Santa Fe has a way of feeling both grounded in history and completely its own. Set in the high desert of New Mexico, it’s defined by its Pueblo-style architecture, warm earth tones, and a creative energy that runs through the entire city. Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, much of that history still shapes the way Santa Fe looks and feels today. Around Santa Fe Plaza, you can feel that blend of Spanish and Native American influence in everything from the buildings to the art to the pace of the city itself.
Growing up, my family would road trip from Texas to Colorado, and Santa Fe was always the natural halfway stop. It became a bit of a tradition—dinner at La Casa Sena and a night at Inn on the Alameda before getting back on the road. I hadn’t been back in over a decade, so returning felt like rediscovering a place that had stayed the same in all the right ways, but also evolved.
The food scene is one of the things that defines Santa Fe. It’s bold, a little spicy, and deeply rooted in local ingredients—blue corn, chiles, beans, and dishes like posole that feel both traditional and comforting. Meals here feel tied to the region, not just the restaurant. At the same time, the art scene is just as central to the experience. From traditional Native American works to contemporary galleries, the range is wide and constantly shifting, giving the city a creative energy that feels very real and very lived-in.
About an hour and a half north, Taos offers a different perspective on the same landscape. The drive alone is worth it, opening up to wide desert views and mountain backdrops. Taos feels quieter and a bit more rugged, but just as rich in culture, with its own deep ties to Native American history and a long-standing artist community. If you have the time, it’s an easy addition that adds another layer to the trip.
Taos Packing List:
Santa Fe:
To Eat:
- *Casa Sena [temporarily closed] – Located in the heart of Old Santa Fe, this longtime favorite sits in historic Sena Plaza with a beautiful courtyard setting. Known for its Mediterranean-inspired menu and strong wine list, it’s one of the city’s more polished dining experiences.
- *The Shed – A true local staple for classic Southwestern food in a historic hacienda. The blue corn chicken enchiladas and corn chowder are must-orders, and the margaritas are just as good.
- Blue Heron (at Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort) – A more wellness-driven dining experience focused on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The menu feels fresh, intentional, and a little more elevated than your typical Santa Fe spot.
- Tia Sophia’s – A no-frills, diner-style institution that’s been serving Santa Fe favorites forever. The breakfast burrito is the move, especially if you want something hearty and very local.
- La Choza– A colorful, casual spot known for some of the best New Mexican food in town. The tacos and red chile dishes are standouts, and they also have a solid vegetarian menu.
- La Plazuela – et inside La Fonda, this restaurant feels like a hidden garden in the middle of the city. It’s a more refined take on New Mexican cuisine in a really beautiful setting.
- Plaza Cafe – A retro diner that mixes classic comfort food with Southwestern staples. The fish tacos are surprisingly great, and the pumpkin pozole is a seasonal favorite worth catching.
- *Pasquales [temporarily closed] – A longtime favorite for organic, locally sourced Mexican cuisine. Known for its communal tables and vibrant dishes, it’s been a staple in the Santa Fe dining scene.
- Casa Chimayo – A lively, casual spot serving traditional New Mexican dishes just a few blocks from the Plaza. The blue corn enchiladas and chile rellenos are standouts.
- Izanami Restaurant – A more elevated, tucked-away spot at Ten Thousand Waves. It’s an upscale izakaya with small plates, great sake, and a peaceful, almost transportive setting.
- Paper Dosa – A stylish, laid-back spot serving South Indian dishes with bold flavors. The dosas are the highlight, and the whole place feels warm and thoughtfully designed.
- Sezón – A more elevated Latin American restaurant with a darker, moodier atmosphere. The food and cocktails are both standout, making it a great dinner option.
- Henry and the Fish – A more under-the-radar seafood spot with a creative, modern menu. It’s a nice switch from heavier Southwestern food.
- The Burger Stand – A go-to for gourmet burgers with both meat and veggie options. Casual, easy, and great if you want something straightforward.
- Back Road Pizza – A family-friendly pizzeria with creative toppings and a laid-back vibe. Bonus points for the vintage arcade games.
- Tortilla Flats – A casual spot known for hearty breakfasts and New Mexican comfort food. Pancakes, quesadillas, and brisket are all solid choices.
- *Coyote Café & Cantina – A Santa Fe classic with a more upscale restaurant downstairs and a lively rooftop cantina above. The rooftop margaritas are some of the best in town.
- Radish & Rye – A more refined, intimate spot focused on locally sourced New American dishes. It also has one of the better bourbon selections in the city.
- *The Belltower Bar – Located on the rooftop of La Fonda, this is one of the best places for a drink with a view. Great for margaritas at sunset overlooking the city.
- San Marcos cafe & Feed Store (located 25-minutes outside of Santa Fe) – This is a true local gem. Expect home-style cooking, New Mexican staples, and surprisingly great cinnamon rolls.
- Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen – A casual, longtime favorite known for its massive margarita list. The food is classic, comforting, and very consistent.
- Tomasita’s – A lively, no-frills spot for all the Southwestern staples. The enchiladas and sopapillas are what you come for.
- *Geronimo – One of the most refined dining experiences in Santa Fe, set in a historic adobe home. The menu is eclectic New American, and the atmosphere feels elegant but still warm.
Coffee & Bakeries:
- 35° North Coffee – A trendy, local favorite roasting their beans in-house. Great for a quick espresso or a more substantial stop with sandwiches and baked goods.
- *Chocolate Maven ~ A relaxed, slightly under-the-radar spot that’s great for both coffee and a full meal. Known for its pastries and cozy atmosphere, it’s an easy place to settle in for a while.
- Iconik Coffee – One of the most popular cafés in Santa Fe, with a cool, industrial feel and plenty of space to hang out. The coffee is consistently good, and the patio makes it a great daytime stop.
- Cafe des Artistes – A charming, smaller café with a more intimate feel. It’s a nice, low-key spot to grab coffee and something light while walking around town.
- Opuntia Cafe – A bright, design-forward café that doubles as a plant and home goods shop. It’s a fun place to grab a drink, browse a bit, and take a break from exploring.
- Dolina Bakery & Cafe – A more elevated café with a modern, airy feel and really strong breakfast and brunch options. The pastries are house-made and worth going out of your way for.
- *Chainé Gourmet Cookies – A go-to for over-the-top cookies and sweet treats. It’s more of a quick stop, but the flavors are creative and definitely worth trying if you’re in the area.
Shopping:
- Shalako Indian Store (inside a mall on the main plaza) – A true treasure box right off the Plaza, filled with turquoise, silver, and vintage Southwest pieces. The selection feels authentic and well-curated, and the owner really knows her stuff, which makes the whole experience even better.
- Shiprock – One of the most elevated shops in Santa Fe, blending historic and contemporary Native American art with antiques and mid-century pieces. It feels more like a gallery than a store, and everything is thoughtfully sourced.
- Rainbow Man – A Santa Fe institution that’s been around since 1945. Known for authentic Native American and Hispanic crafts, especially kachina dolls, it’s one of the best places to find traditional pieces.
- Santa Fe Hat Co. – A great stop for classic Western-style hats and accessories. It’s simple, well done, and feels very on-brand for Santa Fe.
- Lucchese – A go-to for high-end Western boots and leather goods. The craftsmanship is top-tier, and it’s a good place to invest in something timeless.
- Meow Wolf – One of the most unique experiences in Santa Fe, with immersive, interactive art installations that feel part exhibit, part story. It’s creative, a little surreal, and worth carving out time for.
To do:
- Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum –
- Relax as the Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort –
- Stroll through Farmer’s Market
- Visit the Tesuque Village Market (10 minutes from Santa Fe)
- Spa day at Ten Thousand Waves –
- Sip some wine at Gruet Winery –
Stay:
- Inn on the Alameda – A really solid, centrally located option just a short walk from the Plaza. It feels relaxed and comfortable, with a more classic Southwestern style that makes it easy to settle into for a few days.
- El Ray Court – A renovated 1930s motor court that’s been reimagined into a cool, laid-back boutique stay. Set across five acres of gardens, it has a social, come-as-you-are vibe that feels a little more modern and design-forward.
- La Fonda on the Plaza– The most iconic hotel in Santa Fe, right in the heart of the Plaza. It’s historic, full of character, and often referred to as the “grand dame” of the city, with deep ties to Santa Fe’s cultural and architectural identity.
- Inn & Spa at Loretto – One of the most recognizable properties in the city, known for its adobe-style architecture and resort-like feel. It’s a bit more polished, with a great location and a strong spa component that makes it easy to unwind.
- Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi – A more refined, luxury boutique hotel just steps from the Plaza. It blends traditional Southwestern design with modern comfort, featuring handcrafted interiors and a strong sense of place that feels distinctly Santa Fe.
Taos:
About an hour and a half north of Santa Fe, Taos feels like a completely different world. Set in the high desert and framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it’s known for its mix of rugged landscape, deep history, and strong artistic identity. In the winter, it draws skiers to Taos Ski Valley, but the town itself is just as compelling year-round. Places like Taos Pueblo, a centuries-old adobe community still inhabited today, give it a sense of continuity that’s hard to find elsewhere. At the same time, Taos has long been an artist enclave, with galleries and museums that reflect both its heritage and its evolving creative scene.
To Eat:
- Medley – One of the more elevated dining spots in Taos, with a modern take on comfort food. The menu mixes familiar dishes with creative twists, making it a great option for a nicer dinner without feeling too formal.
- *Martyrs Steakhouse – A solid go-to for a classic, slightly upscale dinner. The menu blends steaks, pastas, and Southwestern flavors, making it a good all-around option if you’re with a group.
- *Taos Mesa Brewing Tap Room – A lively, casual spot right in town known for craft beer and wood-fired food. It’s great for a relaxed night with friends, especially if you’re in the mood for pizza and a beer flight.
- *Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery – A cozy, local favorite for breakfast or brunch. Everything feels homemade and comforting, with a slower, small-town pace that’s perfect in the morning.
- *A la Cart – A more low-key, quick stop with a rotating menu and creative, casual dishes. Good if you want something easy and a little different without committing to a full sit-down meal.
- Orlando’s – A longtime Taos staple serving classic Northern New Mexican dishes. It’s casual, family-run, and known for doing the basics really well.
- Taos Cow (located in Arroyo Seco) – A must-stop if you’re heading toward the ski valley. It’s known for great ice cream and simple breakfast or lunch options, with a fun, slightly quirky vibe.
- ARCQ – A local favorite tucked away in Arroyo Seco with a cozy, neighborhood feel. The menu leans Southwestern comfort food, and it’s a great spot to settle into after a day exploring.
- Antonio’s – A relaxed, no-frills Italian spot that’s been around for years. It’s a reliable choice if you’re in the mood for pasta and something a little more classic.
- *The Bavarian – (located up Taos Ski Village) – A unique alpine-style restaurant right at the base of the mountain. It’s known for hearty German food and a fun après-ski atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped into Europe.
To Do:
- *See the Taos Pueblos
- *Take a walk around the Rio Grande Gorge Rim Trail
- Visit teh Millicent Rogers Museum
- *Ski Taos Valley
- Check out the Harwood Museum of Art
- Visit the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House
Shop my outfits:
What makes Santa Fe and Taos stand out is how connected everything feels—to the land, to history, and to the people who shape it. The pace is slower, the details matter more, and the experience unfolds naturally as you move through it. It’s the kind of place that stays with you, and one that feels just as worth returning to as it is discovering for the first time.
Stay Risky,
– John
