Santa Fe, New Mexico, Texas' closest neighbor to the west, is a short plane ride from anywhere in the state and is home to great outdoor activities, fantastic food, a vibrant art scene and over 400 years of culture to explore. It is easy to see why Santa Fe is on every top 10 list, from Top 10 Cities for Art Lovers to Top Ten Foodie Cities in America and everything in between.
Activities
Canyon Road is the third-largest art market in the country, behind New York and Los Angeles. The half-mile stretch of road located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is home to fine art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Visitors should leave enough time in their itinerary to browse through this one-of-a-kind destination - it is worth the hours-long exploration.
Visitors seeking outdoor time and beautiful panoramic views can visit ancient Indian pueblos and Bandelier National Monument or take a dip in a pristine alpine lake on the Nambe Lake Trail. If spring skiing is your idea of a great time, Ski Santa Fe is among the highest ski areas in the continental United States and offers easy, convenient skiing without all the crowds. The site is braided with a combination of challenging runs but is also an excellent place for first-time skiers or those more comfortable with easier runs. The lift tickets and rentals are reasonable, and the staff and instructors are great, too.
What Santa Fe lacks in big-city infrastructure, it makes up for in can't-miss cultural immersion. Meow Wolf, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, Palace of the Governors, Loretto Chapel, Museum of International Folk Art and San Miguel Chapel are a few highlights on a long list of must-see experiences. The Santa Fe Opera draws visitors from all over the world, and the festival scene in the southwestern city makes it a top destination for locals and travelers alike. Festivals including Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, Santa Fe International Folk Market and The Burning of Zozobra spotlight the city's year-round offerings.
Eats & Drinks
Santa Fe is a foodie's paradise, and visitors will immediately notice that Santa Fe chefs and natives love their red and green chile. The peppers have historical and cultural significance in New Mexico and are found in many of the dishes and even cocktails. But don't worry, chile-free meals are easy to find at award-winning restaurants all over town. La Choza, The Shed, Radish and Rye are a great mix of local and tourist favorites.
Sleep & Relaxation
Santa Fe has excellent accommodations at every price point, but if you are looking for luxury and a great location, the Inn and Spa at Loretto captures the essence of what Santa Fe has to offer. The boutique hotel was built on the site of a Catholic school in the 1970s using the iconic and well-photographed adobe architecture. Guests can take advantage of the hotel's pool or book a signature service at The Spa at Loretto, offering a menu of facials and massages. The hotel also has various food and beverage options, including the award-winning Luminaria restaurant, which serves inventive Southwestern fare. Crafted Cafe offers breakfast, light bites, and an exclusive tasting of New Mexico wine, while The Living Room is a great place to sit and relax over cocktails and light bites in a comfortable environment.
