UPDATED: I have updated the blog articles, but Please contact the establishment directly to make sure of their latest offerings. For a list of all our recommendations, and hours of operation etc., please reference our categories at SantaFeSelection.com Travel Guide. Each listing contains contact info for you. Thank you for your understanding. 

With so many options of things to do, places to eat, stay and play in Santa Fe, travelers often ask me for some itinerary ideas to help them make the most of their often limited time here. Three days is a very popular vacation duration for many travelers.  I’ve put together a sample itinerary for three days in Santa Fe to help you get an idea of the broad scope of things to do here. This particular itinerary offers a variety of interests from history, food culture, and art to outdoor adventures. If your tastes vary, you can also reference SantaFeSelection.com Travel Guide for more ideas that will pique your specific interests.

First things first, you’ll want a FREE map to orient you to the area. Send me an email with your name and U.S mailing address to info@santafeselection.com and I will send you the best one. The Santa Fe Selection Mini Guide Maps piece offers three easy reference maps with my top ideas on where to eat, shop, play and more. It can be mailed to you free of charge (in the U.S.) in advance of your arrival. Or you can pick one up at most hotels, b+b’s and visitor centers once you’re in Santa Fe.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Santa Fe? 

This is one of the most frequently asked questions.  Santa Fe is a wonderful year-round destination for individuals, groups, and families. Named as one of the “Top 5 Destinations in the United States” by Travel + Leisure Magazine, there is a wide variety of things to do indoors and outside anytime of year. From immersing yourself in the arts, history, food and culture to outdoor adventures, hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, and more, in a wild and varied terrain.

1. For the time of year to visit that would best suit your preferences, check my Weather and What To Pack article, which shows temperature ranges and offers insight into how to be best prepared for the four seasons in the high desert climes of Northern New Mexico.
2. Check our Annual Events Category, which shows you the top events that you can plan for or around.
3. Last but not least, use our Lodging category to find the best accommodation that suits your needs and budget. Among the many options, you’ll also find our top hotel recommendations in the downtown Plaza area offer special promo code discounts for Santa Fe Selection users. You can book directly with the hotel, vacation rental, b+b, etc., using the links provided.

Three Days in Santa Fe Itinerary.

History, Food & Outdoor Adventures

This three-day itinerary is focusing on outdoor adventures with a dash of history and food culture. You can make adjustments according to your ability, preferences and energy level by checking out each complete listing provided with each referral link, and by going to SantaFeSelection.com Travel Guide.

Day 1. Arrival Day. 3pm – 5pm

Most lodging locations have a 3pm check in time.  Once you’ve checked in to your lodging, remember to get hydrated. Being in the high desert, you will need to drink a recommended two liters of water per day to stay hydrated. We are at an altitude of 7,000 feet. The air is some of the cleanest in the U.S., but a bit lighter in oxygen than at sea level. So take it easy and avoid drinking alcohol on your first night. It’s best to acclimatize before hitting the Margarita Trail.

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. See our recommendations in our Restaurants Category. After dinner, take a light stroll around the neighborhood and stir your curiosity about all the stories behind this 400+ year-old City Different.

Day 2. Morning: Historic Walking Tour  9am – 10:30 /11am.

Santa Fe is the oldest capital in the U.S., and is steeped in culture from Native American, Spanish, and Anglo traditions.  After breakfast at your hotel, meet up with an expert historian guide for a fascinating walking tour of the historic Plaza area. I recommend choosing an activity or tour from our top providers list at this link. Camaratour, Great Southwest Adventures, and more will help you book the best tour for your needs. You’ll take an easy walk through time, learn of the wild and woolly characters, architecture, art and folk tales that make this city the unique character that it is. You’ll also make note of such iconic locations as The Loretto Chapel, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, The New Mexico History Museum, the Oldest Church, and more, so you can visit later in more depth, if you wish.

Duration: Tours are between 1.5 to 2 hours, or more, if customized to suit.

Day 2: Lunch. Noon – 1pm.

After you are oriented and acquainted with downtown, you’ll want a spot of lunch, and La Choza offers a great, down-home, authentic Norteño New Mexican lunch just on the far side of the Railyard, about 7 blocks from the plaza. See our Restaurants category for more options of conveniently located favorite restaurants.

Day 2: Afternoon Activity.

Foodie Culture Afternoon.

Option #1: New Mexico is the Chile Capital of the World. After tasting some at lunch, take a fun hands-on chile (we spell it with an “e” not an “i”) workshop with Santa Fe School of Cooking. Learn about the history and techniques of the amazing food culture of New Mexico. Chile is more than an ingredient for New Mexicans; it is the embodiment of a diverse and rich cultural heritage and a distinct Southwestern lifestyle. You’ll learn the history of chiles and prepare flour tortillas, and a variety of unique southwestern sauces to spice up your kitchen when you get home. Click this link for their calendar of classes.

Duration: 2 hours.

Option #2:  If your visit includes a Friday, another fun option would be to skip lunch and take Santa Fe’s #1 Restaurant Tour with Santa Fe School of Cooking. Taste the delicious creations of foods with wines or spirits of a small group of top local Chefs.

Duration: Approximately 3hrs.

Day 2 Art World Afternoon.

Option #1: If delving deeper into the art world is more to your liking, then you’ll want to visit Elodie Holmes in her Glass Blowing Studio & Gallery in the little-known Baca Street Arts District, for a demonstration or hands-on class you’ll never forget!

Duration to be determined upon booking. Mention Santa Fe Selection when you book.

Option #2:  And for some more creative fun take a pottery class with a professional artist.

Play in the mud, throwing pots, or hand-molding clay with Paseo Pottery  Professional ceramics artist volunteers help you learn and create with clay. You’ll take home your hand-made mementos of your creative experience in Santa Fe. Keep in mind no prior experience is required for hands-on classes. Simply come with a curious mind and be prepared to have lots of fun ​making a​ mess!

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

That should be enough to leave you feeling welcome and acquainted, and ready for a nap before dinner.

Day 2. Dinner & Entertainment.

For a memorable dining and entertainment experience, I recommend you be sure to have booked a table in advance of your arrival in Santa Fe at El Farol for their Flamenco Dinner Show. Located at the top of historic Canyon Road, you’ll enjoy a light meal of authentic Spanish tapas or your choice of full entrees, followed by a world-class, passionate Flamenco performance in an intimate setting. Reminiscent of the original caves of Old Spain’s Granada. Olé!! You’ll arrive between 6.30pm and 7pm for your dinner service, and if you’re full from your afternoon, don’t worry, there are plenty of light tapas plates to choose from. The dinner service is followed by the Flamenco performance.

If you prefer to go more casual, relax at any one of our favorite dining joints, such as The Cowgirl, where there is usually a live band in the evenings, or Del Charro Saloon,  or Boxcar. Or check more curated recommendations in our Restaurants Category for a style that suits your cravings.

Day 3. Get into Nature.

You will have adjusted to the 7,000 feet altitude by now, and be ready to get physical.

Ranked #1 for Outdoor Activities by USA Today, and #1 for air quality by the American Lung Association — it’s time to get out into nature. Give yourself the day to devote to an adventure. Choose from any of the following activities for a half or full day’s fun.

Approximate timing: 8am – 4pm: Full Day

8am – Noon: Half Day.

Your outfitter will advise you on the timing for your particular outing.

• Fly fishing: With High Desert Angler’s expert guides you’ll have top-notch fishing any time of year, and private river access. It’s fun for novices and experts, families with kids, and friends. Whatever your skill level, you’ll enjoy this wonderful journey to Northern New Mexico’s beauty and serenity.
• Take a day or half day trip with Great Southwest Adventures. They’ll whisk you away to the beautiful spots in the mountains, valleys and gorges and introduce you to wild terrain and glorious vistas, historic villages, and ancient ruins and educate you on the history and culture of the area.  Mention Santa Fe Selection when you book.

• Take a New Mexico Wine & Cultural Scenic Tour and explore the food, culture and arts of the historic High Road. Book in advance. They pick you up at your location. Mention Santa Fe Selection when you call or book.
• Ride the River: From March to late September, New Mexico River Adventures offers a variety of fun tours for all ages and ability levels. (Use promo code: santafeselection for 10% off your booking). Floats, whitewater rafting, paddle-boarding, and specialty gourmet dining and musical excursions too! Discover the beauty and nature of the Rio Grande, or the Rio Chama. Enjoy a half-day ride followed by a picnic and then relax into a fun wine tour to nearby boutique wineries. Be sure to mention Santa Fe Selection.

• Take to the skies with a scenic adventure by air with Southwest Safaris Scenic AirVentures. Since 1974, Bruce and Anna Adams have been whisking folks skyward over the dramatic, majestic landscapes of the Great Southwest in their extremely safe high-wing, omni-view, Cessna aircraft. Enjoy half-day or full-day ventures for sightseeing, photography, hiking(optional), or four-wheeling at amazing locations. Have a picnic lunch on the Rim of the Grand Canyon, or Monument Valley, or choose from many other stunning locations such as; Canyon de Chelly; Mesa Verde; Arches/Canyonlands; Painted Desert; Chaco Canyon; Bisti Badlands; Carlsbad Caverns, Capulin Volcano, Oak Creek Canyon, Lake Powell and remote Indian country.

Mention Santa Fe Selection when you call. Advance bookings required. (505)988-4246.

Day 3 Afternoon: Relax or Shop the Plaza and Railyard.

If you’re on any of the half-day outings you’ll likely set off by 8:30 or 9 am and be back at your lodging by noon – 1 pm, which gives you time to grab a nice lunch at one of our favorite restaurants  then take some time to shop for gifts on or around the plaza, and railyard areas. Our Unique Shopping category and Mini Guide Map will help you plot your shopping spree.

 

If you took a full day excursion, you’ll likely be back by 4 or 5 pm, which gives you time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 3 Dinner.

For a finale for your last night in Santa Fe, book in at one of the top restaurants boasting award winning chefs. I highly recommend Palace Prime close to the Plaza. Midtown Bistro, Ranch House, Rustica, or Blue Heron, which is about 20 minutes drive on the original El Camino Real. Reservations are strongly recommended at all locations.

If you’re with very young children, I recommend keeping it casual at La Choza, Del Charro, The Shed,  or Cowgirl, or Boxcar. At Cowgirl the kids can play on the jungle gym outside, while the grown-ups taste the favorites from the Margarita Trail, or choose from a menu of 24 craft beers at the bar.

Departure Day: If your flight doesn’t leave Albuquerque airport until 3pm or later, or Santa Fe airport until 2pm or later, you’ll have time to enjoy a brunch or lunch before you go.  Midtown Bistro offers delicious lunch and Saturday brunch. It’s off the beaten path in the Midtown Innovation District, only 1.7 miles from the historic plaza. It’s a local fave for daily lunch, weekend brunch and dinner.

Or Cafecito is a lovely spot to stop for breakfast, lunch or brunch. Argentinian inspired empanadas, mate, teas, coffees, healthy farm to table, locally-sourced ingredients. It too is in a little-known area, off the beaten path, at the edge of the historic downtown area, near the Baca Street Arts District. Click this link for map and more info.

That’s just a starter for ideas for your three days in Santa Fe. There’s so much more to explore! Three days isn’t enough time to get the full experience of this area.

If you’re thinking of coming to Santa Fe, I would recommend trying to schedule in at least four or five days so that you can enjoy an easy pace and have a wider variety of experiences. But if needs must and three days is all you have, you can still gather a portfolio of fantastic memories. But I’m pretty certain you’ll want to come back again to get the full range and true authentic flavor of this unique destination.

Check out the complete travel guide for more information: SantaFeSelection.com

For your free Mini Guide Map, send me a note with your complete name & U.S mailing address to  info@santafeselection.com

Thank you for reading my blog!

Enjoy your stay in Santa Fe!!