Santa Fe, New Mexico Travel Guide: A Recipe for the Perfect Weekend Away

Ah, Santa Fe. When experiencing a new place, most people have a few boxes that they want to tick off to make their experience complete. Santa Fe has a lot of boxes, but we can probably agree that food, culture, and stunning scenery are at the top of many lists. As the oldest state capital city in the United States, Santa Fe boasts an abundance of culture influenced by Hispanic, Anglo, and Native American traditions, with a food scene unlike any other as a result. The sun blasts down upon the city offering Santa Fe the privilege of a whopping 320 bright and beautiful sunny days each year. With such a spotlight, the jaw-dropping landscape that surrounds Santa Fe from the foothills up into the Sangre de Cristo mountains is breathtaking. A weekend away may be just what you need, and this Santa Fe, NM visitors guide will help you tick all of the boxes.

Friday Evening

Food: The plaza is home to numerous eateries that are sure to delight. From affordable to upscale, there is something to please everyone’s tastebuds. If you really want to immerse yourself during your weekend in Santa Fe, visit one of the street food vendors and satisfy your hunger while witnessing the lights and sounds around you.

Culture: From street performers to art vendors, the plaza boasts an array of New Mexican culture that will both educate and entertain you as you walk around and engage.

Views: At night many of the trees are lit with fairy lights that provide a soft ambiance, and the unique plaza architecture pays homage to the city’s Spanish and Native American roots.

Saturday

Be sure to set an early alarm, because there is a lot to pack into a sunny Saturday in New Mexico. Next in our Santa Fe travel guide is a day of exploration as you discover more about the city through art and…more food!

Food: The downtown Railyard District farmer’s market takes place on Saturday mornings and is one of the most highly regarded in the nation. Grab some breakfast while you’re there and spend lunch at one of the many restaurants in the art district. There are too many dinner options to list, so choose your favorite cuisine and dig in!

Culture: Santa Fe boasts over a dozen museums as well as nearly 250 galleries and dealers. Enough said? Not quite – after an afternoon of wandering museums, take in an evening show outside the city center at the open-air Crosby Theater, home to the renowned Santa Fe Opera.

Views: Your entire day will feature spectacular views of mountainous vistas as you make your way around the city. Witness marvelous works of art inside the museums and don’t forget to take pictures to commemorate your stay.

Sunday

Sunday is the perfect day to focus on relaxation, and no Santa Fe visitor’s guide would be complete without a stroll down Canyon Road. Before you take in over 100 art galleries in a 1 mile stretch, spend the morning and early afternoon at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden where you’ll witness unique structures and learn about the area’s natural plants and shrubbery.

Food: Treat yourself to the rich delicacies at Dolina Bakery & Cafe before heading out. For lunch, consider taking a weekend class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking – you get to eat whatever you make!

Culture: The Santa Fe Botanical Garden features sweeping fields of plants and flowers; some of the most scenic walks can be experienced here. In the afternoon, Canyon Road is a melting pot of artistic talent. Local artisans here will have the perfect souvenirs to make your trip even more memorable.

Views: You’ll take in more stunning architecture as you make your way around this surprisingly walkable historic city. The botanical garden is a fantastic place to snap the perfect shot as you’re surrounded by local flora.

AQUI Santa Fe: Your Ultimate Santa Fe, New Mexico’s Travel Guide

This tourism guide shows that Santa Fe, New Mexico is the perfect place to spend a weekend exploring the culture of New Mexico, and our luxury vacation rentals enable you to feel like you’re right at home. In fact, the toughest part will be saying goodbye! To learn more and get the best rates on weekend rentals in Santa Fe, call Caroline and she’ll provide you with a fast response so you can start planning your next vacation.

Santa Fe Is A Hikers Dream

Santa Fe is nestled amidst the southern tip of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range and the Santa Fe Mountains, making it a hiker’s dream vacation spot. Shady woodlands, wildflower-laden meadows, refreshing waterways, abundant wildlife, and stunning views draw hikers from near and far. 

From a gentle hike through the rolling foothills to enjoying extraordinary views from a mountain peak, there’s something for every hiker. The Dale Ball Trail system is just minutes from downtown. Its varied trails are perfect for both novice hikers as well as those with more experience under their boots. 

As wonderful as it is, hiking is only one of Santa Fe’s many fantastic outdoor activities. If you prefer to do your exploring a bit closer to civilization, we also have numerous golf courses, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, and the ancient yet still vibrantly alive Plaza. Santa Fe was practically built for those who enjoy strolling through historically diverse architecture and charming city gardens. Just don’t forget to snap some gorgeous photos!

There is Adventure and there is Culture

• Enjoy an Evening of Opera 

You may not be able to attend the open-air Santa Fe Opera House in person, but that doesn’t preclude enjoying an evening of magnificent music. You can catch an operatic performance on the venue’s social media channels each Saturday evening. Dress in your best ‘formal’ sleepwear, lay out a tailgating spread, and enjoy the Opera right from the patio of your luxury AQUI Santa Fe rental! 

• Toss a Fly Line

Fishing in the high desert? Of course! Santa Fe is actually an angler’s paradise. You may not realize it, but we have five world-class flyfishing rivers in the vicinity. Between them, they offer four species of trout to test your fishing prowess. And social distancing is easy because these rivers aren’t crowded!

• Go Birdwatching

Birdwatching and Santa Fe are just meant for each other! The diverse environment in the area attracts birds and birdwatchers from all over, and everybody enjoys the scenery along with the birds. Those binoculars will also give you a great view of the area’s geological formations and other natural features.

• Try Out Your Wheels

The spectacular terrain around Santa Fe makes for some world-class mountain biking.  Explore city streets, follow historic trails, or test your skills as you climb mountain trails. The wide variety of bike paths and trails in the Santa Fe area provides plenty of exhilarating biking opportunities. 

• Experience a Culinary Adventure

Need a break from all those outdoor adventures? Why not relax in your luxury rental and practice your southwestern cooking skills? The Santa Fe School of Cooking now offers virtual cooking classes featuring some of their best dishes.  Learn how to make authentic local favorites like Mexican enchiladas (with a side of drunken beans!), green chile stew, or huevos rancheros. It’s easy to cook in the well-equipped kitchen of an Aqui rental property. Then enjoy your flavorful meal on the patio while you watch a spectacular New Mexican sunset.

It Is Time For A Luxurious Break

Let an Aqui Santa Fe luxury rental act as the base for all of your outdoor adventures. Our rentals aren’t just beautifully luxurious and comfortable. They’re also New Mexico Safe Certified for your good health and peace of mind. Better book your stay soon if you’re planning on attending the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta in September!

The beautifully unique architecture and warm, friendly ambiance of Santa Fe make it a perfect romantic getaway destination. To help you plan an idyllic sojourn in this beautiful southwestern city, we’ve chosen some of our favorite date ideas to share with you. May you and your beloved truly enjoy the romance of Santa Fe! 

Immerse Yourselves in Culture and History

Our many Santa Fe museums offer everything a visitor could want. They range from Native American arts and culture to international folk art, from New Mexico’s eclectic history to its stunning visual arts. And don’t miss the Santa Fe Botanical Garden! It’s the perfect place for a romantic stroll amidst its many charming flower beds. 

Share a Cooking Class

What a treat it is to share a cooking class in Santa Fe! New Mexico has a rich culinary history and a cooking class lets you partake of that heritage. From walking tours of some of Santa Fe’s most fabulous restaurants to lessons on using the region’s quintessential green chiles, a cooking class will let you indulge in the ‘sabor’ (flavor) of Santa Fe.

Check Out Santa Fe’s Vibrant Art Scene

There’s just something about New Mexico that seems to bring out the best in artists. Maybe that’s why Santa Fe is home to such a thriving art scene. That art scene includes museums, galleries, and outdoor sculptures. There’s even a shared Farmer’s Market and Artisan Fair! 

Indulge in Chocolate Sweetness

The Kakawa Chocolate House offers up your favorite romantic treat in the form of beverages, truffles, and small-batch ice creams. Explore the culinary history of chocolate with authentic beverages from ancient Mesoamerican through traditional European to modern American favorites. It’s hard to go wrong when you take someone you love to this unique chocolate shop!

Visit A Spa

There is no shortage of indulgences in Santa Fe.  Ten Thousand Waves is an authentic Japanese spa that can pamper you in any fashion, and you will be left feeling relaxed with a smile on your face.    If you would like a more New Mexican approach, try Ojo Santa Fe.  There are sumptuous restaurants at each of these spas so you won’t go hungry.  

Go for a Stroll Downtown

Stroll through the downtown area with its many examples of historic architecture and small, charming gardens. Enjoy the happy buzz and cultural richness of the historic Plaza. Then sip a refreshing cocktail on one of the Plaza’s many rooftop patios while you enjoy a spectacular desert sunset together.

Psst… Don’t forget your camera because you’ll want to capture these romantic memories to share later. 

Share a Santa Fe Sunset

Speaking of sunsets… A rooftop patio in the Plaza isn’t the only place to catch one of our spectacular sunsets. The stunningly austere beauty of Santa Fe’s high desert is only highlighted by the lowering sun. Cap off a day of hiking with a romantic cuddle while watching the sun make its daily retreat.

Get Your Flamenco On!

Revel in the colorful and exciting world of Flamenco dancing at El Flamenco Santa Fe. Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas washed down with fine wine while immersing yourself in the cuisine and rich cultural heritage of Spain. Home of the Santa Fe School of Flamenco, this venue offers authenticity that’s hard to find outside of Andalucía! 

Relax in Comfort

After a day of fun and romance, return to your AQUI Santa Fe vacation rental to relax and unwind amidst its comfortable luxuriousness.  From the freshly pressed custom Italian linens draping our high-end mattresses to the complimentary basket of artisan breakfast goodies, we do our best to pamper you during your romantic Santa Fe getaway! Book your private rental today.

Visiting Santa Fe but not sure what fun things you want to do? Check out the following exciting adventures to make your family vacation a memorable one for you and your kids!

• Discover the local culture and history at the Poeh Center, a museum and history exhibition area that showcases the traditional way of life of the Tewa Pueblo. 

• Start at St. John’s College and take an exciting day hike on the Atalaya Hiking Trail with your family, seeing the stunning natural beauty of the Santa Fe area and experiencing local flora and fauna.

• View cutting-edge interactive art experiences at Meow Wolf. This one-of-a-kind art exhibit transports you into the story and makes you feel like you are walking through another life! Your children will love this awe-inspiring wonderland of bright neon colors and beautiful, interactive artwork.

• Try a class at Las Cosas Cooking School; from great classes for the whole family to an extensive array of cookware in their shop, you’ll find something for your family’s budding chef here. Kids as young as 7 are invited to learn culinary specialties from our talented staff of chefs.

• Children love living history museums where they can interact with real-life interpreters; why not visit El Rancho de las Golondrinas and learn about the history of the Southwest from the mouths of those who really lived it?

• For summer camps and after-school programs, look no further than Children’s Adventure Company, which offers a wide variety of active and exciting experiences for children that have them making new friends and learning new things every day.

• For the snow bunnies among you, Ski Santa Fe offers amazing views from the slopes and plenty of instruction for those who are just getting to know skiing for the first time.

• To spend a day inside, visit the Santa Fe Children’s Museum – the exhibits keep kids engaged while also providing parents with plenty to explore and enjoy. Everything from classes to climbing to an outdoor garden will make this a visit to remember.

• Got a bunch of ultra-active kids? Try the Santa Fe Climbing Center for classes and hours of rock climbing fun as a family. You’ll feel accomplished every time you make it to the top of a wall and see yourself improve.

And don’t forget, Food Is Love, and if you want to experience our best restaurants in Santa Fe, try Escondido, Oaxaca and many more.  You won’t go home hungry!

AQUI Santa Fe Vacation Rentals has great homes within two blocks of the Santa Fe Plaza you can walk everywhere to our downtown Santa Fe restaurants, Palace of the Governors and Santa Fe shopping.  

Welcome to Santa Fe, a city brimming with vibrant experiences and endless possibilities! Whether you’re drawn to its rich cultural heritage, artistic flair, or outdoor adventures, there’s an abundance of activities to fill your days. From world-class galleries to scenic hikes, you’ll find yourself with more to explore than time allows. But don’t worry – if you can’t enjoy all 10 Santa Fe activities during this visit, the welcoming spirit of Santa Fe invites you to extend your stay or return for another round of unforgettable events and attractions. The magic of this city is always waiting for you to come back and discover more!

• Enjoy an Annual Event

Santa Fe’s beautiful weather ensures a plethora of events all year long. From the Santa Fe Film Festival in February to the exciting New Year’s Eve celebration at the Santa Fe Plaza, there’s almost always an annual event going on to make your trip to Santa Fe extra special.

• Go Sightseeing

Don’t forget your camera, because there are a lot of beautiful sights to photograph. From charming gardens to the cultural richness of the Plaza to stunning desert sunsets, Santa Fe is a photographer’s dream!

• Check Out Our Fantastic Art Schools, Tours, and Markets

We have a vibrant art scene! Join a tour and then paint what you saw, arrange a painting class party, or join in the fun at Santa Fe’s unique combination art show/Farmer’s Market.

• Enjoy the Many Flavors of Santa Fe With a Cooking Class 

‘Sabor’ is Spanish for flavor and that’s something Santa Fe has in abundance! While you’re here, why not treat yourself to a cooking class at Santa Fe School of Cooking? You might learn how to use Santa Fe’s famous chile peppers, go on a walking tour of some of our best restaurants, or learn about New Mexico’s rich culinary history.

• Visit Our World-Class Museums

Our city is renowned for its history and cultural significance. Visit one of our many Santa Fe museums to experience it for yourself.

• Enjoy High Desert Golfing

Panoramic views of the mountains plus 300 days a year of sunshine plus four golf courses. Need we say more? 

• Take a Hike! 

No, seriously, go hiking to experience first hand the abundant natural beauty that surrounds Santa Fe. Take off on your own or enjoy a guided hike with a local expert. 

• Do Your Hiking from Horseback

Book a scenic trail ride or even a historic stagecoach ride during your stay. There’s no better way to feel like a part of New Mexico’s storied history than by exploring on horseback!

• Go Fly Fishing 

Shh… Can you keep a secret? Northern New Mexico is a premiere, yet little known, fly fishing destination. With four species of trout, five rivers, and a low population density, our area is an angler’s dream! 

• Enjoy Santa Fe’s Vibrant Nightlife

‘The City Different’ does have a night scene. Great dining, fantastic cocktails (check out the Santa Fe Margarita Trail!), live music, and memorable performances all await your pleasure.  

Resting Up Between All Those Activities 

If you’re looking for a home base from which to set out on your Santa Fe adventures, let us help. We have the perfect luxury vacation rentals to act as your home-away-from-home during your stay in Santa Fe!

Santa Fe may be known for its quiet charm, but Santa Fe nightlife comes alive in the evening.  There are fabulous Santa Fe Restaurants, live music, performances, dancing or simply enjoy a peaceful evening of people-watching.  These are some of our favorite places to visit and activities to do in the evening in Santa Fe. Here is a variety of experiences to pique your interest.

• El Flamenco Santa Fe

Where is the best Flamenco in Santa Fe?    The Flamenco Dinner Show at El Farol is tradition where you can experience the captivating art of Flamenco dance. The dinner is fantastic and is a great precursor to the lively show. El Farol  Santa Fe is the oldest bar on Canyon Road, with all the charm of its history dating back to 1835.  The locals stop in for a drink, and you have a whiff of New Mexico chile in the air.  Yes, this is the most authentic tapas restaurant in Santa Fe, where you can enjoy fine wines and spectacular flamenco dancing.  

• Santa Fe Margarita Trail

Purchase an official Santa Fe Margarita Trail Passport and enjoy forty-five margaritas, especially crafted for the margarita connoisseur at downtown Santa Fe restaurants.  Each margarita restaurant along the Santa Fe Trail offers the best tequila for margaritas, and the passport costs just $3, entitling you to $1 off each signature margarita drink. Explore Santa Fe at night and find your favorite margarita mix and earn prizes for the stamps you collect along the way.

• La Fiesta Lounge at La Fonda

Looking for live entertainment  and sensational cocktails where the dance floor is movin and shakin? La Fiesta Lounge at La Fonda Hotel Santa Fe was voted Santa Fe’s best live entertainment venue where you can watch those doing the two step dance, listen to western swing music, and dance to some of the best local musicians! Enjoy the exceptional nightlife atmosphere with one of their signature margaritas and cocktails,

• Summer Scene on The Santa Fe Plaza

People have been visiting the historic Santa Fe Plaza for nearly four hundred years. Located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, it’s a great place to eat, especially at the Santa Fe Plaza Cafe and enjoy the best things to do in Santa Fe. If you happen to be on a rooftop, the New Mexican sunset can be spectacular.  In August, this is the site of the famous Santa Fe Indian Market, Spanish Market and many music events at the Santa Fe Bandstand. 

• Second Street Brewery 

This popular local watering hole has expanded to fill three locations: the Original Second Street Brewery, the Santa Fe Railyard Arts District, and the massive Rufina Taproom. Enjoy delicious food with fish n chips being the best in Santa Fe, a rotating selection of the brewery’s beers on tap, and it is a brewery with live music.   And, Gluten-Free Beer.…is that possible?

After Experiencing “The City Different”

After enjoying Santa Fe’s lively nightlife, relax in one of our Aqui Santa Fe luxury vacation rentals. We can help you find the perfect home away from home where you can explore things to do in Santa Fe, Santa Fe shopping, and Santa Fe art galleries – both day and night!

Are you planning on visiting Santa Fe? If so, prepare to be stunned by the natural beauty of its high desert setting. New Mexico’s austere beauty has drawn many accomplished artists who have tried to capture the essence of the landscape and its people. From Georgia O’Keeffe’s intimately detailed florals to Alexander Calder’s magnificent El Sol Rojo, New Mexico brings out the best in artists.

There are over 250 galleries in the downtown area of Santa Fe and Canyon Road so there is no shortage of art in this town.  That is enough to put you in overload.  However, if you try to prioritize your favorites as you go along, the best will stay top of mind.  This list is of a few favorite galleries but they all have their unique collections…….enjoy!

When you choose Aqui Santa Fe vacation rental home, Caroline is glad to suggest some of the best galleries for your preference.  You may want to consider Dos Casitas for your stay as it is only two to three blocks from the critical mass of contemporary art galleries.

Blue Rain Gallery

For 25 years, Blue Rain Gallery has showcased the works of outstanding Native American artists. Tammy Garcia’s bronzes, Preston Singletary’s glass, and Jim Vogel’s paintings are some of the exquisite pieces you’ll find on display here. Be sure to check out their Friday night openings!

Evoke

Provocative, evocative, and compelling… Three words that aptly describe the contemporary art within this trend-setting gallery! Visit Evoke Contemporary to see what the galleries of the future will look like. From representational to “twisted”, you’ll find it all within this carefully curated contemporary collection.

Gerald Peters Gallery

With an 8,500-square-foot gallery that includes a sculpture garden, extensive research library, and bookstore, the Gerald Peters Gallery is well worth an extended visit. You’ll find a wide selection of art genres at the gallery, which is world-renowned for its nineteenth and twentieth-century American art.

LewAllen Galleries 

Paintings and sculptures are accompanied by an equally impressive collection of art glass in the LewAllen Galleries. The Contemporary Division offers a range of media from the many schools of contemporary art. The secondary market benefits from the fine selection of American and European modernist works in the Modern Division. 

Nedra Matteucci Galleries

Combining centuries of European painting techniques with the unique subject matter of the American West and Southwest has produced the treasured art for which the Nedra Matteucci Galleries are known. The setting is almost as historic and inviting as the art within. Whether you enjoy monumental sculptures like those in the one-acre garden or paintings reminiscent of Charles Russell, this gallery is a must for fans of Western or Southwest art!

Niman Fine Art

The family-owned and operated Niman Fine Art Gallery offers a vast and ever-changing portfolio of fine art. Highlights include mixed-media photography by Michael Namingha, contemporary sculpture by Arlo Namingha, and works by internationally renowned artist Dan Namingha.

Nuart Gallery

Juan Kelly’s own art is as fascinating as the gallery he owns. Filled with figurative magical realism and organic abstracts, the Nuart Gallery hosts spectacular shows featuring the works of American, Latin American, and European artists. 

Shiprock Gallery 

This gallery is named for the volcanic rock formation that is at the heart of a sacred legend of the Navajo people. Fifth-generation art dealer Jed Foutz has merged his love for Navajo art with his appreciation for mid-century modern furnishings in this uniquely eclectic gallery. If you’re looking for an exquisite piece of historic or contemporary Native American art, you’ll definitely want to stop in at Shiprock Gallery.

Zaplin Lampert Gallery

The renowned Zaplin Lampert Gallery specializes in the art of the American West and that of famed New Mexican printmakers Gustave Baumann and Gene Kloss. It also features nineteenth—and early twentieth-century American paintings and early works from Santa Fe Art Colony and Taos Society artists.

Art Is A Our Way of Life

Art surrounds you from the minute you arrive at your Santa Fe Vacation Home

Discover our secret of art—it is everywhere! 

Don’t forget to mention your passion for art while visiting the Santa Fe Art Galleries—

you may be treated to a private tour

Reach out to AQUI SANTA FE  for your next stay, where art is at the heart of every home.

Santa Fe’s dining scene is as vibrant as this multicultural city itself. From the essential green chile to authentic Indian curry, you’ll find delicious food all over town. To help visitors find the best places to eat in Santa Fe, we’ve rounded up eight of our favorite eating places. Buena comida!

Eight of the Best Restaurants in Santa Fe, New Mexico

These eight restaurants are listed in random order starting with our favorite spots for breakfast and ending with fabulous places for dinner, whether you prefer casual or fine dining. 

• The Famous Plaza Cafe

Santa Fe is home to the breakfast burrito and no place does them better than the Famous Plaza Cafe. If you’ve ever wondered where locals eat in Santa Fe, this is a favorite, offering handheld burritos if you’re eager to start experiencing everything Santa Fe has to offer. If you prefer a sit-down breakfast, order your breakfast burrito smothered with your choice of red or green chile. By the way, did you know that if you specify “Christmas,” you’ll get both red and green chile?

• Cafe Pasqual’s

Enjoy the ambiance of a colorful fiesta while feasting on delicious specialties like smoked trout hash at Cafe Pasqual’s. This small restaurant serves up the big, bold flavors of New Mexico and Old Mexico, along with a few Mediterranean and Asian dishes. 

• Dolina Bakery and Cafe 

What do you get when you combine a bakery, modern American brunch, and Eastern European flavors? You get Dolina Bakery and Cafe, where you can enjoy everything from brunch favorites to chicken paprikash, borscht, and Hungarian goulash. The bakery is equally diverse with a variety of quiches, coconut cream or banana cream pies, cakes, strudel, a Hungarian specialty called Makos Dio, and more!  

• Kakawa Chocolate House

This may be the most unique chocolate shop in the world. Kakawa Chocolate House’s beverages run the gamut from authentic Mesoamerican through historic European to contemporary American. It isn’t just about drinking chocolate at Kakawa Chocolate House, either. They also offer exquisitely crafted truffles and caramels as well as small-batch ice creams. 

• The Pantry

This home-style restaurant has been satisfying locals with its hearty comfort food, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service since 1948. The Pantry prides itself on its fresh-from-scratch food, generous portions, and quick service. 

• Tesuque Village Market

The menu at Tesuque Villiage Market is best described as straightforward with a local Santa Fe twist! That is, pizza, hamburgers, enchiladas, and more all incorporating a Santa Fe favorite: green chile.  If you come in the morning, the menu will feature multiple breakfast options and fantastic pastries. This could be the perfect place to eat in Santa Fe during the weekend, filled with Southwestern décor and a full bar!

• Arroyo Vino

This upscale Santa Fe dining spot might be a bit off the beaten path (it’s 8 miles from the town center) but it is definitely worth the drive! The seasonal menu features locally sourced meat, sustainably harvested fish, and local produce, much of it from Arroyo Vino’s own two-acre garden. They also offer a carefully curated selection of excellent wines.  

• The Compound

If you’d rather stay in town, The Compound is located just over a mile from the historic Plaza. This popular place to eat in Santa Fe features contemporary American cuisine accented by flavors brought to this country by 16th-century Spanish settlers. Owner/chef Mark Kiffin was named Best Chef of the Southwest by the James Beard Awards in 2005.

Santa Fe Is A City of Many Flavors

This vibrant city offers more than just wonderful food. History, art, architecture, and a wonderful multicultural atmosphere help give Santa Fe a unique ‘flavor’ of its own. Stay at Aqui Santa Fe’s luxury vacation rental properties while you enjoy everything Santa Fe offers. Our contact form will help you find the perfect location for your stay in this unique city. 

As you find the perfect luxury vacation rental, it is important to have an exciting itinerary as well. Do you love listening to live music? If you do, and you’re planning to visit Santa Fe, this was written for you! It’s a guide to some of the best live music venues in Santa Fe. These are places that the locals love, and people come from all over to enjoy. With everything from world-class opera to “Cowgirl Karaoke,” Santa Fe has something for every musical taste. 

Santa Fe Live Music Venues

Below are six of our favorite places to listen to live music in Santa Fe. Many also offer great food and drinks, spectacular views, or great people-watching opportunities.  

The Lensic Performing Arts Center 

This world-class concert hall and theater offers everything from classical music to flamenco exhibitions, and contemporary jazz to a foot-stomping ‘Buckaroo Ball’. You might also catch a theater presentation, film, or lecture among its diverse year-round offerings. A former movie palace/vaudeville stage, it opened in 1931. It has been fully restored to its former glory and now serves as Santa Fe’s premier performing arts center.

Second Street Brewery

Enjoy a brew and some great food while listening to the house band at Second Street Brewery. If you visit it on a Wednesday, you can enjoy a variety of local musicians during the brewery’s popular open mic night.

Santa Fe Opera House

Watching professional opera in the open air with a spectacular sunset over the Jemez Mountains as a backdrop? It’s just another nightly performance at the Santa Fe Opera House! Actually, you can catch more than opera at this gorgeous venue. It also hosts acclaimed performers from all genres. Enjoy a picnic or even a small tailgating party before the performance.

The Cowgirl Hall of Fame

This Food Network favorite has been featured on four of that network’s shows! That should tell you something about the food, which is mainly cowboy comfort food along with great BBQ. Besides live music and fantastic food, it also features patio seating and a playground for the kids.

Santa Fe Plaza

The Plaza has been at the very heart of Santa Fe both physically and socially for almost four centuries. Visit one of the many food vendors and then just hang out, do some people-watching, and enjoy the free live music at this Santa Fe concert venue.

Welcome to Santa Fe!

Concert venues are just one of the many attractions to explore in this warm and vibrant city. Let Aqui Santa Fe help you find the perfect luxury vacation rental property for your Santa Fe stay. Simply fill out our contact form to get started.

June through August is Santa Fe’s peak season for all the best reasons. The sun-kissed blue sky maintains temperatures in the mid-80s with short-lived afternoon showers to freshen the air. The nights are comfortably cool and welcome after a day of enjoying Santa Fe’s summer weather and outdoor attractions.

The summer months are filled with the largest and most famous world festivals, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, is adding one more this year; Santa Fe Art Week is July 12-21. The question is not “What is there to do today?” but “How can we find time to get to all the things we want to do?”

Be sure to check out our luxury Santa Fe vacation rentals to choose elegant, comfortable, spacious, and convenient vacation homes that provide your home away from home, perfect for your exciting visit to this energetic city.

Celebrate the Arts

• Attend the Santa Fe Art Week. Santa Fe is the third-largest art market in the United States. The city’s 19th Annual Santa Fe Art Show, July 18^th – 21^st, presents an amazing array of things to do in Santa Fe in Summer contemporary and modern art at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. On display are extraordinary works of art from local, national, and international galleries. Live entertainment, parties, and other exclusive events keep the energy high. The show includes art talks, design talks, and art labs.
• Visit the Traditional Spanish Market. On July 27^th and 28^th, The Spanish Colonial Arts Society presents its 68th Annual Traditional Spanish Market on the historic Santa Fe Plaza. About 250 Spanish Colonial Artists from Colorado and New Mexico will present their traditional crafts, some dating back 400 years. You will see woodcarving, tinwork, colcha, hide painting, straw appliqué, furniture and furnishings, weaving, jewelry, filigree, pottery, and ironwork for sale. These are true and accurate crafts, not items mass-produced for the tourist trade. Music and performances will be on the Market stage throughout the weekend, and a food court will offer traditional foods and local favorites.
• Tour the Santa Fe Indian Market. On August 17^th and 18^th, you can visit the Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest and most prestigious juried Native arts show globally. It draws approximately 120 thousand visitors eager to find the best works created by Native artists. Works are available through live and silent auctions as well as for sale by the artists. Booths of native food will be abundant.
• Be swept up by classical music. Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival is July 14^th – August 19^th. It has a lineup of concerts and free events that appeal to lovers of classical music. The Santa Fe Opera is renowned globally and opens its summer season on May 29^th with The Pearl Fishers and closes on August 31^st with a Mariachi Extravaganza.

Enjoy Nature

• Feel alive on the hiking trails. Santa Fe is a hiker’s paradise in Summer, with great weather and trails into the wilderness beginning just a few minutes from your vacation home and downtown. Trails range from kid-friendly to the most challenging and all encompass some of Santa Fe’s enchanting wilderness. Hikers are rewarded with shaded forests, fields blooming with wildflowers, silvery mountain streams, and incredible views from mountain summits and ridgetops. Visit Santa Fe’s website to see the variety of mapped trails. Many experienced hikers proceed through the trails themselves and make their own way through the glorious terrain.
• Get a taste of adrenaline with mountain biking. USA Today lists Santa Fe as one of America’s Top Mountain Bike Towns. In the city, biking is safe because of its bike lanes. In the wilderness, you can take an easy, scenic bike ride or challenge yourself on a mountain bike. Golfers are delighted to find eight world-class golf courses within a two-hour drive from the city set in the high desert atmosphere and in the mountain air. To review the top-rated courses visit GolfAdvisor.
• Get up early and go fishing. Fishermen head to Santa Fe National Forest and its 1000 miles of streams and 20 lakes lively with fish. The Forest offers a variety of fishing experiences including both cold and warm water fish. You can head for an established fishing area or set off with your tackle and find your own.

Tickle Your Taste buds

Savor world-renowned restaurants. Santa Fe cuisine combines Indigenous American, Spanish, and Anglo influences from the basics of corn, beans, and squash to chili peppers that explode in your mouth. Make your own meals using fresh, local ingredients from farmers’ markets, or try some of Santa Fe’s most renowned restaurants offering traditional foods. If you want to go where the locals go, try these restaurants that have an authentic vibe and serve the best of the regional cuisine:

• La Choza was voted the #1 New Mexican restaurant by readers of the Santa Fe Reporter. The restaurant brings generations of tradition to your table along with award-winning red and green chili.
• Tortilla Flats has nationally acclaimed, award-winning dishes such as authentic tacos and enchilada plates

Calling all Kids

• Bring the kids to Bandelier National Monument. Bandelier National Monument is one of the favorites. This 33,000-acre park gives an up-close look at the lives of the ancient Pueblo people. Wooden ladders lead to cliff dwellings and cave drawings. The park’s Junior Ranger program provides an age-appropriate adventure that is rewarded with an official Junior Ranger badge.
• Experience the Santa Fe Children’s Museum. The Santa Fe Children’s Museum is packed with engaging, interactive exhibits both inside and out. Families can play together, exploring the arts, sciences, and humanities.
• Burn off some energy at the playground. The Railyard District is lively with stores, shops, arts, and outdoor performances, but the children gravitate to a creative children’s play area.

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a delightful Summer vacation destination for couples and singles, families, and multigenerational gatherings. Let us help you find the perfect luxury vacation rental property during your stay in Santa Fe.