Two Days in Santa Fe, New Mexico: Things to see and do

A Photographer’s Dream: Exploring Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico, is one of the great, and most unique cities of the world, an adobe paradise with an abundance of art and some of the best, rich light for photography.

From all the adobe architecture to some stunning sunsets, every corner of this city is an invitation to snap a picture—which makes it a perfect location for a virtual photowalk.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a suggested itinerary for Santa Fe, sharing not only the must-see spots but also photo tips for making the most of your visit.

Start at the Plaza – The Heart of Santa Fe

Santa Fe’s Plaza is the center of the city and a perfect place to begin the photowalk. Every iconic photo you want to get of Santa Fe is pretty much right here. The open-air space is surrounded by adobe buildings, some of the oldest in the United States and vibrant Native American vendors offering handcrafted jewelry and art.

Start at one end of the square, walk all four sides and explore the side streets for more shops, galleries, historical buildings and places to eat. Just let your eyes wander.

Just a short walk from the Plaza, you’ll find the San Miguel Chapel—the oldest church in the U.S. still in use. The church dates back to 1610 and holds deep historical and cultural significance.

The Oldest House Museum on De Vargas Street is directly across the street from San Miguel. a tiny adobe residence dating back to the 1600s, pre-Revolutionary War days. Step inside and imagine what life was like for the early settlers.

Museums

The New Mexico History Museum (105 W Palace Ave) (which includes the Palace of Governor’s) is a great look at the state history, including exhibits on great diners and road signs from the state. Plus, you can walk through the Palace and see how a 400-year-old building is holding up. Other nearby museums are devoted to the works of New Mexico lover Georgia O’Keefe (217 Johnson Street) and the Museum of International Folk Art (706 Camino Lejo) which houses one of the largest collections of folk art in the world, with pieces from more than 100 countries.

Explore Santa Fe’s Rich History and Art

There are galleries all around the Plaza, but for an even larger concentration of over 100 of them, walk .8 miles over to Canyon Road. Santa Fe boasts the second-largest art market in the U.S. (after New York City), so art lovers will feel like they’ve found their paradise.(Beyond galleries, Canyon Road is also known for jewelry shops, boutiques and eating establishments.)

For another twist on art, the very first Meow Wolf (1352 Rufina Circle) is an electric, wild art installation, a sort of haunted house with multiple escape rooms that your kids will love. (It started in Santa Fe and has expanded to Denver, Houston and other cities.

Lunch

Some of the most popular eateries near the Plaza include the Plaza Cafe (54 Lincoln Avenue), Tia Sophia’s (210 W. San Francisco Street,) the Shed (113 1/2 E Palace Ave) and the Burrito Co. (111 W. Washington Avenue.) The Shed is known for red and green chile enchiladas, while Tia Sophia’s is said to be the place that invented the breakfast burrito. The Plaza Cafe says it’s the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Santa Fe, dating back to 1905. Popular dishes include the Blue Corn Green Chile Enchiladas and the Stuffed Sopapilla.

We loved the green chili cheeseburger at the Burrito Co. It’s a local specialty that blends the spicy flavor of New Mexico’s famous green chilies with a classic American favorite. Pair it with a margarita from one of the many spots on the Margarita Trail—Santa Fe was the first U.S. city to export tequila from Mexico, making margaritas a must-try here. We had a fabulous BBQ lunch and drinks at the Cowgirl BBQ, (319 S. Guadalupe Street), which is a few blocks off the Plaza.

Dinner

The Amaya restaurant at the Hotel Santa Fe features Northern New Mexico and Pueblo fare–you can even have dinner in a teepee, if you want. Tomasita’s at the Railyard has been at it since 1974, and is well known for its red and green hatch chiles. Casa Chimayo is a small, family run restaurant and here too–it’s all about the chiles. The owners tell us all about it in this video:

Santa Fe’s Beautiful Sunsets and Rooftop Views

Sunset at the Cross of the Martyrs

As evening approaches, head to Cross of the Martyrs, a hilltop park offering panoramic views of the city. It’s a perfect spot to catch the golden hour and capture the city bathed in the soft, golden glow of the sunset. After the sun sets, wait another 15 minutes—the best colors often appear after the sun dips below the horizon.

A Rooftop Toast at La Fonda For one of the best sunset views in Santa Fe, head to the rooftop bar at La Fonda Hotel. From here, you’ll have a stunning panoramic view of the city and surrounding desert. Sip a margarita and enjoy the evening as the sun sets behind the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Book a Sunset Serenade ride with the Sky Railway. This two-hour journey through the New Mexico countryside offers sweeping desert landscapes that give you a rare vantage point. During magic hour, pull out your phone to get some stunning shots of the rugged terrain, vibrant skies, and distant mountain peaks.

Taste of Santa Fe

Morning: Santa Fe’s Farmers’ Market is the another great way to dive into the local food scene. The market is rich with colorful produce, and, of course, red chilies, also known as Ristras. These hanging dried chilies are an iconic part of Santa Fe’s culinary landscape, and you’ll see them hanging outside homes and shops throughout the city.

Best Time to Visit Santa Fe

Locals say the best time to visit Santa Fe is during the fall months (September and October). The crisp air, changing leaves, and clear blue skies make for some of the most vibrant photo opportunities. However, Santa Fe is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique sights, from snow-covered adobe homes in winter to blooming flowers in spring.(It’s snowing there now!)

Where to Stay: Hotel Santa Fe

We loved the Hotel Santa Fe, the only Native American-owned hotel in the city. Located in the heart of town, about an eight-block walk from the Plaza, the hotel offers rooms with traditional adobe-style architecture, a million dollar Native American art collection and resort features like a full-service restaurant, Spa and complimentary shuttle service to the Plaza. (The hotel is directly across the street from Santa Fe Railyard, home to the Farmer’s Market, Tomasita’s restaurant and that great Santa Fe mural.

The hotel actually has two units, the original building, and a luxurious, more expensive unit in the back, the Hacienda. Other great hotels include La Fonda and Inn at Loretto, the small Santa Fe Motel & Inn (right next door to the Hotel Santa Fe) on Cerrillos Road, which is home to many small hotels.

Have a blast in Santa Fe!