Santa Fe trips and vacations
Set in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico’s capital is famous for its adobe architecture and flourishing arts scene. With world-class museums, a thriving cowboy culture and a regional cuisine that embraces the chili pepper, Santa Fe lives up to its nickname, ‘The City Different’. Leave room for outdoor adventures on your holiday to Santa Fe. Lunar-like landscapes and pristine forest are a short jump away.
Santa Fe vacation highlights
Santa Fe
TOURISM Santa Fe
Museum hopping
New Mexico’s colorful landscape has long been a canvas for Western art. Hop between more than 250 galleries on your vacation in Santa Fe, including dozens along Canyon Road and in The Railyard district. After checking out the contemporary collection inside the New Mexico State Capitol, head to Museum Hill to see works from 100 countries at the Museum of International Folk Art.
Outdoor entertainment
Attending a summertime performance at Santa Fe Opera is an absolute must. Do as the locals do and arrive early for tailgate picnics in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Or for something more casual, the Santa Fe Summer Scene offers free live music on the Plaza all summer long.
Where to stay
First-time visitors planning to pack in the sightseeing should look at staying in Downtown Santa Fe. You’ll find budget and boutique options here, many inspired by the city’s Puebloan and Spanish heritage. For a dependable selection of chain hotels, head to Midtown. Or enjoy having art galleries and brewpubs at your doorstep in The Railyard.
Santa Fe: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-7 (MST) and UTC-6 (MDT)
High season
July – August
Low season
January – February
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Photographer name
Things to do in Santa Fe
Santa Fe
TOURISM Santa Fe
Places to eat
With its strong Mexican, Pueblo and Spanish influences, Santa Fe’s cuisine is a melting pot of flavors. The city boasts its fair share of casual restaurants, where you can feast on breakfast burritos, enchiladas and tamales. But your biggest decision as a diner is whether to have your plate smothered with green or red chili sauce. Better yet, ask for ‘Christmas’, and you’ll get both.
Shopping
Your first stop should be the markets on Santa Fe Plaza, where you’ll find everything from beadwork and carvings to drums and textiles from Native American artisans. East Palace Avenue and East Marcy Street are your spots for Western-style boutiques and independent stores. Pick up a pair of cowboy boots, or browse for concho belts and turquoise jewelry.
Take in the culture
Walk in the footsteps of Pueblo Indians and early European settlers at the New Mexico History Museum. For a crash course in Southwestern art, see masterpieces by the artists who put the city on the map at New Mexico Museum of Art on the Plaza. And don’t miss the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of the artist’s paintings and personal artifacts.
FAQs about Santa Fe vacations
With maximum temperatures of 88ºF, July is the warmest month in Santa Fe.
When you set off, the airline you fly with, and where you stay will help determine the price you pay for your city break in Santa Fe. If you're aiming to cut costs, be on the lookout for special promotions or last-minute deals on Santa Fe flights and hotels. Traveling on weekdays and using frequent flyer miles are other good ways to save.
Plan your Santa Fe trip for January and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. 14ºF is as cold as the city gets.
With a focused itinerary, two to three days is plenty to cover the top sights on your trip to Santa Fe. Plan a week or more if your thirst for adventure guides you to nearby places like Bandelier National Monument and Santa Fe National Forest.
English is the language you'll come across most during your city break in Santa Fe.
The official currency in Santa Fe is the United States dollar (USD). It's always a good idea to have a small amount of cash during your trip to Santa Fe, but credit cards and digital payments are typically accepted in most places.
With plenty of things to do in Santa Fe, this city knows how to show you a great time. Begin your exploration at sought-after attractions like Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and Santa Fe Plaza.
Santa Fe is a safe destination but you should exercise the normal precautions for visiting a city. The city is around 7,000 feet above sea level, so drink plenty of water and prepare accordingly for activities in high-elevation areas.
The rainiest month is July, which receives an average rainfall of 1.8 inches. But don't let the weather take the shine off your Santa Fe trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like browsing shops, visiting galleries, or relaxing in cozy cafes.
Big blue skies await on a vacation in Santa Fe. Sunny days from late spring to early fall are ideal for enjoying outdoor markets and concerts or on-foot pursuits in the surrounding valley. Drop by in winter, when snow sprinkles the festive city streets and lures outdoor enthusiasts to Ski Santa Fe resort.
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