Four Ways To Experience Santa Fe

Nestled in a valley below the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, New Mexico’s capital city is the gem of the semi-arid desert that surrounds it. Santa Fe, located over 7,000 feet above sea level, is both the United States’ oldest and most elevated capital. And though it is steeped in history, Santa Fe has blossomed into a modern, multicultural hub that draws visitors from around the world. Explore the city’s vibrant arts scene, taste a mix of traditional Southwestern and global flavors, hike among the variety of different landscapes and learn about the region’s rich Indigenous history.

It’s no secret that many people flock to the city for its expansive arts scene. Head to Canyon Road to visit more than 100 galleries along the half-mile strip. The Railyard District is also a popular area known for its contemporary art. In the summertime, the city is bountiful with art markets, including the International Folk Art Market and Spanish Market in July, and the Indian Market inAugust. Art lovers should also plan to spend time at Museum Hill—a district featuring four museums that are easy to tackle in one afternoon.

One can’t visit Santa Fe without experiencing the vibrant food culture that reflects the region’s multicultural heritage. And if you are trying to limit contact with others during the pandemic, all of these eateries have takeout options. For breakfast, stop by one of the city’s charming, casual cafes, like Dolina Bakery & Cafe, Tia Sophia’s or Cafe Pasqual’s, where you can find sweet or savory day-starters. At lunch, visit Clafoutis for French cuisine, Counter Culture for gourmet sandwiches and salads or Pantry Restaurant for New Mexican fare.

For dinner, treat yourself to the upscale Japanese fusion favorite Izanami or Italian fine dining at Sassella. In the mood for something more casual? The city has also embraced brewery culture, and there are many great options, including Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery, Santa Fe Brewing Co., Second Street Brewery and Chili Line Brewing Co. If you’re more the type for tequila, try the Santa Fe Margarita Trail by downloading the Santa Fe Margarita Trail Passport app. Sip on fresh margs and collect stamps at the partnering venues along the way.

While you’re exploring the city, make sure to take in the area’s incredible nature. From tree-lined mountains to rocky desert scattered with cacti, there is no shortage of fantastic hiking opportunities. The Dale Ball Trails comprise 30 miles of hiking paths east of downtown Santa Fe, or to the west, there’s Santa Fe National Forest, an expansive area dense with conifer trees,  meadows, rivers and scenic byways. The Big Tesuque Trail, Cerrillos Hills State Park and Valles Caldera National Preserve (an hour from Santa Fe) are also great options to view New Mexico’svaried topography.

The Indigenous groups that inhabited the area—long before it was called New Mexico—often dwelled in pueblos, and many of these historic settlements remain and are lived in today. Whilepueblos can be found throughout the Southwestern United States, a few are a short drive from Santa Fe, such as the Pojoaque Pueblo (15 miles north), Tesuque Pueblo (10 miles north), Cochití Pueblo (22 miles south) and the San Felipe Pueblo (30 miles south). Santa Fe is also home to one of the country’s oldest churches: San Miguel Chapel, which was erected in the early 1600s by Spanish missionaries.

Whether you’d like to experience the great outdoors, feast on regional cuisine or submerse yourself in a vibrant culture, Santa Fe is the perfect summer escape. This hidden gem, with impressive tourist amenities and plenty of local charm to go around, is a city worth discovering.