Santa Fe – Arts, Adventure, and Native American Culture in the Land of Enchantment
It was barely an hour into my trip to New Mexico that I could feel this place was different.
I was in my rental car cruising up I-25 from the Albuquerque Airport to my hotel Santa Fe. On my left the sun was setting over the ridge lines of flat-topped mountains, up above the stars were starting to come out, and in my head I was wondering why I had never come to this state before.
I was here with my family to spend six nights in Santa Fe with my wife and two sons (ages 7 and 8). We came to ski, but we left with a lot more – having gasped at Santa Fe and New Mexico’s beautiful landscapes, experienced the region’s Native American influence, explored its thriving arts and culinary scenes, and felt its strong sense of place. Below is a sampling of some of what Santa Fe and the surrounding area offer.
Deep Roots: Santa Fe’s Native American Influence
Santa Fe’s history and culture are inseparable from its Native American heritage, which dates back thousands of years. The city sits at the heart of a region that has long been home to the Pueblo peoples, whose traditions, art, and spiritual sites continue to shape the area’s identity. Within Santa Fe, the Poeh Cultural Center and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture showcase Indigenous artistry, from ancient pottery to contemporary works that reflect the evolving creativity of Native communities. But the best ways to engage with this rich history is by visiting a pueblo, many of which are open to the public, for a feast day celebration - where you may see traditional dances, crafts, or competitions. We were fortunate to visit during the annual deer dance at the Ohkay Owingeh pueblo, and watched over 200 dancers - from boys to seniors - chant, dance, and embody the spirit of deer.
A Creative Soul: Santa Fe’s Thriving Arts Scene
Santa Fe is a city that breathes art. You’ll quickly notice that creativity isn’t confined to galleries—it’s woven into the adobe buildings, the handcrafted signs, and even the way the light hits the landscape, casting colors that have inspired artists for centuries. With a history of attracting painters, sculptors, and craftspeople, Santa Fe has built a reputation as one of the most important art destinations in the country.
A perfect place to start exploring is the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, dedicated to the iconic artist who fell in love with New Mexico’s landscapes and made them a defining subject of her work. The museum, located just off the main downtown square, showcases a rotating collection of her paintings—many inspired by the desert, flowers, and bones she discovered in the region—offering a window into her artistic vision and deep connection to the Southwest. While powerful, the museum is compact, and family-friendly; if visiting with kids ask the staff for a copy of the museum’s scavenger hunt.
For an immersive dive into Santa Fe’s vibrant art scene, head to Canyon Road, a historic half-mile stretch lined with over 100 galleries, artist studios, and boutiques. Here, you’ll find everything from traditional Native American pottery and textiles to contemporary sculpture and abstract paintings.
Beyond the galleries, art spills into the city itself. Public art, street performances, and local markets add to the city’s artistic energy.
A Feast for the Senses: Santa Fe’s Culinary Scene
Santa Fe’s food scene is deeply tied to the region’s history, blending Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences into a cuisine that is bold, flavorful, and unmistakably New Mexican. One of the foundational elements of this culinary tradition is the Three Sisters—corn, squash, and beans—which have been staples of Native American diets for centuries. These ingredients appear in dishes across the city, from blue corn tortillas to hearty stews that reflect the agricultural traditions of the region’s Indigenous communities.
One standout spot to experience this rich culinary heritage is Paloma, a welcoming restaurant that offers a fresh take on Mexican flavors. Known for its handmade tortillas, house-infused mezcal cocktails, and locally sourced ingredients, Paloma serves which pay homage to the Three Sisters while showcasing New Mexico’s love of bold, layered flavors.
Right down the block from Paloma is Esquina Pizza, an intimate restaurant and wine bar, with a cozy 12-seat dining room and an expansive outdoor patio. Here the service is casual, friendly and professional, and the wood-fired pizzas amongst the best in the city.
For dessert - or any time! - head over to Kakawa Chocolate House, a one-of-a-kind café specializing in historic drinking chocolates inspired by ancient Mesoamerican and European recipes. Their elixirs – made with rich, stone-ground chocolate and infused with spices, chile, and herbs – offer a deep, complex flavor unlike any modern hot chocolate. Kakawa also serves handmade truffles, agave-sweetened chocolates, and locally-inspired treats like chile-dusted caramels, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
Adventure Awaits: Outdoor Activities in and Around Santa Fe
Santa Fe’s landscape is as diverse, offering high-desert plateaus, forested mountains, and dramatic rock formations. There’s no shortage of ways to be active and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of New Mexico.
For those visiting in the winter, Ski Santa Fe is an under-the-radar ski destination. Just 16 miles from downtown, this ski area boasts stunning views, short lift lines, and 1700+ feet of vertical drop with terrain ranging from gentle beginner slopes to challenging tree skiing.
History and nature come together at Bandelier National Monument, located about an hour’s drive from Santa Fe. This park houses the ancestral cliff dwellings of Native peoples, who carved homes into the soft volcanic rock more than 800 years ago. Visitors can hike through rugged canyons, climb ladders into ancient dwellings, and marvel at petroglyphs hundreds of years old.
For a completely different perspective, consider experiencing hot air ballooning over the dramatic terrain of northern New Mexico. While Albuquerque is famous for its annual International Balloon Fiesta in October, balloon flights are available year-round, offering breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley, desert mesas, and distant mountain ranges.
Key Takeaways
Santa Fe is a year-round destination. The city enjoys four distinct seasons, 320+ days of sunshine, mild winters, and hot (but not too hot!) summers. While some visitors may plan travel around festivals, events, or outdoor activities, any time is a good time to visit.
Bishop’s Lodge, an Auberge Resorts property, offers a true Santa Fe and New Mexico feel with its adobe architecture, Native American styling and sensibilities, and local hospitality.
Our team is happy to help build your trip to Santa Fe. Feel free to schedule a consultation or reach out to us at hello@keytraveladvisors.com.
