Just a short, direct flight from Los Angeles (barely over two hours), Santa Fe offers a taste of New Mexico unlike any other.
Known as ‘The City Different,’ Santa Fe offers a distinct experience shaped by its celebration of local heritage, thriving arts culture, and ever-evolving foodie scene. Not to mention endless opportunities to stop and snap pictures in front of colorful doors and sun-washed adobe architecture.
All of it comes with an effortless ease that feels very much like part of the luxury itself.
It starts with that direct flight from LAX to SAF. There’s no sprawling mega-airport on arrival or hour-long transfer into town. Within minutes of landing in Santa Fe, you’re in the heart of the city, where much of what you want to see, eat, and experience sits within a compact radius.
(Native American Artists selling their work at the Palace of the Governors Portal Program. Photo courtesy: TOURISM Santa Fe)
At the center of it all is the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is also home to the Palace of the Governors (the oldest public building in the United States) and where you can shop for handcrafted jewelry and goods from Native artisans who’ve been selling in this spot for generations.
Wander further through the streets and the boutique galleries, artisan shops, and jewelers that are offering everything from contemporary Southwestern design to one-of-a-kind Native-made pieces.
And oh, yes, there will be turquoise. So much turquoise. This is your PSA to pack your bags with the gorgeous color… and then perhaps bring back some jewelry. If you don’t, you may even wonder if you’ve really been to Santa Fe. (Of course, the pictures you’ll be taking will also remind you).
Canyon Road is the gallery-packed street that’s taken over your Insta feeds, offering art-lovers everything from contemporary Southwestern art to traditional works. There’s over a hundred galleries, boutiques and restaurants (not to mention insta-worthy adobe architecture) in just half a mile. It’s one of the most significant art markets in the country.
When you’re hungry, you can stop by The Compound, helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Mark Kiffin. The Compound is an upscale restaurant that features subtle New Mexican influences. Menu staples include wild mushrooms and organic stone ground polenta, served atop watercress and black truffles, along with appetizers like the scallop lanterne with seared lobster tail and house made pasta. Desserts range from opera cake to shortcakes and sorbets.
Kakawa Chocolate House is one of those Santa Fe staples you must try — either for a chocolatey bite… or indulge all the way, and turn your visit into a lunch of champions by trying as much as you can on the menu. Known for its variety of rich and velvety hot chocolates inspired by historic Mesoamerican and European recipes, Kakawa is also known for its delicious truffles — including chile-infused varieties that nod to New Mexico’s essential heat and spice. Or opt for more unexpected, savory-leaning bites such as their perennially popular goat cheese and sage chocolates.
(The Palace restaurant in Sante, Fe. Photo: The Knockturnal)
But Canyon Road is hardly the only spot to get in on Santa Fe’s famous foodie scene.
The Palace is one of the top restaurants in Santa Fe and is located right by the Plaza, just a few steps away from the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. While it offers a relaxed outdoor patio that’s ideal for people-watching in the heart of the city, the interior dining room feels unexpectedly elegant, a perfect choice for a special night out. The menu balances regional tradition and offers a refined take on New Mexican flavors. Standout dishes include a perfectly executed steak, alongside delicate hamachi and a farro salad for lighter, textural contrasts.
Modern General Feed and Seed is a sweet bakery and brunchery, the kind of homey-feeling spot that makes it easy to settle in for the morning. Think traditional brekky comfort with a Santa Fe twist: fluffy pancakes with green chiles, fresh pastries, and a line-up of eclectic smoothies.
For other local tastes, indulge in fried chicken and blue corn waffles, plus a large selection of teas at The Santa Fe Teahouse, where you can sit outside on their dog-friendly patio. Plaza Cafe is the oldest restaurant in the city, having opened its doors in 1905 and La Choza is also a standby local fave.
Then there’s the spa culture. Santa Fe’s long been known for wellness rituals. Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe leans all the way in, with an array of treatments designed to soothe inflammation, ease sore muscles, and help reset the body. This is the reset you’re looking for. Add in the mountain views, private hot tubs, and fresh desert air, and the experience feels luxe and grounding. The post-spa menu delivers too with endless options like enchiladas, loaded nachos, guacamole, and warm queso best enjoyed with a view (and private hot tub).
Art is always front and center and no visit to Santa Fe would be complete without a stop at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, dedicated to one of the most influential American modernist painters. The artist’s iconic paintings of flowers and desert bones are among the most recognized images in American art history.
(Historic Downtown Santa Fe, Museum of Contemporary Native Art in background. Photo courtesy: TOURISM Santa Fe)
If you like Game of Thrones — or the setting sun in New Mexico — you’ll also want to check out the Sky Railway as George R.R. Martin is among the creative team involved. The author calls Santa Fe home and is deeply involved in its local arts and cultural scene. The Sky Railway is one of those rare experiences that’s just as beloved by locals as it is by visitors.
Where to stay? Well, that depends on how you like to travel. There are numerous hotels located right in the center of the downtown, within blocks from Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Road. Or for those who prefer to stay outside the center, you can find several hotels that showcase the mountain views.
Hotel Glorieta is an option for travelers keeping budgets in mind (and in check). It’s a drive from the center of town so it may be best for those who are road tripping or have rented a car.
Or you can also plan to spend extra downtime at the hotel. The property includes a large lawn that can accommodate special gatherings, but keep in mind when booking that some accommodations are set apart from the main building.
For travelers making their way from outside of Los Angeles, you can score direct flights to Santa Fe from Chicago, Phoenix, Dallas, and Denver. Or take a flight to Albuquerque as the city is located about an hour away.
