The Perfect 2 to 3 Day Santa Fe Itinerary in 2024

Planning on a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico and in need of a Santa Fe itinerary? I’ve got you covered!

This vibrant city is so full of things to do that you might have a tough time figuring out where to go and what to do first.

And I wouldn’t blame you! Santa Fe truly has so many things to offer, from its rich culture and dedication to the arts to its many restaurants and awesome day trips.

As a travel blogger, I always try to seek out the absolute best things to do, natural beauty, and hidden gems wherever I visit. And Santa Fe was no exception! When we traveled to Santa Fe, I got advice from friends, Santa Fe natives, and other travel experts. From that, I compiled our Santa Fe itinerary.

We traveled to Santa Fe with our 4-month old, and it was so sweet seeing Santa Fe through his little eyes! I often wore him in a carrier, so you’ll see a lot of that in my photos here!

Anyway, now I want to help you plan for your own memorable trip, so I’m going to share with you the perfect 2 to 3 day Santa Fe itinerary that I compiled. The third day is made up of several day trip options, so you’ll see two days in Santa Fe and one day exploring the surrounding area.

But before we dive into the Santa Fe itinerary, let’s first talk a bit about this gorgeous city, and discuss things like how long you should spend there and when you should go!

About Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, also known as ‘The City Different,’ is the state capital of New Mexico. Settled around 1609-1610 by conquistador Don Pedro de Peralta, it’s also one of the country’s oldest cities. And to me, its Spanish influence combined with Native American history has created one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the states! If you’re not familiar with Santa Fe, visually you can expect beautiful adobe buildings in an earthy-orange color with wood accents and soft curves. The three types of architecture in Santa Fe are known as Pueblo-Spanish Revival, Territorial Revival, and Santa Fe vernacular.

Moving beyond its looks, let’s get to know what’s at the heart of this city! It is one of the United States most creative cities, combining history, science, art, and culture. In every corner of the city, you’ll get to discover its history, nature, landmarks, cuisine, and art. It really doesn’t feel like anywhere else in the United States- hence the name ‘The City Different.’

All in all, this place is perfect for a memorable getaway!

Getting to Santa Fe

When visiting Santa Fe, most travelers who arrive by plane fly into Santa Fe Regional Airport or Albuquerque International Sunport. Since there’s a nonstop Southwest flight from Dallas to Albuquerque, that’s what we did. There is a free rental car shuttle that brings you to the Rental Car Center where you’ll pick up your rental car. From Albuquerque, Santa Fe is an easy hour drive away.

But you don’t need to rent a car if you don’t want to! Santa Fe is a very walkable city, especially if you’re staying right in the heart of downtown. And if you want to avoid longer walks to different parts of the city, you can call an Uber or Lyft.

If you don’t rent a car and fly into Albuquerque, you can take a train to Santa Fe. It’s called the Rail Runner and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Santa Fe (it makes stops along the way). Tickets are really reasonable too, ranging from $2-$11 for a one-way trip. You’ll simply take an airport shuttle to the Downtown Albuquerque Station, then take the Rail Runner to the Santa Fe Depot. You can purchase your tickets online here.

The reason we rented a car was so that we could drive out to some landmarks and interesting places around Santa Fe.

If you’re planning on doing any of the day trip options I mention in my Santa Fe itinerary, I highly recommend having a rental car. But if you’re just doing two days staying in Santa Fe, you don’t need one.

When is the best time to visit Santa Fe?

Anyone who has fallen in love with Santa Fe will tell you there is no wrong time to visit because each season offers its unique charms.

Springtime in Santa Fe

Springtime in Santa Fe is great for exploring the streets, festivals, exhibits, and shops. If you’re visiting the surrounding areas, the aspens start getting their leaves back around the end of March. Throughout the city, you’ll notice cacti blooming along with fruit trees and other plants.

You’ll see average highs in the low-70s and average lows in the low-40s.

Summertime in Santa Fe

Because of its altitude (7199 feet above sea level) and mountainous surroundings, to me, summertime is perfect in Santa Fe. In fact, summer in Santa Fe is my favorite time to visit because it lets me escape the Texas heat! When we visited in August, it was a welcome reprieve from the sweltering Dallas weather.

While it gets relatively hot here during the summer, the nights are usually mild. July is the warmest month with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-50s. The only catch with summertime in New Mexico is that that’s when it gets the rainiest. However, when you see rain in the forecast, it usually means there will be an afternoon storm rolling through (instead of rain all day). To avoid those New Mexico afternoon storms, you can plan indoor activities like visiting museums and browsing art galleries in the afternoons.

Bonus: afternoon storms usually leave a rainbow or two in their wake, so keep your eyes peeled!

Autumn in Santa Fe

Fall is also one of the best times to visit Santa Fe because of the mild weather. Generally speaking, September to November is when most people recommend visiting Santa Fe. The aspens and cottonwoods become golden, making nature here extra beautiful! With its arid climate, you can enjoy outdoor activities, festivals, and events before the weather gets too cold.

Average highs are in the low-60s and average lows are in the mid-30s. In the sunshine, the weather will feel perfect, but you’ll definitely need layers if it’s cloudy out or when it becomes nighttime.

Wintertime in Santa Fe

Lastly, Santa Fe during winter is also famous because of its winter activities. Whether skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing is your thing, you can all do it here. If you’re not into snowsports and would rather stay in town, the city of Santa Fe is beautiful in the winter, too! Low humidity typically produces fluffy and light snowflakes downtown.

Average highs are in the high-40s and average lows are in the mid-20s. Typically, there is some snowfall that begins in late December, though snow season as a whole is from November to March. Santa Fe averages 32 inches (but if you venture into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to go skiing, those areas get up to 300 inches!).

Where should you stay in Santa Fe?

When my husband and I visited Santa Fe, we stayed at the famous Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi. 

The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi offers a fusion of Southwestern style with five-star elegance and service. But the best part to me is it’s stellar location- it’s right in the center of everything! Located right by the Plaza, you can easily access Santa Fe’s main attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas.

We absolutely loved our stay! We actually were in a room with a balcony which ended up being a huge blessing since we would lounge out there every time our baby napped. (Oh and they provided a full-size crib, which scores major points in my book!). Each room comes with a kiva fireplace which makes things extra cozy. To check their rates and reservations, click here!

For some lower-cost options that still are in great locations, try these hotels, priced from lowest to highest:

• Villas de Santa Fe
• Hotel St Francis (by the Plaza)
• Las Palomas
• Drury Plaza Hotel
• Eldorado Hotel & Spa
• Inn of the Governors (by the Plaza)
• Inn on the Alameda
• La Fonda on the Plaza (by the Plaza)

In case you’re looking on a tighter budget, Villas de Santa Fe is one of the cheapest options in Santa Fe that still has great reviews, but it is just a bit further away than the other hotels listed above.

How long should you stay in Santa Fe?

Santa Fe is the perfect weekend getaway!

Yes, there are so many attractions, museums, restaurants, and shops that you could explore for days or weeks on end. But, when it comes down to it, you can see a lot in just two days. However, three days would be my preference so that you could experience more of Santa Fe and its surrounding areas.

Now that you know when to visit and where to stay in Santa Fe, let’s get to it! Here’s your perfect 2 to 3 day Santa Fe itinerary.

Santa Fe Itinerary Day 1

Last night you arrived, checked into your hotel, and had a *hopefully* restful night of sleep. Now you’re ready for your first full day in Santa Fe!

Brunch at Café Pasqual’s

Start your day at Cafe Pasqual’s. This dining spot is actually one of Santa Fe’s most famous attractions. The atmosphere here is lively and vibrant and the food here is well worth any wait! 

The café serves delectable, organic, locally sourced food. They make things from homemade recipes to modern takes on traditional dishes. You can check out their menu here.

Prepare to wait as this restaurant is usually busy. They also don’t take reservations for breakfast or lunch. I was so surprised when we were seated right away, but we did visit on a weekday, so that may have had something to do with it.

However, while you wait, you can meet new people at their community table. Or, you can browse their art gallery, where they showcase unique, handmade artwork.

Café Pasqual’s is open from 8 AM to 10:30 PM and is located just a block from the center of the Plaza.

Explore the Shops Around the Plaza

The Plaza is the heart and soul of Santa Fe. Home to dozens of local shops, it’s where you’ll experience Santa Fe’s unique culture in a nutshell.

These shops are only a few steps from Santa Fe’s best restaurants and historical landmarks. 

Stroll through Lincoln Avenue to the west of the Plaza to see its shops, then turn onto Marcy for even more. And don’t miss the shops to the south of the Plaza, too.

You’ll find beautiful handmade Native American jewelry, souvenirs, clothing, boots, home goods, and more. 

I especially love the Native American goods here, made of natural materials with rich heritage. Spend some time getting to know the vendors- they’ll be more than happy to share about their products and their history. Prices are usually pretty reasonable and I love buying local to support the tourism industry and the local community. It’s also always fun buying memorable travel souvenirs to bring home with you.

As you shop around the Plaza, you’ll notice a lot of high-end art shops. While they are definitely worth browsing, you’ll see so many art galleries in Santa Fe that you may want to stop into several before making any purchases, unless a particular piece really speaks to you!

Visit the Famous Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi 

Next up, visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. This 100-year-old Cathedral is a must-see when visiting Santa Fe. And, because of its location by the Plaza, you really can’t miss it!

Marvel at the Cathedral’s rich history within its adobe building and Romanesque architecture- it’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time. It’s home to many works of art, including religious statues, murals, wood carvings, and more.

The Cathedral is only a short walk from the Santa Fe Plaza and has a parking area. It is open:

• Sunday from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

They are open for visitors to come and go. But if you want to attend a mass, here is their schedule:

• Sunday at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
• Saturday at 4:00 PM
• Monday to Friday at 7:00 AM

They also have a gift shop open from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM from Tuesday through Friday and on Saturday from 9:30 to 3:00 PM. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.

You can always check their website for updates or schedule changes.

The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts

Afterward, simply cross the street to get to the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts for some cultural enrichment!

This museum exhibits the finest contemporary Native American artwork. They showcase paintings, sculptures, prints, digital art, jewelry, pottery, and more.

Shared by tribal communities, the messages and stories of their artwork will leave you with a deeper awareness and admiration.

You can visit their website to see their upcoming exhibitions.

They also have educational programs and workshops about native culture.

General admission is $10. The museum is open:

• Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM
• Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM

Grab Drinks and Bites at Bell Tower Bar at La Fonda

Now it’s time to grab drinks at this famous rooftop bar in Santa Fe!

Bell Tower Bar is at La Fonda hotel on the Plaza. (Keep in mind that if you’re free around sunset, this place is also a great spot to grab a drink while watching the sun go down!)

They are open:

• Tuesday to Friday from 3:00 PM to sunset
• Saturday and Sunday from noon to sunset

Check out their menu here.

Listen to Live Music at the Plaza 

As night falls upon Santa Fe, make sure you don’t miss out on listening to live music here.

The Santa Fe Plaza is the perfect spot for this! While weeknights are great, it gets even more lively on the weekend with buskers.

The outdoor stage gives off a mini music festival atmosphere- you can’t help but get swept up in the music!

Dinner at The Shed

Make a reservation ahead of time at The Shed for dinner. This restaurant is only half a block from the Plaza at East Palace Avenue. 

This iconic eatery serves traditional New Mexican cuisine- we absolutely love it! They are famous for their green chile stew, fresh tacos, and enchiladas, but really all of their dishes are incredible (and they also offer vegan options!).

While you can eat indoors, they also have outdoor seating and live music. (And they are pet friendly!)

They are open Monday to Saturday; dinner is from 5 PM to 9 PM.

Please make a reservation ahead of time! You can see their menu and contact them on their website. If they are full, try their sister restaurant, La Choza!

Enjoy a Show at the Santa Fe Opera

Finally, cap off your first night in town with a show at the Santa Fe Opera. It’s an award-winning opera house, so get tickets before they sell out!

They perform classical masterpieces, opera, plays, jazz festivals, and more. You can check out their upcoming performances and reserve tickets online here.

It’s an open-air theater with breathtaking landscapes, gardens, and mountain views. It also has an enchanting backdrop of the gorgeous city.

Make sure to arrive no later than 30 minutes before performance time. Parking is free and opens 3 hours before the performance.

They also have an Opera Shop that sells music, books, videos, jewelry, home goods, activity kits for kids, and other great gifts. The shop opens on performance evenings from 5:00 PM until 20 minutes after the end of the performance.

The Santa Fe Opera is seven miles north of downtown at 301 Opera Drive, Santa Fe. 

Day 2: Explore More of Santa Fe

On your second day here, continue to enjoy and experience more of what Santa Fe has to offer.

Breakfast at La Plazuela At La Fonda

Start day 2 of your Santa Fe itinerary with breakfast at La Plazuela at La Fonda. This charming restaurant has great ambiance and offers traditional breakfast with a Mexican flare. Enjoy omelets filled with fresh southwestern vegetables, frijoles, empanadas, chile rellenos, and more.

Breakfast is from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Tour the Loretto Chapel

Today’s first activity is visiting the Loretto Chapel. It’s just a couple of blocks outside of the Plaza.

This chapel offers some more unique and fascinating history. 

Its most famous attraction is its miraculous staircase. You’ll get to see an elegant wooden staircase with two 360-degree turns and no visible means of support. Miraculously, it has no poles to support the staircase and no nails!

To top it all off, weirdly enough, who build it remains a mystery.

The Loretto Chapel is open from Monday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

It costs $5 for adults and you can check their website for more information.

Visit the San Miguel Chapel

Next, head to the last of Santa Fe’s three most famous churches: the San Miguel Chapel. Wouldn’t it be cool to say you visited the oldest church in the United States?

The San Miguel Chapel started in the 16th century as a mission church. It still features centuries-old paintings and the original church bell. You even have an opportunity to hit the bell with a hammer!

When touring the chapel, a docent walks you through the history of the church and its structure. There is no entrance fee, but you can donate what you feel comfortable with for the church. 

The San Miguel Mission is an easy walk from the Santa Fe Plaza.

Here are their regular visiting hours:

• Monday: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Sunday: Noon – 3:00 PM

You can visit their website for more information.

Lunch at Coyote Cafe or Santarepa Cafe

Next up, grab lunch at either of these two famous cafes: Coyote Cafe or Santerapa Cafe.

Each cafe is locally very well known, and while Coyote Cafe accepts reservations, Santarepa Cafe doesn’t. If you don’t have a reservation at Coyote Cafe, you can always call both locations to see which has the shorter wait.

Coyote Cafe and Rooftop Cantina

Coyote Cafe is an iconic Santa Fe restaurant that offers modern southwest cuisine. It has two parts: the Cafe and the Cantina.

The Cafe is classier with an upscale dining atmosphere. If you prefer a more casual meal while overlooking parts of downtown, you can dine at the Rooftop Cantina.

They are open daily starting at 11:30 AM.

You can check their website to check for their menu and reservations.

Santerapa Cafe

If you prefer an authentic Venezuelan meal experience, eat at the Santerapa Cafe.

Traditional Venezuelan dishes include arepas, empanadas, pabellón, tres leches, and more. Never had Venezuelan cuisine? Try their sampler plate! You can check their full menu here.

They are open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Stop into Art Galleries along Canyon Road

Afterward, drop by Canyon Road, home to hundreds of art galleries! Whether you’re looking for traditional, contemporary, abstract, or any other kind of art style, you’ll find it here. (A lot of galleries are closed on Sunday, so keep that in mind!)

While you should visit any gallery that catches your eye, here are a few famous art galleries along Canyon Road that you can start with:

Nedra Matteucci Gallery

This gallery offers sculptures and fountains that will blow you away and specializes in 19th- and 20th-century American art. You’ll find both contemporary and historic artwork inside. 

They are open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Luca Decor

The Luca Decor art gallery showcases a mix of unique sculptural and functional art. You’ll find hand-woven rugs, home furniture, paintings, magnetic interactive art, outdoor garden lanterns, and more. They also feature Mark White’s kinetic wind sculptures.

From Monday to Saturday, they are open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Sunday, they are open from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Rainbow Man

You’ll find unique pieces here with an exciting selection of Talavera items and pottery pieces perfect for your home.

Hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Gerald Peters Gallery

Located in a historic Spanish Pueblo building, this gallery has a large exhibit space and a beautiful sculpture garden. You’ll find a mix of well-known artists (Peters was Georgia O’Keefe’s exclusive dealer for a decade until her death!) and less-established artists.

They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Morning Star Gallery

If you want native American artwork, this is a great place to find it. Here you’ll find beautifully handcrafted art, from pottery and textiles to jewelry and quillwork.

They are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.

Canyon Road Contemporary Art

This gallery exhibits an eclectic collection of work from a variety of talented artists. They have paintings, sculptures, glass art, woodwork, and more. Check out their garden space too!

They are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The Longworth Gallery

While this gallery features many artists, it’s the only one with the works of Vladimir Kush. They are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sundays.  

I hope that this list has given you a good jumping-off point for visiting Canyon Road. But keep in mind that there are so many other art galleries on Canyon Road! You may want to find your favorite galleries organically as you walk around, or you can also check out their full list in advance here.

After checking out the galleries along Canyon Road, choose a couple of the next items to do. Depending on your preferred speed of travel, you probably won’t have time for them all before dinner.

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Another famous art gallery worth visiting in Santa Fe is the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

She is one of the most famous artists of the 20th century because of her contribution to modern art.

General admission is $20, and you can buy tickets here. They are open from Thursday to Monday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

New Mexico History Museum

Next, check out the New Mexico History Museum. This is where you can follow a detailed timeline of New Mexico’s history and a sobering account of how the Native Americans fell into hardship.

The exhibit is easy to navigate and features some interesting cultural resources if you’d like to learn more about the state’s history.

The museum sits in the iconic public building, the Palace of the Governors, which is a historical landmark.

The New Mexico History Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and admission is $12 for non-residents. You can buy your tickets here.

New Mexico Museum of Art

We’ve talked about art galleries and art museums already, but how about visiting the oldest art museum in the state?

The New Mexico Museum of Art is home to over 20,000 works, focusing on both American and European pieces. The American collection highlights Southwestern artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Gustave Baumann, those in the Taos Society of Artists and Los Cinco Pintores, and many more.

Entrance is $12 for non-residents above the age of 16; see full details here.

Meow Wolf House of Eternal Return

If you are up for unique, mysterious, and mind-bending artwork, visit the Meow Wolf House of Eternal Return!

This art exhibition in Santa Fe features a colorful twist of art with fun for all ages.

They have 70 rooms where visitors can experience “macrocosmic adventure.”

Your imagination will also come into play with their interactive display!

If that description has piqued your interest, you might enjoy this place!

Their daily hours vary, so you should check their website for updates. Adult admission tickets cost $18; you can check out their hours, full pricing information, and get your tickets here.

Museum Hill

Drive up Museum Hill to visit these four notable museums in Santa Fe!

• Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
• Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
• Museum of International Folk Art
• Museum of Spanish Colonial Art

You’ll also find the Santa Fe Botanical Garden here and the Museum Hill Café.

Visit the Kakawa Chocolate House 

Got a sweet tooth? Check out the Kakawa Chocolate House!

They use fresh and natural ingredients and their most popular products include truffles, chocolate elixirs, and agave caramels. 

Their dark chocolates and homemade ice cream are also extremely popular.

Find them at the Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe; they’re open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Check out their website to learn about their unique approach to chocolate!

Dinner at Tomasitas Restaurant

End your last day in Santa Fe at this highly-rated restaurant. Tomasitas uses locally-sourced ingredients in its traditional Northern New Mexican comfort food. Margaritas and chili relleno here are super popular.

Check out their menu here. They are open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

They also have live music featuring local artists every Sunday and Thursday at 6:00 PM!

Santa Fe Itinerary Day 3: Day Trips

Spend your last day exploring places a bit further from downtown Santa Fe. Here are some exciting outdoor adventure destinations for the last day of your Santa Fe itinerary.

Breakfast at the French Pastry Shop & Restaurant

Since a lot of these day trips are about an hour away, you’ll want to get an early start on the day. Start your morning with a quick breakfast from the French Pastry Shop & Restaurant. They are located in La Fonda on the Plaza and are open every day from 6:30AM to 5:00PM.

Whether you’re up for a quick bite or a meal, this spot is a great way to start your day. This charming cafe serves some of the town’s most popular pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.

Check their website here for their menu.

Pick a day trip:

Here are several options for day trips from Santa Fe. Choose one of these day trips to fill your third day in Santa Fe!

Option 5. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

The most famous attraction here is the epic tent rock formations. These beautiful rocks formed due to volcanic activity and erosion. The trails are easy to navigate and can only be reached on foot.

Their national recreational trails include the Cave Loop Trail, a relatively easy 1.2-mile trail, and the Veterans Memorial Trail, an easy 1-mile loop trail.

The entrance fee to this famous site starts at $5.

To get to the national monument from Santa Fe, follow these directions:

• Head south on I-25
• Take Cochiti Pueblo Exit 264 off I-25 onto NM 16.
• Next, turn right off NM 16 onto NM 22
• Follow the signs to Cochiti Pueblo and the National Monument.

Note: The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument remains closed due to COVID-19. You read that right. It’s 2023, and some things are still closed due to COVID!

Plan accordingly and visit their website to see if they’ve opened by the time you read this!

Option 6. Hot Air Balloon Ride with Rainbow Ryders

If you’ve never been on a hot air balloon ride, I highly recommend it! I’ve been able to do two rides, one in Washington in front of Mount Rainier and one here in Albuquerque overlooking the Rio Grande. And let me tell you- they are so magical and unforgettable!

If you’re heading from Santa Fe to Albuquerque to do a sunrise balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders, you’ll need to leave pretty early in the morning and may need to skip breakfast! But let me tell you- it’s so worth it!

Get ready for a 3 to 4-hour experience that includes a hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders. They are America’s number 1 balloon ride company!

You’ll get to soar high above the New Mexican desert and see the land from a new perspective. See migrating birds, vast landscapes, and the timeless beauty of New Mexico. Rainbow Ryders takes you on a breathtaking adventure you’ll likely never forget!

At the time of writing, a sunrise balloon ride costs you $159 (a private sunrise ride costs $325). You can book your ride here.

You can follow this experience with a ride up the Sandia Peak Tramway for more great views!

Option 8: Taos Pueblo

One more day trip option you should consider is a trip to Taos Pueblo.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and has been around for over 1,000 years. It’s considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the US!

You’ll see its iconic adobe community with multi-story structures as you explore the area. Since they’re still inhabited, read these instructions for visiting beforehand.

It costs $16 per adult to enter and they are open from Thursday to Monday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Check their site here to make sure they’re open before visiting.

Return to Santa Fe for Dinner at The Compound

Finally, after your day trip, return to Santa Fe and unwind at your hotel. Then get ready for a fine-dining experience you’ll love: dinner at The Compound.

This restaurant serves up award-winning New American cuisine with Southwestern influences. The Compound is very popular so make sure you book a reservation in advance!

They are open from Tuesday to Saturday, and dinner is from 5 PM to 8:30 PM. You can check their menu and book a reservation here.

Enjoy Silver Coin Margaritas at The Anasazi

Finally, end your night with a Silver Coin Margarita served at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi. There’s a reason why it’s their signature cocktail!

Since we were staying at the Rosewood, we brought our drinks up to enjoy on our patio while James was fast asleep in his crib in our room.

Seasonal Things to Add to Your Santa Fe Itinerary

There are some things to be aware of as you visit Santa Fe at different times of the week or of the year.

Santa Fe Farmers Market

If you visit on a Tuesday or Saturday, you may want to check out Santa Fe’s Farmers Market! They offer local produce every Tuesday and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the famous Railyard District.

The market also features baked treats, fresh food, flowers, and craft items. All products are locally grown or made, and you might even get serenaded by local musicians while you browse.

Visit their website to learn more about what they sell in the market.

The Santa Fe Indian Market

If you happen to be in Santa Fe on the third weekend of August, you can catch the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) presentation of the Santa Fe Indian Market. 

During this time of the year, hundreds of artisans put up booths to display their crafts.

This artisan market sells pottery, jewelry, basketry, painting, textiles, sculpture, and wood carvings. There are also native dance performances and food! 

It is one of the world’s largest markets of Native American art.

The market is free and open to all from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on the third weekend of August every year at the Plaza.

Ski Season

If you visit Santa Fe in the winter and are interested in skiing or snowboarding, you should save a day for just that! Ski Santa Fe is just 16 miles from downtown Santa Fe and typically opens for winter sports from the end of November to the beginning of April.

Ski Santa Fe offers 86 different runs that span 1,725 vertical feet over its 660 acres. It’s great for all ski levels and they offer classes for beginners and kids (starting at age 4).

Lift tickets range from $44 to $99 for a one-day pass for an adult, and you can do equipment rentals directly at Ski Santa Fe if you don’t have your own. Get your lift tickets and check updated pricing/hours here.

If you rented a car to explore Santa Fe, the base of Ski Santa Fe is just 30 minutes away. But you can also get there without a rental car via public transportation on the RTD bus.

Fall Colors

Come fall, Santa Fe lights up with golden aspens and cottonwoods! And a great way to see them is by hiking around Santa Fe or taking a scenic lift up the mountain at Ski Santa Fe. (Foot passengers are allowed on the chair lifts in the fall only… in the wintertime, you need to have ski equipment to ride the lift.)

If you’re up for a hike, here are a few of the best places to hike around Santa Fe for fall colors:

In conclusion…

There you have it! I hope you have everything you need to create the perfect 2-3 day Santa Fe getaway.

Whether you want to experience culture and artistry or marvel at stunning natural beauty, you can do it all in Santa Fe!

You might even find two or three days just isn’t enough for all the city has to offer.

And one thing’s for sure… you’ll want to have your camera handy for photos as you roam around this pretty city! (Check out this guide if you want to learn how to pose for photos!)

If you have any questions planning your trip, feel free to drop them below.

Lastly, here are a few more articles you might enjoy:

• The Most Beautiful Places in New Mexico
• The Ultimate Guide to White Sands National Park
• Southwest Airlines Best Destinations
• Where to Go on Your US Babymoon

Safe travels!

Jasmine