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Home » Travel, Adventure and Fun

Cool Things to do in Santa Fe New Mexico

Published: Nov 3, 2019 · Modified: May 16, 2020 by Bowl Me Over · 8 Comments

Today I'm sharing the BEST things to do in Santa Fe New Mexico! Planning to visit to the Land of Enchantment? You're in for fun and adventure with great food, art and culture. Home to one of the top 10 Farmers Markets in the country, it's filled with history galore and breathtaking beauty.

Best things to do in Santa Fe New Mexico is checking out the stunning vista and scenery.
Enjoy stunning views of the vistas at the Georgia O'Keeffe Ghost Ranch

New Mexico - Land of Enchantment

When Dan and I visited Santa Fe, I posted on my Instagram stories that we took a left at Albuquerque and headed to Santa Fe.

I wonder how many people got that? I mean unless you grew up on Bugs Bunny you were probably scratching your head, right?!!

Anyway, we thought it was quite hilarious!

I shared a bit about our trip in October but really there is so much more!

Enjoy the tour and sights of Santa Fe, New Mexico!

Beautiful carved wooden door on pueblo home.

Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico and is located about 65 miles north of Albuquerque on Interstate 25.

As we drove north on the Interstate I realized as we entered the city there are no obtrusive buildings. No high rises or flashy billboards. Both the homes and businesses have a distinctive architectural style, mimicking Pueblo dwellings from long ago.

The buildings have thick hand-plastered walls. Beautifully carved wooden doors with earthy hues and southwestern style. They blend and work with nature rather than stand out.

This is a quick video of the Farmers Market - have your volume on!

Santa Fe Farmers Market

What is the history of Santa Fe New Mexico?

Santa Fe was founded in 1610. The city was built on the site of old Pueblo villages and is the capital of New Mexico.

The word Santa Fe means holy faith. From our trips to this state, we've learned this region is steeped in tradition, religion and legends. Santa Fe is nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. It's the oldest state capital in the United States.

Ok, having said this for Dan and me, Santa Fe is the history of friends. Our dear friends Ron and Michelle live in the area and we have so much fun spending time together.

Each year we never miss a beat picking up where we left off. Always the BEST visit!

What is the best time of year to visit Santa Fe New Mexico?

We've been in the spring and fall and I love the fall. I love the beautiful seasonal color and the crisp chill in the air. The nights are cool and days warm. Beautiful!

Plus, when you visit the farmer's markets the smell of the chiles roasting is intoxicating!

We have not visited in the winter - so I can't give my opinion there. If you enjoy winter sports, there's fun to be had then too!

What is the population of Santa Fe New Mexico?

The estimated population of the city is 149,000. Currently, the growth rate is under 1% a year.

Is Santa Fe New Mexico a good place to retire?

You know Dan and I are wondering that ourselves! We're looking at the area and weighing the pros and cons. There's so much beauty. For us though, we're not sure about the winters. What do you think? I guess I'm spoiled living in Cali.

Fall leaves in New Mexico

What is there to do in Santa Fe New Mexico?

  • Santa Fe Farmers Market - Definitely visit the market! Open Saturdays and Tuesdays from 8:30 to 1 pm, the market is open year-round. Plan your visit and enjoy!
  • Self Guided Tours - love a great cocktail? Explore the brewery and/or margarita trail! There's also a coffee lovers trail and plenty more places to explore.
  • History Galore! Be sure and take time to explore some of the historic sites. Stroll the Santa Fe Plaza, enjoy the beauty of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis, take in a performance at the Santa Fe Opera. Boasting a beautiful open-air venue, it's a treat for all of your senses!
  • National and Regional Parks - Visit the ancient Indian pueblos in the Pecos National Historic Park. Bandelier National Monument: view the petroglyphs and dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs.
Chama River, New Mexico with beautiful fall color from the deciduous trees
The fall color was showing off all her glory when we stopped to view the Chama River.

Take in the beauty of the Chama River

One day included a drive north on Highway 84. We skirted several small towns. Fall was in full bloom and she was showing off big time, the views were breathtaking!

Eventually, we stopped at the Georgia O'Keeffe Ghost Ranch. There we stopped at the museum and found some treasures in the gift shop.

Georgia O'Keeffe was an American artist famous for her large-scale flower painting, New York Skyline and the New Mexico landscape. one of her paintings Jimson Weed, sold for over 44,000,000 dollars in 2014!

Known as the Mother of American Modernism, she traveled to New Mexico in 1929 and spent a portion of nearly every year working and painting with her unique perspective.

BEST things to do in Santa Fe New Mexic strolling along a dirt road and enjoy the view
We enjoyed a stroll at the ranch, stretching our legs and enjoy the quiet beauty of the area.

Georgia O'Keeffe Ghost Ranch

I have one more thing to share and I've saved the best for last! One of the BEST things to do in Santa Fe New Mexico is of course eat! We enjoyed three different restaurants that I would highly recommend.

Burger on plate at the saloon.

Eating is one of the BEST things to do in Santa Fe New Mexico

Enjoy the local cuisine!

  • Harry's Roadhouse - located in Santa Fe, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, this 25-year-old establishment offers an eclectic menu mixing local cuisine with fusion favorites. I had vegan Moroccan Stew, it was excellent! Come early because there's always a line!
  • Abiquiu Cafe - casual dining, it is also open for breakfast, lunch and the evening meal. Adjacent to the Abiquiu Inn in the quaint town of Abiquiu, this would be a beautiful place for a romantic weekend! It's also next to the Georgia O'Keeffe museum. Be sure and order the tamale cakes - delicious!
  • Blackbird Saloon - in Los Cerrillos, New Mexico. Their website description says; enchanting, dusty with Wild West Style and I would say that nailed it! I enjoy the best burger I've ever had! Their shoestring french fries are thin and crispy. I guarantee you'll be licking your plates clean!
BEST things to do in Santa Fe New Mexico is eat at Black Bird Saloon.
The Blackbird Salon in the township of Los Cerrillos, New Mexico.

What's your favorite part of vacation?

I loved this little restaurant! Excellent casual cuisine in a super quaint setting, I highly recommend you eat here when you're in the area.

We love taking in the culture and eating local fare. Dan and I always enjoy a beautiful drive. The Santa Fe area is stunning and beautiful. Sunsets are fiery and spectacular, the air crisp and clean.

If you're looking for more travel, fun and southwestern adventure, please visit this post for White Sands National Monument - absolutely breathtaking white dunes, I would go back there in a heartbeat!

Don't miss Mesa Verde, CO - full of adventure and history, this was on my bucket list of places to go!

One of our more recent adventures was exploring the Astoria Oregon Coast! I grew up in Oregon and we visit my folks often. The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to visit.

When you are on vacation, what are you looking for? I hope you enjoyed this and learned a bit about the area! I can't wait until we plan the next adventure to the Land of Enchantment!

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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jennifer Ann Stewart

    November 13, 2019 at 11:38 am

    I am planning on heading back to AZ to visit some friends and was looking for a way to ad more stops in and these are some great options!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2019 at 12:28 pm

      Wonderful! It's such a fun area to visit!

      Reply
  2. Debi

    November 10, 2019 at 2:12 pm

    I have so many places on my list to visit. This is definitely one of them. Thanks for the tips on things I shouldn't miss. Saving this guide for when I go. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      We just love New Mexico, so much to see and do!!

      Reply
  3. Michelle

    November 10, 2019 at 1:58 pm

    I love Santa Fe! We were there years ago on a family vacation and had a fabulous time! My favorite thing was the cooking class we took at the Santa Fe School of Cooking!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      Now that sounds like a blast! Next time, most definitely!!

      Reply
  4. Kathleen

    November 10, 2019 at 1:02 pm

    What a great and informative (and comprehensive) list of things to do in Santa Fe, it's on our list of places to visit! Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2019 at 12:33 pm

      Wonderful, I'm glad you found it helpful I hope you get a chance to visit the area Kathleen!

      Reply

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