Spending a quick but fun weekend in Santa Fe, New Mexico based on our adventures.

We lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico for six months while working as traveling physical therapists. We immediately fell in love with this amazing city and try to come back every year.

When we only have a weekend, there are certain places we cannot miss while visiting. This way we make the most of our time there and get the full Santa Fe experience.

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Where to Stay

Pueblo Bonito Bed and Breakfast Inn

One of the best parts about Santa Fe, New Mexico is the adobe-style buildings. If you want to stay in an authentic abode room then Pueblo Bonito is perfect.

Even with renovations most of the original structures still stand and creates a wonderful atmosphere. They also serve freshly made tamales for breakfast which adds another New Mexico touch.

They have free parking in their own lot but only enough spaces for each room to have one car. The inn is located in downtown Santa Fe so you have easier access to all the places you want to visit.

You are only about 3-4 blocks from the Rail Yard where the Farmers market is located. If you are up for a longer walk, the Santa Fe Plaza is only about 1/2 mile away.

Throughout the property are little hangout areas. You could soak up some sun, read a book or eat a meal at any of the several locations.

We stayed in the "Santa Ana" room which had a lot of space and a kitchen area. We knew we were going to make some of our own meals so the fridge, sink, and microwave really helped.

Where to Eat

Tomasita's Restaurant

This is the best place in Santa Fe for Mexican food in our opinion. First off, they have the best red and green chile which you should put on everything.

They know how to make it spicy so be careful if you prefer things on the mild side. You also get sopaipilla and honey with your meal freshly cooked.

Even though the margaritas are amazing the sangria may be their best drink.

It's located by the Railyard which is a pretty touristy area. Nearby stores are great for shopping. There is typically a wait since it's so amazing so be prepared for that.

Santa Fe Farmer's Market

Santa Fe has plenty of fresh produce to go around and year-round farmer's market. They are located all over the city but the main location is at the Railyard.

There is a lot of variety and a lot of items to choose from. Each tent is individually run and everyone seems to have their own niche.

You can either pick up items to cook with or buy yourself already made food. Most of the tents have free samples as well. We typically pick up fresh veggies to sauté and freshly baked bread to go with it.

What to Do

Hiking

The trails have a lot of variety so you can choose from more strenuous hikes or more leisurely strolls. Just remember the altitude in Santa Fe is already pretty high (~7,000 ft) so hiking may seem more difficult than what you are used to.

Just make sure to take breaks as often as you feel needed. You should also make sure to have plenty of water on hand.

Santa Fe Baldy

Elevation at the summit is 12,622 and is a 14-mile round trip. This hike is not for the faint of heart. This is a very hard climb but the summit is beautiful. The weather can change quickly so most suggest starting earlier in the day.

You park for free at Ski Santa Fe and find signs for Windsor trailhead. We camped at Black Canyon Campground which was about a 20-minute car ride from the trailhead.

Atalaya Mountain

Elevation gained is 1,900 ft to get to a 9,121 ft summit. This one is more accessible since it's only 6 miles round trip. You hike on the Atalaya mountain trail after parking at St. Johns College.

We actually did this one twice because we were not successful during our first try. Not planning ahead, we had already gone for a three-mile run that day and did not eat or drink enough.

We decided to turn around and months later came back to finish what we started. We actually took a wrong turn at one point and even though we did summit, it was very dicey at the end.

The trail only seemed more difficult because we went the wrong way. As we went back down the correct way we found the trail is not bad at all.

Santa Fe Plaza

The best part about the plaza is the variety of stores and restaurants. Some of the stores can be really pricey so make sure to look at price tags before you fall in love with anything.

There are too many great places to name them all so just pick a place and go for it.

Bandstand

All summer long you can attend free concerts in the middle of the plaza. Most of the time two acts play and there's something every night.

It's free and a lot of fun. You can bring your own chairs but most people stand. There are vendors on the streets but all the stores are open.

We hope our travel guide for Santa Fe, New Mexico will give you inspiration and help you plan your next trip. This town is one of the cutest cities you will find in the dessert. Happy Adventuring!