At just over 37 square miles, the city of Santa Fe may be small, but it packs an extraordinary amount into its sun-baked borders. Known for its distinctive architecture, vivacious art scene and abundance of restaurants, this high-desert gem is New Mexico’s crown jewel – and the perfect destination for a relaxed long weekend.
In our Santa Fe travel guide, we’ll uncover the city’s rich blend of history, culture and cuisine, and show you how to make the most of four days in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
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Why Santa Fe is the perfect long-weekend getaway destination
Architecture, art, history and cuisine – the city of Santa Fe has it all. As the oldest state capital in the United States, it’s had centuries to refine its beauty, culture and sense of adventure, becoming the prime destination for a New Mexico getaway weekend.
Easily reached from major hubs such as Denver, Dallas and Phoenix, yet worlds apart in atmosphere, Santa Fe delivers a rare mix of culture, beauty and calm. It’s dubbed ‘The City Different’ for good reason.
Art and history are at the heart of the city, with hundreds of heritage buildings and galleries all within easy walking distance thanks to its compact size.
With more than 400 dining options, Santa Fe is also the perfect place to indulge – from green-chile breakfast burritos and humble hominy soups to elegant Southwestern tasting menus.
For outdoor lovers, Santa Fe’s position at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offers endless adventure: think scenic driving routes, mountain hiking and biking trails, or whitewater rafting along the Rio Grande river.
Evenings invite relaxation, whether at a cosy wine bar, a traditional New Mexican restaurant or beneath the stars in a hot tub at a boutique hotel.
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What is Santa Fe known for?
A brilliantly well-rounded destination, Santa Fe is the perfect choice for a New Mexico couples getaway. Here are some highlights to look forward to.
Adobe architecture
In Santa Fe, adobe architecture reigns supreme. The word adobe (meaning ‘mudbrick’ in Spanish) refers to a traditional building style that produces rustic, earth-toned structures blending seamlessly into the desert landscape.
This architecture can be found throughout the city, though the finest examples include the San Miguel Chapel and De Vargas Street House – both considered among the oldest buildings in the continental United States – plus the Palace of the Governors on the historic plaza.
Alongside the city’s adobe treasures stand Victorian, Italianate and California Mission Revival buildings, along with striking modern constructions. A true feast for architecture admirers.
Art galleries and museums
Santa Fe is also a haven for art enthusiasts, with more than 250 galleries in the city, including around 80 along the half-mile stretch of Canyon Road.
In the heart of downtown Santa Fe sits the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, offering a captivating tribute to the celebrated American artist. At the other end of the artistic spectrum, Meow Wolf’s ‘House of Eternal Return’ offers an immersive, mind-bending experience across 70 surreal rooms – a playful non-linear journey through imagination and creativity.
Culinary traditions: rustic chile to fine dining
Our advice for visiting Santa Fe? Arrive hungry! The city is brimming with both traditional eateries and fine-dining establishments that celebrate the region’s bold blend of Native American, Spanish and Mexican influences.
Many dishes revolve around earthy, warming flavours, particularly the city’s beloved red and green chile. Blue corn, piñon nuts and local beans also feature prominently. Stop at a local café for stacked enchiladas, tamales and posole (a hearty hominy stew), or indulge in upscale interpretations of these classics at Santa Fe’s acclaimed restaurants. Geronimo on Canyon Road is a fine-dining favourite, while we love the tasting menu at Sazón, which showcases elevated contemporary New Mexican cuisine.
For a spirited evening, take time to explore the city’s Margarita Trail. This curated route links nearly 50 restaurants and bars across Santa Fe County, each serving its own signature version of the iconic cocktail.
Festivals and cultural heritage
To add an extra layer to your visit, consider timing your Santa Fe getaway to coincide with one of the city’s colourful festivals.
Celebrating the rich heritage of New Mexico, the Fiesta de Santa Fe takes place each September and has been held for more than 310 years, making it one of the oldest community events in the United States. Expect traditional food, live music, vibrant parades and a citywide celebration of culture.
Another September highlight is the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, which – as the name suggests – pairs the region’s famous chiles with exceptional local wines across a week of tastings, chef demonstrations and special dinners.
The annual Santa Fe Summer Scene brings the city to life from May through August with free outdoor entertainment at the historic plaza and Railyard Park. Visitors can enjoy concerts spanning genres from opera and jazz to rock and country, plus open-air film screenings under the stars.
On the topic of films, the Santa Fe International Film Festival arrives in town each October. This festival showcases more than 200 features, shorts, documentaries and animated films across the city. An Oscar-qualifying event, it regularly attracts acclaimed guests such as Oliver Stone, Robert Redford, Shirley MacLaine and Bryan Cranston.
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Exploring the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Santa Fe is blessed by its proximity to the New Mexico mountains. Rising dramatically above the city, the Sangre de Cristo Range marks the southernmost reach of the Rocky Mountains.
In spring and summer, this region is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. Hiking trails weave through the Santa Fe National Forest, leading to wildflower-dotted ridges, fresh green valleys and panoramic viewpoints stretching far across northern New Mexico.
It’s also a wonderful place for a scenic drive in the warmer months. We love the High Road to Taos – a stunning mountain byway that winds through rugged desert landscapes, historic adobe churches and remote mountain villages that feel untouched by time.
Of course, winter transforms the Santa Fe mountains into a cosy playground for skiers and snowboarders, while snowshoeing trails offer quieter encounters with the wilderness.
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Our curated 3-night Santa Fe luxury itinerary
A long weekend in Santa Fe offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure that can be enjoyed in just a few days and without the need to travel internationally.
To experience Santa Fe at its most rewarding, join us on our luxury New Mexico getaway, featuring an unforgettable all-inclusive itinerary blending exploration, indulgence and relaxation.
By day, you’ll discover the rugged beauty of the New Mexico Rockies from behind the wheel of world-class supercars, including the latest models from Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin. Each evening, unwind in five-star luxury, savour refined regional cuisine, and enjoy the effortless luxury of having every detail handled for you.
Along the way, enjoy plenty of time to yourself, or join exclusive add-on experiences – from a mesmerising stargazing session to a hands-on botanical gin making class.
With a meticulously curated itinerary and seamless logistics, all that’s left is to enjoy every extraordinary moment of your Santa Fe tour.
Your idyllic three-night itinerary includes:
Thursday
- Afternoon: Arrive in New Mexico and enjoy a seamless chauffeur transfer from the airport to your five-star hotel. Settle in and make the most of your luxurious surroundings.
- Evening: Meet your fellow travellers during a lively cocktail hour before indulging in gourmet wood-fired cuisine in an elegant setting.
Friday
- Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast before taking the wheel of our world-class supercar fleet. Drive scenic byways through the Santa Fe National Forest, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas.
- Afternoon: Pause for a light lunch en route, then continue your journey in a different legendary car, soaking in sweeping views from the Jemez Mountains. In the late afternoon, return to the hotel to relax, or rejuvenate with treatments at the tranquil spa.
- Evening: As the sun sets, recall the day’s adventures over cocktails before savouring dinner at a vibrant Mexican restaurant.
Saturday
- Morning: After a delicious breakfast, set out once again in the supercar convoy to explore the breathtaking High Road to Taos.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a light lunch, then spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Wander the galleries of Canyon Road, indulge in a restorative spa treatment, or opt for an immersive add-on such as a hands-on gin-making class.
- Evening: Unwind with an upbeat cocktail hour among new friends, followed by an inspired final dining experience – the perfect finale to your New Mexico getaway.
Sunday
- Morning: Savour a leisurely breakfast and enjoy a relaxed morning at your luxurious hotel. You may also choose to take part in an optional local experience that deepens your connection to Santa Fe’s rich culture.
- Afternoon: Check out and bid farewell to ‘The City Different’, with chauffeur transfers arranged for your onward travel plans.
Enjoy a world-class long weekend in Santa Fe and the New Mexico mountains with HunterMoss
Considering New Mexico for your next travel adventure? Join us for our exclusive three-night Santa Fe getaway. Backed by over a decade of expertise and local insight, we’ve curated a world-class long weekend, complete with everything you’d expect from a luxurious tour, plus more than a splash of the extraordinary.
If you want to learn more about this New Mexico getaway or any of our exclusive US adventures, speak with our friendly travel concierge team today.
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