Four Days in Santa Fe, NM - 10-Day Traveler

Santa Fe is capital of the “Land of Enchantment” state and proudly calls itself “The City Different”. I spent a long weekend in Santa Fe for a friend’s bachelorette party and have her bridesmaid to thank for this exceptional itinerary. Art, architecture, food, and culture make Santa Fe a place to experience.

Day 1: Fly into Albuquerque, drive to Santa Fe, dinner at La Paloma

While Santa Fe does have a regional airport (SAF), you’ll likely find more affordable options flying into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). There is a direct flight from San Diego, where I live. Santa Fe is about an hour drive from Albuquerque so you can rent a car from the airport of take the airport shuttle.

There’s no shortage of tasty dining options in Santa Fe. Paloma is located in downtown Santa Fe and features fresh, upmarket Mexican cuisine and a variety of agave spirit (tequila, mezcal, sotol) crafted cocktails.

Day 2: White water rafting in Taos, brewery hop, dinner at Sazón

Taos is an hour and half north from Santa Fe, but it’s worth the drive to include in your long weekend in New Mexico. The Pueblo-style architecture that’s characteristic of the state lines your route from Santa Fe to Taos as you drive along the Rio Grande. Taos is known for historic adobe buildings and a rich arts culture, but white water rafting is another enticing attraction. Book in advance with New Mexico River Adventure.

After rafting, head back to Albuquerque for lunch and a well deserved brew or two. There are several craft breweries to choose from. Santa Fe Brewing with their “Slightly Social” hazy wheat beer was the group favorite. Chile is a staple of New Mexican cuisine. So much so, they even put it in the beer. You can try red or green chile-infused beer at Chile Line Brewery. Rowley Farmhouse Ales is on my list to try next time.

If you’re a food lover, make reservations (far in advance) at Sazón and prepare for the highlight of the weekend. Best Chef of the Southwest 2022 James Beard Winner, Chef Fernando Olea crafts delicious dishes inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine combined with ingredients from around the world. He creates a variety mole sauces that can be ordered with your choice of protein. Be sure to start your meal with the highly recommended Sopa de Amor.

Day 3: Hike, Meow Wolf

Start off your third day in Santa Fe with a hike in Pecos Wilderness, a protected area within Santa Fe National Forest and Carson National Forest. Nambe Lake Trail is a 6.3 mile out-and-back trail that was surprising cool and shaded, even in July.

You can’t leave Santa Fe without experiencing Meow Wolf, “House of Eternal Return”, an immersive art experience featuring over 70 rooms made by local and community artists. At night, the space serves as a music venue, so you can stick around for a show after exploring the art.