5 Ways to Spend the Day in Santa Fe

We’re lucky to call the beautiful and vibrant city of Santa Fe our home, and we want to share with you just a few activities and places that make it extra unique to us. Whether you’re a local looking for something to do, or a visitor wanting to explore all that the city has to offer, we've got you covered!

Close up of feet in hiking boots

Move 

Our favorite way to spend the sunrise or stunning sunset is by hiking on one of the many Dale Ball trails.  Dorothy Stewart is a 2.3-mile loop and a perfect hour-long hike. You may even bump into one of us up there!  Sun Mountain is also a favorite with amazing city views at the top.  If you need a more restorative start to your day, head to Body for a great yoga class - they even have daycare! The lunch at Tangine inside of Body is one of the best-kept secrets of Santa Fe... Shhh!

Lena Street Lofts Building

Local hang

Lena St. Lofts is an up-and-coming local hang.  Need to stock up on some local skincare in Santa Fe? Visit RBA’s storefront located in the Lena Street Lofts! Lena Street is home to multiple boutiques, cafes, and shops, including Modern Aphrodite, Whiskey and Clay, Living Threads, Pith, Well BarIconik; Make sure you stop by Ikonik Cafe and get a delicious lunch and witness the local vibe that makes Santa Fe unique and eclectic!

Adobe building in downtown sante fe

Santa Fe’s Historic Plaza

This may seem like an obvious stop, but it simply can’t be missed! Chocolate and Cashmere should be the first stop - high fashion,  beautifully curated hand-knit wares from local, iconic artists. The historic plaza in downtown Santa Fe is home to charming boutiques, delicious restaurants, historic hotels, theaters, and the historic Palace of the Governor’s Museum, which dates back to 1610. Make sure to peruse the unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry thoughtfully crafted by Native American artisans in the block-long portal. 

Sign for Canyon Road

Art

Walk and eat your way up Canyon Rd. Every gallery on Canyon is worth a visit; so you're going to want to take your time.  For the morning visit, start with Manolla Cafe for a smoothie, coffee, or quick bite, visit the galleries, and end your afternoon at the Tea house for a relaxing recharge or lunch.  In the evening, stop in to Geronimo for the best dinner in town or enjoy a burger and the delicious Martini Schnitzel at The Compound, but make sure to make reservations for both of these spots beforehand because they fill up fast! 

For a more non-traditional, artistic experience, head to Meow Wolf! How do we even describe the mind-altering madness that is Meow Wolf? It truly is an experience that you have to see to believe. In addition to being a music venue, Meow Wolf creates immersive, interactive experiences and invites visitors into other-worldly realms to solve a unique and peculiar mystery. With locations in Denver, Las Vegas, and the original in Santa Fe, each entertainment experience offers its diverse adventure, and installations are ever-changing. You don’t want to miss this unforgettable place!

Aerial view of Hot Springs at Ojo Santa FeStay 

Unwind, relax, and reconnect with the beauty of nature at Ojo Santa Fe Spa and Resort. Soak in their refreshing natural pools for the day or book a stay and take advantage of all of Ojo’s complementary and restorative activities, some of which include: yoga, high desert hiking, and their very own puppy patch, where they’ve teamed up with the local animal shelter to foster adoptable puppies that are sure to bring a smile to your face! Indulge yourself in the seasonal menu at the Blue Heron restaurant, where crave-worthy cuisine combines tradition with local flavor. Oh, and don’t forget to check out their award-winning spa and get a facial treatment with RBA products!

Woman running up stairs

Looking for something a little more laid-back and groovy? Go no further than The El Rey Court, “where fast lives slow down.” This iconic, roadside, adobe motor court was initially built in 1936 and is located on the old route 66. Re-imagined and completely renovated, this hip yet relaxed hotel embodies the southwestern, retro aesthetic on five beautiful acres of sprawling gardens. Make sure to treat yourself to some mezcal cocktails at La Reina and catch a show while mingling with the locals.

No matter what type of activity you're looking for—whether it's exploring museums or enjoying nature—you'll never run out of things to do when spending the day in Santa Fe. So pack your bags and head over to this amazing city today. With so many options available there will always be something fun waiting around every corner!