Welcome to Santa Fe
This is a local’s guide to our charming desert town. Some quick recommendations:
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Rent a car — parking is free after 6pm!
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Many places are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check online to be sure where you’re going is open for business.
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Drink lots of water! We are at 7,199 feet above sea level.
And don’t forget to look up! Our sunsets are famous for a reason.
Happy wandering,
Sophie, Owen and The Team
The Plaza / Downtown
35 North – Best coffee downtown. Locally roasted, expertly pulled and just strong enough to kickstart your day.
Café Pasqual’s – Blue corn pancakes, house-smoked trout and the kind of breakfast burrito you’ll crave forever. Hydrate for your folk-art finds with a green juice and thank us later.
Shiprock – Museum-worthy Native art and jewelry, all housed in a serene, sunlit second floor gallery that will have you repopulating your home’s mood boards in no time.
Books of Interest – A gem of a used bookstore with a beautifully organized selection and the feeling that every title was chosen with care.
La Mama – A little oasis for morning coffee or a chilled glass of natty wine. Grab a seat on the patio and let the people-watching begin.
Los Poblanos Bar Norte – Local spirits in a jewel-box-sized bar. The cocktails are worth the wait—just don’t show up starving.
The Bar at Palace – A low-lit hideaway for martinis, mezcal and the occasional flamenco night. Hit the patio to check out their newly unveiled bar.
Keshi – One of the most trusted sources for Zuni fetishes and Native American crafts—thoughtful, respectful and deeply rooted in tradition.
William Siegal Gallery – Ancient textiles and artifacts in a contemporary presentation. A quiet, awe-filled stop for the design-inclined.
Railyard
Sky Coffee – Start your morning with matcha and mountain views at this minimalist café tucked into the Railyard.
Santa Fe Farmers’ Market – Arrive hungry: sausage on a stick, lavender donuts and the charismatic lettuce guy (closest booth to SITE Santa Fe) await.
El Mercado – Bring cash and a picker’s eye—this sprawling market is a goldmine for vintage, oddities and unexpected gems.
Esquina + Copita – A small outdoor patio with delicious pizza and a design-forward natural wine bar. We’re big fans of their contact wine picks.
Paloma – A modern take on the Mexican cantina, where handmade tortillas meet inventive cocktails and a sweet courtyard.
Joseph’s Culinary Pub – A local favorite for elevated, seasonal fare—think duck fat fries and locally crafted spirits in a cozy and unpretentious setting.
SITE Santa Fe – Cutting-edge contemporary art in a stunning, airy space—perfect for a midday wander or gallery reset.
Jean Cocteau Cinema – A quirky indie theatre owned by George R.R. Martin, this is the ideal spot to catch a cult classic.
Oldies Flower Co. – An impossibly charming flower stand and the perfect addition to a Farmer’s Market morning. Come for a spontaneous bouquet, stay for the vibe.
Lust & Fond – A tightly edited boutique filled with vintage couture treasures, from archival Armani to runway Issey Miyake.
Lena Street District
Bread Shop / Pivot – The best bread in Santa Fe—full stop. Come for the crusty loaves, stay for hefty lunch sandwiches and the world’s most perfect brownie. While you're there, grab a Kaffe Tonic (espresso + tonic water) from the Pivot stand for a refreshing little jolt.
Ozu – Jeff and Jamie are a welcome addition to the Santa Fe food scene, serving light, thoughtful Japanese fare that hits just right on a hot summer day. We love the Salmon Bento Box and Japanese iced tea.
Aaron Payne Fine Art – A beautifully curated gallery known for historic and contemporary works by Native American and Latin American artists—come for the Taos Masters, stay for the unexpected.
Living Threads – Handwoven treasures from around the world, with a focus on natural fibers, traditional techniques and artisan communities. Textile lovers: this one’s a must.
Historic East Side
The Compound Bar – Tucked behind leafy trees and a velvet curtain off Canyon Road, this sunken bar is a glamorous spot for a martini and a burger.
Morning Star Gallery – Specializing in exceptional Native American and Western art—jewelry, pottery, and beadwork that are both highly collectible and totally browseable.
Nedra Matteucci Galleries – Wander through a lush garden, dreamy pond and airy rooms filled with classic Western landscapes, bronze sculpture and works by living Southwest masters.
L’École des Beaux Arts – Take a watercolor class and leave with your own handmade paint set—the best Santa Fe souvenir for your creatively inclined loved ones.
Museum of International Folk Art – Don’t miss the Alexander Girard Collection: an exuberant, maximalist world of handmade toys, textiles and colorful domestic scenes.
Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum – Housed in a historic adobe on Museum Hill, this under-the-radar gem is filled with post-Columbian textiles, santos and carved wooden furniture. Located in the only John Gaw Meem-designed residential building open to the public in Santa Fe.
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian – An intimate and powerful space dedicated to Native art, with rotating exhibitions and a can’t-miss shop featuring contemporary Indigenous artists.
Randall Davey House Tour – A charming, slightly offbeat glimpse into the life of a Santa Fe painter and preservationist set within the lush grounds of the Audubon Center. We love the citrus green kitchen and checker-board floor dressing room. When you’re done, sit for a few quiet minutes in the bird garden and read the ceramic printed notes hanging around the trees.
Tourist – Want to feel like a local outdoorsman? This thoughtfully curated outfitter blends a cool Japanese sensibility with premium camping gear, both new and used.
Outdoor Excursions
Dale Ball Trails (North) – A favorite local hike with sweeping views of the Sangres, piñon-scented air and trailheads just minutes from town. Bring water and stabilizing shoes—some sections are steep!
Santa Fe National Forest – Thousands of acres of pine, aspen and hidden streams. Pack a picnic and spend the day getting gloriously lost (in the best way).
Big Tesuque – A shady, easy hike along a trickling creek, with a small waterfall at the end and golden aspens in fall. Ideal for families, dogs and a quiet breath of fresh mountain air.
Santuario de Chimayó – A historic pilgrimage site known for its healing dirt, candlelit chapels and peaceful grounds. Pair with lunch at Rancho de Chimayó and take the long way home.
The High Road to Taos – A scenic drive through tiny mountain villages, artist studios and ancient churches. Go slow, stop often and let the landscape do the talking.
For Kiddos
The Acorn Park at Randall Davey Audubon – A sweet little nature play space tucked into the woods. A giant climbable acorn that makes my inner child giddy! Think balancing logs, climbing stumps, shady picnic tables and plenty of room to roam.
La Lecheria Ice Cream – Small-batch scoops in bold, fun flavors (think miso brown sugar or lavender honey). Their Chocolate Sea Salt is our personal pick. A reward for hiking, or just making it through the heat.
El Zaguán Adobe Workshops – Hands-on adobe-making workshops where kids get delightfully muddy while learning about traditional building techniques. Educational and genuinely fun.
Movies at the Railyard Park – Bring a blanket and catch a movie at sunset. A community favorite where popcorn meets picnic and the night sky is the real backdrop.
Bandelier National Monument – Cliff dwellings, ladders, caves, and wide-open space to explore. It’s like stepping into a real-life history book. Best for curious climbers, budding anthropologists and mini adventurers.
Pick Me Ups:
O’Hori’s – Locally roasted and seriously strong—this is where Santa Feans go when they need their coffee to work.
La Montañita Co-op – If the Farmers’ Market left you dreaming of that one thing you didn’t buy, the chances are the Co-op has it, plus snacks and local pantry goods to round out your weekend haul.
Susan’s Fine Wine & Spirits – A surprisingly good natural wine selection. Grab a chilled bottle, then head to nearby Patrick Smith Park for a lazy picnic under the cottonwoods.
Tesuque Village Market – A casual, can’t-go-wrong stop for a top-shelf, road-side margaritas and chips under the Tesuque cottonwoods. We like to drive via Bishop’s Lodge Road for maximum scenic effect.
El Chile Toreado – A Santa Fe classic—street tacos served from a tiny stand on a quiet side street. Spicy, smoky, and totally unforgettable. Don’t forget to ask for a ziplock bag so you can taste the refreshing escabeche!
Raspados El Gordo – Colorful, icy and over-the-top in the best way. These Mexican-style shaved ices are a fruit-fueled joyride. My personal favorite is the Tajin topped freshly-cut fruit cup featuring crunchy jicama, mango, coconut and more.
Izanami at Ten Thousand Waves – Modern Japanese izakaya dining in the mountains. The perfect post-soak meal, these small plates, sake flights and forest views will make you forget the real world exists. Ready to detox from all the Margs? We love their Organic SobaCha Roasted Buckwheat Tea steeped and served in a traditional Japanese tea pot.
Plan Ahead: Curated Dining Experiences
Shed Project Dinner – Run by our two good friends, Johnny and Maida, this intimate, reservation-only experience is hosted in a lovingly restored adobe featuring farm grown and hand harvested ingredients, seasonal menus, long tables and Northern New Mexico stories shared by candlelight. Every detail is meticulously thoughtful. Surely an evening you’ll never forget.
At-Home Dining with Chef Marijke – One of Santa Fe’s best-kept secrets: a private, in-home dinner experience by Marijke, whose warmth and culinary instincts make it feel like your dream dinner party. Sign up for the Cocoon Supper Club mailing list for info about monthly dinners.
Visit us in-store for a hard copy of our 2025 Santa Fe City Guide at 219 Galisteo Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501. To get in touch, give us a call at (505) 988-9558 or email us at hello@sote.co.
SOTE is open daily: Monday - Saturday: 11am - 5pm and Sunday: Noon - 4pm. We can't wait to see you!