Do you need a destination for a quick weekend getaway? Santa Fe, NM should be on your list! I’d go back again and again because there is so much to see, eat and do there and it’s only an hour and a half flight from Austin to ABQ and then a short drive to Santa Fe.
Here are some of my favorites spots we visited on our recent 42 hours in Santa Fe. As usual, you’ll first see my map of the spots we visited below. Interact with it – I’ve added some pretty cool vertical videos for your viewing pleasure so you can get a sneak peak of the majesty!
Eat
Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen
This is legit such a cute spot in an adorable Adobe structure and it’s huge! So many people recommended Maria’s for dinner, so we went. Their chips and salsa are by far the tastiest chips I’ve had and the salsa was fire! Take some time to peruse the margarita menu which is overwhelmingly long – there are over 150 to choose from!
Hubs ordered the Green Chile Stew because he’s obsessed with green chiles and loved it! I had the flautas and devoured the plate. Check out the map for a video and pic!
Cafe Pasqual’s
While you’re walking through downtown, you’ll need to fuel yourself. Literally everyone told me we must eat at Cafe Pasqual’s. They don’t take reservations but we only waited 20 minutes during prime lunch time. Worth the wait! I loved the ambiance. It’s in a historic building and beautifully decorated.
I loved the mushroom and goat cheese tart with a side tuscan kale salad. Hubs had the smoked trout salad and I stole a bite – so glad I did because it was divine.
Save room for dessert – they’ve got a selection of cookies and other sweet treats!
Tomasita’s
We came across Tomasita’s while walking new the Santa Fe Railyard and it also came recommended by a friend, so we dropped in for a quick dinner before heading to Meow Wolf. It didn’t disappoint!
I started with a Sangria Marg – strong and delish! Also, they bring you sopapillas and honey to the table instead of chips and salsa – wow!
The chalupas were spectacular and hubs got the sampler plate which had an enchilada, taco and pazole and he scarfed it down!
Their restaurant is huge – we didn’t have to wait for a table. Fun ambiance and really good food.
Heading to Scottsdale or Phoenix while you’re visiting the Southwest? Check out my dining guide for all the best spots to dine!
Hydrate
Second Street Brewery Rufina Taproom
The taproom is one of 3 locations across Santa Fe and we visited it since there was live music the night we were in town. It’s a beautiful location (even at night), and has an extensive food and beer menu. I definitely recommend dropping in for a brew!
Herve Wine Bar
This spot came highly recommended and since were in downtown and the wine bar was literally across the street, we dropped in. The space reminds me of the French Quarter in New Orleans. It’s gorgeous, perfect for a large group if you’re out and about with friends, and has an excellent wine selection! The wine bartenders are knowledgeable and will even let you taste a few before committing (if you’re extra nice)! We had eaten lunch before going here, but took a peek at their food menu – there are some super delish looking choices and I’d definitely try a bite with a glass of wine next visit.
Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery
Super cool spot! I had a cocktail (prickly pear marg) and hubs got beer of course, and both were excellent! We shared a meat and cheese board too since we were feeling snacky – and it was delish!!! They had a green chile cheddar on the board that was to die for.
They have a huge stage area and they were setting up for a band later that night – another super cool spot to grab a beer, listen to some music and hang!
Sky Coffee
We were at the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market and there was Sky Coffee nearby in the Railyards that looked super cute. I’m a sucker for a cute coffee shop, y’all! Sky Coffee is gorgeous! And super busy because it’s such a small place but it’s strategically located. I had a delish cappuccino with oat milk. They had pastries too and while I didn’t splurge, I was tempted to indulge many a times!
Kakawa Chocolate House
You’ve gotta visit Kakawa if you loveeeeeeee chocolate as much as I do and enjoy drinking chocolate! They’ve got a ton of drinking chocolates and numerous truffles to pick from. I had a drinking chocolate and a truffle there and then brought home truffles to enjoy later!
Things to Do
Ten Thousand Waves Spa
If you haven’t chilled out in a communal hot tub in NM, then you have no clue why there is all the hype around the concept. Ten Thousand Waves is the perfect place to enjoy unlimited hot tub, cold plunges, saunas and other spa amenities for $30 per person! It was a fabulous experience and I’m going to be scheduling another trip soon so I can stay at their hotel and eat at their Japanese restaurant. Go!
Santa Fe Farmer’s Market
This is an enclosed structure (probably since it’s year round on the weekends and you don’t have to brave the elements to shop). Right next to the Railyards, this beautiful space was full of all the local produce, pastries, sauces, flowers, everything that screams Farmer’s market! I felt such a sense of abundance walking through the spot and perusing through all the vendor booths. Truly a must do if you’re there on the weekend! If you plan on buying or eating there, just bring cash – it’s easier!
Meow Wolf
Soon, there will be additional locations in Denver and Las Vegas, but for now, if you enjoy immersive art experiences, then Meow Wolf in Santa Fe has to be on your bucket list.
I truly didn’t know what to expect and their website and other’s pictures do not do this experience justice at all. I won’t share too much here because I don’t want to spoil the experience for you – please trust me, you HAVE TO GO!
If there is a music show on a day you’ll be in town, plan accordingly. We watched Desert Dwellers perform inside Meow Wolf and I’ll forever remember that night!
So there you have it…we did all of the above in a little less than 48 hours. It’s totally doable and I encourage you to make multiple visits. I sure will!
Happy travels,
Shveta
December, 2019
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