering place, which remained in the family until recently. With renewed enthusiasm, The Pink Adobe is now connected to Relais & Chateaux, a collection of fine hotels around the globe. Make reservations and order Rosalea’s French Onion Soup and her French Apple Pie!

Robert Moore; Ralph Sanchez; Chef de Cuisine, Victor Sagheer; second owner est 1966
Harry Georgeades, Former Owner; Lisa Burns, General Manager; Socorro Balcorta, Former Chef

The Shed (73 years old) | sfshed.com

2003 James Beard Foundation Award Winner of “America’s Classic of Timeless Appeal” Thornton and Polly Carswell fell in love with Santa Fe during a vacation in 1949 and stayed, cooking for skiers and hikers in Hyde Park. Soon, they were running the ski lodge’s restaurant and shortly thereafter, sought a spot for their own. The Shed was born in a stable on Burro Alley, initially housing the animals while bundles of wood were sold off their backs. Prince Patio became its current locale in 1960. Son Courtney took over and now his son Josh is the owner. Also try sister restaurant La Choza (meaning The Shed in Spanish) run by sister Sarah Carswell. Both are famous for a family-friendly feel, red and green chile, and a blend of Pueblo, Spanish, and Mexican cuisines.

Ann, Nick & Jim Maryol

est 1953

Tia Sophia’s (51 years old)

facebook.com/tiasophias

The Tia honored in the name of this beloved restaurant on West San Francisco Street is the original owner Jim Maryol’s mother, Sophia Kellis, a Greek immigrant who ran the Central Café in Albuquerque. Known as the place to first put the Breakfast Burrito on the menu and to coin the term Christmas (a red and green chile combo), Tia Sophia’s is worth the wait. Current owner Nick Maryol bought the establishment from his parents in 2005. “I inherited something that works well. I am so proud of what my family started. Honestly, the magic formula is a work-a-day mentality. Northern New Mexican food is good and simple.” And Tia Sophia’s version is exemplary, so get in line!

Tiny’s Restaurant & Lounge (79 years old) facebook.com/tinysrestaurant

This come-as-you-are family-owned-and-operated restaurant, bar, and lounge has the feel of a hangout, as in a ‘you need not ever leave’ kind of feel. In addition to enjoying the full bar and a vast and affordable New Mexican menu, you can dance and sing along to live music on a near-nightly basis. The expansive outdoor patio is great for big groups looking to have a good time. Don’t miss a chance to peruse the photographs of past and current musicians that adorn the walls!

Tomasita’s (52 years old) | tomasitas.com

Tomasita’s origins are on Hickox Street, where Georgia Maryol and her current owner son George Gundrey would stop for a good New Mexican meal. After a shift in ownership, Georgia took over the restaurant and fortunately, inherited namesake and cook Tomasita. Now housed on Guadalupe Street in the Railyard District, the red brick-interior building seats hundreds and always boasts a waitlist. George says, “To be a Santa Fe institution is awesome, it’s a big responsibility. When all the family comes back this is where they want to go.” And Georgia says, “Tomasita would be beaming. She would be so proud.” est 1974

Thorton & Polly Carswell
Tomasita’s on Hickox Street

TheSouthern RockyMountains

are host to sunny Santa Fe at 7,000 feet and its semiarid climate at the crossroads of grass and shrub lands, piñon-juniper woodlands, and 1.6 million acres of coniferous National Forest.

Alamos Vista Trail
John Watson

SNOWSPORTS

Ski & Snowboard

“This ski resort is a hidden gem in the American West. With no plans of going commercial, it maintains a real community feel. What sets Ski Santa Fe apart from other resorts is how perfectly it caters to every skill level.”

—Travel + Leisure Magazine

Ski Santa Fe: Located just 16 miles from the heart of downtown, Ski Santa Fe offers some of the finest slopes in the Southwest, some of the fluffiest snow, and the shortest lift lines. With a base elevation of 10,350 feet and a peak elevation of 12,075 feet, Ski Santa Fe offers expansive vistas of all the beauty that is Northern New Mexico, plus terrain for every skill level with 90 trails. Access them in just four minutes via the Santa Fe Express, a brand-new high-speed lift! The rental shop is well equipped, as is the on-site retail shop. Choose from two eateries with outdoor decks for soaking in the rays while refueling with delicious regional dishes.

Snowshoe & Cross Country Ski

Winsor Trail: Park at Ski Santa Fe and access miles of wilderness trails.

Norski Loop: Try the two miles of groomed trails designated for the cross-country skier only.

Aspen Vista Trail: Explore the out-and-back trail, which is wide and has a gradual grade, perfect for snowshoeing or crosscountry skiing.

Hyde Memorial State Park: Fun with kiddos of any age, located halfway between downtown and Ski Santa Fe, this area sports a sledding and tubing hill sure to put a smile on the young thrill-seeker.

Après Ski because the day doesn’t end when the lifts close!

Just 16 miles from the historic Plaza is Ski Santa Fe with something entertaining for every level of snow enthusiast. So, no matter your skill, you’ll be pooped when the lifts close at 4 pm (4:30 pm in the early spring) and ready for some relaxation, sustenance, and a beverage or two! And you can find all of that on the way back to downtown Santa Fe. Just glide back down the mountain and let the rest of your day begin!

SOAK

Don’t pass by your chance to soak those powder-weary quads in the toasty pools at Ten Thousand Waves on your way down from the mountain. Advance reservations at this Japanese-inspired bathhouse for the spa and dining are a must! Or perhaps you want to book a hotel that offers a hot, bubbling tub as part of the experience—ask about their ski packages while you are at it! santafe.org/spa-and-wellness

SIP

Quenching your thirst and celebrating an epic day on the slopes has never been so easy! Santa Fe has you covered: YES to craft beer and spirits. YES to mocktails. And YES to margaritas. In fact, TimeOut Magazine rated the Santa Fe Margarita Trail the #3 “best drink trail in America for experiencing local flavors.” santafemargaritatrail.com

SAVOR

Northern New Mexican fare was made for hungry snow enthusiasts! What could be better to restore your strength than Santa Fe’s ubiquitous red and green chile and cheese on any number of dishes, including enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, chile rellenos, frito pies, tamales, and more? Find a spot to fill your belly! santafe.org/dine

SCAN for Santa Fe Happy Hours
Ten Thousand Waves

HIKE & RUN

As a recognized Runner Friendly Community®, Santa Fe offers a safe network of pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, multi-use trails, paths, share lanes, and more!

From foothills to mountain peaks, Santa Fe County has more than 300+ miles of hiking/running trails. Get your hands on a trail map (at any Visitors Center) and check out the multiple outdoor shops to rent or buy gear.

Dale Ball Trails: 24 miles of hiking with access points throughout the foothill neighborhoods east of downtown, including the popular Sierra del Norte parking lot. Find handy maps at trail junctions.

Chamisa Trail: Just a 15-minute drive from downtown delivers National Forest access and the ponderosa pines and aspens that come with it. You may feel the altitude on this trail, but it’s a gradual grade and offers the option of a loop.

Aspen Vista Trail: A great gradual trail any time of year, but in fall, bathe in the golden aspens and catch views of the whole valley aglow. It’s about 6.5 miles to the top, but an easy out and back for turning around at any point.

Atalaya Mountain: To access the numerous trails, your best bet is to park in the lot at the entrance to St. John’s College. Plot your course using the trailhead map.

Cerrillos Hills State Park: Travel the Turquoise Trail/NM-14 just 16 miles from Santa Fe. Enjoy five miles of gently sloping trails with views of the Sandia, Ortiz, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, and learn about the former mines that populated the area.

Yarrow Mountain Guides offers professionally guided rock climbing trips to guests of all experience levels. Connect with the magic of New Mexico in a truly unique way and explore new heights above unforgettable landscapes.

Dale Ball Trail
Aspen Vista Trail
SCAN for inspiration

Don’t miss New Mexico True Singletrack, a new, threeday, International Mountain Bicycling Association staged race in Santa Fe, September 19-21, 2026! transrockies.com

BIKE

Road Cycling

Hyde Park Road to Ski Santa Fe: Take a 16-mile one-way spin up to a peak elevation of 10,350 feet and catch the Blue Bus shuttle back down.

Turquoise Trail/NM-14: Choose your distance for great views on your way to the mining towns of Cerrillos or Madrid.

Mountain Biking

Easy:

Rail Trail: With a rugged-ish mountain bike, enjoy the 17-ish-mile out-and-back, part asphalt and part dirt trail, along the Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. If you ride the length, you’ll end up in Lamy, but you can turn around at any point. Great for families.

Easy to Moderate:

Galisteo Basin Preserve: Just 14 miles from Santa Fe, with views of the Ortiz Mountains, explore more than 40 miles of trails through sandstone, grasslands, and arroyos. Trail maps at most junctures. Park in any lot for different access points. Great for hiking, too.

La Tierra Trails: An expanse of 25 miles of trails, pump tracks, and jump courses. Choose from three trailheads, each offering different access to the same great network. Nice for walking, too.

Moderate to Difficult:

Glorieta Adventure Camps: Just 22 miles from Santa Fe, offers public access to 20 miles of trails. Roll along through aspen stands, pine forests, and granite canyons with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Glorieta Baldy. Park at the Baptist Bypass Trailhead. Good for hiking, too.

NEW! Picurís Pueblo All-Wheel Park: Just 50 miles from Santa Fe along the High Road to Taos, the Reservation offers “the best dirt jump park in the region,” according to one rider, with three progressive jump lines that feature steel and cedar ramps as well as berms, rollers, wall rides, and drops and two parallel 9-foot jumps, offering both an inflatable airbag and mulch landings. And don’t miss the feature-rich, asphalt-paved pump track! visitpicuris.com

Difficult:

Winsor Trail: For higher-elevation, more technical rides, hop on the Blue Bus shuttle to trailheads along Hyde Park Road, concluding at Ski Santa Fe. The lengthy and varied trail holds a big draw for the more experienced rider.

Tim Holman
Picurís Pueblo All-Wheel Park Lobo
PhotoNM
Dale Ball Trail

WATERSPORTS

There are plenty of local guiding companies to put you on the stretch of water most suited to your interests. The Rio Grande and Rio Chama offer paddlers a diverse selection of half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips, ranging from mellow Class I to technical Class IV rapids, sure to put even the most experienced paddler to the test.

Farther afield is the San Juan River, where you can float from the bottom of the Navajo Lake about 115 miles across far Northwestern New Mexico on Class I to II water. Or enjoy the lake itself for motorized boats, canoers, kayakers, water skiers, and sailors. Abiquiú Lake and Storrie Lake also welcome a variety of craft.

Tubing is a blast as well, particularly on a few-mile stretch of the Rio Grande from the Taos Junction bridge to the town of Pilar or on a stretch of the Rio Chama below the Abiquiú dam, where a whitewater wave feature sees dozens of kayakers. santafe.org/outdoors/river-rafting

FISH

Plenty of local fishing services are available to guide you to waters fitting your taste and skill level. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish regularly stocks many of these waters with hatchery rainbow trout, supplementing resident populations of brown and brook trout and, in certain stillwaters, lake trout and kokanee salmon. New Mexico is blessed with two species of native trout—the Rio Grande cutthroat trout in the north, and the Gila trout in the south. Consider yourself fortunate to catch either one of these species, as they are becoming increasingly rare.

Whether in the conifer-forested Pecos River near Santa Fe or the red sandstone country around the Rio Chama, New Mexico’s designated Special Trout Waters offer no end of fishing adventures. Bisecting the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, the Scenic section of the Rio Grande promises a spectacular hike, wildlife viewing opportunities and, of course, excellent fishing. The Red River, which joins the Rio Grande midway through the monument, is an unforgettable option as well.

Farther afield is the San Juan River, a tailwater flowing out of Navajo Dam, which makes for fairly consistent year-round temperatures and great year-round fishing in beautiful desert canyon scenery.

Monastery Lake is a perfect family fishing destination. Cowles Ponds, about 15 miles up the Pecos Canyon, is designated for children under the age of 12. santafe.org/outdoors/fishing

Santa Fe offers wonderful options for all players. Enjoy 9- and 18-hole courses or hone your skills at a driving range, a putting area, a bunker facility, or chipping greens.

Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe, just eight miles west of downtown, offers a mini executive course called the Great 28, which Travel + Leisure Magazine ranked #3 on a list of “Top 5 Big Little Courses” in the United States. Also designed by Baxter Spann is their 18-hole Championship Course that hosted Golf Life linksdesantafe.com

The Santa Fe Country Club is a semi-private golf facility on the Southside, open to the public. The 18-hole Championship Course invites players of all skill levels to enjoy the wide fairway and park-like feel. santafecountryclub.com

Courses within easy driving distance north of Santa Fe:

Santa Clara Pueblo’s Black Mesa Golf Club, designed by Baxter Spann, is an 18-hole course ranked among America’s top 50 by Golf Magazine golfblackmesa.com

Pueblo of Pojoaque’s Towa Golf Course sports three independent nine-hole courses. Named “Best Golf Resort in North America” as well as “New Mexico’s Best Golf Hotel” by the World Golf Awards, Towa was designed jointly by 20-time PGA winner Hale Irwin and noted golf course designer and landscape architect William Phillips. hiltonbuffalothunder.com/amenities/golf

Pueblo de Cochiti Golf Course is an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones, Jr. public golf course located on Cochiti Lake. cochitigolfclub.com

GOLF PICKLEBALL

Santa Fe has embraced the pickleball trend quite heartily with multiple courts open to all. The low-impact, small court sport attracts all types of enthusiasts, some who are beginners and some who love a big dose of competition. Welcoming by nature, pickleball has a true community feel, so even as a visitor to The City Different you will feel comfortable joining the rotation at any of the many free courts throughout town. Should you be interested in a membership experience, the new Forked Lightning (forkedlightningrc.com) has a lot to offer. Whichever way you go, don’t forget the power of a well-placed dink! Find courts and more information at santafepickleballclub.com.

Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe

HORSEBACK RIDING

When in the Southwest … ride a horse! America’s cowgirl and cowboy heritage is alive and well here in Santa Fe. Relax with an expert guide through acres of private rolling ranch property or public land as a novice upon a gaited horse, or come experience the scenery as an accomplished rider, who likes to trot, cantor, or gallop. You can, for instance, enjoy the beautiful Pecos Wilderness and encounter all manner of wildlife, including elk, deer, wild turkeys, grouse, coyotes, bighorn sheep, explore the historic mining community that is now Cerrillos Hills State Park, or fall in love with an in-town experience at a resort. Hourlong, half-day, and full day rates are available through a variety of local and regional outfits. santafe.org/outdoors/equestrian

BALLOONING

Ballooning in New Mexico is always rewarding, in part because more than 45% of the Land of Enchantment is public land, we’re blessed with 320+ days of sunshine, and the elevation ranges from 2,817 feet where the Pecos River flows into Texas to the highest point on Wheeler Peak at 13,161 feet. Ballooning in New Mexico is thrilling for some of these very same reasons. As well, our skies are big here, and the cool morning air temperature helps balloons rise faster and handle better. You’ll find pilots with decades of experiences and thousands of flight hours who beckon you with their safety records and contagious enthusiasm for hot air ballooning. Book a private trip into the sky or share a ride. You’re bound to learn a lot from your bird’s-eye vantage point! santafe.org/tours/air-tours

Southwest Safaris southwestsafaris.com

Southwest Wing Safaris’ exciting scenic air/land expeditions explore New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Arizona. Discover Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Mesa Verde, Arches/Canyonlands, Painted Desert, Pueblo/Navajo/Hopi/Apache lands. Plus, unforgettable local flightseeing. Breathtaking inaccessible scenery.

New Mexico

is home to 4 Native American Tribes and Nation and 19 established Pueblos, 8 of which are between a 15- and 75-minute drive of Santa Fe.

Cátua and Umtua sculpture, by former Pueblo of Pojoaque Governor George Rivera, depicting runners from Tesuque Pueblo who helped spread the call for the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. See this piece at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Photo by Phil Karshis

Before any visit, call to confirm if the Pueblo is open to the public at that time. Familiarize yourself with Pueblo visitor etiquette and fully abide by and respect it.

Feast Days, Powwows & Celebrations

Feast Days are celebratory occasions when tribal members come together to honor their ancient Pueblo traditions and heritage. Each begins with a Catholic Mass and includes traditional dances and ceremonies that express different stories. Many relate to seasonal cycles, bringing rain and an abundant harvest. In addition to arts and crafts and cultural activities, Pueblo families prepare a variety of traditional dishes, breads, and desserts to share with their guests, one of whom could be you!

There are many other special events and seasonal celebrations to witness, including powwows and traditional dances on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, which also features a torchlight parade or Matachines dance-drama. For more information, visit indianpueblo.org or enipc.org

Natives in New Mexico

Natives inhabited New Mexico long before Spanish contact in the 1500s. When Spanish conquistador Juan de Oñate began colonizing the state in 1558, he and others referred to the Native American settlements as Pueblos, the Spanish word for town or village. When Catholic missionaries arrived in the early 1600s, they renamed Pueblos with saints’ names, built churches, and introduced Feast Days to celebrate the patron saints of Pueblo Catholic Missions.

DID YOU KNOW?

Each tribe is a sovereign nation with its own history, rules, regulations, language, governing structure, customs, crafts, events, and both political and religious leaders.

Pojoaque Pueblo
Ohkay Owingeh Matachines dancers on Feast Day
Taos Pueblo
New Mexico
TRUE

Other Ways

to Learn About Native American Culture

The following Native events and destinations offer even more opportunities for you to absorb the past and present richness of Native American culture in and around Santa Fe. DON’T MISS!

MAY 2026

3rd SWAIA Native Fashion Week

Indigenous designers at a Fashion Symposia, a soirée, and runway days. swaianativefashion.org

2nd Native Fashion Week Santa Fe

Taking over the Railyard District for a second year with cutting-edge Indigenous design on a variety of runways, in pop ups, and for retail sale. nativefashionweeksantafe.com

2nd Native Elements Art Festival & Market

A celebration of Native land, plants, and people as well as a market with more than 160 Native American artists participating. visitsfbg.org/native-elements

5th IndigenousWays Festival

A seasonal monthly series that gives Native and Indigenous artists a platform to share their talents with all generations to reinforce sacred connections to their ancestors and their cultures. indigenousways.org

AUGUST 2026

104th Santa Fe Indian Market

The largest and most prestigious intertribal art market in the world. swaia.org

8th Free Indian Market

Features 600 Native artists in Federal Park. freeindianmarket.org

Places to visit:

48th Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show

A collection of American Indian and international tribal art not found anywhere else in the world. whitehawkshows.com

OCTOBER 2026

10th Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend

A celebration of the citizens and cultures of the 23 Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos in New Mexico with traditional dances, storytelling, poetry, booths, and more on the Santa Fe Plaza. santafe.org/indigenouspeoplesday

4th Santa Fe Indigenous Center’s Honoring Native Nations Powwow

All Native nations participate in intertribal dancing, a Tribal flag parade, and drums. santafeindigenouscenter.org

NOVEMBER

2026

Winter Indian Market

150 Southwestern Association for Indian Arts juried artists from the 2026 Santa Fe Indian Market exhibit a wide range of traditional and contemporary Native American art, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, paintings, and sculptures. swaia.org

Bandelier National Monument 50 mins nps.gov/band

Chaco Canyon 3 hrs 15 mins nps.gov/chcu

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center 60 mins indianpueblo.org Institute of American Indian Arts 25 mins iaia.edu

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native American Arts iaia.edu/mocna Museum of Indian Arts & Culture indianartsandculture.org

Poeh Museum and Cultural Center 20 mins poehcenter.org

Puye Cliffs Dwellings 45 mins puyecliffdwellings.com School for Advanced Research sarweb.org

Southwestern Association for Indian Arts swaia.org Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian wheelwright.org

*distance from Santa Fe

Eight Northern Pueblos

Nambé (Nanbé Ówingeh), Ohkay Owingeh (formerly San Juan), Picurís, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Taos, Tesuque

Pueblos South of Santa Fe

Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Kewa, Laguna, San Felipe, Sandia, Santa Ana, Zia, Zuni

New Mexico Tribes & Nations

Fort Sill Apache, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Mescalero Apache, Navajo Nation

Nambé Pueblo

Place of the Rounded Earth nambepueblo.org, 505.455.4410

Highlights

• A cultural, religious, economic, and social nexus, beginning in the 14th century

• Camp at the Nambé Pueblo Recreation Area (fee)

• Hike and picnic in Nambé Falls; fish and swim in Nambé Lake (fee)

• Arrange a guided tour to walk the looped trail around the buffalo herd, established in 1994

Artwork

micaceous Nambé polychrome pottery, traditional textiles, woven belts, beadwork

Events & Celebrations

Feast Days & Dances on January 6; Easter; July 4—Nambé Falls Independence Day Celebration; October 4; December 24 and 25

Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo

Place of the Strong People ohkay.org, 505.852.4400

Highlights

• Formerly San Juan Pueblo, returned to its original name in 2005

• One of the largest Tewa-speaking Pueblos with a language program

• San Juan Bautista Parish, a neo-Gothic style church, ceremonial kivas, and adobe houses

• Oke-Oweenge Crafts Cooperative carries the work of artists from the Eight Northern Pueblos

• Fishing by permit at San Juan Lakes

• Area petroglyphs are at least 10 millennia old

Artwork

lustrous redware pottery, weaving, paintings

Events & Celebrations

Feast Days & Dances on January 1; February first or second weekend; June 13 and 24; December 24 and 25; December 26 and 28

Picurís Pueblo

For Those Who Paint picurispueblo.org, 505.587.2519

Highlights

• New in 2025! All-Wheel Bike Park, featuring asphalt-paved pump track

• On the National Register of Historic Places

• The state’s smallest Pueblo tribe

• Hand-restored, 200-year-old adobe San Lorenzo de Picurís Mission Church

• Museum, buffalo herd, trout-stocked Pu-Na Lake with picnic areas

• Self-guided tour of archeological sites

Artwork

beadwork, pottery, weaving

Events & Celebrations

Feast Days & Dances on January 1 and 6; February 2; June 13; August 9 and 10; December 24, 25, 28

Pojoaque Pueblo

Water Drinking Place pojoaquepueblo.org, 505.455.4500

Highlights

• Population of approximately 2,700

• At Poeh Cultural Center & Museum: traditional arts of Tewa-speaking Pueblos, exhibitions and artist demonstrations

• Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino

• Programs centered on bison, youth hoop dancing, health & wellness

• Hosts traditional Indian dances on weekends

• Visitor Center and largest Indian arts and crafts shop in Northern New Mexico

Artwork

pottery, sand paintings, rugs, kachinas, embroidery, beadwork, sculpture

Events & Celebrations

Feast Days & Dances on July 28; December 11 and 12

San Ildefonso Pueblo

Where Water Cuts Down Through sanipueblo.org, 505.455.2273

Highlights

• On the National Register of Historic Places

• Known for black-on-black pottery first created by the late Maria Martinez and husband Julian

• Central plaza, adobe buildings, ceremonial kivas, replica of mission-period church

• Visitor Center, Fishing lake

Artwork pottery, jewelry, moccasins, weavings, carvings, paintings

Events & Celebrations

Feast Days & Dances on January 22 and 23; December 24 and 25

Santa Clara Pueblo

Valley of the Wild Roses or Singing Water Village 505.753.7326

Highlights

• Home of well-known potters Anita Suazo and Margaret Tafoya

• Historic section with adobe houses surrounding two main plazas, two ceremonial kivas, and a church

• Guided tour of ancient 740-room Puye Cliff Dwellings

• On the National Register of Historic Places

• Black Canyon Golf Course and Santa Claran Casino Resort

Artwork

polished black and red pottery, baskets

Events & Celebrations

Feast Days & Dances on June 13 and August 12

Taos Pueblo

Place of Red Willows

taospueblo.com, 575.758.1028

Highlights

• Multistoried adobe buildings continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years

• Only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark

• San Geronimo (St. Jerome) Chapel, completed in 1850

• Self-guided and guided tours

• 40+ shops

Artwork

silver jewelry, mica-flecked pottery, moccasins, boots, drums, paintings, crafts, sculpture

Events & Celebrations

Feast Days & Dances on January 1 and 6; May 3; June 13 and 24, July second weekend annual powwow; July 25 and 26; September 30; December 24 and 25

Tesuque Pueblo

Village of the Narrow Place of the Cottonwood Trees tesuquepueblo.org, 505.983.2667

Highlights

• In its present location since 1200 CE

• On the National Register of Historic Places

• Arts and crafts shops at the Pueblo

• Tesuque Casino (adjacent to the Santa Fe Opera)

• 70 acres of farmland and 750 fruit trees

Artwork

silverwork, traditional clothing, pottery, paintings, sculpture

Events & Celebrations

Feast Days & Dances on June’s first Saturday; November 12; December 24 and 25

Santa Clara Dancers

THE SKINNY ON FILM & TV INSanta Fe

Visit Movie & Television Sites and Find Out Why Santa Fe is One of the Nation’s Hottest Destinations for Production!

Santa Fe’s mountainous Western landscapes, distinctive architecture, sweeping vistas, and numerous micro-climates have drawn major movie and television crews for decades, with a bonus of state incentives up to 40% in rebates. In fact, New Mexico was one of the first to incorporate a comprehensive film incentive program (2003), which was pivotal in it becoming a premier filming destination. In just the past eight years, New Mexico reported $4.3 billion in direct spend attributed to the movie industry, proving to be a significant economic driver to the state.

In the Santa Fe region alone, film makers can take advantage of three studios for a combined nine sound stages and seven movie ranches. In addition to the region’s Santa Fe Studios, Camel Rock Studios, and Aspect Media Village, nearby movie ranches feature numerous large Western town sets, homestead sets, and Spanish forts that have hosted hundreds of movies, including Lonesome Dove, All the Pretty Horses, A Million Ways to Die in the West, Cowboys and Aliens, The Ballad of

MovieMaker Magazine ranked Santa Fe as the #1 “Best Places to Live and Work as a Film Maker” in all of North America, small city category, holding the top spot since 2023.

Buster Scruggs, 3:10 to Yuma, No Country for Old Men, The Missing, Silverado, Easy Rider, and Thor. Camel Rock Studios, the country’s first Indigenous-owned production facility and film studio has access to 17,000 acres of open land on the Tesuque Pueblo and is most recently notable for its hosting of AMC’s Dark Winds

Rendering of the future Backlot Training and Film Education facility, designed to train the next generation of filmmakers, on the Santa Fe Community College campus.

Productions

While much of the excitement about New Mexico as a filmmaking destination feels new, it should be noted that the very first was in 1898: the 38-second Indian Day School was filmed at Isleta Pueblo and produced by Thomas Edison. Early blockbusters Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969, Bonanza Creek Ranch), Young Guns (1988, Village of Cerrillos), and City Slickers (1991, Ghost Ranch and Garson Studios) may have kicked off the modern day trend, but more recently, small screen shows such as Albuquerque’s Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul have brought international attention to New Mexico as a film and television destination.

Filmed in Santa fe COUNTY

The Lone Ranger, 2013
Godless, 2017

That film and television buff in you will be busy for weeks self-touring all of the different sites of recent films and shows in the Santa Fe area. Here are our top recommendations for your site-seeing:

Santa Fe

• Evangelo’s Cocktail Lounge and Santa Fe Opera: Crazy Heart

• The Plaza Cafe: Graves and Did You Hear About the Morgans?

• San Francisco Street, in front of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: Twins

• Santa Fe Indian School: Rez Life

• Bataan Memorial Building: Oppenheimer

Santa Fe County

• Village of Cerrillos: Young Guns, Dark Winds, We’re the Millers, Outrageous Fortune, Convoy, Hi Lo Country, The Hitcher, Beer for My Horses, Trigger Warning, John Carpenter’s Vampires, Seal Team Six

• Village of Madrid: Wild Hogs, The Man Who Fell to Earth, The Cheyenne Social Club, Young Guns, Hi-Lo Country, The Hitcher, Longmire, Seal Team Six, We’re the Millers, Lincoln

• Village of Lamy: Oppenheimer, Godless, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Appaloosa, The Cowboys, Fancy Pants

• El Rancho de las Golondrinas: Wyatt Earp, Young Guns, Seraphim Falls, All the Pretty Horses, News of the World, Fools Rush In, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

• Diablo Canyon: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Harder They Fall, Godless, 3:10 to Yuma, Walker, Texas Ranger

• Glorieta: The Cowboys, Thor

• Stanley: Waco and Waco: The Aftermath

Wild Hogs, 2007 Manhattan, 2014

MovieMaker Magazine declared the 17th annual Santa Fe International Film Festival among the “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.”

Abiquiú

Ghost Ranch: Oppenheimer, The Magnificent 7, Silverado, Wyatt Earp, 3:10 to Yuma, Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull, Lone Ranger, The Missing, No Country for Old Men, Wyatt Earp, Wild Wild West, Silverado, City Slickers, Anthony Bourdain, Parts Unknown New Mexico

Las Vegas

Outer Range, Vegas, Red Dawn, The Astronaut Farmer, No Country for Old Men, Easy Rider, Convoy, Longmire

Los Alamos

Oppenheimer House & Fuller Lodge: Oppenheimer

Taos

Rio Grande Gorge: Natural Born Killers, No Country for Old Men, Transformers 2, Terminator Salvation

Happy touring! For more information, visit santafenm.film or nmfilm.com.

26th Annual Santa Fe Film Festival February santafefilmfestival.com

18th Annual Santa Fe International Film Festival (now Oscar qualifying), October 14-19, santafe.film

Santa Fe Jewish Film Festival throughout the year, santafejff.org

FAMILYFun

Make family memories in the oldest state capital in the United States—The City Different!

Airlock 5: ENTERTAIN the whole fam with an arcade, mini golf, and laser tag. Cafe for when you need to refuel!

Bicentennial Pool and Alto Park: SWIM in the 25-yard pool with a slide, kiddie area, and play features. Afterwards, don’t miss the adjacent playground or the grassy, shady fields.

Genoveva Community Chavez Center: ICE SKATE the rink. Rentals available. Snack bar. Or SWIM in the lazy river, slide the froggy and spiral features, and loop ‘round the toilet bowl in the Leisure Pool.

LiggettVille Adventure Center: SWING from the ropes and navigate an obstacle course in the air amid a food court in the Santa Fe Place Mall.

Playgrounds and recreation centers: ENJOY pickleball, basketball, swimming: Ft. Marcy Complex and Park/Mager’s Field, Frenchy’s Field, Monsignor Patrick Smith Park, Railyard Park, Salvador Perez Park, Ragle Park, and SWAN Park. Santa Fe Climbing Center: CLIMB the walls. Beginners welcome. Rentals and instruction available.

Santa Fe Fuegos: CHEER ON our professional baseball team when they play at home in Ft. Marcy Park’s Mager’s Field. Meet mascot Pepper, a loveable dragon. Snacks and refreshments.

Skateboard at the parks: CHECK OUT DeVargas Park or General Franklin E. Miles Park. Need some schooling? Try Skate School or Goathead Bike & Skate Shop.

Rockin’ Rollers Event Arena: ROLLERSKATE to great tunes in an alienthemed, brightly lit, mirrored rink. Rentals and snacks.

The Alley Lanes: BOWL, billiard, dart, shuffleboard, and try your skill at arcade games. Great food, too!

Bandelier National Monument: EXPLORE petroglyphs, home dwellings in rock cliffs, and standing walls for evidence of Ancestral Pueblo people from 1150 CE to 1550 CE.

Hyde Memorial State Park or Black Canyon Campground, just minutes from downtown to SLED, HIKE, and CAMP.

La Tierra Trails: BIKE 25 miles of dirt trails, designed for all levels of enjoyment. Three trailheads and maps at every juncture.

Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe: GOLF the 9-hole Great 28! Equally great cafe. Rental carts and clubs. Other fun courses referenced on page 97.

Nambé Falls & Lake Recreation Area: TRAIPSE through a river canyon to see the cascading falls, or paddle and picnic on the lake.

Puye Cliff Dwellings: TOUR the volcanic rock of the Pajarito Plateau, the ancestral land of the Santa Claran People. Look for petroglyphs!

Randall Davey Audubon Center: PICNIC & PLAY amid 190 species of birds. Spot other wildlife along nature walks. Enjoy the shaded picnic areas. Don’t miss the Nature Discovery Area, including a treehouse and a seed library.

Rio Grande or the Rio Chama: RAFT with a number of guide outfits.

Santa Fe Botanical Garden: WALK and gaze at local flora and enjoy special event programming, like outdoor concerts and Shakespearean plays.

Santa Fe Canyon Preserve: HIKE an easy 1.3-mile loop in a 525-acre oasis. Look for fossils, evidence of beavers, and the old stone dam. Interpretive signs throughout.

Ski Santa Fe: SKI and BOARD just 16 miles from downtown with terrain for all levels. Rentals and instruction. Two cafes. New high-speed lift with zero lines.

The Reel Life or Desert Angler: FISH the nearby waters with guidance and equipment from local outfitters.

TRIP PLANNING RESOURCES

Summer camps, extended stays, and enriching activities for the kiddos!

OUTDOORSY

Artsy and historic

Art Classes: MAKE art, draw, paint, blow glass, solder glass, throw or form pottery at Artful Soul Creative Experiences, Dragonfly Art Studio, Prairie Dog Glass, TLC Stained Glass Studio or Paseo Pottery.

Bee Hive Books: READ and shop at this bookstore for kids! Check for storytimes.

Cross of the Martyrs: WALK the ½-mile rising paved path, just off the Plaza, for Santa Fe’s history and views.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas: EXPLORE the history of the area at the living 18th and 19th century history museum. Interactive exhibits, festivals. MEANDER their sister spot, Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve. Both open seasonally.

Lensic 360 Summer Scene concert and movie series: DANCE and picnic with the community during the summer on the historic Plaza, at Reunity Resources and SWAN Park, and in the Railyard, where you and the kids can enjoy the enclosed beer garden at Nuckolls Brewing Co. while listening to music!

Libraries: VISIT Santa Fe’s community gathering spots on the Plaza, on the Southside, and in Midtown to read books or attend a kid-focused activity or talk

Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return: DISCOVER the immersive exhibit of more than 70 interactive rooms. Don’t miss the Rainbow Rainbow room, for arts and crafts—admission is gratis!

Museums: TOUR one of The City Different’s 20 museums and ask about kid-friendly approaches to the exhibitions.

National Dance Institute New Mexico: SEE dance performances featuring local kids.

Pandemonium Productions: ENJOY musical theater featuring local kids at seasonal performances.

Prescott Sculpture Gallery & Studio: SEE monumental steel wind-driven animal sculpture outdoors.

Wise Fool New Mexico: FLY like an acrobat, soar on the trapeze, take gymnastic classes or watch the airborne, athletic performances of this circus troupe.

Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return

Canyon Road Summer Walks: FROLIC during a roving, celebratory evening stroll along Santa Fe’s celebrated Canyon Road. Enjoy live music, storytelling, artmaking, food vendors, poets, and pop-up cocktail bars. First Wednesdays seasonally.

Cowgirl BBQ’s Kiddy Korral: EAT where the kids use their imaginations in an enclosed playground while the adults enjoy refreshments and catch up. Treat the family to a famous Ice Cream Baked Potato.

Discover Santa Fe: FOLLOW scavenger hunting clues via your phone to learn more about The City Different.

Eight Northern Pueblos: TRAVEL to another culture via a tour or Feast Day and Dance at a living Native American community and village, most within an hour’s drive of Santa Fe. About 90 minutes from Santa Fe is Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark, where the multistoried adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. See page 99.

Los Alamos: VISIT for a dose of recent history at the Bradbury Science Museum, the Los Alamos History Museum, or the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Visitors Center. Great for its natural surroundings, too.

New Mexico Wildlife Center: MEET live Ambassador Animals, like birds of prey, turtles, rattlesnakes, gray fox, and bobcats, where veterinarians treat orphaned and injured animals from across the state.

Santa Fe Bug & Reptile Museum: MAKE FRIENDS WITH creepy crawlies and learn about what makes them amazing.

Santa Fe Children’s Museum: PLAY all day long at the water table, LEGO station, terrarium, pirate ship, fairy village, and so much more.

Santa Fe Farmers’ Market. WHILE AWAY your Saturday morning with the local community in the Railyard, among the sights of colorful produce courtesy of 150 farmers, the sounds of local musicians, and the smells of freshly baked breads and savory samples. Playground nearby at Railyard Park!

Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery: VIBE seasonally on the patio with live tunes, craft beers and cocktails while the kids play in a chill, fenced in space.

Santa Fe Children’s Museum

SHOP The City Different

Take a piece of Santa Fe home with you!

Discover one-of-a-kind items on your shopping odyssey in exquisite locally owned boutiques and charming stores housed in historic buildings. If art is your obsession, remember that Santa Fe is one of the largest art markets in the United States—shop at our 250+ galleries and our dozen art festivals.

Whether you’re looking for fashion or furniture, rugs or hats, cowboy boots or concho belts, salsa, or silver and turquoise jewelry, you’ll be rewarded in this shopper’s paradise of Southwest specialties and wonders from around the world. santafe.org/shopping

Consignment furniture, clothing, paintings, jewelry
Art works from 250+ galleries
Casual and contemporary clothing boutiques
Handmade, custom cowboy boots and hats

An ingenious way to purchase local treasures when you live afar

While a trip to Santa Fe is the ideal way to experience the charm and authenticity of The City Different, it’s not always a possibility. Visit the Santa Fe Marketplace online platform, brimming with unique products from local Santa Fe artists and retailers, including apparel and accessories, art, collectibles, books, food and beverages, sports and outdoors, home décor and garden, and more.

Check out all the great products at santafemarketplace.com.

Art objects from Indigenous cultures throughout the world
Turquoise and silver jewelry
Native American pottery, jewelry, and paintings
Handwoven Navajo rugs, and weavings

TRIPSDay

Explore More of Northern New Mexico to Enrich Your Santa Fe Stay

1. Eight Northern Pueblos

2. El Rancho de las Golondrinas

3. Pecos

4. Nambé Falls

5. Los Alamos

6. Puye Cliff Dwellings

7. Cerrillos & Madrid

8. Kasha-Katuwe National Monument

9. Northern New Mexico Wineries

10. Abiquiú

11. Las Vegas

12. Bandelier

13. Albuquerque

14. Hot Springs

15. High Road to Taos

16. Sky Railway

17. Cumbres & Toltec

18. Route 66

EL RANCHO DE LAS GOLONDRINAS

An experiential tour of 18th and 19th century New Mexico

A wonderful spot for the entire family, El Rancho de las Golondrinas (Ranch of the Swallows) is a living history museum located on 200 acres in a rural farming valley. The museum, once an important paraje (stopping place) along the Camino Real (Royal Road) from Mexico City is dedicated to providing authentic experiences of the history and culture of 18th and 19th century New Mexico. For a nominal entry fee, participate in a dozen heritage-related events throughout the year. golondrinas.org

EIGHT NORTHERN PUEBLOS’ FEAST DAYS

A rare glimpse into a sacred culture

It is a privilege to attend a Pueblo Feast Day, which represents a time for community members to honor and preserve their cultural traditions. The day begins with a mass and then various dances begin with members dressed in traditional regalia. Enter the open door of any home to feast on traditional stews and breads and peruse arts and crafts. Bear in mind that these sacred ceremonial days are integral to a Pueblo’s ongoing cultural integrity, and you must abide by any protocols, one being that photography is not permitted. Call ahead to confirm. indianpueblo.org/feast-days

Pojoaque Pueblo Buffalo Dancers

NAMBÉ FALLS & LAKE RECREATION AREA

An natural oasis for walking, picnicking, fishing, and light boating

Owned by the Pueblo of Nambé, this recreational beauty of a site is home to not only a waterfall, but a spectacular lake for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Bring your sturdy shoes for the ¼-mile waterfall hike and expect to get wet as you’re winding your way through the canyon to the lowest pool. Nominal entry fee. nambepueblo.org

PUYE CLIFF DWELLINGS

Experience the ancient ancestral home of the Santa Clara People

Take advantage of the mesa top and cliffside tours to learn about this early Pueblo architecture. Walk among the ancient cliff and cave dwellings made of volcanic rock and tufa stone, occupied by Pueblo Indians from the 900s to 1580 AD. Also explore a restored 1930s Harvey House bed and breakfast (built by railroad hospitality magnate Fred Harvey), the only one ever constructed on Indian land. puyecliffdwellings.com

PECOS

A small village for history buffs and nature enthusiasts

Start your day at the Pecos National Historical Park and try the Ancestral Sites Trail for a good overview. From there, venture to Frankie’s at the Casanova for an authentic Northern New Mexican lunch, and then drive up into the Pecos Wilderness Area for hiking along the river. A favorite is the 5.5-mile out-and-back Cave Creek Trail, so named for the caves at the turnaround. Another hiking or biking option are the 20 miles of single track trails managed by Glorieta Adventure Camps, which you can access via the Baptist Bypass Trailhead just off Highway 25. nps.gov

LOS ALAMOS

A history and science lover’s day

Take a self-guided film tour of Oppenheimer sites related to the Manhattan Project’s historical development of the Atomic Bomb during World War II. Or explore the city as a gateway to three National Parks, including Bandelier National Monument and Valles Caldera National Preserve. Consider a stop at the Bradbury Science Museum and the Pajarito Environmental Education Center, perfect for kids with interactive exhibits, hosted hikes, and planetarium shows! visitlosalamos.org

Pecos National Historical Park

TURQUOISE TRAIL: CERRILLOS & MADRID

A historic drive through mining country

Head out on Turquoise Trail/NM-14 to the artist communities of Cerrillos and Madrid for a perfectly quaint and quirky experience. In Cerrillos, learn about the region’s history of mining at the Casa Grande Trading Post, also fun for artifacts, relics, gems—and a petting zoo! On the way to Madrid, don’t miss the Allan Houser Sculpture Park & Gallery (reserve ahead) to see 70 monumental works by the Chiricahua Apache artist. Then tour the shops along Madrid’s only street and refresh yourself at its watering hole, the Mine Shaft Tavern, known for live music. turquoisetrail.org 45 mins

KASHA-KATUWE TENT ROCKS

NATIONAL MONUMENT

Inspired hiking and sights on sacred land Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, managed by Cochiti Pueblo, offers visitors a full immersion into the geological processes that shape the unique natural landscapes found across Northern New Mexico. The coneshaped tent rock formations, created by volcanic eruptions that occurred over six million years ago, present an otherworldly hiking experience. The 1.2 mile Cave Loop Trail is rated an easy walk, while the more difficult 1.5 mile Canyon Trail offers a steep climb to the mesa top, yielding stellar views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and Sandia mountains. Plan ahead by making reservations and purchasing a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass. blm.gov/visit/kktr 45 mins

NORTHERN NEW MEXICO’S WINERIES

A handful of small, independent wineries

New Mexico is home to the oldest wine-growing region in the nation, dating back to 1629, 50 years before the first vines were planted in California. Today there are more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms across the state. Consider starting with a Méthode Champenoise sparkling wine at the Gruet Tasting Room in Santa Fe, crafted with grapes grown principally in New Mexico. Then build a fun afternoon itinerary of tastings as you wind your way north toward Taos and into the majestic Rio Grande canyon, where the grapes love the soil. nmwine.com up to 60 mins

Vivac Winery

ABIQUIÚ

An awe-inspiring tour of natural beauty

Discover the iconic rock formations of Abiquiú, once the home of Georgia O’Keeffe! Schedule a tour of her in-town home in advance through the Visitors Center. Walk among the many vistas she painted at Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center before heading to Abiquiú Dam & Lake Recreation Area for a refreshing dip. Roam the white rock formations of Plaza Blanca or tour the Monastery of Christ in the Desert along the Rio Chama. A stop at the Bodes general store is a must for lunch, supplies, or a souvenir. abiquiuguide.org

mins

60 mins

LAS VEGAS

Equal doses history and adventure

Once the largest community in the Southwest due to the railroad, Las Vegas is a history buff’s dream with 900 buildings on the Historic Registry and two beautifully restored historic hotels—the Plaza Hotel (circa 1882) and the Castañeda (circa 1898, a Fred Harvey Hotel). Bridge Street offers some great shopping, Storrie Lake some fun fishing or canoeing, nearby Hermit’s Peak some excellent hiking—take a peek at United World College on the way. visitlasvegasnm.com

BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT

Actively absorb some ancient history

Meander the ancient cliffside dwellings within Bandelier National Monument, including the main Pueblo Loop Trail and its 850-year-old Ancestral Pueblo metropolis. Popular stops include Big Kiva and Alcove House, a large recess resting 140 feet above the floor of Frijoles Canyon accessed by climbing four wooden ladders. Breathtaking views and a reconstructed kiva offer a taste of what life was like in this historic high-rise. And don’t miss the Tsankawi Trail, along a narrow mesa of solidified volcanic ash. nps.gov/band

mins

Ghost Ranch
Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas

ALBUQUERQUE

A Southwestern urban experience

If you can’t time your visit around the city’s Balloon Fiesta, when 500+ balloons ascend daily, check out the Balloon Museum instead. Add a stop in Old Town (founded in 1706) for numerous museums and more than 100 shops, galleries, and restaurants, including the food hall at Sawmill Market. Also consider the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, a gateway to understanding the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Other important spots include the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Biopark for a zoo, a beach along the Rio Grande, a botanic garden, and an aquarium. Or schedule a ride on the Sandia Tram, affording you an 11,000 square mile panoramic view and lunch at the delicious Ten 3 restaurant (named for its location at 10,378 feet in elevation!). And in 2026, explore all of the Route 66 Centennial celebrations. visitalbuquerque.org

HIGH ROAD TO TAOS

A drive featuring cultural and scenic stops

On the scenic route that winds through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, consider stops at Chimayó, a town known for generations of legendary weavers, El Santuario de Chimayó, and Rancho de Chimayó. In Peñasco, visit Picurís Pueblo for their new All-Wheel Bike Park. Once in Taos, amble through the shops on lively Bent Street and take a spin around the Plaza. Tour the Taos Pueblo and consider a diversion up to the village of Arroyo Seco, full of fun shops, and beyond to Taos Ski Valley, where you can ride lifts, even in the summer. Drive the Low Road (NM-68) back to Santa Fe, along the Rio Grande, stopping along the way at Vivác Winery, the artisan village of Dixon, or at any number of roadside farm stands.

NATURAL HOT SPRINGS

Soaking for the adventurous

There is no shortage of amazing hot spring resorts in Northern New Mexico, but the more adventurous may prefer a naturally occurring, free-to-the-public hot spring. Just outside of Jemez Springs lie the San Antonio Hot Springs, a trio of crystal-clear pools that offer a pleasantly heated soak after a solid drive or hike in. Another good option in the area is Spence Hot Springs. Near Taos, in the town of Arroyo Hondo, the intrepid make the short hike into Black Rock Hot Springs, which sit shimmering on the Rio Grande. These two pools are clothing optional.

New Mexico
Tourism Department
Wandering Wheatleys
Taos Ski Valley

Adventures last up to 2.5 hours

CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD

Ride the historic rails from Antonito, CO or Chama, NM

It’s a National Historic Landmark and the longest (64 miles), the highest (10,015 feet), and the most authentic steam railroad in North America. Climb aboard the train that crosses the Colorado and New Mexico borders 11 times as it zigzags along canyon walls, burrows through tunnels, and rolls over the 137-foot Cascade Trestle. Enjoy forests, high plains, and rocky gorges and don’t be surprised to see wildlife along the way. cumbrestoltec.com

SKY RAILWAY

A train trip with a high entertainment quotient

Choose your entertainment adventure on the historic rail between the Santa Fe and Lamy depots. From theatrical performances to musical acts, great food, and drink, your options on Sky Railway are bound to captivate while you enjoy the experience of rolling through a beautiful open landscape with distant mountain views. skyrailway.com

100+ mins

ROUTE 66

Celebrate the Centennial of the original Mother Road

Explore for half a day Then Now

Nostalgia for Route 66, the two-lane highway that originated in Chicago and ended in Santa Monica, California is particularly strong this year! Commissioned in 1926, the 2,448-mile Mother Road linked countless rural towns across three time zones and eight states and looped in a 10-mile portion of Santa Fe. You can cruise the stretch, beginning on Old Santa Fe Trail, to imagine what life and car travel was like 100 years ago and marvel at how many businesses and landmarks have withstood the test of time, including San Miguel Mission, Loretto Chapel, La Fonda on the Plaza, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Turning west on Water Street, then left onto Galisteo Street and Cerrillos Road southward towards Albuquerque, you’ll spot the New Mexico School for the Deaf and lodging properties like the El Rey Inn. santafe.org/route66

Courtesy of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Weddings

Say “I DO!” in The City Different

Plan a surprise proposal, your wedding day, or a renewal of your marriage

—The City Different has the unique ingredients for an unforgettable time!

What does Santa Fe offer?

Cultural Charm

As the oldest state capital in the United States, Santa Fe holds stories and secrets that will pique your curiosity for years to come. The hotels, restaurants, and spas evoke the past with Pueblo-Spanish and Territorial-style architecture, balanced by exquisitely tasteful contemporary accents.

Distinctive Cuisine

Weave our Northern New Mexico culinary scene into your big plans. The signature spicy, savory flavors will remind you that you’re in The City Different, and enliven your palate. Choose from countless restaurants, helmed by famous, award-winning chefs, including the 2022 Best Chef of the Southwest, James Beard Award winner Fernando Olea of Sázon or 2005’s winner Mark Kiffin of The Compound Restaurant.

Diverse Activities

Options for mountain recreation abound at 7,000 feet and higher. Or you and your wedding party can relax at a hot springs resort and check out the many shops around the Plaza and the Railyard. If you love a good buzz, get everyone on the Margarita Trail for some surprising takes on the age-old margarita. Take advantage of a $30 CulturePass for admission to several museums and historical sites. Or spend the day poking around the 100+ galleries on Canyon Road.

Galisteo
Elena Gallegos Open Space, Albuquerque
Fuller Lodge, Los Alamos

Enchanting Venues

Plan your event at a Gothic-Revival church like The Loretto Chapel near the historic Plaza, on the erstwhile property of Santa Fe’s first Archbishop, Jean Baptiste Lamy, at the award-winning Bishop’s Lodge, at a historic stone lodge in the Santa Fe National Forest, or in the chapel at the Hotel Glorieta or Eldorado Hotel.

Natural Mountainous Backdrop

A river runs through the heart of The City Different, which sits in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Ample trees and flowers grace every neighborhood, and the air is clean. Santa Fe is a wonderfully natural setting for your big moment.

Restorative Hotels, Resorts & Spas

In downtown Santa Fe, find a variety of historic hotels, each uniquely designed in the Santa Fe Style with the utmost comfort and luxury, many showcasing custom onsite spas. Or just minutes outside of town, be enchanted by expansive resorts in both high-elevation and pastoral settings, offering not only exotic spa services, but opportunities to luxuriate in outdoor hot springs year-round.

Sunshiney Days, Starry Nights

320+ days of sunshine a year mean warm, happy days and photo-worthy sunsets. And the small city size means our skies are clear and dark enough to show off the exquisite distant jewels of the night.

Beau brings a relaxed, photojournalistic style to weddings. Known for his warm, friendly approach, he captures real moments and genuine emotion—telling the true story of your day with care, honesty, and a natural sense of connection.

Santa Fe
Downtown Santa Fe
Santa Fe Botanical Garden
Your

conference

attendance will be your best yet!

One of the best ways to ensure good attendance at your meeting or convention is to hold it somewhere people are eager to visit. Santa Fe, full of rich culture and centuries of history, is just that place. Attendees can find small city charm and spirit, historic properties, worldclass cuisine, and unparalleled museums and galleries.

WHY THE CITY DIFFERENT?

IT’S WALKABLE!

Downtown Santa Fe offers 2,000 rooms within walking distance of the historic Plaza and the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

IT’S FUN!

It’s a great destination for the spouse or the whole family because of the endless activities in and around town. Your attendees will love a few extra days before or after the conference.

IT’S HISTORIC!

Stroll through 400+ years of history and culture during conference breaks and days off.

IT’S UNIQUE!

Host your reception at a private gallery or museum, and even in the original Meow Wolf’s The House of Eternal Return. Local catering companies serve gourmet cuisine.

GETTING HERE IS EASY!

IT’S WORLD CLASS!

Attendees can experience the finest hotels, restaurants, art galleries, museums, performances, and shops. IT CAN ALL HAPPEN UNDER ONE ROOF!

Convenient individual hotels can accommodate group meetings of up to 500 people.

Fly into the redesigned and expanded Santa Fe Regional Airport via a direct flight or connections from Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Chicago (seasonally) via American Airlines and Denver and Houston (seasonal) via United Airlines. New for 2026, fly business class with JSX direct from Dallas. Or try the Albuquerque International Sunport, less than an hour away and a beautiful drive. Convenient transfers available.

Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe 828 Paseo de Peralta

druryhotels.com/locations/santa-fe-nm/drury-plaza-hotel-in-santa-fe 505.424.2175

A historic renovation, the Drury Plaza Hotel features private terraces and premium suites just steps from The Plaza. Enjoy free hot breakfast, 5:30 Kickback®, and a rooftop pool. Dining options include The Kitchen + Bar and The Rooftop Bar.

“Go to Santa Fe with the intention of letting the city’s charms embrace you.”

—Esquire Magazine

WHY THE SANTA FE COMMUNITY CONVENTION CENTER?

In the heart of historic downtown Santa Fe

40,000 total square feet

6,500 square-foot brick-laid, landscaped courtyard

3,000 square-foot wraparound terrace

One-of-a-kind meeting space with traditional Pueblo architecture, Southwestern décor, and original artwork from local artists

18,000-squarefoot, column-free ballroom (with multiple configurations)

State-of-the-art LEED Gold Certified building with upgraded LED lighting and HVAC controls

3,000-squarefoot lobby for easy check in and gathering

Accommodates up to 2,000 attendees, or 1,000 with a food and beverage component

Customizable services—audio/visual, food and beverage, entertainment, transportation— to help you create a unique experience, perfectly tailored for your group

11 configurable breakout rooms on first and second floors, with 19 possible configurations, ranging from 300 to 2,700 square feet

For more information, such as 3-D views of the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, and contact details for the TOURISM Santa Fe sales team, visit meetdifferent.org, or call our Sales Department at 800.984.9984.

SCAN for inspiration

GETTING HERE! Tips on

The City Different is easily accessible by plane, car, or rail. And once you’ve arrived, you may want to stay forever!

BY AIR:

Santa Fe Regional Airport

Convenient and minutes from town. Fly directly into the Santa Fe Regional Airport (flysantafe.com) from Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Chicago (seasonal) via American Airlines and Denver and Houston (seasonal) via United Airlines. New for 2026, fly business class with JSX direct from Dallas.

Private and charter flight services via Santa Fe Regional Airport are available through The Jet Center at Santa Fe Regional Airport (505.780.4455, jetcentersf.com) and Signature Support (505.471.2525, signatureaviation. com/locations/saf).

GROUND TRANSPORTATION FROM SANTA FE REGIONAL AIRPORT INTO SANTA FE

• Taxis & Private Car Services: Visit flysantafe.com/airport/transportation

• Ride-sharing: Uber or Lyft

• Rentals onsite: Hertz or Avis

Albuquerque International Sunport

The Albuquerque International Sunport (abqsunport.com) is approximately 55 easy highway miles from Santa Fe.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION FROM ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL SUNPORT INTO SANTA FE

• Reserve a car with one of 10 car rental agencies onsite.

• Reserve a seat:

• ABQ Express (505.850.3880, abqexpressshuttle.rural-transit.com)

• Corazon Concierge for ADA-compliant transportation (800.762.7058, corazonconcierge.com)

• Star Limo (505.848.9999, 505starlimo.com)

BY RAIL:

From Albuquerque, take the New Mexico Rail Runner Express (riometro.org) into the Santa Fe Railyard Depot. From various locations, get on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line (amtrak.com/southwest.chief.train), stopping in Lamy, 17 miles outside of Santa Fe. Arrange for transportation from the train depot into Santa Fe in advance through RoadRunneR (505.424.3367, rideroadrunner.com).

GETTING AROUND TOWN

A vehicle is essential for seeing what greater Northern New Mexico offers, but much of The City Different is accessible by foot or bike (rentals available from multiple local retailers).

• The FREE Santa Fe Pick-Up makes the rounds among the Historic Plaza, Railyard, and Canyon Road neighborhoods every 30 minutes. (505.955.2001, santafenm.gov/public-works/transit/route-maps-and-schedules).

• In the downtown area, hail a Santa Fe Pedicab (505.577.5056, santafepedicabs.com).

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Santa Fe Trails (505.955.2001, santafenm.gov/public-works/ transit/santa-fe-trails) offers multiple and farther-reaching city routes for a nominal fee.

RTD Blue Bus (ncrtd.org) offers transportation throughout Santa Fe and the surrounding area, with the Mountain Trail route providing access to Santa Fe National Forest and the Ski Santa Fe ski area.

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS

TOURISM Santa Fe offers a variety of resources for visitors to The City Different at four convenient Visitor Center locations. (AND don’t forget to pick up a copy of your Santa Fe Margarita Trail passport at any location!)

• Plaza at the Paso de Luz shopping center, 66 East San Francisco Street

• Water Street, 100 East Water Street

• Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 West Marcy Street

• Railyard at the Santa Fe Depot, 410 South Guadalupe Street

MEDICAL FACILITIES

We hope you feel great while you’re here, but if you need medical assistance, Santa Fe’s professionals can take care of you. If you are having a medical emergency, dial 911.

Two hospitals:

• Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, 455 Michael’s Drive (505.913.5287, christushealth.org)

• Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center, 4801 Beckner Road (505.772.1234, santa-fe-medical-center.phs.org)

Many urgent care facilities:

• Railyard Urgent Care, 831 S St. Francis Drive (505.501.7791, railyardurgentcare.com)

• Ultimed Urgent Medical Center, 707 Paseo de Peralta (505.989.8707, ultimed.com)

• Presbyterian Urgent Care, 454 St. Michael’s Drive (505.303.5000, phs.org/doctors-services/services-centers/urgent-care)

Santa Fe Vacation Rentals 417 East Palace Avenue santafevacationrentals.com | 505.982.3966

Accommodating guests from all over the world for the past 30 years! A local, full service property management company offering vacation rentals, 30-day furnished rentals, and long-term (12 month) unfurnished rentals.

Calendar of EventS

Plan your trip around The City Different’s wonderful array of events, exhibitions, and traditions! Please confirm dates prior to your arrival. More info: visitsantafe.com

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum | gokm.org

Ongoing in 2026: Tewa Nangeh/Tewa Country through Sept 7, 2026

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts | iaia.edu/iaia-museum-of-contemporary-native-arts

Ongoing in 2026: Permanent and rotating exhibits, including Our Stories through May 18, 2027. Museum of Encaustic Art | moeart.org

Ongoing in 2026: Permanent and rotating exhibits, which include 124 pieces of encaustic/wax Museum of Indian Arts & Culture | indianartsandculture.org

Ongoing in 2026: Permanent and rotating exhibits, including Essential Elements: Art, Environment, and Indigenous Futures through April 5, 2026. Museum of International Folk Art | moifa.org

In 2026: Permanent and rotating exhibits, including The Art Underground: Fantasy Coffins of Ghana beginning July 19, 2026 through September 5, 2027

New Mexico History Museum / Palace of the Governors | nmhistorymuseum.org

Ongoing in 2026: Permanent and rotating exhibits, including Truths Be Told: Artists Activate Traditions through January 7, 2027

New Mexico Museum of Art | nmartmuseum.org

Ongoing in 2026: Permanent and rotating exhibits, including Opowa Omeng: The Art and Legacy of Jody Folwell, beginning February 7 through June 21, 2026

New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary | nmartmuseum.org/vladem-contemporary

Ongoing in 2026: Permanent and rotating exhibits, including Lucy R. Lippard: Notes from the Radical Whirlwind through August 9, 2026

Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum | nmheritagearts.org

Ongoing in 2026: Permanent and rotating exhibits.

SITE Santa Fe | sitesantafe.org

Ongoing in 2026: Permanent and rotating exhibits, including Indian Theater: Native Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969 through September 7, 2026

Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian | wheelwright.org

Ongoing in 2026: Permanent and rotating exhibits, including Silver Honors Stone: The Work of Julian Lovato beginning on April 10 through October 17, 2026

LIVE PERFORMANCE SEASONS Visit organization websites for performance seasons.

New Mexico Performing Arts Society | nmpas.org

Committed to working with young New Mexican performers to present great works, including a Bach and Chamber series.

Santa Fe Botanical Garden | visitsfbg.org

June–August: Sunset Concert Series

July–August: Santa Fe Classic Theater presents Shakespeare in the Garden.

Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival | santafechambermusic.com

July 19–August 24: Celebrated chamber music stars in extraordinary concerts, including Beethoven & Mendelssohn performances

Santa Fe Desert Chorale | desertchorale.org

July 12–August 2; December 12–22

Experience the beauty and power of world-class choral music with 24 top-tier professional singers.

Santa Fe Opera | santafeopera.org

July 3–August 29: World-class opera in an open-air setting. Lili Elbe, Madama Butterfly, The Magic Flute, Eugene Onegin, and Rodelinda

Santa Fe Pro Musica | santafepromusica.com

through May 3, Classical music programs presented in historic Santa Fe venues, including Diderot String Quartet, April 12

Santa Fe Summer Scene on the Plaza and the Railyard | lensic360.org

June–September: Free movies and live music on the downtown Plaza, in the Railyard, at Reunity Resources, and SWAN Park, featuring popular flicks and national and local musicians.

The Santa Fe Symphony | santafesymphony.org

through May 10, Symphonic and choral music with world-renowned guest performers, presenting great works, including Beethoven & Strauss on April 12

MAJOR EVENTS

Visit indianpueblo.org for Feast Days’ and celebrations’ information. Check all event websites to confirm dates which are subject to change. For additional information: visitsantafe.com

JANUARY

January 1 Transfer of Canes to new Pueblo tribal officials. Dances at most Pueblos, including Taos (Turtle Dance), Picuris, Ohkay Owingeh (Cloud of Basket Dance).

January 6 Three King’s Day celebration honoring new Pueblo tribal officials. Most Pueblos open to the public with various dances, including Picuris, Nambé (Buffalo, Deer, Antelope), and Taos (Deer & Buffalo).

January 16 & 17 Bluebird Cafe Songwriters Concert Series. Bishop’s Lodge’s signature ‘In The Round’ songwriter show.

January 22 San Ildefonso Pueblo: Vespers with Firelight Dances and procession.

January 23 San Ildefonso Pueblo: Annual Feast Day. Buffalo, Comanche, and Deer Dances.

January 23 WinterBrew 2026 | nmbeer.org | Sip cold-weather faves from statewide breweries.

January 31 Souper Bowl | thefooddepot.org | Help alleviate hunger by voting on the best local restaurant soups.

FEBRUARY

First or second weekend Ohkay Owingeh Deer Dances.

February 2 Candelaria Day Celebration with dances at Picuris Pueblo.

February 20 & 21 Bluebird Cafe Songwriters Concert Series. Bishop’s Lodge’s signature ‘In The Round’ songwriter show.

Santa Fe Film Festival | santafefilmfestival.com

An extensive program of films, panels, workshops, and parties at various venues.

MARCH

Santa Fe Farmers’ Market | santafefarmersmarket.com

Shop local produce and dried goods. Every Tuesday (May–Dec) and Saturday.

March 2–11 Santa Fe Restaurant Week | nmrestaurantweek.com

Participating restaurants invite you to feast on prix-fixe meals at a fraction of the cost.

March 20 & 21 Bluebird Cafe Songwriters Concert Series. Bishop’s Lodge’s signature ‘In The Round’ songwriter show.

APRIL

Easter weekend and Sunday Pueblo Dances | indianpueblo.org Various dances at most Pueblos, including Nambé (Bow & Arrow Dance).

MAY

May 3 Santa Cruz Feast Day: Blessing of the Fields, foot races, and Corn Dance at Taos Pueblo.

May 7–11 SWAIA Native Fashion Week & Native Fashion Week Santa Fe swaianativefashion.org; nativefashionweeksantafe.com | Indigenous designers and artists rock the runway at the Community Convention Center and in the Railyard.

May 9 Canyon Road Spring Art Festival | visitcanyonroad.com | Art exhibits and a live auction

May 15-17 Santa Fe International Literary Festival | sfinternationallitfest.org A lineup of some of the world’s most accomplished storytellers.

May 16 & 17 Santa Fe Century | santafecentury.com | 20-, 50-, and 100-mile bike rides

May 20–25 Native Elements Art Festival & Market | visitsfbg.org/native-elements Celebrates Native land, plants, and people and features 160 Native American artists.

May 28–31 11th Cocktails & Culture Culinary Festival, including TACO WARS | theliquidmuse.com

El Rito Studio Tour | elritoartassociation.org/studio-tour 30 artists, some using traditional techniques, such as backstrap loom weaving, painting with local pigments, tin stamping, and woodcarving.

Northern New Mexico Fine Arts & Crafts Guild | artsandcraftsguild.org Juried arts and crafts show celebrating a variety of media.

JUNE

First Saturday: Blessing of the Fields and Corn Dance at Taos Pueblo.

May 30–June 7 New Mexico Cocktail Week | nmcocktailweek.com Enjoy seminars and signature events, along with high-quality cocktail experiences at participating local bars and restaurants.

June 6 & 7 Spring Festival, Featuring Herb & Lavender | golondrinas.org Experience traditional ranch activities, like sheep shearing, wool dyeing, spinning, and weaving.

June 11-14, 2026 Santa Fe Magazine Festival | santafemagazine.co/festival

June 13 & 14 Santa Fe Society of Artists | santafesocietyofartists.com | Weekends, Cathedral Park

June 13 St. Anthony Feast Day: Events at Taos (Corn Dance), Ohkay Owingeh (Corn Dance), Santa Clara (Comanche Dance), Picurís (children’s footrace).

June 12–21 CURRENTS 2026 Art and Technology Festival | currentsnewmedia.org Interactive installations, VR environments, robotics, and more.

June 20 & 21 and 27 & 28 Santa Fe Studio Tour | santafestudiotour.com Artists open their studios to the public for viewing and shopping.

June 24-27 Rodeo de Santa Fe Pro Rodeo | rodeodesantafe.org | PRCA pro rodeo.

June 24 St. John the Baptist Feast Day: Ohkay Owingeh Annual Feast Day, Taos Pueblo Corn Dance.

June 27 33rd Anniversary of PRIDE Santa Fe on the Plaza | hrasantafe.org Celebrate the unique, diverse, supportive, artistic community that is Santa Fe with a month of events.

JULY

July 4 Pancakes on the Plaza & Fireworks Celebration on Santa Fe Place Mall pancakesontheplaza.com

Second weekend Annual Taos Pueblo Powwow.

July 4 & 5 Santa Fe Wine Festival | golondrinas.org Sample New Mexico wines and buy directly from vintners.

July 9-11 Art Santa Fe | artsantafe.com

International contemporary art fair. Galleries from around the world showcase contemporary art.

July 9–12 International Folk Art Market | folkartmarket.org A global gathering featuring the work of master folk artists.

July 9-19 Santa Fe Art Week | santafe.org/artweek Art events and experiences across the city.

July 18 Fiesta de Los Niños | golondrinas.org | Activities for the whole family

July 25 Santiago Feast Day: Corn Dance at Taos Pueblo.

July 26 St. Anne Feast Day: Corn Dance at Taos Pueblo.

July 25 & 26 Traditional Spanish Market | traditionalspanishmarket.org Oldest and largest juried Spanish Market in the United States.

July 25 & 26 Contemporary Hispanic Market | contemporaryhispanicmarket.org Showcase for Hispanic artists working outside the colonial traditions.

July 28 Peoples’ Day: Summer Feast Day and various dances at Pojoaque Pueblo.

Northern New Mexico Fine Arts & Crafts Guild | artsandcraftsguild.org Juried arts and crafts show celebrating a variety of media.

AUGUST

August 2 Persingula Feast Day: Annual Feast Day and Corn Dance at Jemez Pueblo.

August 9 San Lorenzo Vespers & Sunset Dances at Picurís Pueblo.

August 8 & 9 Santa Fe Society of Artists | santafesocietyofartists.com

August 8 & 9 Santa Fe Beer & Food Festival | golondrinas.org | Explore the foods of New Mexico.

August 10 Anniversary of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680: Picurís Pueblo Annual Feast Day with a ceremonial foot race, pole climb, and traditional dances.

August 12 Santa Clara Feast Day: Buffalo, Harvest, or Corn Dance at Santa Clara Pueblo.

August 15 & 16 SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market | swaia.org

Largest Native American arts market in the world held on and around the Santa Fe Plaza.

August 15 & 16 Free Indian Market | freeindianmarket.org

The Last Dance of Billy the Kid | thelastdanceofbillythekid.com | Story of the love affair

Whitehawk Annual Antique & Ethnographic Art Shows | whitehawkshows.com Exhibitors of antique Indian and ethnographic art.

34th Zia Regional Rodeo | nmgra.org | Presents breakaway calf roping, team roping, barrel racing, flag race, pole bending, and the rough stock events of bull riding and steer riding.

Mono Mundo World Dance Festival | nmdancecoalition.org/events In its 30th year, Mono Mundo is a free dance festival on the Plaza.

SEPTEMBER

Sept 4 102nd Burning of Zozobra | burnzozobra.com

Zozobra, a giant puppet stuffed with paper on which people have written all of the ills of the past year, is torched in the night as thousands in the crowd cheer and watch their woes burn away.

Sept 5-7 Santa Fe Fiestas Fine Art & Crafts Market | santafefiesta.org

Artists and craftspeople fill booths around the Plaza with their wares.

Sept 5-13 Fiesta de Santa Fe | santafefiesta.org

The oldest continuously celebrated community event in the nation features food, music, parades, and religious celebrations.

September 13 Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown | ediblesmackdown.com

Local chefs compete to make the best burger.

September 19-21 New Mexico True Singletrack | transrockies.com

September 23–27 Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta | santafewineandchile.org

Food and wine events, cooking classes, and guest chef demos.

September 30 San Geronimo Feast Day: Art fair, ceremonial foot race, and pole climb at Taos Pueblo.

Santa Fe Renaissance Faire | golondrinas.org

Costumed revelry and Celtic games, medieval villages, Spanish kings and queens, and more.

Taos Studio Tour | taos.org

More than 30 artists open their studios for you to see their work and query them about their methods.

Turquoise Trail Tour | turquoisetrailstudiotour.com

More than 50 painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramicists, fiber artists, glass artists, and jewelers from the communities of Cerrillos, Madrid, Lone Butte, Sandia Park, and Cedar Crest unite in the name of art.

High Road Artisans Studio Tour | highroadnewmexico.com

40 different studio and gallery stops along an autumnal drive through Land Grant villages and rural countryside.

Eldorado Arts Studio Tour | eldoradoarts.org

Visit nearly 75 artist studios for an impressive range of work.

OCTOBER

October 4 St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day | indianpueblo.org

Nambé Pueblo Annual Feast Day, with Buffalo, Elk, and Deer Dances.

October 3–11 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta | balloonfiesta.com The largest balloon gathering on earth.

October 10–12 Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend | santafe.org/indigenouspeoplesday A celebration of the citizens and cultures of the 23 Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos in New Mexico.

October 14–19 Santa Fe International Film Festival | santafe.film Films, panels, and parties and more than 300 hours of programming and 100 visiting filmmakers.

Oct 30 & 31 5th Annual Día de los Muertos | burnzozobra.com/dia | Day of the Dead celebration on the historic Santa Fe Plaza with music, decorative ofrendas, face-painting, and a parade.

Historic Canyon Road Paint & Sculpt Out | visitcanyonroad.com

More than 150 artists create art en plein air on Canyon Road.

Harvest Festival | golondrinas.org | Fall and the harvest season at El Rancho de las Golondrinas.

Galisteo Studio Tour | galisteostudiotour.org

For 37 years, Galisteo artists have opened their studios to visitors when the cottonwoods turn gold. Pecos Studio Tour | pecosstudiotour.com

Breathe in the fresh rural mountain air and take your time visiting with artists in their workspaces. Abiquiú Studio Tour | abiquiustudiotour.org

The tour of more than 25 studio stops and 80 artists in oil paintings, Spanish colonial furniture, fiber art, pottery, and more, takes you through the village of Abiquiú and the surrounding Chama River Valley.

NOVEMBER

November 7 & 8 Dixon Studio Tour | dixonarts.org

Decades old, this tour spans the talented community and occurs during the celebrated time of the golden cottonwood.

November 12 San Diego Feast Day | jemezpueblo.com Various dances at Tesuque Pueblo and Jemez Pueblo.

November 13-15 Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival | recyclesantafe.org Family-friendly event that brings together artists who transform discarded materials into art!

November 26 Ski Santa Fe opens | skisantafe.com Ski season begins on Thanksgiving Day if the snow is sufficient.

November 27 Annual Holiday Lighting | santafenm.gov

Lighting event at the Plaza, with music by local artists.

SWAIA Winter Indian Market | swaia.org

Native American-made arts and crafts show.

Review Santa Fe Photo Symposium | visitcenter.org Juried portfolio review conference.

Contemporary Clay Fair | contemporaryclayfair.com

More than 30 regional artists sell their fine pottery and unique clay art, an array both functional and whimsical.

DECEMBER

December 4 5th Annual Canyon Road Fireside Artist Chat | visitcanyonroad.com Artists at participating galleries chat about their work.

December 5 & 6 Winter Spanish Market | traditionalspanishmarket.org

More than 100 adult and youth artists show their traditional work of Spanish Colonial New Mexico.

December 11 Vespers, Procession, and Dances at Pojoaque Pueblo.

December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day. Pojoaque Pueblo Annual Feast Day, Mass, and various dances.

December 24 Canyon Road Farolito Walk | visitcanyonroad.com Glowing farolitos light up Canyon Road beginning at dusk.

December 24 Dances, including Matachines, at most Pueblos, as well as midnight mass and bonfires.

December 25–31 Christmas Day through New Year’s Dances at many Pueblos.

December 26 Turtle Dance at Ohkay Owingeh.

December 26 Corn Dance at Santo Domingo Pueblo.

December 28 Holy Innocents Day with Children’s Dances at Picurís Pueblo and Turtle Dance at Ohkay Owingeh.

December 31 New Year’s Eve on the Plaza | santafe.org/nye Ring in the new year with bonfires, hot chocolate, and a countdown to midnight.

Christmas at the Palace | nmhistorymuseum.org

A free, family-friendly evening with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Palace of the Governors.

Las Posadas | nmhistorymuseum.org

A pageant re-creating the Holy Family’s search for shelter winds through the Plaza.

GuideLODGING

DOWNTOWN GREATER SANTA FE SANTA FE COUNTY

•Rates are based on average room rate and are relative to other lodgings in Santa Fe.

•Many establishments offer significantly reduced rates in off-season, as well as a range of prices.

•Your hotel may ask you to participate in water-conservation measures.

Rates Key: $=up to $100 $$=$101–$200 $$$=$201–$300 $$$$=$301 and up HOTELS

Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe | druryplazasantafe.com | 828 Paseo de Peralta | 505-424-2175 800-378-7946

El Sendero Inn | choicehotels.com | 311 Old Santa Fe Trail | 505-982-1851

Eldorado Hotel & Spa | eldoradohotel.com | 309 W San Francisco St | 505-988-4455 | 800-955-4455

Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza | hilton.com | 100 Sandoval St | 505-988-2811

Hotel Chimayó de Santa Fe | hotelchimayo.com | 125 Washington Ave | 505-988-4900 | 855-752-9273

Hotel Flora | hotelflorasantafe.com | 400 Market St

Hotel Santa Fe, The Hacienda & Spa | hotelsantafe.com | 1501 Paseo de Peralta | 505-982-1200 855-825-9876

Hotel St. Francis | hotelstfrancis.com | 210 Don Gaspar Ave | 505-983-5700 | 800-529-5700

Inn and Spa at Loretto | hotelloretto.com | 211 Old Santa Fe Trail | 505-988-5531 | 866-582-1646

Inn of the Governors | innofthegovernors.com | 101 W Alameda St | 505-982-4333 | 800-234-4534

Inn on the Alameda | innonthealameda.com | 303 E Alameda St | 888-984-2121

La Fonda on the Plaza | lafondasantafe.com | 100 E San Francisco St | 505-995-2325 | 800-523-5002

La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa | laposadadesantafe.com | 330 E Palace Ave | 505-986-0000 855-210-7210

Piñon Court by La Fonda | pinoncourt.com | 201 Montezuma St | 505-995-0800

Palace Modern | palacemodern.com | 105 E Marcy St

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi | rosewoodhotels.com | 113 Washington Ave | 505-988-3030 800-688-8100

Santa Fe Motel & Inn | santafemotel.com | 510 Cerrillos Rd | 505-982-1039 | 800-930-5002

The Hacienda at Hotel Santa Fe | hotelsantafe.com | 537 S Guadalupe St | 855-825-9876

The Inn of The Five Graces | fivegraces.com | 150 E De Vargas St | 505-992-0957

The Sage Hotel | thesagesf.com | 725 Cerrillos Rd | 505-982-5952

The Washington Inn | thewashingtoninnsantafe.com | 222 Otero St | 505-988-3024

Vanessie Santa Fe | vanessiesantafe.com | 427 W Water St | 505-984-1193 | 855-516-1090

Baymont by Wyndham Santa Fe NM | wyndhamhotels.com | 4150 Cerrillos Rd | 505-474-4442 877-999-3223

GuideLODGING

GuideLODGING

DOWNTOWN GREATER SANTA FE SANTA FE COUNTY

•Rates are based on average room rate and are relative to other lodgings in Santa Fe.

•Many establishments offer significantly reduced rates in off-season, as well as a range of prices.

•Your hotel may ask you to participate in water-conservation measures.

Rates Key: $=up to $100 $$=$101–$200 $$$=$201–$300 $$$$=$301 and up HOTELS (continued)

Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe | bwsantafehotel.com | 3650 Cerrillos Rd | 505-438-3822 800-528-1234

Comfort Inn Santa Fe | choicehotels.com | 4312 Cerrillos Rd | 505-474-7330 | 877-424-6423

Cottonwood Court Motel | 1742 Cerrillos Rd | 505-982-5571

Coyote South | coyotesouthsf.com | 3358 Cerrillos Rd | 505-471-8811

Days Inn Santa Fe | wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn | 2900 Cerrillos Rd | 505-570-5428 | 800-329-7466

DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Fe | santafe.doubletree.com | 4048 Cerrillos Rd | 505-473-4646 800-774-1500

EconoLodge Inn & Suites | choicehotels.com | 3752 Cerrillos Rd | 505-438-8049

El Rey Court | elreycourt.com | 1862 Cerrillos Rd | 505-982-1931 | 800-521-1349

Fairfield Inn & Suites | marriott.com | 3625 Cerrillos Rd | 505-474-3900

Hotel Glorieta | hotelglorietasantafe.com | 750 N St. Francis Dr | 505-992-5800

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Fe | holidayinnexpress.com | 3348 Cerrillos Rd | 505-473-9004 888-465-4329

Hotel Inn Santa Fe | hotelinnsantafe.com | 3011 Cerrillos Rd | 505-471-1211

Hyatt Place Santa Fe | hyatt.com | 4320 Cerrillos Rd | 505-474-7777 | 888-591-1234

Inn at Santa Fe | innatsantafe.com | 8376 Cerrillos Rd | 505-474-9500 | 800-528-1238

King’s Rest Court | kingsrestcourt.business.site | 1452 Cerrillos Rd | 505-983-8879

Motel 6 Santa Fe North | motel6.com | 3007 Cerrillos Rd | 505-473-1380 | 800-4-MOTEL6

Motel 6 Santa Fe South | motel6.com | 646 Cerrillos Rd | 505-982-3551 | 800-4-MOTEL6

Pecos Trail Inn | thepecostrailinn.com | 2239 Old Pecos Trail | 505-982-1943

Quality Inn | choicehotels.com/new-mexico/santa-fe/quality-inn-hotels/nm321 | 3695 Cerrillos Rd 505-596-9044

Ramada by Wyndham | ramadasantafe.com | 3450 Cerrillos Rd | 505-474-7570

Residence Inn Santa Fe | marriott.com/safnm | 1698 Galisteo St | 505-988-7300 | 800-331-3131

Santa Fe Courtyard | marriott.com/safcy | 3347 Cerrillos Rd | 505-473-2800 800-777-3347

The Mystic | themysticsantafe.com | 2810 Cerrillos Rd | 505-471-7663

GuideLODGING

GuideLODGING

DOWNTOWN GREATER SANTA FE SANTA FE COUNTY

•Rates are based on average room rate and are relative to other lodgings in Santa Fe.

•Many establishments offer significantly reduced rates in off-season, as well as a range of prices.

•Your hotel may ask you to participate in water-conservation measures.

Rates Key: $=up to $100 $$=$101–$200 $$$=$201–$300 $$$$=$301 and up HOTELS (continued)

Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Collection | aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge 1297 Bishops Lodge Rd | 888-741-0480

Cities of Gold Casino Hotel | citiesofgold.com | 10-A Cities of Gold Rd | 505-455-0515 | 800-916-4339

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe fourseasons.com/santafe | 198 State Rd | 505-946-5700 | 855-674-5401

Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder | hiltonbuffalothunder.com | 20 Buffalo Thunder Trl | 505-455-5555 877-THUNDER

Homewood Suites by Hilton - Santa Fe North santafenorth.homewoodsuites.com | 10 Buffalo Thunder Trail | 505-455-9100

La Quinta by Wyndham Santa Fe | wyndhamhotels.com | 4298 Cerrillos Rd | 505-471-1142

Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort | ojosparesorts.com/ojo-santa-fe | 242 Los Pinos Road | 877-977-8212

Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Spa Resort | tenthousandwaves.com | 21 Ten Thousand Waves Way 505-982-9304

BED & BREAKFASTS

Antigua Inn | antiguainn.com | 622 Castillo Place | 505-954-1231

Casa Culinaria The Gourmet Inn | ccsantafe.com | 617 Don Gaspar | 505-986-8664

Casa Cuma Bed & Breakfast | casacuma.com | 105 Paseo de la Cuma | 505-216-7516

Casa de Tres Lunas | casadetreslunas.com | 719 Paseo de Peralta | 505-989-4444 | 800-779-2930

El Farolito Bed & Breakfast Inn | farolito.com | 514 Galisteo | 505-988-1631

Four Kachinas Bed & Breakfast Inn | fourkachinas.com | 512 Webber St | 505-988-1631 | 505-982-2550

Guadalupe Inn | guadalupeinn.com | 604 Agua Fria St | 505-989-7422 | 505-983-3983

Inn of the Turquoise Bear | turquoisebear.com | 342 E Buena Vista St | 505-983-0798 | 800-396-4104

Las Palomas Inn | laspalomas.com | 460 W San Francisco St | 505-982-5560 | 855-982-5560

Pueblo Bonito Inn | pueblobonitoinn.com | 138 W Manhattan Ave | 800-461-4599

The Parador | paradorsantafe.com | 220 W Manhattan Ave | 505-988-1177

Bobcat Inn | bobcatinn.com | 442 Old Las Vegas Highway | 505-988-9239

Casa Escondida Bed & Breakfast | casaescondida.com | 64 County Road 100, Chimayó | 505-295-5295

LODGING

Guide GuideLODGING

DOWNTOWN GREATER SANTA FE SANTA FE COUNTY

•Rates are based on average room rate and are relative to other lodgings in Santa Fe.

•Many establishments offer significantly reduced rates in off-season, as well as a range of prices.

•Your hotel may ask you to participate in water-conservation measures.

Rates Key: $=up to $100 $$=$101–$200 $$$=$201–$300 $$$$=$301 and up

BED & BREAKFASTS (continued)

Hacienda Doña Andrea de Santa Fe | haciendadonaandrea.com | 78 Vista del Oro, Cerrillos | 505-424-8995

Java Junction Bed & Breakfast | java-junction.com | 2855 Highway 14, Madrid | 505-438-2772

Rancho de Chimayó Hacienda | ranchodechimayo.com | 297 Juan Medina Rd, Chimayó | 505-351-2222

Rancho Manzana | ranchomanzana.com | 26 Camino de Mision, Chimayó | 505-351-1055

VACATION RENTALS

Individual vacation rentals are offered through various internet sites such as Airbnb and VRBO. Below are local vacation rental management companies.

A Vacation Different | avacationdifferent.com | 505-209-9120

Adobe Casitas Vacation Rentals | adobecasitas.com | 505-397-1119

Adobe Destinations | adobedestinations.com | 505-471-9186

AdobeStar Vacation Rentals | adobestarvacationrentals.com | 505-988-3024

Aqui Santa Fe | aquisantafe.com | 505-577-6774

Barker Management | santafepropertymanagement.com | 505-983-2400

Campanilla Compound | campanillacompound.com | 334 Otero St | 505-988-7585 | 800-828-9700

Casas de Guadalupe | santafe-vacationrentals.com | 127 Park Ave | 505-235-2085

Casas de Santa Fe | casasdesantafe.com | 1323 Paseo de Peralta | 505-466-3666 | 800-363-9810

Catron Street Properties | catronstreet.com | 103 Catron St | 505-856-6000

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites | allseasonsresortlodging.com/santa-fe/rentals/fort-marcy-hotel-suites 321 Kearny Ave | 505-988-2800 | 888-667-2775

Kokopelli Property Management | kokoproperty.com | 616 Don Gaspar Ave | 505-988-7244

Las Brisas | lasbrisasdesantafe.com | 624 Galisteo St | 505-982-5795 | 800-449-6231

Otra Vez | otravezensantafe.com | 202 Galisteo St | 505-988-2244 | 800-536-6488

Palace Property Management | santafepalaceproperties.com | 505-983-1771

Santa Fe Vacation Rentals | santafevacationrentals.com | 505-982-3966 | 800-4STAYSF

Santuario by AdobeStar Properties | santuariosfnm.com | 154 W Marcy St | 505-992-0888

Two Casitas, Santa Fe Vacation Rentals | twocasitas.com | 505-984-2270

GuideLODGING

GuideLODGING

DOWNTOWN GREATER SANTA FE SANTA FE COUNTY

•Rates are based on average room rate and are relative to other lodgings in Santa Fe.

•Many establishments offer significantly reduced rates in off-season, as well as a range of prices.

•Your hotel may ask you to participate in water-conservation measures.

Rates Key: $=up to $100 $$=$101–$200 $$$=$201–$300 $$$$=$301 and up VACATION

RENTALS

(continued)

Vacasa New Mexico | vacasa.com/usa/New-Mexico/Santa-Fe | 800-863-8415 | 800-544-0300

Villas de Santa Fe | villasdesantaferesort.com | 400 Griffin St | 505-988-3000 | 800-438-2929

Quail Run Resort | allseasonsresortlodging.com/santa-fe/rentals/quail-run | 3101 Old Pecos Trail | 505-986-2200 | 800-548-6990

Santa Fe Luxury Rental | santafeluxuryrental.com | 505-983-0737

Rancho Jacona | ranchojacona.com | 277 County Road 84 | 505-455-7948

The Southwest Santuary | southwestsanctuary.org | 40 Camino Vista Clara | 505-570-1620

HOSTELS

Santa Fe International Hostel | hostelsantafe.org | 1412 Cerrillos Rd | 505-988-1153

GuideLODGING

Fire Safety in New Mexico

A campfire can be one of the best parts of camping, or provide necessary warmth to hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. Just don’t forget your responsibility to maintain and extinguish it to prevent wildfires. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

CAMPGROUNDS

Bandelier National Monument—Juniper Campground (small groups) Los Alamos | 505-672-3861 ext. 0 | nps.gov/band north on NM 84/285 to Pojoaque, west on Route 502 to NM 4

Bandelier National Monument—Ponderosa Campground (large groups) Los Alamos | 505-672-3861 ext. 0 | nps.gov/band | open mid-April to late October north on NM 84/285 to Pojoaque, west on Route 502 to NM 4

Hyde Memorial State Park 740 Hyde Park Road | 505-983-7175 | emnrd.state.nm.us/spd | 8 miles northeast on NM 475

Los Sueños de Santa Fe RV Park & Campground 3574 Cerrillos Rd | 505-473-1949 | lossuenosrv.com | 3 miles northeast of I-25, exit 278 N Pinon RV Park 13 Los Pinos Rd | 505-471-9288 | pinonrvpark.com | S on I-25, exit 276

Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground

736 Old Las Vegas Highway | 505-466-3482 | rancheros.com | north on I-25, exit 290

Roadrunner RV Park 55 Ogo Wii Road | 505-455-2626 | roadrunnerrvparknm.com north on NM 84/285 12 miles

Santa Fe KOA

934 Old Las Vegas Highway | 505-466-1419, 800-562-1514 | koa.com | open March 1 to November 1 north on I-25, exit 290 or 294

Santa Fe National Forest—Aspen Basin Hyde Park Rd | 505-438-5300 | fs.usda.gov/recarea/santafe | 12 miles north on Hyde Park Rd

Santa Fe National Forest—Big Tesuque Hyde Park Rd | 505-438-5300 | fs.usda.gov/recarea/santafe | 11 miles north on Hyde Park Rd

Santa Fe Skies RV Park 14 Browncastle Ranch | 505-473-5946 | 877-565-0451 | santafeskiesrvpark.com south on I-25, exit 276, at the end of NM 599

Trailer Ranch RV Resort and 55+ Community 3471 Cerrillos Rd | 505-471-9970 | trailerranch.com | south on I-25, exit 278

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