Santa Fe, which translates to “Holy Faith” in Spanish, is not only the oldest state capital in the United States—it sits at the highest altitude. But once you descend from the mountains and into the downtown area, you’ll find art galleries, museums, and shops peddling one-of-a-kind finds that will prompt everyone back at home to ask, “Where did you get that?” (It’s no surprise then that Santa Fe is part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network.) Known just as much for its adobe-style architecture as its incredible food, the city has all the trappings of a fun getaway, not to mention it effortlessly provides the backdrop your next Instagram photo dump. We recently cruised around the city in Lexus’ new LX 600 Ultra Luxury SUV, equipped with Apple CarPlay, a heated steering wheel, 25 (!) speakers, and backseat massagers. Here’s what we saw, and where to eat, drink, and sleep.
What to See
Santa Fe School of Cooking
Whether or not you’re a foodie, you’ll learn something at this culinary school, which offers a full schedule of cooking classes taught by some of the city’s most seasoned chefs. Hone your tamale- and taco-making techniques and inevitably make some Bear jokes, just remember to stop by the market and pick up some (non-perishable) groceries on your way out.
Meow Wolf
If Instagram were a museum, it would look a lot like Meow Wolf. The immersive art installation exists in other cities, but the Santa Fe flagship includes the trademark large-scale light installations and a concert venue. Make sure to book your tickets in advance for this one.
Taos Ski Valley
A scenic hour-and-a-half drive outside of Santa Fe is Taos, a ski resort that boasts some of the steepest, most challenging runs in the country. If you make it to the 12,450-foot summit at Kachina Peak, brace yourself for incredible views. Beginners and intermediate-level skiers: don’t worry—there’s stuff here for you too.
Saint Laurent Denim Bodysuit
Where to Eat
Geronimo
Geronimo is an award-winning restaurant for good reason. First, the food: an eclectic New American menu, with the highlight definitely being the 72-Hour Sous Vide Short Ribs. Second, its location in a 1700s-era adobe home. Third, it’s celebrity clientele (Bob Odenkirk of Better Caul Saul, which is shot locally, sat at the next table).
The Pink Adobe
One of the oldest restaurants in Santa Fe—and also located in a historic, 350-year-old adobe house—the aptly named Pink Adobe serves up classic New Mexican food infused with the city’s trademark green chile and packing all the right flavors.
Cafe Pasqual’s
Head to Cafe Pasqual’s in yet another adobe for a hearty, delicious breakfast (think: burritos, quesadillas, chorizo scramble) served until 3 P.M. or lunch (sandwiches on a skewer...not no). Expect a wait either way, but boy is it worth it—especially a slice of the house-baked Blum’s Coffee Crunch Triple Layer Cake.
Logan Hollowell Siren Wrap Top
Altuzarra Rozey Pleated Midi Skirt
Billini Elaine in Ivory
Where to Drink
Coyote Cafe & Cantina
There is no shortage of booze in Santa Fe, but this rooftop bar serves up some of the best margaritas around. Don’t sleep on the happy hour specials.
Secreto
It shouldn’t be a secret: Secreto, housed in the historic Hotel St. Francis, is an elegant place to sit and enjoy a fancy cocktail after a day of sightseeing. The bar is known for using fresh fruit and vegetables in its drinks, so you won’t feel at all guilty about having more than one.
Second Street Brewery
For a selection of craft beers with chill vibes and an overhead view of downtown Santa Fe, head to Second Street Brewery. This is a good place to try something new, like, say, the Skimboard Sour infused with passion fruit, orange, and guava.
PUCCI Striped-Knit Cape Coat
Norma Kamali Strapless Cut-Out Jumpsuit
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
Four Seasons never misses, but its Santa Fe property just might be the best in its portfolio. Hear me out: Each room is its own casita with an indoor heated fireplace, it’s nestled right smack in the mountains, and guests at the spa get their own private courtyard with a hot tub and sauna after their treatment.
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
Named after the Anasazi tribe, the Rosewood Inn nods to the history of the region as well as the present, with an art collection by local artisans, hand-carved doors, sculptural staircases, and a prime location in downtown Santa Fe to explore all the city has to offer.
El Rey Court
Is there anything cooler than staying at a renovated adobe roadside motor court? Though perhaps not your typical choice of accommodation, El Rey Court sits on five sweeping acres of land with access to a heated pool and on-site mezcal bar.
Brunch l'Essentiel in Cream
Roller Rabbit Monkey Dreams Blanket
Beauty Picks
Sante Fe is very dry, so make sure to always hydrate your under-eye area. This eye mask boasts boosting collagen and reduces fine lines and wrinkles at the same time. It comes in either pink or sage green, and what you get is totally random. Who doesn’t love a surprise?!
After a long day of sightseeing, give your weary body some TLC with this sweetgrass bath bomb. Indigenous communities use sweetgrass as a source of healing and purification, and it has calming and soothing effects, too. The olive oil and shavegrass herb will moisturize your skin, while Epsom salt offers an anti-inflammatory and conduit to slumber.
Cheekbone Beauty Sustain Eyeshadow Pencil in Cobalt Blue
You’ll blend right in with the city’s vibrant and artsy feel with the help of this eyeshadow pencil, which comes in six shades. It’s easy to apply and will make your eyes pop. Get creative; you can place it all over your lids or attempt to design some graphic lines of your own. Look at you, a modern-day Georgia O’Keefe!
Claire Stern is the Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Previously, she served as Editor at Bergdorf Goodman. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to admit it.
