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Photo by Sean Quillen
  • By Kim Grant

As the second oldest city in the U.S., Santa Fe’s compelling history is etched into every corner. Walk paths once tread by Native American tribes, Spanish colonists, and Wild West outlaws. The early morning hours are the best time to embrace the local rhythm when the city seems to whisper tales to those eager to listen. You are on New Mexico time here.

In every earthy adobe building, local dish, thriving market, and work of art, there lies a story – a story of convergence and divergence, of struggles and victories, of traditions preserved and transformed. This is a city where the contemporary thrives alongside the ancient, a place that seamlessly blends its past and present into a dynamic experience. Let’s time travel and celebrate its cultural symphony.

Santa Fe Plaza, Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Modern General, Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Palace of the Governors, West Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM, USA

San Miguel Chapel, Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Cafe Pasqual's, Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, NM, USA

The Shed Restaurant, East Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM, USA

New Mexico History Museum, Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Loretto Chapel, Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Coyote Cafe & Rooftop Cantina, West Water Street, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Geronimo, Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Inn of the Governors, West Alameda Street, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Rosewood Inn Of the Anasazi, Washington Avenue, Santa Fe, NM, USA

French Pastry Shop & Restaurant, East San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Before Breakfast in Santa Fe

Santa Fe Plaza

Begin with a quiet walk around Santa Fe Plaza as the day breaks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Plaza has been Santa Fe’s heartbeat since 1610, serving as a commercial, social, and political hub. Stand at the crossroads of history where the past, present, and future collide in an enduring dance.

Best Places for Breakfast in Santa Fe

French Pastry Shop & Crêperie

A little nook tucked inside the historic La Fonda Hotel, the beloved French Pastry Shop & Crêperie draws you in with its baked goods and French crepes. Fluffy and with sumptuous fillings, they come in sweet or savory.

Modern General

Modern General blends culinary innovation and modernist aesthetics in a unique breakfast experience. Here, every dish is a new spin on a classic favorite, from smoothie bowls to distinct interpretations of grits. The organic juices provide a refreshing burst, setting a vibrant tone for the day.

Best Things To Do in the Morning in Santa Fe

Palace of the Governors

As the oldest continuously used public building in the U.S., the Palace of the Governors bears testament to the shifting rule of Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. governments. Today, it tells tales of Santa Fe’s past through captivating exhibits. It’s a silent witness to Santa Fe’s changing landscape.

San Miguel Chapel

San Miguel Chapel is a spiritual oasis from the bustle of everyday life. As the oldest known church in the continental U.S., its simple beauty and austere façade are a testament to Santa Fe’s colonial era. Experience serenity amid its hallowed walls, breathing in centuries of devotion and faith

Best Places for Lunch in Santa Fe

Cafe Pasqual's

Just off the Plaza, Cafe Pasqual’s is not just a dining spot but a culinary landmark, famous for its organic, locally sourced New Mexican dishes. The vibrant, mural-covered walls offer a feast for the eyes, echoing the color and flavor of every bite.

The Shed

Experience New Mexican culinary tradition at The Shed. Housed in a historic adobe building, it’s best known for its spicy red chile and comforting blue corn enchiladas. Every mouthful is a burst of local flavors, a delightful symphony that highlights Santa Fe’s gastronomic heritage.

Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Santa Fe

New Mexico History Museum

The New Mexico History Museum is an impressive repository of the region’s complex history. From indigenous cultures to Spanish colonists, every exhibit weaves a rich tapestry of past narratives. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of history, unraveling the threads that shaped this unique cultural landscape.

lighted floor lamp inside house
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge

Loretto Chapel

The Loretto Chapel is an architectural marvel. Known for its “miraculous staircase,” this chapel’s beauty goes beyond its mystifying carpentry. Each intricate detail sings praises of a craftsmanship that transcends time, making it a historical site of immeasurable value.

Best Places for Dinner in Santa Fe

Coyote Cafe

Indulge in an evening at the iconic Coyote Cafe. Its innovative southwestern cuisine, prepared with flair and creativity, gives a gourmet twist to local flavors. The rooftop cantina offers panoramic city views at sunset, adding a visual treat to your gastronomic journey.

Geronimo

Dine at Geronimo for a luxurious culinary experience. Situated in a historic 1756 adobe home, the restaurant fuses French, Southwestern, and Asian flavors, creating a unique culinary symphony. Each bite is an exploration, leading you through diverse foodscapes in a setting steeped in history.

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Best Places to Stay in Santa Fe

Inn of the Governors

Inn of the Governors captures the spirit of Santa Fe in its welcoming confines. Its moderate price range, authentic southwestern charm, and ideal downtown location make it a perfect home away from home. The adobe inn becomes your sanctuary, the perfect end to a day filled with exploration and discovery.

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

For a luxurious stay, the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi offers exquisite accommodation. Its architecture and interiors, inspired by the region’s Native American heritage, evoke an elegance that marries tradition and sophistication. Every aspect of your stay is curated for your utmost comfort, making it an unforgettable experience.

After Dark in Santa Fe

Historic Downtown Santa Fe Ghost Tour

End your day with a thrilling Historic Downtown Santa Fe Ghost Tour. As the shadows lengthen, delve into the city’s spectral past. Stroll through dimly lit streets as you hear tales of the spirits that linger around the city’s oldest buildings. An eerie, fun adventure that provides a different perspective on Santa Fe’s history.

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