Santa Fe, nicknamed “The City Different,” is a fascinating mash-up of Native American, Spanish and Anglo-American influences. This is America’s oldest state capital and a UNESCO Creative Cities destination known for its art, culture and spectacular food.
Counterintuitive as it may seem, summer is a great time to visit this desert locale. The humidity pales in comparison to Washington, D.C., and the higher elevation (7,000+ feet above sea level) keeps things comfortable. July temps are generally in the low- to mid-80s, with nights dropping to the mid-50s—so definitely pack a sweater, hydrate often and bring sunscreen, as the altitude and sun hit harder here.
Santa Fe’s stark beauty comes by way of its rugged landscape, desert flora, and streets and alleyways lined with historic Pueblo-style architecture. The city is home to more than 250 galleries and well over two dozen museums, including several dedicated to Native American art.
Non-stop flights from both Dulles (United Airlines) and BWI (Southwest Airlines) will get you to Albuquerque International Sunport in under four hours. From there, it’s a scenic 90-minute train ride north to the Santa Fe Depot Rail Runner Station, or you can rent a car and take in the mythical southwestern scenery at your own pace.
What to Eat
If chilies are your love language, Santa Fe is a forkful of heaven. “Red or green?” (as in which sauce do you prefer) is one of the first questions asked by waitstaff, and “Christmas” (meaning both) is always an option.
Start your weekend with a beer at Santa Fe Brewing Co.’s Brakeroom, an indoor-outdoor brewpub with an old-timey saloon vibe. Hit the on-site orange food truck, Bang Bite Filling Station, for mouthwatering smashburgers topped with hatch green chilis, melted Mexican cheese and a slathering of green-chili mayo. The brewery’s hop-forward Happy Camper IPA and Nut Brown Ale make nice burger pairings.
Come the dinner hour, Market Steer Steakhouse is a sleek spot for carnivores. Chef Kathleen Crook’s upscale menu is designed with cowboy-size fun in mind, featuring dishes such as roasted bone marrow and crispy onion rings served on a branding iron. The locally sourced beef comes in many forms, from filet mignon with béarnaise to a rough-and-rugged ribeye cap.
Palace is a shared plates restaurant from chef Angel Franco, a former D.C. resident who trained under celebrity chef José Andrés at Minibar and did stints at Compass Rose and Maketto before making his way to Santa Fe to cook dishes inspired by his native Puerto Rico.
Topping the list of dining darlings is The Compound, a 2024 James Beard Foundation Award finalist for “Outstanding Restaurant in America.” Located along leafy Canyon Road, this upscale spot owned by chef Mark Kiffin is known for European-style dishes ranging from chicken schnitzel to lobster bucatini and scallop crudo.
Santa Fe really shines at breakfast, and no visit is complete without a stop at Tia Sophia’s, a beloved diner known for its Christmas breakfast burritos topped with red and green chili sauce. Visit Iconik Coffee Roasters for a horchata-style latte and a plate of avocado toast.
Where to Stay
The City Different is extremely walkable, with several hotels located within a five-block radius of the historic Santa Fe Plaza. This is where Native American vendors set up shop daily, selling turquoise jewelry, beaded necklaces, and unique arts and crafts.
For creative inspiration, book a stay at the Palace Modern Hotel, a boutique hotel occupying a historic boarding house, with an art gallery tucked inside its lobby. The hotel offers suite-style lodging with Western-themed decor at a budget-conscious price, with rates starting as low as $185 per night in July. A contactless check-in experience means plenty of flexibility for early arrivals and late departures.
Prefer an upscale stay in the heart of the city? The five-star Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is where you’ll find cozy in-room fireplaces, hand- carved wooden doors, airy balconies and pampered perks like in-room massages, plus a free SUV-shuttle service to points around town. Summer rates start at $800 per night.
If a tranquil sojourn with mountain views is more your speed, escape to the desert for a luxurious experience at Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Collection. Situated on 317 acres, this iconic ranch resort is prized for its rustic adobe architecture, casita-style accommodations (starting at $705 per night) and serene spa, as well as family-friendly perks such as “kids-eat-free” meals, spacious rooms (with the option of adding extra beds) and temperature-controlled pools. Visit the Basecamp adventure center to plan a hike or book a trail ride on horseback. Other daily activities include morning pinon burns, yoga, sound baths and silversmithing workshops.
Things to Do
Long a destination for art and music, Santa Fe truly heats up in summertime with immersive citywide celebrations and performances. Ever seen an opera outdoors? The Santa Fe Opera summer season runs from July 3 to August 29, with performances of Madame Butterfly and The Magic Flute in an outdoor amphitheater carved into the Sangre de Cristo mountains. This unique natural formation enhances the acoustics of every note sung.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of Art Santa Fe, a grand festival showcasing visual works from around the world, including interactive installations, landscape paintings, sculptures and portraits at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. The 2026 event runs July 9-11.
Alternately, you might plan your own art crawl, hitting several downtown museums and galleries located only a few blocks from each other, including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, SITE Santa Fe, Art Vault and Blue Rain Gallery. Find inspiration—and perhaps a new acquisition—in bold and colorful works by regional artists.
For a trippy, interactive art experience, a visit to Meow Wolf is a must. This maximalist attraction is designed with a choose-your-own funhouse theme, transporting visitors of all ages from the everyday world into a colorful, surrealist fantasy.
