Joanna’s Santa Fe City Guide: Shopping, Dining, Hotels, and Activities in the City Different

Our New Mexico stylist Joanna offers tips on where to shop, eat, and stay in Santa Fe.

I’ve been visiting Santa Fe since I was a child and even lived there for a year and a half, but each time I return, I feel a new flicker of excitement about this enchanting city. There’s something about the crisp air and impossibly blue skies, the narrow, winding streets, and the tonal, curvilinear adobe architecture that sets Santa Fe apart. It truly embodies its nickname, The City Different. 

The oldest state capitol in the U.S., Santa Fe is steeped in history. It’s also a mecca for artists and foodies, and its unique shops cater to the visitors who flock in from around the globe. There’s so much to see and do and eat that Santa Fe can be overwhelming, but this guide can help narrow down the best options in a city full of beauty.

Shopping

First things first. Go straight to the plaza and visit the Native American vendors who set up shop on blankets laid out under the portal of the Palace of the Governors. The vendors, who are also often the makers, primarily sell jewelry and small pottery. Discussing the beautiful, handmade objects with the friendly vendors is always rewarding, and buying directly from them helps support their communities.

While you’re in the plaza, stroll over to Santa Fe Dry Goods, which offers the best selection of designer clothing in the state. Issey Miyake, Lemaire, and Sacai are among the brands represented, and the shop has a colorful assortment of jewelry and accessories to complete any look. The vibe is quirky art teacher, heavy on texture and pattern, with hints of Asian influence.

Be sure to pop upstairs and check out Shiprock Santa Fe, which sells THE most amazing vintage Native American rugs. The owner is from a long line for art dealers, and his refined eye is on display here. Try not to pass out in delight when entering the rug room, and don’t skip the jewelry display, featuring some of the most special pieces one could ever hope to see. 

While you’re in the vintage mood, swing through Santa Fe Vintage, just a couple blocks east, to find authentic Chimayo jackets, prairie dresses, rare workwear, belts, and boots. The plaza shop is a tiny, but the store also operates an appointment-only warehouse on the south side of town that is a must-visit if vintage is your jam. Double Take and Betterday Vintage are runners-up in Santa Fe’s vintage scene and definitely worth a trip.

My two favorite menswear stores in Santa Fe are Standard and Strange and Red River Mercantile. Hypebeasts and hipsters will appreciate the streetwear at Standard and Strange, while Red River Mercantile deals in more classic, outdoorsy fare. Think Filson bags and Pendleton jackets. Other notable shops include Farm Shop Norte, by Albuquerque’s magical Los Poblanos; Passamentrie, an eclectic women’s and housewares shop known for its riot of patterns; and Back at the Ranch, the place to go for show stopping cowboy boots.

Dining

Moody lighting, creative cocktails, excellent service, and a locally-sourced, seasonal menu—Radish & Rye is practically perfect in every way! This is my #1 date night spot in Santa Fe. A close second is Arroyo Vino, located further afield in a development west of the city center. Similar vibe with a cute attached wine shop.

Everyone’s favorite restaurant, Café Pasqual’s, has been a plaza institution for decades, and there’s no sign that its appeal is waning. The fare is primarily Mexican, though some New Mexican dishes and ingredients appear. It’s pricey, but it’s consistently delicious and located right off the plaza.

The best breakfast in Santa Fe is at The Teahouse, near the top of Canyon Road. As its name suggests, its tea menu is massive and eclectic, and its food is fresh, filling, but never too heavy. The outdoor dining area is dreamy in the summertime, and its kiva fireplace-warmed indoor dining room is cozy in winter. 

For a simple, humble lunch, try El Chile Toreado, a food truck on a side street a few minutes’ drive from the plaza. I still pine for the carnitas tacos and have to get my fix periodically. Other dining favorites include the pan-African and Caribbean fare at Jambo, inventive Indian at Paper Dosa, and sweet treats at Kakawa Chocolate House.

What To Do

Wandering the old, narrow streets of the plaza is my favorite activity in Santa Fe. The architecture is inspiring, and there’s always an interesting shop, gallery, or church to pop in. Also, the area is packed with world-class museums! My personal favorite is the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which showcases the beloved artist’s work and gives information on her personal life. 

For more art, shopping, and inspiration, take a stroll up Canyon Road, best known for its galleries and its Christmas Eve luminaria walk. Wear comfy shoes because the sidewalks are dodgy, and the incline is no joke! If you haven’t gotten enough art yet, swing through SITE Santa Fe, a contemporary art institution in the up-and-coming railyards area.

For deep relaxation hit the soaking pools at Ten Thousand Waves or Ojo Santa Fe. The Waves, as locals call it, has a Japanese-inspired feel, communal pools, and a delicious Asian restaurant. Ojo Santa Fe is relatively new, a sister location to the acclaimed Ojo Caliente resort an hour or so north, and its vibe is sleek modernism with a southwestern flair. Speaking of Ojo Caliente, it’s absolutely worth making the trek to the remote village that houses its original location, with its natural mineral springs and tasteful accommodations. Another great road trip: The High Road to Taos, which passes through tiny mission villages, including Chimayo, whose Santuario is known for claims that the soil on its property has healing powers.

In the summertime, the Santa Fe Opera is the hot ticket for locals and visitors alike. A fun tradition here is tailgating at the Opera. Visitors bring folding chairs, snacks, and bevs and mingle with others in the parking lot. It’s inevitable that you’ll meet someone interesting if you join in!

Film buffs will love the Jean Cocteau Cinema, an independent movie theater established by George R.R. Martin, of “Game of Thrones” fame. And Meow Wolf, an immersive experience that defies explanation, will thrill kids and adults alike!

Where To Stay

El Rey Court is a motor inn that has been revamped in the best way! Definitely a hipster hot spot, the hotel is filled with Instagram-worthy backdrops. Its La Reina bar is a favorite among cool locals, often featuring live music and always featuring delicious cocktails. On a hot summer day, the pool is THE place in Santa Fe to see and be seen.

If you want to be right in the middle of things, La Fonda on the Plaza is the spot! The giant, adobe hotel has been around for ages and features dining and shopping options on the first floor. 

Bishop’s Lodge just had a major remodel and is now part of the Auberge Resort family, guaranteeing its high-end design and world-class service. Though it’s just a few miles north of the plaza, Bishop’s Lodge feels secluded and exclusive. On its 317 acres, guests can learn to make pottery, take painting classes, and go mountain biking on scenic trails.

Two other luxe options for accommodations in Santa Fe are the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, also situated on many acres just outside Santa Fe, and Inn of the Five Graces, which is just a few blocks from the plaza. Outfitted with rare textiles, colorful tiles, southwestern art, and Middle Eastern details, the latter is perhaps the most unique hotel in town.

With these singular places to stay, eat, drink, and shop (plus loads more that wouldn’t fit in this article), you really can’t miss in Santa Fe. 

For personal shopping during your visit, contact Joanna at the link below!