Santa Fe has always felt like a hidden gem, but now the secret’s officially out!
In Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, the New Mexico capital shot straight to #1 on the list of most beloved cities in the United States. It beat out 15 other finalists, including long-time favorite Charleston, South Carolina, after a 12-year run!
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MY FAVORITES IN Santa Fe, New Mexico
Where to stay
What to do
If that wasn’t impressive enough, it also landed at #19 on the list of top global destinations, making it the only U.S. city to crack the top 25 worldwide. Not bad for a first time! Way to go, Santa Fe!
I spent a long weekend here with my mom and sister-in-law in the Fall of 2021, and years later, I’m still under its spell.
It’s the food, the art, the mountains, and the way you can walk from a 400-year-old cathedral to a boutique gallery to a rooftop bar in a single afternoon. We based ourselves just steps from the historic district and packed our weekend with delish meals, fantastic shopping, and that soul-refreshing scenery you don’t get everywhere.
If you’ve ever thought about visiting New Mexico, take this as your sign. Planning a mother-daughter getaway or a reset with your closest friends? Santa Fe delivers connection, culture, and calm in one go.
Why Santa Fe is Finally Getting the Spotlight
Santa Fe is just built differently. For starters, the name itself means “Holy Faith” in Spanish, and the city carries that same sense of calm and character. It’s the oldest state capital in the U.S., founded back in 1610. It also sits at an altitude of 7,199 feet, making it the highest state capital by elevation. If you’re not used to that kind of altitude, take it slow, especially on the hills. The air is definitely a little thinner up here, and you will feel it!
The city is tucked into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost part of the Rockies. On a clear day (which is most days, because Santa Fe gets 320+ days of sunshine a year), the light hits the landscape in this dreamy, golden way. If you’re road-tripping through the region, it’s one of the top scenic routes for a summer drive.
Of course, there’s the architecture. Santa Fe is known for its Pueblo-style buildings, thick adobe walls, wood beams, and curved edges that give the city a warm and earthy texture. The historic district is full of narrow and winding streets that make you want to explore on foot, and maybe get a little lost.
At the heart of it all is the Santa Fe Plaza, a National Historic Landmark and one of the best people-watching spots in town. If you happen to be in town during the Fiesta de Santa Fe, which dates back to 1712, you’re in for parades, music, food, and lots of local flavor!
Santa Fe doesn’t need to try to be trendy, it just is! The city is quietly cool, deeply rooted, and full of history that you can actually feel while you’re walking around.
Where We Stayed: The Inn of the Five Graces
We stayed at the luxurious Inn of the Five Graces, and wow, what a treat that was! Our 2-bedroom, 2-bath suite felt more like a private jewel box than a hotel room. Hand-carved doors, bold tilework, cozy textiles, and lighting that makes you feel like you’re starring in your own moody New Mexico film!
The mini fridge was stocked with non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, which was a nice surprise and super convenient after a day of walking around. The spa on-site is absolutely gorgeous: full of warm light, handcrafted decor, and just the right amount of desert calm. If you’re not usually a “spa person,” you might just become one here. Definitely a treat!
Breakfast was included, which is always a win, but the French toast took it to another level. Fluffy, buttery, slightly crisp on the edges… I still think about it! In the evenings, they had live music, cocktails, and appetizers out in the courtyard. Here’s the best part: you could order food from local restaurants and have it delivered right to your table out there. After a long day of sightseeing, that little setup felt like such a luxury!
The location is spot-on, too. Just a short walk to all the major sights, so we never had to deal with parking or driving. Everything we wanted to do was right at our fingertips.
If The Five Graces is booked (or you want other options in the historic district), here are a few nearby hotels that are also fan favorites and beautiful locations in Santa Fe:
La Fonda on the Plaza
La Fonda on the Plaza is a Santa Fe institution. This historic hotel has been around for over 100 years and sits right on the corner of the Santa Fe Plaza, so you’re in the heart of it all. The rooms are classic New Mexico with wood beams, local art, and colorful tile details. The real standout is the Bell Tower Bar. If you’re looking for the best sunset view in town, grab a drink and head to the rooftop. It gets busy, but it’s worth it! Plan ahead.
Inn on the Alameda
Inn on the Alameda is another gem just a short walk from Canyon Road and the Plaza, but it feels more tucked away and peaceful. The vibe here is quiet and charming, like staying at a cozy adobe guesthouse. Their breakfast is also included and well-loved by regulars, and the garden courtyards are perfect if you’re someone who likes to sip your coffee outdoors with a little birdsong in the background.
Drury Plaza Hotel
Drury Plaza Hotel is a solid pick if you prefer a more modern hotel experience, but still want to stay close to everything. It’s housed in a renovated historic building, but has all the conveniences you’d expect: a rooftop pool, on-site dining, and happy hour snacks. It’s also just a couple of blocks from the Plaza, so you still get walkability without sacrificing space or amenities. Great if you’re traveling with a group or want a few extra comforts.
Art, Architecture, and Cultural Must-Sees
One of the first stops we made was the Loretto Chapel, and it ended up being one of my favorite places in Santa Fe. There’s this quiet, almost sacred feeling the second you walk through the doors. The biggest draw is the “miraculous stairway.” The spiral staircase makes two full 360-degree turns, with no visible means of support and no nails, just wooden pegs.
There are still three unsolved mysteries surrounding it: the identity of the builder (he showed up, built it, and vanished!), the type of wood used (not native to the area), and how it even holds itself up without any central support beam. You don’t have to be an architecture nerd to be impressed; it’s just one of those things you have to see in person to believe it!
We also made our way to Canyon Road, which feels like its own little art world. It’s just a half-mile long, but packed with over 100 galleries, studios, shops, and restaurants, all housed in charming adobe buildings. You could spend a full day here and still not see it all.
We decided to hop in a pedicab, partly to save our feet and partly because it looked fun. We had a blast! Our driver gave us the inside scoop on a few of his favorite galleries, and we ended up finding some unexpected gems we probably would’ve walked right past. Highly recommend it if you’re not sure where to start or if you’re just done with walking for the day. Yes, the beautiful stone necklace I’m wearing I purchased on my trip to Santa Fe.
Another spot we loved was the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, just a few blocks from the plaza. The outside is gorgeous with big wooden doors, tall stone towers, and a massive Romanesque architecture set against the Santa Fe sky. Inside, it’s just as grand, with warm light, colorful details, and centuries of history. The church sits on the same site as the original adobe chapel built in 1610. Worth it to pop in for a few minutes.
Tucked inside the cathedral is La Conquistadora, a small statue of the Virgin Mary brought from Spain in 1625 and considered the oldest Marian statue in the U.S. Even if you’re not religious, the building and its story are both beautiful.
If you’re someone who likes to weave a little museum time into your trip, Santa Fe has no shortage of thoughtful and creative spaces to explore.
New Mexico History Museum
Right behind the Plaza and connected to the Palace of the Governors, this museum does a great job unpacking New Mexico’s long and layered history without feeling like a textbook. It covers everything from ancestral Pueblo cultures to Spanish colonization to Route 66 road trip days. You’ll find old photographs, personal stories, and immersive displays that actually make you stop and read. Bonus: the building is stunning and surprisingly spacious. Perfect for a quiet afternoon where you want to learn something without feeling like you’re in school.
Museum of International Folk Art
If you like color, detail, and tiny hand-painted things that make you question your motor skills, this museum is a must. The permanent collection, especially the Girard Wing, is a jaw-dropping display of folk art from all over the world: dolls, altars, masks, puppets, and festivals in miniature. It’s playful but not childish, and way more impressive than you’d expect from something labeled “folk art.”
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Even if you’re not that into art museums, this one is worth the hour or so. It’s beautifully curated, with rotating exhibits that go beyond the flower paintings, cityscapes, bones, desert abstracts, and personal letters that give you a peek into O’Keeffe’s life and how New Mexico shaped her work. It’s small enough to do without a time commitment, but big enough to help you understand how she became one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.
Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
This museum focuses on Native cultures of the Southwest, past and present, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous voices telling their own stories. You’ll see traditional pottery, jewelry, clothing, and tools, but also contemporary art and rotating exhibits that bring it all into the now. If you want to understand the cultural backbone of this region, this is a really meaningful stop.
Meow Wolf: House of Eternal Return
There’s no easy way to describe Meow Wolf, but here’s a start. If an art collective took over a haunted house, added a sci-fi mystery, threw in a jungle gym, and then handed you a flashlight to figure it out, you’d be getting close. It’s weird, immersive, wildly creative, and very Instagrammable. Underneath all the neon is an actual story you can piece together if you want to play detective or not. You can just climb into the fridge and see where it leads. No one’s judging.
Where We Shopped (and Did Some Damage)
If you’re someone who likes to mix culture with a little retail therapy, welcome to your happy place! Santa Fe has some serious shopping energy, and no, it’s not just t-shirt shops and chili pepper fridge magnets, though those definitely exist!
We kicked things off at the Santa Fe Plaza, surrounded by galleries and boutiques. Right outside the Palace of the Governors, you’ll find the Native American Vendors Program, where Indigenous artists sell their work: mostly jewelry, but also pottery, carvings, and textiles. It’s open daily from 10am to 5pm, and everything is handmade or sourced by the artists themselves.
You can absolutely ask questions, and respectful bargaining is okay, just be kind about it! Also, always ask before taking photos. Remember: this is living culture, not a backdrop.
Wind River Trading Company was on our radar! Attention, ladies: Jewelry galore on and off the plaza! Silver bangles, gemstone rings, chunky necklaces… this place has everything. It’s so hard to leave without something stone or sparkly in your bag. I definitely walked out with a turquoise piece I didn’t technically need, but that’s what girls’ trips are for, right?
Red River Mercantile is your go-to if you want to channel your inner cowgirl (or just appreciate good leather). They carry everything from rugged duffel bags to beautifully stitched belts and boots that look like they’ve lived a life. I found a turquoise leather cuff that’s still one of my favorite finds from the trip. It’s western with an edge, but somehow still chic.
Right next to the Loretto Chapel are the shops inside the Inn and Spa at Loretto. It’s a little indoor plaza that’s easy to miss, but don’t! We stumbled into a shop full of handwoven textiles, and the women working there were so kind and helpful. The vibe was relaxed and welcoming, and everything felt truly local, like someone’s grandma actually made it.
If you’re more of a fashion girl, Santa Fe Dry Goods is your fancy moment. It’s one of those high-end boutiques with perfectly folded cashmere and minimalist displays. But don’t be intimidated! It’s carefully curated and a little splurgy, but they carry unique designers and pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
We also discovered a few lesser-known spots that are worth popping into:
Keshi: The Zuni Connection
Keshi: The Zuni Connection is one of those under-the-radar shops that feels more like a small museum than a store. It’s filled with Zuni-made jewelry, pottery, and carvings, with everything handcrafted and sourced directly from the artists. The vibe inside is calm and low-pressure. No one hovering or pushing sales, just gorgeous handcrafted pieces that speak for themselves. If you’re looking for something meaningful to bring home and want to support Indigenous artists directly, this is the place.
Santa Fe Vintage Outpost
Santa Fe Vintage Outpost is where you go if you’re looking for a little grit and a lot of character. It’s a small shop, but the selection is seriously curated: vintage denim, old cowboy boots, embroidered pearl snaps, leather, bolo ties, you name it! Every piece has a backstory, and you’ll probably leave wishing you had room in your suitcase for more. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth a browse just for the vibe.
Modern General Feed and Seed
Modern General Feed and Seed might be one of the most fun little surprises in town. It’s part café, part general store, and part lifestyle boutique, all wrapped into one bright and breezy space. You’ll find cookbooks, eco-friendly kitchen gear, pantry staples, design books, and funky local gifts, all in one cheerful space. They also serve great drinks! Try the turmeric lemonade, matcha, or one of their fancy lattes while browsing. It’s playful, well-designed, and feels like something you’d stumble into in a bigger city. Except better, because it’s in Santa Fe.
Double Take
If you’re into vintage, thrift, or just the thrill of the treasure hunt, Double Take will make you lose track of time (or your travel companions’ whereabouts). You’ll find cowboy boots for days, vintage denim, turquoise jewelry, leather jackets, and kitschy Western décor. It’s not fancy, but it is fabulous. Best of all, the prices aren’t just “for show.” Wear comfy shoes because you’re gonna dig!
Shiprock Santa Fe
This place is a layered beauty. Shiprock is known for its collection of Navajo rugs, Pueblo pottery, museum-worthy jewelry, and vintage furniture that belongs in a design magazine. It’s curated by someone with roots in both Native trading and art-world savvy. It’s definitely a higher price point, but even if you’re just browsing, it’s worth a walk-through.
Bottom line: Santa Fe will happily take your money and give you beautiful and meaningful stuff in return. So come prepared!
Where We Ate and What We Loved
Santa Fe is just as much about the food as it is about the art, and thankfully, we came hungry!
We kicked it off at the Coyote Café Rooftop Cantina, which ended up being the perfect lunch spot. It’s casual, colorful, and right in the middle of downtown with a great view of the action below. The tacos hit the spot, but the ice cream tacos? Game over! Cold, crunchy, messy, magical. If you’re not usually a dessert person, you will be after this.
The Shed is basically a rite of passage in Santa Fe. It’s been around forever and for good reason: the food is bold, spicy, and unapologetically New Mexican. The red chile has heat, the green chile has flavor, and if you can’t decide, just do both (Christmas-style is a thing here). There are no reservations, so either get there early or channel your inner zen while waiting with the rest. It’s worth it!
One night, we were too tired to go back out, so we ordered from Upper Crust Pizza and had dinner in the courtyard at our hotel. That pizza absolutely delivered! Thin crust, solid toppings, and crispy edges that make you want to eat one more slice than you probably should. The salads were surprisingly great too, which I wasn’t expecting from a pizza place. It’s all about balance.
For our fancy dinner out on the trip, we booked a table at Geronimo. It’s located in a 1756 adobe home right on Canyon Road, and the vibe is warm and upscale without being stuffy. There are white tablecloths, glowing candlelight, and a menu that changes seasonally. Definitely a splurge, but such a special experience.
If you’re after something a little more off-the-beaten-path, Santa Fe has plenty of low-key gems tucked into corners all over town:
Paloma
Paloma was such a pleasant surprise. It’s tucked into a quieter part of town and has this effortless but stylish and welcoming vibe. The food is modern Mexican: bright, flavorful, and beautifully plated without being fussy. The cocktails were creative (get anything with mezcal), and the staff would make you feel like regulars.
Kakawa Chocolate House
If you’re in town when the weather’s chilly or you just need a pick-me-up, make time for Kakawa Chocolate House. They serve traditional Mesoamerican-style drinking chocolate: rich, spiced, and served in little mugs that warm you up from the inside out. It’s also a great place to stock up on unique chocolate gifts. Their truffles and elixirs are like nothing you’ll find at home.
Santa Fe’s food scene has this great mix of bold flavors and relaxed settings. You can do fine dining one night, tacos and rooftop margaritas the next, and still feel like you’re tasting the essence of the city every time.
Sweetwater Harvest Kitchen
Housed in a converted gallery just west of town, this bright, barn-like café is what you wish every casual café could be. It’s colorful, friendly, and full of locals who’ve clearly made this their second home. The menu leans healthy without being boring: matcha smoothie bowls, huevos motuleños, and Moroccan chickpea stew. It’s counter service during the day and full-service at night, and there’s always someone smiling behind the counter. This one’s especially great if you’re traveling with dietary preferences.
Alkemē
If you’re in the mood for something that feels a little more unexpected, go here. Pronounced “alchemy,” Alkemē is a James Beard semifinalist in 2024 for a reason. It’s getting big love for doing its own thing with Southeast Asian–inspired dishes, a short but smart wine list, and a menu that feels comforting and surprising all at once. The chef draws from her Vietnamese, Laotian, and Hawaiian heritage, and the results are creative in the best way. Insider tip: get the banh mi sliders if they’re on the menu!
Seasonal Magic: Fall & Winter in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is gorgeous year-round, but if you’ve never been in the fall or winter, you’re seriously missing out. This place knows how to turn on the seasonal magic without trying too hard.
In the fall, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains put on a full show. Those bright gold aspens? Unreal. The air gets crisper, and there’s this golden light that makes everything (and everyone) look a little more photogenic. It’s also prime time for hiking, when the trails aren’t scorching and you can actually enjoy the views without melting. Add in harvest festivals and the long-running Fiesta de Santa Fe, and you’ve got the perfect excuse to stroll, snack, and wander your way through the season.
Winter, though? Don’t sleep on it.
Snow-dusted adobe rooftops and smoke curling out of chimneys make the whole city feel like a holiday postcard. Crowds thin out, hotel rates drop, and suddenly it’s easier to book that courtyard suite or spa appointment you had your eye on. Speaking of spas, winter is the season for massages, soaks, and slow mornings wrapped in thick robes. Sign me up, I’m ready!
If you’re lucky enough to be in town for Christmas Eve, don’t miss the Canyon Road Farolito Walk. The entire street lights up with glowing paper lanterns (farolitos), and people come bundled up, walking arm-in-arm with hot cocoa and cider in hand like it’s a Hallmark movie. It sounds like a beautiful holiday travel idea! This season is also peak fireside dining, spiced cocktails, and hot drinks in real mugs (no cardboard cups here, thank you very much). If your ideal winter involves eating something warm under a string of patio lights while wearing a knit hat, Santa Fe understood the assignment.
If you prefer traveling during the quieter months, you’ll want to bookmark this roundup of hidden gems to visit in January and February.
Why Santa Fe Lives Up to the Hype
Some places get hyped up and then feel kind of…meh when you get there. Santa Fe is not one of those places.
It’s got depth, and you’ll feel it just walking around the historic district, past adobe churches and courtyards that have been there for centuries. The city’s whole rhythm is slower in the best way. You’re not rushing from landmark to landmark. You’re wandering, looking, and feeling the layers of history that shaped this place into something completely its own.
It’s also ridiculously walkable, which I will never stop appreciating. You don’t need a packed itinerary or a rental car to experience it. Just step outside, turn a corner, and you’ll probably end up at some place you’ve never heard of.
Don’t get me started on the shopping and art opportunities! Santa Fe breathes creativity, from the jewelry to the textiles to the vintage western boots. It’s all one of a kind, just like the city itself.
What really makes it stick is the way everything blends together so seamlessly. The Native and Hispanic influences, the handmade goods, the spicy food, the mountain air, the quiet confidence. It’s all part of the story, one that feels layered and lived-in.
For a place that’s earned the #1 spot on the list of U.S. cities this year, Santa Fe somehow still feels grounded. It isn’t loud about what it offers. It just quietly delivers culture, beauty, and a sense of place that doesn’t feel manufactured. There’s nothing showy about it, but that’s exactly the point!