You might be surprised to learn that America’s oldest capital city is located nowhere near the Thirteen Colonies but rather in north-central New Mexico. That’s right, Santa Fe claimed that title in 1610 when it became the capital of the Spanish Kingdom of New Mexico. (New Mexico didn’t become an American state until 1912.)
Located at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, today’s Santa Fe is equal parts artsy and outdoorsy. Its beating heart is the Santa Fe Plaza where travelers can stop by galleries, shop for souvenirs made from silver and turquoise, and sample delicious New Mexican cuisine starting with hatch green chilies. Beyond downtown, you can immerse yourself in both the region’s natural and indigenous heritages.
Whatever brings you to Santa Fe, the best way to experience the city is by staying in one of its signature adobe homes, and the best way to do that is by booking a Santa Fe Airbnb, starting with these nine.
We hope you love these Santa Fe Airbnb options! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Casita de la Luz, or House of the Lights, is located near Santa Fe’s Canyon Road Art District, a strip of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that display the works of local artists. Highlights of the one-bedroom casita include the hybrid sunroom and breakfast nook and the rooftop deck, which not only has sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains but also a gas fireplace and ample seating. You’ll also find a gas grill on the premises to supplement the small kitchen, as well as a koi pond that fits perfectly into the landscaping. The Airbnb hosts live on the property and are happy to help with anything you might need during your stay, but guests of this Santa Fe Airbnb have a private entrance to make it feel like their own.
One of the benefits of being located in the hilly Near North neighborhood above downtown Santa Fe is how much space you’re afforded at this 1,300-square-foot casita, not to mention the peace and quiet and sweeping views. Yet the Santa Fe Plaza is just one mile away if you’re walking or a quick five-minute drive. Guests of the casita will adore the floor-to-ceiling windows and cozy fireplace in the living room, as well as the large patio where you can enjoy your meals, swing in the love seat, and even BBQ during the summer.
Sustainability is a priority for the hosts of this two-bedroom eco-home nestled between downtown Santa Fe and national forest land. Just 10 minutes from town, and a mile and a half from the local-favorite Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Spa, the mountaintop home runs on solar power and makes the perfect base for families of up to six people, although there’s nothing stopping couples or solo travelers from claiming the spacious digs. Except to find eco-friendly products all over the house, from hypoallergenic bamboo sheets on the king-size beds to biodegradable products in the pantry and environmentally safe cleaning supplies. The experience is anything but rustic, however, with amenities ranging from a wood fireplace and BBQ to a nice music system and toys for the kids.
Southwestern decor is a hallmark of the classic Santa Fe Airbnb. This two-story, two-bedroom townhouse offers something a little more contemporary and cosmopolitan, with mid-century modern furnishings that the host says was inspired by the Mad Men era. Standout features of the 1,000-square-foot Airbnb include the kiva fireplace and the covered back patio, complete with a comfortable outdoor sectional, gas grill, fountain, and cafe lights.
Traveling with a big group? This is the Santa Fe Airbnb for you, especially if you value wood furnishings, lots of space to roam in the hills just north of downtown Santa Fe, and an artistic decor touch. Housing four bedrooms, with enough room to sleep eight, the house sits on nearly five acres a stone’s throw from La Tierra Trail, which offers 25 miles of hikable and bikeable land. Santa Fe Plaza is only 15 minutes away, but it’ll be tough to tear yourself away from the cozy fireplaces, courtyard, and top floor that’s perfect for sunrises and stargazing.
La Casa San Felipe is a newly renovated one-bedroom home in Santa Fe’s centrally located Casa Alegre neighborhood that’s perfect for two guests. The layout is open, connecting the fully equipped kitchen with the cozy living room, and the decor features fun and bohemian touches like a vintage stove, Mexican tiles, and mid-century furniture styled with New Mexican flair. You’ll have the place to yourself but should note that the house is a duplex, and the backyard belongs to the neighbors next door. Dogs are welcome at this charming Santa Fe Airbnb, and there’s a parking spot provided if you’re driving into town.
A classy and secluded house located 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe, this Airbnb has two bedrooms and can accommodate up to four guests, with one king-size bed and two twin beds. For ultimate coziness, there are kiva fireplaces both indoors and outdoors, as well as a rooftop deck and a grill by the outdoor fireplace so you can enjoy alfresco dinners overlooking the courtyard. Natural light is abundant inside the home, shining through many windows and a skylight. That makes this Santa Fe Airbnb perfect for curling up with a book or beverage, either on the banco window seats in the bedroom or in direct sunlight on the patio.
Ideal for solo travelers, this former pottery studio is now a charming studio rental, one of two cottages located on the three-acre Rancho los Soñadores property. Guests can get to the Santa Fe Plaza in under 15 minutes, the city’s Meow Wolf exhibition in under 10 minutes, and nature trails as soon as they walk out the front door. After a busy day, relax in the clawfoot club while you gaze at the stars above through the large skylight. (There’s a skylight in the kitchen, too.) Note that pets are welcome for an additional $100 cleaning fee per pet, two maximum.
An Airbnb Plus, this spacious one-bedroom guesthouse is close to all of Santa Fe’s major attractions, being just a 10-minute walk from the main plaza. The area where it’s located is also known for having access to excellent hiking, notably the Dale Ball Trails system. From cooking in the fully equipped kitchen, to dining on the large outdoor patio, to spending a lazy day in front of the smart TV, you’ll easily feel at home in this classic Santa Fe casita.
