Santa Fe Day 1: Culture and the Outdoors

Santa Fe is known for easy access to the outdoors, a thriving artist community, Indigenous culture and heritage, and hearty food. Days can easily be filled in town, though we took advantage of having our car for some day trips.

What to do

Early fall is not the worst time to hike around Santa Fe, but heat is still an important consideration with little ones and grandparents coming along. Go to Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary for short routes to follow with a notable amount of stairs. The 190 bird species and abundant native plant life is worth the effort however, and the Nature Discovery Area is an ideal play area for any kid who loves to climb and learn about the world around them. If the weather is a deal breaker, the garden provides a nice stroll outdoors.

Santa Fe has more than 20 museums, and four of the finest can be found on Museum Hill a short drive from the city center. We chose to spend our time exploring folk art from around the world at the Museum of International Folk Art. The exhibits are both enlightening and educational, with displays when we visited of prison art and an expansive room with more than 10,000 pieces from around the globe.

Where to eat

We stopped for a late breakfast and enjoyed hefty breakfast burritos (Christmas style, smothered with red and green chile) at Tune-Up Cafe that were surprisingly easy to finish. The line to order moved fast — meaning you should know what you want before reaching the register. We snagged a table outside and savored what proved to be one of my favorite breakfast burritos on a very breakfast-burrito-heavy trip.

We walked to Bumble Bee Baja Grill from our hotel for a casual early dinner after a long day of walking and were met with fresh ingredients with meat and produce largely sourced from New Mexico. The flavors are bright and fresh, from the tacos to the burritos to the stews that are revitalizing no matter the heat.

We hope you love the stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book.

Where to stay: Piñon Court by La Fonda

Piñon Court by La Fonda offers a convenient and atmospheric base for exploring Santa Fe on foot (guaranteed parking near downtown is a major bonus). Originally a 1930s adobe motor court along historic Route 66, the property has retained its Pueblo Revival architecture with adobe walls and traditional vigas, while updating rooms with local artwork and amenities like private patios and kiva fireplaces. Ideally located between the lively Railyard District and the cultural heart of Santa Fe Plaza, Piñon Court offers easy access to local markets, festivals, and Santa Fe’s restaurants and art scene. Guests also have access to amenities at the sister property, La Fonda, including a spa and fitness center.

Book