Things to do around Santa Fe

[wandering gnome]

We are going to Santa Fe later this month. Do you have any recommendations of things to do, places to eat, etc. in and around the Santa Fe area? We will probably make at least one trip to Albuquerque and would also like to visit the local national/state parks.

 

[Luanne]

Some of our favorite things to do:

- Wander around the plaza
- Georgia O'Keefe Museum
- Canyon walk
- Bandelier National Monument
- Tesuque

Restaurants:
- Plaza Cafe
- Cafe Pasqual's

There are many more things to do and places to eat.

 

[sue1947]

National Park sites

In addition to Bandolier NM, there is also Tent Rocks which has some interesting formations and a short trail and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed Pecos National Historic Site which is east of Santa Fe. We spent the mornings at the National Park sites and the afternoons wandering around the shops in town.
If you are driving from the west via Gallup, check out El Moro National Monument which is another interesting historical and rock formation site.

Sue

 

[ptprism]

Los Alamos

If you have a day to spend definately go to Los Alamos. You will be astonished and talk about if to everyone on your return. It's a real mind blowing experience.

 

[tashamen]

In addition to Bandolier NM, there is also Tent Rocks which has some interesting formations

I second Tent Rocks - one of my most memorable hikes ever.

 

[Cathyb]

Canyon walk

We are going to Santa Fe later this month. Do you have any recommendations of things to do, places to eat, etc. in and around the Santa Fe area? We will probably make at least one trip to Albuquerque and would also like to visit the local national/state parks.

Definitely second the Canyon walk. This is a 2-3 (3-4?) block long area full of the most creative art works you will ever see! The art goes from sculptures to paintings -- some huge art; some small. The studios are in small houses from the past, some with gardens. There are 2-3 nice restaurants on the street there but definitely need reservations.

Also downtown Santa Fe there is an interesting church that has a twirling staircase made with NO nails and worth a stop.

 

[SallyMagoo]

I don't feel like I have been to Santa Fe if I don't eat at the French Pastry Shop at La Fonda Hotel. A good place for pastries, sandwiches or crepes for breakfast or lunch. It's popular, so you might have to wait for a table.

I also really like the Shed, as well as the Plaza Cafe, for reasonably priced and good Mexican food.

During the summer, it's also fun to go up to the Belltower Bar at the top floor of the La Fonda, and have one (or two) of their blue margaritas. You can look over the plaza below.

Sally

 

[wandering gnome]

Thanks for the suggestions!!! They sound wonderful. If anyone has any other ideas, please add them.

 

[SallyMagoo]

I also wanted to mention that the Georgia O'Keefe museum has traditionally been free on Friday evenings after a certain time. (5:00pm?)

I'm not sure if that is still true.

Sally

 

[pgnewarkboy]

Take a day trip to Taos

We took a day trip to TAOS. The ride up is beautiful and you get to see parts of the Rio Grande that are nothing but a stream. There is a big reservation up that way . Taos has interesting shopping and IMO more authentic crafts can be found there.