Santa Fe had been on my list for ages, and after finally visiting, I can’t believe it took me this long to get there.
From the stunning adobe architecture to the vibrant art scene and incredible food, the city completely stole my heart. It’s the perfect blend of history, culture, and a little bit of magic—plus, it would be an absolute dream destination for a girls’ trip. Whether you’re into exploring the local markets, indulging in Southwestern cuisine, or just soaking up the desert charm, Santa Fe has it all. I’m already planning my next trip back!
I do, however, wish I had packed a bit differently. I think I was overwhelmed because I’d never been to that part of the U.S before and the weather looked very chilly. Here’s what I wish I had taken with me.
Here’s my quick list of where I stayed, what I saw, and what I’d recommend.
Hotel
100% without a doubt must stay at the Rosewood Sante Fe. The location was absolutely perfect and ideal for walking everywhere. It’s located right next to the heart of town, Sante Fe Plaza where you can find a marketplace on the weekends and tons of shops. Decor and service was top notch. Rooms are filled with hand-crafted wooden and leather furnishings; most rooms also feature private patios and fireplaces. Definitely do the tequila tasting!
Shopping
Shiprock (gorgeous gallery style, a must)
Sante Fe Dry Goods (directly under Shiprock)
Malouf
Maya
Visvim
Collected Works
Seret and Sons
Sote
Bahti
Railyard Artisan Market (every Sunday)
Day Time Eats
Pasquals (best brunch and gallery upstairs)
Kakawa (chocolate house)
Frito Pie @ Five and Dime
The Tea House
Dinner
Anasazi
Sazon
Geronimo
Izanimi (like stepping in to Japan)
Culture / Activities
Pottery Pub (drinks and have fun making your own pottery)
Hecho a Mano (located next to pub. My favorite gallery)
The O’Keeffe Museum
Loretto Chapel
Walk down Canyon Road for gallery after gallery and have tea at The Tea House (cute for lunch too)
I didn’t make time for the spa but I’ve heard amazing things about the spa scene so be sure to do some homework if you’re interested.
SITE (contemporary art)
Getting There
My first time in Sante Fe included a quick 2 hr jaunt from Van Nuys to Taos on JSX. The beautiful and scenic drive included a few pit stops along the way:
Santuario Chimayo (for healing dirt)
Gorge Bridge
Antonio’s for hole in the wall Mexican food in Taos
Pit stop at the Rio Grande River
The post My Guide to Santa Fe first appeared on Damsel In Dior.