Friendly Santa Fe welcomes visitors to the ‘City Different’ and appreciates your efforts to help keep us all healthy by observing our NM Health Protocols. This is the perfect time to enjoy Santa Fe’s gorgeous natural landscape and the many fantastic outdoor activities available here!

Santa Fe Outdoors

Santa Fe is nestled amidst the southern tip of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range and the Santa Fe Mountains. This makes 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!

Outdoor Activities in Santa Fe

Please remember a mask and to follow social distancing while enjoying everything Santa Fe has to offer.

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. Just don’t forget to social distance. And enjoy 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 provide 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.

Enjoy 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!

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 should do? Check out the following exciting adventures to make your family vacation a memorable one for you and your kids!

1. Get to know local culture and history at the Poeh Center, a museum and history exhibition area showcasing the Tewa Pueblo traditional way of life. 

2. 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.

3. 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 aw-inspiring wonderland of bright neon colors and beautiful, interactive artwork.

4. Try a class at Las Cosas Cooking School; from great classes for the whole family to an extensive array of cookware in their shoppe, 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.

5. Take a pottery class at the Heidi Loewen school, exploring the ancient art of ceramic sculpture and learning a lot along the way. This pottery class invites children as young as 3 to learn the wonderful art of pottery.

6. Children love living history museums where they can interact with real live 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?

7. 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 has them making new friends and learning new things every day.

8. 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.

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

10. 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 yourselves improve.

Welcome to Santa Fe! There are so many fun and exciting things to do during your stay here that you’ll be hard put to fit them all in. That’s okay, though, because visitors are always welcome to extend their stay in our friendly little city! 

1. 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.

2. 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!

3. 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.

4. 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? 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.

5. 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.

6. Enjoy High Desert Golfing

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

7. 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. 

8. 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!

9. 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! 

10. Enjoy Santa Fe’s Vibrant Nightlife

‘The City Different’ has an exciting 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 rental property to act as your home-away-from-home during your stay in Santa Fe!

Santa Fe is a vibrant city at any time but it really comes to life in the evening. It has an exhilarating night scene, whether you’re looking for a great restaurant, live music, an exciting performance, or just want to relax and do some people-watching.  

6 Exciting Things to Do at Night in Santa Fe

These are some of our favorite places to spend the evening in Santa Fe. We’ve tried to provide a variety of experiences to pique your interest.

The Compound

The Compound is a popular fine dining restaurant amongst those who like their contemporary American fare seasoned with the traditional flavors of Spain. Owner/chef Mark Kiffin won the James Beard Award Best Chef of the Southwest in 2005.

El Flamenco Santa Fe

Enjoy authentic tapas, fine wines, and spectacular flamenco dancing by the resident dance company. El Flamenco Santa Fe is home to the Santa Fe School of Flamenco, so you know the dancing will be spectacular!

Santa Fe Margarita Trail

Purchase an official Santa Fe Margarita Trail Passport and enjoy forty-five margaritas especially crafted for explorers along the Trail. The passport costs just $3 and entitles you to $1 off each signature margarita. Earn prizes for the stamps you collect along the way.

La Fiesta Lounge at La Fonda

Looking for live entertainment and sensational cocktails? La Fiesta Lounge was voted Santa Fe’s best live entertainment venue where you can watch, listen and dance to some of the best local musicians! Enjoy the exceptional live music atmosphere with one of their signature margaritas or martinis.

The Santa Fe Plaza

People have been visiting the historic Santa Fe Plaza for nearly four hundred years. Located in the heart of town, it’s a great place to eat, listen to music, and people-watch. Catch a spectacular New Mexican sunset from one of the rooftop patios.

Second Street Brewery 

This popular local watering hole has expanded to fill three locations: the Original Second Street Brewery, the Railyard, and the massive Rufina Taproom. Enjoy delicious food, a rotating selection of the brewery’s beers on tap, and live music.

Experiencing “The City Different”

After enjoying Santa Fe’s lively nightlife, relax in one of our luxury vacation rental properties. We can help you find the perfect home base from which to explore everything Santa Fe has to offer – 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.

The impressive art galleries of Santa Fe reflect that love of color and evocative art. We’ve listed some of the best in alphabetical order below.

The Art Galleries of Santa Fe

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 sculpture 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 of the portfolio include mixed-media photography by Michael Namingha, contemporary sculpture by Arlo Namingha, and works from 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. 

Selby Fleetwood Gallery

The Selby Fleetwood Gallery features a full range of contemporary work by many exceptional artists. Abstract, figurative, landscape, mixed media, and representational paintings and sculpture are all on display.

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.

William Siegal Gallery

The William Siegal Gallery specializes in Pre-Columbian art and antiquities. The gallery features museum-quality textiles and other ancient objects juxtaposed against contemporary paintings, sculptures, and photography. The overall effect is breathtaking!

Windsor Betts

You won’t find a finer selection of Native American, Southwestern, historic, or contemporary art on the secondary market that at Windsor Betts! Influential Native American artists Kevin Redstar, Fritz Shoulder, and T.C. Canon are represented, along with Louisa McElwain and other well-known artists.

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. You’ll also find nineteenth and early twentieth-century American paintings along with early works from Santa Fe Art Colony and Taos Society artists.

Welcome to the beauty of Santa Fe 

Embracing beauty is easy while visiting Santa Fe. You’ll be surrounded by loveliness, whether natural or manmade, everywhere you go. Even our gorgeous luxury vacation rental properties feature stunning art from some of the galleries listed above. If you’re staying with us, mention that fact at the gallery you’re visiting and you just may be treated to a special tour! Contact Aqui Santa Fe for your next stay in this beautiful and artistic town.

Santa Fe’s restaurant 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 chow down in Santa Fe, we’ve rounded up eight of our favorite eating places. Buena comida!

Eight of the Best Restaurants in Santa Fe

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. 

1. The Famous Plaza Cafe

Santa Fe is home to the breakfast burrito and no place does them better than the Famous Plaza Cafe. This favorite with the locals offers 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?

2. 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. 

3. 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!  

4. 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. 

5. 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. 

6. 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 weekend restaurant filled with Southwestern décor and a full bar!

7. Arroyo Vino

This upscale 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.  

8. The Compound

If you’d rather stay in town, The Compound is located just over a mile from Santa Fe’s historic Plaza. This popular fine dining restaurant 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. At Aqui Santa Fe, we offer luxury vacation rental properties to stay at 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 town. 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, 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.

El Meson

Bring a group of friends when you visit the tapas bar at El Meson. Enjoy friendship, laughter, authentic Spanish tapas, and live flamenco, tango, soul, blues, or jazz music. 

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.

Welcome to Santa Fe!

Musical 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 sunkissed blue sky maintains temperatures of 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 outdoor attractions.

The summer months are filled with the largest and most famous world festivals and Santa Fe 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 rental properties 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

1. 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 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 August 31^st with a Mariachi Extravaganza.

Enjoy Nature

5. Feel alive on the hiking trails. Santa Fe is a hiker’s paradise with 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.
6. 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.
7. 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

8. 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
La Casa Sena is everybody’s first “Fix” after arriving in Santa Fe and is located in the oldest house in town and much of the original architecture remains. It features New American West cuisine inspired by New Mexican influences and seasonal ingredients.

Calling all Kids

9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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 is a delightful summer vacation destination for couples and singles, families, and multigeneration gatherings. Let us help you find the perfect luxury vacation rental property during your stay in Santa Fe.

 

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. If you’re planning on vacationing for the first time here, you probably have some questions about where to go and what to do. Here answers to some common questions about preparing for your trip to Santa Fe. Don’t forget to take a look at our beautiful Santa Fe luxury vacation rentals. Staying with AQUI is your ticket to an unforgettable Santa Fe vacation!

Where to go in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

There’s plenty to do for all ages in Santa Fe, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a weekend with the girls. It is such a unique city that stepping into Santa Fe can feel like you’ve been transported to a new country. People often say that “If you want to go to a foreign country but stay in the United States, you come to Santa Fe.”

Here are some of our favorite things to do:

• Santa Fe Plaza: The Plaza is the heart of downtown Santa Fe. Throughout the year you can find markets, concerts and other events. Make sure to stop into the Five & Dime and pick up some of their famous Frito pie from the snack bar. Check out all our vacation rental homes near the Santa Fe Plaza!
• Margarita Trail Passport: If you love margaritas, you’ll want to get a Margarita Trail Passport. Available as either an app or a physical passport, this gives you access to the best margaritas in the city. Get stamps at each stop, and collect prizes along the way!
• Annual Markets and Festivals: Santa Fe is full of exciting annual events, markets, and festivals. No matter when you plan to come, you can find yourself caught up in the excitement of a wonderful festival. Take a look at our full list of favorite Santa Fe Things to do.

How big is Santa Fe, New Mexico?

Santa Fe has a population around 70,000, making it the fourth largest city in New Mexico. It’s the highest capital in the United States, sitting at around 7,000 feet at the foot of the Rockies. Downtown Santa Fe and the surrounding historic districts are compact, which makes it easy to park your car once you get here and walk everywhere else.

When is the best time to visit Santa Fe, New Mexico?

With an average of 300 sunny days per year, there isn’t a bad time to visit Santa Fe. Summer is the most popular time to visit Santa Fe, thanks to its low humidity and abundance of hiking and nature trails, especially for Texans looking to escape the summer heat. Visitors during the summer enjoy the Santa Fe Opera season, the Indian Market (largest in the world!), and the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta, among other events.

If you can travel in the fall, though, you’ll still enjoy cool but comfortable temperatures and be able to attend some amazing festivals, like the Harvest Festival, Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples Celebration and the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival.

If you’re into skiing, you’ll definitely want to visit Santa Fe in the winter and spring. The cold air is dry in Santa Fe, which means you won’t get bone-chilling cold while you’re on the slopes. After a full day of skiing, many visitors take photography and art classes, snapping photos and painting pictures of the gorgeous landscapes around Santa Fe.

What should I to bring when visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico?

In the summer, average temperatures stay below 90 degrees during the day and can drop into the 50s at night. You’ll want to bring clothes you can layer to stay warm in the evenings and cool during the day. You’ll probably find yourself outside a lot, no matter what season you visit, so comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and active clothes are a must. Santa Fe is a casual town, so there’s no need to pack dress clothes, unless you have a specific event you’re attending that requires it.

You’ll also want to bring a water bottle, or else plan on buying one while you’re here. The higher altitude takes some time to get used to. Staying hydrated is important, so make sure to drink more water than you’re used to, especially the first day or two of your visit, while you adjust to the heightened altitude.

We hope you’re getting excited for your upcoming trip to Santa Fe! Don’t forget to ask Caroline Morgan of AQUI Santa Fe for her recommendations and local favorite spots so you can make the most of your vacation.

Ready book a trip? Read more about our luxury rentals in Santa Fe and or pick from our list below and reserve your home away from home today!