4 Things You Must Do in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico is an unforgettable experience. From seeing the gorgeous buildings to shopping in the historic plaza, there are just certain things you must do in Santa Fe.

Just recently, I made my first trip to this essential Southwest destination. Of course, I was only in town for two days, so I had to make good use of my time.

There are just so many things to do in Santa Fe and today I want to discuss which are things you must do based on my experience.

Keep reading for my top recommendations for your next Santa Fe, New Mexico vacation.

1. Opt for boutique lodging in Santa Fe

Santa Fe is not the place to go with a cheap booking or standard hotel. The historic nature of the city means that large, newly-built hotel accommodations are few-and-far-between.

You’ll want to really dig in to the best places to stay and choose lodging that fits your needs and expectations. I recommend staying at a bed and breakfast in Santa Fe where rooms are meticulously styled, parking is free and the plaza is close by.

I chose the Inn at Vanessie and it did not disappoint. It has all the elements of the Santa Fe aesthetic like adobe walls, pueblo-style doors and geometric design elements (extra points for the red chili hanging wreaths). My room was way larger than any basic hotel room I normally book. It also had windows all around which let the light stream in beautifully.

Past that, the staff made minimal contact, but I had everything I needed during my stay. What really impressed me was how clean the room was – no trash, dust or bugs in sight.

2. Sample Santa Fe breweries around the plaza

Browsing the area’s home-grown beers is one of the most fun things to do in Santa Fe. There are several cellars and tap houses where you can taste what local breweries have to offer.

I went to two breweries on a Saturday, and boy were they full of interesting people. The beers were tasty too, but served as more of a background for some lively conversations with the folks I traveled with.

At Chili Line Brewing Company, I had a “watermelon cider” which is something I’ve never tried before. We were also lucky enough to observe a comedy show for the Native American community. I learned more about the natives in that short time than I have from a lifetime of movies and TV. Highly recommend.

Over at Desert Dogs Brewery and Cidery, we tried out a few beers, my favorite being a blackberry cider. It’s a bit tough to get to since it’s inside the Plaza Mercado building. The good news is that you can slip out to the balcony inside to enjoy a drink overlooking the street. This place was very lively with some local teachers there celebrating the end of the school year.

3. Look at Santa Fe art galleries around the plaza

Painting and sculpture are at the heart of the city’s culture, so visiting a gallery or museum is something you must do in Santa Fe.

You’ll see many galleries as you walk around the plaza, but my favorite stop for art was the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. It’s backed by the Institute of American Indian Arts and features collections of art by native designers. Your entrance fee goes toward a good cause and the art really stands out from a typical museum.

4. Find something unique in the plaza shops

Another must do in Santa Fe is SHOPPING, of course. Items like handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind pottery and woven textiles are the most unique items you can find here. But each store is so different that you can find virtually anything you’re looking for from local food items to stylish dresses and western hats.

If there’s bad weather, you can run into a shopping center like the Paso de Luz. Here, you can still browse several stores without getting wet or overheating.

Conclusion

Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to take an adventure. I don’t know what’s better, the charming scenery or all of the shopping. You’ll have to see for yourself and let me know what you think.

Looking for outdoor activities near Santa Fe? Check out my trip to Sumner Lake State Park in New Mexico.