Weekend Getaway to Santa Fe, NM

Written By Anne Marie Shumate

Are you feeling the need for a relaxing weekend getaway? Look no further than the vibrant city of Santa Fe, NM. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions, Santa Fe offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. To help you create an unforgettable itinerary, I've carefully selected a few of our favorite local gems that will make your trip one for the books!

We spend a couple of days a year in Santa Fe. It’s a great overnight stop between our home in AZ and our twice yearly trips to North Texas. The city of Santa Fe just celebrated its 400th anniversary! That’s super old in the US, but just getting started in many other parts of the world. We love so many things about this charming place. I can’t wait to share some of our favorite discoveries. We haven’t even scratched the surface of all there is to do. 

Santa Fe is about an hour north of Albuquerque on I-25. It’s an easy drive from Prescott or North Texas. Plan on making it into town for dinner, and settling in to start the next day off right. There are so many great places to stay downtown, from national chains to lovely boutique hotels. Santa Fe is very walkable so we prefer to park at our hotel and walk when we’re here because parking is at a premium.

Breakfast at Cafe Pasquale’s is the perfect start to your day!

Day 1:

  • Start your day with breakfast at Cafe Pasqual’s. They work with organic local farms and ranchers who use sustainable practices. Everything is house-made and absolutely delicious! We love so many things on the menu but you can’t go wrong with chiles rellenos con huevos or their breakfast burrito. You may find yourself wanting to stay a bit longer, no rush, but there’s so much more to see! Don’t forget to pick up a tea towel printed with the colorful flag logo of Cafe Pasqual’s - it will remind you of your trip every time you use it.

  • After a satisfying meal, make a stop at Doodlet's Gift Shop. This charming boutique is filled to the brim with unique and whimsical gifts, ranging from artisan crafts to quirky treasures. Take your time perusing the shelves and discovering perfect mementos to commemorate your Santa Fe adventure. It's a whimsical place where you never know what hidden gem you might uncover. I see things here that I’ve never found anywhere else. This is such a fun stop, right across the street from Cafe Pasqual’s.

  • Once you’ve found a perfect gift or two, head over to Santa Fe Trails art gallery, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant world of local art. This gallery showcases an impressive collection of contemporary works by regional artists, allowing you to discover the essence and creativity that define Santa Fe's thriving art scene. Lose yourself in the beauty and talent on display, and perhaps even take home a piece that speaks to your heart. This is one of my favorite galleries in Santa Fe - they feature some of the most incredible artists in the world. Right across the street is my other favorite, El Centro Galleries, where they feature the work of Charles Pabst among many other wonderful makers. Charles Pabst does the most beautiful Grand Canyon pieces that look as if they are lit from within - don’t miss them!

  • You need a little pick-me-up after all that shopping. How about a visit to the renowned Kakawa Chocolate Shop? This charming place is a haven for chocolate lovers, offering a wide array of artisanal chocolates and drinking chocolates made from historic recipes. Don't miss the chance to savor the flavors of the past and indulge your senses in this delightful chocolate experience. We love the hot chocolate flight and delectable ice creams they make in house! Take home some drinking chocolate elixirs. They have created these based on historical recipes, some dating back to ancient times. We love tasting a little piece of Santa Fe with our favorite Chile Chocolate Drinking Elixir.

  • Next, for a delicious lunch, make your way to Coyote Cafe's rooftop Cantina, a beloved culinary institution in Santa Fe. Known for its delectable New Mexican cuisine, this fantastic eatery offers a menu bursting with flavors and locally sourced ingredients. With a view over the rooftops of downtown, you can enjoy authentic flavors in a beautiful outdoor setting above the hustle and bustle of the streets below. Linger here a bit, there’s no hurry. Santa Fe is the perfect place to relax and slow down.

  • Dinner is the perfect time to try Geronimo Restaurant. Would you like to have a fancy dinner in an adobe home circa 1756? Look no further. This acclaimed restaurant is the recipient of the AAA Four Diamond and Mobil/Forbes 4 Star Awards.  Voted Opentable "Top 100 Restaurants in the Country" and TripAdvisor "Top 10 Restaurants in the US"! Just take a peek at the menu and you will be enchanted and starving at the same time.

  • You might also try The Bull Ring if what you really need is a perfectly-aged steak. The legislative movers and shakers in this capital city gather at The Bull Ring to talk shop and make deals. We have always enjoyed the show, and the food and service are always perfectly on point!

Don’t miss stopping at Doodlet’s

We love Santa Fe Trails Gallery!

Day 2:

  • Start your morning by visiting the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. As a passionate photographer myself, I can't help but be inspired by O'Keeffe's iconic works and her ability to capture the essence of the Southwest. Immerse yourself in the world of this brilliant artist, and let her mesmerizing landscapes and striking floral paintings ignite your artistic spirit. I absolutely love this museum! Don’t miss it!

  • After admiring O'Keeffe's masterpieces, take a leisurely stroll through the Railyard Arts District. This vibrant neighborhood is home to a variety of art galleries, studios, and boutiques. Explore the works of both established and emerging artists, and perhaps even engage in conversations with the passionate local artists who call this district home. You might just stumble upon that one-of-a-kind piece that speaks directly to your soul. There are so many amazing galleries and artists in Santa Fe - dive in!

  • For lunch, let me introduce you to a favorite local spot, The Shed. This beloved restaurant has been a culinary institution in Santa Fe for over 60 years, serving up delicious traditional New Mexican cuisine. From their mouth watering red and green chile sauces to their savory tamales, The Shed offers a true taste of Santa Fe's rich culinary heritage. Enjoy the warm and welcoming ambiance as you savor every bite of these authentic flavors. Order your tamales “Christmas style” with both red and green sauces!

  • After recharging with an exceptional meal, it's time to wander through the charming streets of Santa Fe Plaza. Amidst the historic adobe buildings and vibrant storefronts, you'll find numerous boutiques and shops. I love Malouf on the Plaza for beautiful silver pieces and jewelry just casually made with authentic Spanish pieces of eight!! Overland has an incredible space if you are looking for a dreamy sheepskin coat or pelt to drape on a chair. We have pillows from Overland in our studio that I LOVE! 

  • Don’t miss a stop at the beautiful Loretto Chapel. Known for its miraculous staircase, Loretto Chapel holds a captivating story that continues to intrigue visitors from near and far. The centerpiece of the chapel, the Loretto Staircase, is a marvel of craftsmanship and engineering. This elegant spiral staircase, with no visible means of support, stands as a testament to the miraculous and the unexplained. As you marvel at this stunning structure, let the sense of wonder and awe wash over you, reminding you of the magic and mystery that surrounds us. This is one of my usual stops on every trip to Santa Fe, it’s a beautiful spot.

  • To work up an appetite for dinner, you might take a stroll up Canyon Road with an art and history walking tour. Canyon Road is filled with amazing art and sights - get an insider’s look at some of the best galleries and artists with local tour guides in around two hours!

The miraculous staircase at Loretto Chapel

Santa Fe is an artist’s paradise - such a collection of colors and textures.

  • As your relaxing getaway draws to a close, indulge in a culinary feast at Zacatlan Restaurant. Nestled in the heart of Santa Fe, this gem specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine, showcasing the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of Mexico. From savory tacos to mouthwatering enchiladas, each bite is a celebration of the rich heritage and bold flavors that define Mexican cuisine. We loved the passion fruit soup with lump crabmeat, house-made mole sauces, and delicious desserts!

Throughout your weekend in Santa Fe, take the time to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and enchanting charm of the city. Explore the art galleries, stroll through the historic streets, and embrace the serene beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Once you visit, you’ll already want to plan another trip. Hiking on one of the many trails, visiting the earth houses in nearby Taos, trying your hand at creating some art yourself, or whiling the afternoon away surrounded by the colors and sounds of a city awash in history - this is Santa Fe.

Just a moment at one of the many amazing restaurants in Santa Fe

Feel free to visit the websites of each establishment for more information and contact details. We highly recommend reservations at all of these restaurants - they fill up quickly:

I hope this itinerary helps you create unforgettable memories in Santa Fe. Safe travels, and enjoy your well-deserved weekend getaway!




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Anne Marie Shumate
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