The Happiness Function

Here’s where to stay, eat delicious food, and get outside during your fall trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Santa Fe is touted for being a romantic destination for couples and a place outdoor adventurers love. The high desert city is surrounded by mountains and the Santa Fe National Forest, making it a perfect destination to explore in the autumn months.

The last time we visited Santa Fe was in October. We had the best time and the weather was perfect.

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Fly into Santa Fe

If you are flying into Santa Fe, be prepared for a smaller plane. The airport is small, easy, and not crowded. Once you arrive, you can pick up your rental car.

Book a flight and rental car package from booking.com. We usually book our plane tickets and car rental through booking.com at the same time to save on a bundle deal.

Rent a Car

Like flying into Santa Fe, renting a car is easy. You pick your car up at the airport.

The Santa Fe Plaza (downtown) is about 25 minutes from the airport.

We always get a car with 4WD so we can explore. Rent a car if you plan on doing any day trips outside of the city.

Where To Stay

Much of the appeal Santa Fe offers is in its world-class accommodations, restaurants, art, and boutique shopping on The Plaza.

Around every corner, you’ll be met with beautiful western décor, all kinds of art, fabulous stucco buildings, painted tile, restaurants, and historic churches.

We love staying on The Plaza because, after a fun day of recreating outside, we like to be able to enjoy delicious New Mexican food, margaritas, and walks around town.

Our two favorite places to stay on The Plaza are:

• La Fonda
• El Dorado

La Fonda On The Plaza

La Fonda is a charming 4.5-star historic hotel. The hotel has a romantic ambiance and is a great place for a weekend getaway. The grounds have a gym, spa, outdoor pool, and hot tub.

The restaurant inside, La Plazuela Restaurant, prepares delectable New Mexican dishes. You can eat at the restaurant or enjoy room service. There is also a rooftop bar, the Bell Tower, which makes for a fun happy hour after hiking all day.

We love the rooms that have a kiva (fireplace) option and balcony.

Cozy room with a kiva, spa, crisp fall nights, hot tub… yes, please.

There is a parking garage for your rental if you have one, which is nice because parking is sparse downtown.

If you have trouble booking a room at La Fonda On The Plaza, there are other beautiful hotels in the area. This place books up in advance. Be sure to plan ahead.

El Dorado Hotel and Spa

We have also stayed at El Dorado Hotel and Spa.

The hotel is gorgeous and within easy walking distance of shopping and restaurants.

It is also on The Plaza. Book your room El Dorado Hotel and Spa, here.

Top Things To Do Downtown

While visiting Santa Fe, be sure to take time to explore The Plaza — the historic and artsy downtown area.

Top sights to see and things to do include:

• Seeing the Loretto Chapel.
• Visiting the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
• Exploring the New Mexico History Museum.
• Going on a walking history tour of Santa Fe.
• Doing a food tour of Santa Fe.
• Checking out the local stores and boutique shops.
• Art gallery hopping. Don’t miss the Canyon Roads Art District and the Railyard Art District (a little further from The Plaza).

Our Favorite Restaurants

Okay, now onto the food. My two favorite places to eat are at La Plazuela and Tomasita’s.

La Plazuela: You already heard about La Plazuela Restaurant inside of the La Fonda Hotel. It is seriously so good. Like, I want to fly to New Mexico right now just to eat here.

Tomasita’s: They have amazing New Mexican dishes and margaritas. Think red and green chili, enchiladas, tacos, and pozole. Oh yeah, keep drooling.

If you like Tex Mex and New Mexican style food, this is your place.

There are so many restaurants to choose from. You won’t be disappointed if you pop in to explore one that isn’t on our list.

Tips on Saving Money During Your Trip

When we are out and about exploring, we pack snacks and take lots of water in our backpacks.

We usually only eat dinner out. This is more convenient for our adventures and easier on the pocketbook.

• We typically swing by a grocery store or gas station to stock up on supplies.
• I also tend to fly my favorite protein and granola bars.

Alright, enough about food.

Outdoorsy Things To Do

Now, we are at my favorite part of writing this article. The area is loaded with things to do outdoors, which is why renting a car comes in super handy.

Below are my top recommendations on day trips to do.

Drive the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway

The drive from downtown Santa Fe to the Ski Basin is called the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway. It is beautiful.

Timing: The drive takes 1-2 hours, depending on how many stops you take for views and photos.

Ride the Ski Santa Fe Fall Foliage Chairlift

The ski resort runs its chairlift, so that you can see all of the Aspen trees changing colors during the fall. The Aspens transform into incredible yellow and gold shades.

Colors usually peak around the end of September. However, Pablo and I were here during early October, and the fall foliage was still popping.

Drive the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway

Taos, New Mexico is a bucket list destination.

First, the drive is awesome. You will drive through historical remnants of what feels like Spain.

Maybe you have even watched a TV show about Pilgrimages to Santuario de Chimayo and El Posito. The ground at the church is said to have a holy, sacred, and healing earth. It is truly a spiritual experience.

Second, the scenic byway is beautiful, and there are many towns and buildings to stop and take photos.

Timing: From Santa Fe, it is about 2 ½ – 3 hours to Toas with no stops. With stops, you could spend most of an afternoon (4+ hours).

Visit Bandelier National Monument

One of my favorite parts of our trip was visiting Bandelier National Monument.

When we parked at the Visitor Center, we were greeted by Native Americans singing and drumming. It was powerful.

The most popular trails to walk, the Pueblo Loop Trail and Alcove House Trail, take hikers along the canyon walls. It is here where you will find ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.

Getting to the Alcove House requires climbing a ladder. It is kind of an adrenaline rush. I definitely do not recommend this hike if you are afraid of heights.

Be sure to check the main Bandelier National Monument website for park updates before you go. The trail maps are online as well.

Timing: Heading out of Santa Fe towards Los Alamos, it will take about one hour to drive (each way). Plan to spend half a day at the park to hike around and wander.

Soak and Relax at Ojo Caliente Hot Springs

With its therapeutic mineral waters and tranquil setting, Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is sure to leave you feeling refreshed. This place is worth a trip.

The mineral springs resort has multiple hot springs pools. There is one pool that is covered which is nice if it is raining but the rest are not covered. There is also a pool that has cooler temperatures. There is even a mud bath.

You definitely don’t want to wear your white bikini if you plan on trying the mud bath.

If you’d like to get a massage, you can book when you get there or book ahead of time. I had a massage, it was great.

After our massage and soaking, we enjoyed an après soak lunch too. The restaurant was delish.

Timing: Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is about an hour north of Santa Fe. Google will help you get there from wherever you are staying.

We hope you have a great trip.

Ashlee & Pablo