Santa Fe is such a naturally beautiful place, with vibrant culture, art, and excellent food. The clouds and the light look different there, it is wide open and stunningly sparse in parts and in others, filled with Aspen and Pinion trees. The landscape is a very present part of being there and feels fresh and cooler. There are many natural monuments and special hikes.

While I truly love the backdrop of the New Mexico landscape, in all honesty I probably would never travel somewhere for a pretty hike. I love that it’s a city, even if just a small one. It feels fully engaging and interesting with many things to do but without the overwhelm that comes with a bigger city (where you’d never be able to get all you want done and where there’s no rest to be had). Here you can do cool things, slowly, feel good about what you did, and leave rested. 

I have no interest in going anywhere that doesn’t have good food. The food in Santa Fe is delicious, fresh, and full of local green chiles and other regional flavors. There's lots of just good food in general. 

Logistics are also a key part of why I’ve been so many times. Going to New Mexico from Los Angeles is quick and easy. The flight is inexpensive and only an hour and a half. Getting there is affordable and being there is affordable, too! They have all the good stuff, there’s luxury to be had there, but everything is just cheaper than it would be lots of other close destinations. 

You can of course find a more comprehensive list of Santa Fe things but these are the things I love and return to. 

STAY //

I don’t feel like I’ve found “my spot” for staying in Santa Fe. I’ve done the Four Seasons (lovely in a bland way but SO expensive), El Rey Court (kitschy and fun aesthetically but just run so terribly), a Courtyard Marriott (fine and convenient but obviously added no charm to our time), and another spot that doesn’t seem to be around anymore. If you have a place you love staying in there I’d love to know. 

Los Poblanos Historic Inn + Organic Farm

I adore this Albuquerque spot which is close to the airport you fly into. This is such a special destination in itself or an awesome stop for the night, for a coffee and a walk, or an amazing meal before you drive the 45 minutes to Santa Fe. The service is amazing, the food is excellent, the rooms are fresh but so New Mexico. And they have goats and alpacas sooooooo…..

Next time I’ll stay at 10,000 Waves, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, Bishop’s Lodge, or Ojo Santa Fe.

EAT + DRINK //

Bar Norte

A highlight of this past trip was stopping in for happy hour drinks and small bites at this Sante Fe outpost of Los Poblanos. What a little jewel it is! 

Paper Dosa

Delicious and fresh Indian food. I love going and ordering all the different things to try for the table. Get the Paper Dosa!

Modern General 

A breakfast and lunch spot with a cute boutique and curated books. I love the açai teff cakes which are gluten free. 

The Shed

This is what you’d probably think of as classic “South Western food”. It’s an old standard there, with tiny doors and delicious enchiladas. 

Kakawa

New Mexican hot chocolate! Make this stop in the afternoon between other things. They have many different drinking chocolates to choose from, served in beautiful handmade little cups. I love doing the hot chocolate testing flight and choosing a box of chocolates to take home as gifts. 

Radish + Rye

Amazing farm to table food here. This is an elevated but comfortable choice. The food is exceptional and special. I loved the chicken and waffles (gluten free!) and all the veggie dishes. 

Campo (Alberquerque)

The restaurant at Los Poblanos. It is just SO GOOD. Lots of pork dishes but never too much or too heavy and so full of flavor. I loved the green chile posole and the crudo was the best I’ve ever had. 

SHOP //

Keshi

The perfect spot to find something special to gift or bring home. The store carries only art made from the Zuni tribe, known for their jewelry and fetishes (the spirit animal carvings). Keshi makes it so that native artists can have their art well represented and be paid what they deserve — the artists set the prices of their own pieces and are paid upfront. 

Santa Fe Vintage Outpost 

A spot in historic Santa Fe with vintage and jewelry finds. 

Double Take

Consignment goods with a huge variety, from things like vintage designer, kids items, furniture and more. 

Ship Rock

Super expensive but feels like an art gallery of the best of local art. 

KowBoyz

I had the best time here trying on vintage boots.  

Los Poblanos Norte

The shops at both locales of Los Poblanos are chock full of beautiful items….apothecary, pantry, gin, and homewares. I took home a bunch from here.

DO //

Santa Fe Farmer’s Market

This is the most special farmer's market I’ve ever been to. It’s huge and so fun to peruse all the produce, try the prepared foods, and shop the local makers. They can only sell things that are grown or made locally and it’s a great place to find a gift. 

Georgia O’Keefe Museum

O’Keefe’s work is just so stunning to look at. This museum is small and lovely. Go take a short deep dive into her life and work and then go to Bar Norte for drinks afterwards. 

Meow Wolf

There is no way to describe this immersive art installation. It’s a wild, fun time and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Take your kids or make it just adults.  

10,000 Waves Spa

A Japanese Onsen style spa that is primarily outdoors. Enjoy soaking in nature, cold plunging in between, special spa treatments, and a Japanese style meal all way up high between the Aspen trees. 

Santa Fe Botanical Garden

A really pretty place to wander along the many walking paths and enjoy the variety of native plants in the area. 

Ojo Caliente Spa 

There is an Ojo Santa Fe location of the spa, but it’s new and I haven’t been. It feels worth the drive to go to Ojo Caliente which is bigger and has the mineral baths and mud to slather and detox yourself with. It’s a fun time. 

Aspen Vista Trail

Such a gorgeous trail, especially during this time of year. We saw the best views of fall foliage that we don't always get to see in California.

Jaimi Brooks is a licensed marriage and family therapist, women's group leader, founder of The Well Lived Woman, and creator of the Values Deck.