Let’s explore Santa Fe Native American culture, heritage, and history. Every facet of Santa Fe reflects this timeless legacy, from adobe architecture to the rhythms of traditional dance. Native American stories are woven into the vibrant fabric of Santa Fe’s present. It is a New Mexican journey of learning and discovery, of listening, of artifacts that have survived centuries, and of interacting with contemporary indigenous art that reflects the soul of its creators.
From the wisdom enshrined within museum exhibits to the skilled craftsmanship on display in bustling markets to the sacred whispers carried by the wind across ancestral lands. You’ll come to appreciate the profound spiritual connection between the land and its first people. It is a rich, enlightening, and deeply moving cultural experience.
Santa Fe Plaza, Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Cafe Pasqual's, Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Tia Sophia's, West San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), A Van Nu Po, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Museum Hill Cafe, Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Thunderbird Bar & Grill, Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Poeh Museum & Cultural Center, Cities of Gold Road, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Paloma Restaurant, South Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Coyote Cafe & Rooftop Cantina, West Water Street, Santa Fe, NM, USA
The Inn of The Five Graces, East De Vargas Street, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Old Santa Fe Inn, Montezuma Avenue, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Best Places for Breakfast in Santa Fe
Café Pasqual's
Café Pasqual’s is a deservedly acclaimed eatery known for organic and locally sourced ingredients. Their menu reflects a fusion of American, Mexican, and Native culinary influences. Enjoy their famous Huevos Motuleños or a plate of blue corn pancakes as you soak in the vibrant, mural-adorned ambiance. A Santa Fe institution, Cafe Pasqual’s is a culinary celebration of the region’s diverse cultures.
Tia Sophia's
Tia Sophia’s, a beloved local gem, has been serving traditional New Mexican breakfast since 1975. Their hearty breakfast burritos, smothered in red or green chile, provide a taste of regional flavors influenced by indigenous culinary traditions. Tia Sophia’s down-to-earth atmosphere and delectable dishes promise a warm and authentic start to your day in Santa Fe
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Santa Fe
IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) Museum of Contemporary Native Arts is the only museum in the country that exclusively focuses on contemporary Native American art. It offers an unparalleled exploration into the creative expressions of today’s Native artists. The cutting-edge exhibits reflect a dialogue between traditional Native American values and contemporary social issues, serving as a testament to the resilience and innovation of indigenous cultures.
Best Places for Lunch in Santa Fe
Thunderbird Bar and Grill
The Thunderbird Bar and Grill, a short distance from your morning and afternoon activities, has Southwest classics with a unique twist, reflecting the area’s diverse cultural heritage. Try their native blue corn enchiladas or the locally-sourced bison burger. The rooftop cantina provides panoramic views of downtown and the surrounding mountains.
Museum Hill Cafe
On the grounds of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the Wheelwright, this cafe offers an assortment of fresh salads, sandwiches, and southwestern specialties, often using locally sourced ingredients. Diners can enjoy views of the surrounding hills and mountains from the outdoor patio.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Santa Fe
Wheelwright Museum
The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian is the oldest independent museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing Native American art and culture. Its collections are an ode to indigenous creativity, offering a profound insight into their spiritual beliefs, daily life, and social structures.
Best Places for Dinner in Santa Fe
Coyote Cafe & Cantina
For a modern take on classic New Mexican dishes, head to Coyote Cafe & Cantina. This high-end eatery elevates regional cuisine to gourmet levels, seamlessly blending Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences. Try dishes like the Hickory Smoked Quail or the New Mexican Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin. With a bustling rooftop cantina and a sophisticated dining room, Coyote Cafe offers a stunning setting for a memorable dining experience.
Best Places to Stay in Santa Fe
Inn of the Five Graces
The Inn of the Five Graces, a luxury hotel with an enchanting blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern influences, is kinda unparalleled. Each suite is a reflection of Santa Fe’s rich cultural heritage, offering a comforting end to your day of exploration. If you have to ask how much it costs, you probably can’t afford it. But if you can, it’s a rarefied experience.
Old Santa Fe Inn
Experience Southwestern charm at the Old Santa Fe Inn. Owned by a local family for four generations, this downtown hotel embodies Santa Fe’s unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures. Each room features handcrafted furniture and decor inspired by the region’s rich artistic tradition, offering a warm, inviting atmosphere. Just steps from the Plaza, the Old Santa Fe Inn provides a comfortable and conveniently located base for your exploration of the city’s indigenous heritage.
Bonus Pro Tips
The famed Indian Market takes place under the porticos of The Plaza, the heart of Santa Fe. Here, Native American artists from various Pueblos and tribes showcase their art, jewelry, pottery, and other handcrafted items. It’s a unique opportunity to interact directly with the artists, understanding the traditions, techniques, and stories behind their works. Every piece tells a story, and each purchase supports the continuation of these ancient craft traditions. You’ll be amazed by the diversity and vibrancy of the art on display. Note that while the larger annual market takes place in August, you can find artists selling their works in the Plaza throughout the year.
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque is an immersive hub showcasing the art, history, and living traditions of the 19 Pueblo Indian Tribes of New Mexico. Through exhibitions, live performances, and hands-on activities, the center illuminates centuries of Pueblo culture and history.
Santa Fe Museums & Landmarks, Rich with History