Santa Fe had been waiting for me.
Well, not literally. But ever since my first visit a few years ago, I had been wanting to go back and give this fascinating little city more than a quick visit. There was too much I hadn’t seen and too many streets I hadn’t wandered.
So when I found myself spending several weeks in Albuquerque, I knew Santa Fe was finally getting its second chance. Just an hour up the road, it was close enough for a few day trips—and I took full advantage.
Over several visits, I wandered around the historic plaza, stepped inside the famous Loretto Chapel, spent hours exploring the galleries along Canyon Road, and discovered a few local favorites along the way. And after several trips to Santa Fe, I still wasn’t sure I’d seen enough.
The Plaza de Santa Fe was one of the places I found myself returning to. For more than four centuries, it has been at the heart of the city. Surrounded by historic buildings, shops, galleries, restaurants, and plenty of places to sit and watch the world go by, it was easy to spend hours simply wandering.
Just off the Plaza is one of Santa Fe’s most famous landmarks: Loretto Chapel. On one of my visits, I stopped inside to see the mysterious spiral staircase that has fascinated visitors for generations. According to legend, the staircase was built by a mysterious carpenter who appeared after the Sisters of Loretto prayed for a way to reach the choir loft. The staircase’s unusual construction—and the mystery surrounding its builder—has led to its reputation as a miraculous one.
Canyon Road was another stop I made more than once. It’s an art lover’s paradise, with gallery after gallery to explore. I enjoyed chatting with gallery owners and managers, many of whom had fascinating stories about the art, the artists, and how they had personally ended up in Santa Fe. They were also happy to share recommendations for favorite local restaurants and must-do experiences around the city.
By the end of each visit, I was exhausted and maybe a little overstimulated by the abundance of art, artists, and styles. Then again, I may have felt that way every time I left Santa Fe. It’s a city overflowing with culture, history, and art—and apparently, I needed a little time to process it all.
If I visit again, I would like to return in the fall, when the leaves are changing color and the air is cooler. Santa Fe cloaked in amber hues would be a whole different experience. And I could build my trip around a painting workshop, with plenty of time to create, connect with other creative people, and maybe even make a few new friends along the way.
