Santa Fe: The City Different

Santa Fe, New Mexico, affectionately called “The City Different,” is a place like no other. Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, art, and natural beauty. With its Pueblo-style architecture, world-class cuisine, and endless opportunities for exploration, Santa Fe is a dream destination for travelers. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes Santa Fe so unique, along with recommendations for dining, RV parks, and books to immerse yourself in the city’s charm.

Why Visit Santa Fe? Things to do…

1. Rich History and Culture

Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the U.S., founded in 1610. The city blends Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures, evident in its architecture, festivals, and traditions. Visitors can explore centuries-old adobe buildings, mission churches, and vibrant plazas steeped in history.

Don’t Miss:

• Santa Fe Plaza: This historic square is the heart of the city, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and landmarks.
• Palace of the Governors: The oldest continuously occupied public building in the U.S.
• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture: Dive deep into the history and traditions of Native American tribes.

2. Renowned Art Scene

Santa Fe is one of the largest art markets in the U.S., home to over 250 galleries and studios. The city celebrates creativity in all forms, from visual to performance art.

Highlights:

• Canyon Road: A half-mile stretch lined with galleries featuring contemporary and traditional art.
• Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: A tribute to the iconic artist known for her stunning depictions of New Mexico’s landscapes.
• Meow Wolf: An immersive, interactive art experience that’s both surreal and family-friendly!

3. Outdoor Adventures

Santa Fe’s high desert location makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether hiking, biking, or skiing, there’s something for everyone.

Top Spots:

• Bandelier National Monument: Explore ancient cliff dwellings and rugged canyons.
• Santa Fe National Forest: Ideal for hiking and camping, with trails that offer stunning views.
• Ski Santa Fe: A top-notch ski resort just 16 miles from downtown.

Places to Eat in Santa Fe

• The Shed: 
Nestled in the heart of New Mexico’s vibrant culinary scene, **The Shed** in Santa Fe, just a short drive from Madrid, is a legendary institution renowned for its authentic New Mexican cuisine, drawing locals and travelers alike with its bold flavors and cozy, historic ambiance. Housed in a 1692 adobe hacienda, this iconic restaurant has been celebrated since 1953 for its masterful use of red and green chile, sourced from Hatch, New Mexico, and slow-roasted to perfection. The menu is a love letter to tradition, featuring must-try dishes like the green chile chicken enchiladas, layered with hand-rolled blue corn tortillas and smothered in a tangy, fiery sauce, or the rich posole, a hearty hominy stew bursting with pork and red chile warmth. Kick off your meal with their homemade chips and salsa, a crowd-pleasing starter where crisp, golden chips meet a zesty, fresh salsa that sets the tone for the feast. No visit is complete without savoring a traditional tamale, hand-wrapped in corn husks and filled with tender shredded pork or chicken, infused with smoky red chile and steamed to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The Shed’s vibrant courtyard, adorned with ristra-draped walls, and its warm, family-run hospitality elevate the experience, making every bite a celebration of New Mexico’s culinary heritage. Pair your meal with a prickly pear margarita for a true taste of the Southwest, and don’t be surprised if you leave dreaming of your next visit to this beloved gem.
Coyote Cafe:
A cornerstone of Santa Fe’s culinary landscape since 1987, **Coyote Cafe** (132 W Water St, Santa Fe, NM 87501) is a beloved institution that elevates contemporary Southwestern cuisine with an innovative flair, served in an elegant yet welcoming setting just a short drive from Madrid. Housed in a charming adobe building, the restaurant’s warm, art-filled interior blends rustic New Mexican charm with sophisticated touches, creating an inviting ambiance perfect for romantic dinners or lively gatherings. The crown jewel is the **Rooftop Cantina**, a vibrant outdoor space offering sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Santa Fe’s historic skyline, where guests can dine under a canopy of stars or bask in the golden glow of a high-desert sunset. At Coyote Cafe, the sense of community is palpable—locals and visitors mingle as if at a family table, united by a shared love for bold, flavorful dishes crafted from local ingredients. The menu showcases culinary artistry, with highlights like elk tenderloin with blackberry-sage sauce, green chile-stuffed rellenos, and decadent lobster tamales, all infused with the region’s iconic red and green chiles. The passion for exceptional food extends to the bar, where crave-worthy cocktails like the smoked agave mezcal margarita or the prickly pear mojito steal the show, expertly paired with attentive, heartfelt service that makes every guest feel like a regular. Whether savoring a meal in the intimate dining room or toasting on the cantina’s breezy rooftop, Coyote Cafe delivers a memorable experience that captures the soul of Santa Fe’s culinary and cultural heritage, leaving you eager to return. Reservations are recommended, call (505) 983-1615 for details.
La Choza:
Tucked into the vibrant heart of Santa Fe, just a 40-minute drive from Madrid, **The Shed’s Hacienda del Lazo** (formerly La Choza, located at 905 Alarid St, Santa Fe, NM 87505) is the laid-back, beloved sister restaurant to the iconic The Shed, cherished by locals for its hearty, authentic New Mexican cuisine and warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Housed in a cozy adobe building adorned with colorful ristras and folk art, this casual gem exudes the charm of a neighborhood gathering spot, where multigenerational families, artists, and travelers share tables in a bustling dining room or on the shaded patio. Since its opening in 1985, it has earned a loyal following for its generous portions and soul-warming dishes, ensuring no one leaves hungry. The menu celebrates New Mexico’s culinary traditions, with standout offerings like the blue corn enchiladas smothered in fiery red or tangy green chile, sourced from Hatch and roasted to perfection, and the must-try posole—a rich, comforting stew of hominy, tender pork, and red chile, served with warm tortillas for dipping. Other favorites include the carne adovada, slow-cooked pork marinated in a smoky chile sauce, and fluffy sopapillas drizzled with honey for dessert. The homemade chips and salsa, delivered fresh to every table, are a crowd-pleaser, pairing perfectly with a chilled Sandia margarita or local craft beer. Run by the same family behind The Shed, Hacienda del Lazo fosters a sense of community, with friendly servers who treat you like kin and a kid-friendly vibe that welcomes all. Its unpretentious charm, affordable prices (entrees $12–$18), and vibrant flavors make it a Santa Fe staple. Open daily, reservations are suggested during peak hours; call (505) 982-0909 for details. Don’t skip the posole—it’s a bowl of New Mexican heritage you’ll savor long after your visit!
Cafe Pasqual’s

Nestled just one block south of the historic Santa Fe Plaza, Café Pasqual’s (121 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501) is a vibrant, James Beard Award-winning institution that has been a cornerstone of Santa Fe’s culinary scene since 1979. Founded by chef Katharine Kagel, this cozy, 50-seat café, housed in a charming 1905 pueblo-style adobe, is renowned for its emphatic Southwestern and Mexican-inspired cuisine, infused with influences from New Mexico, Old Mexico, and Asia. The restaurant’s unwavering commitment to organic, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients—95% of produce, eggs, dairy, and meats are certified organic or free-range—sets it apart, earning it accolades like the James Beard Foundation’s “America’s Classics” award in 1999 and a perennial spot on “best of” lists for its flavorful, healthful fare.

The café’s festive interior is a feast for the senses, adorned with hand-painted Mexican tiles, vivid murals by Oaxacan artist Leovigildo Martinez, and colorful *papel picado* banners strung across the ceiling, evoking the spirit of a Mexican fiesta. A five-panel mural, *La Luna Se Fue a Una Fiesta*, depicts the moon reveling, adding to the lively ambiance. The intimate space, with sturdy wooden tables and a communal table for solo diners or sociable groups, buzzes with energy, often drawing lines of locals and tourists eager for breakfast (8:00 AM–3:00 PM), lunch (11:00 AM–3:00 PM), or dinner (Sunday–Thursday 5:30 PM–9:30 PM, Friday–Saturday 5:30 PM–10:00 PM; closed Tuesdays). Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, as the small size and popularity mean waits of 30 minutes or more are common.

Cowgirl BBQ

A vibrant cornerstone of Santa Fe’s dining scene, The Cowgirl BBQ (319 S Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501) is a lively eatery that has been dishing up hearty barbecue and Tex-Mex favorites since 1993, earning its status as a beloved local institution just a 40-minute drive from Madrid. Occupying nearly an entire block in the historic Guadalupe District, this sprawling venue has grown from its original bar and grill into a multifaceted destination, now boasting a Billiard Parlor with pool tables, a state-of-the-art commercial catering kitchen, and multiple private party rooms for events ranging from birthdays to corporate gatherings. The heart of the Cowgirl experience is its fun, unpretentious atmosphere, infused with a Western flair—think cowboy boots dangling from the ceiling, vintage rodeo posters, and a jukebox pumping classic country tunes. Live music, featuring local acts from bluegrass to rock, fills the air most evenings (check the schedule at cowgirlsantafe.com), drawing crowds to dance or tap along while sipping margaritas.
Paloma
Modern Mexican cuisine features fresh, innovative takes on traditional dishes in a chic setting. When you dine at Paloma, you’ll find yourself surrounded by local art – murals and illustrations by Jessie Baca, striking photographs by Gay Block, and patio tabletops that are hand-crafted locally by Stark Raven Fabrication. Each piece is a reflection of the Santa Fe art community, evoking a sense of place and local spirit.

Santa Fe Farmers Market
This market at the Railyard is a great place to sample fresh, local foods and baked goods.

Voted one of the “Top Ten Farmers’ Markets” by Sunset Magazine, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest, largest, and most successful growers’ markets in the country. Serving more than 150 farmers and producers in 15 Northern New Mexico counties, the Market brings fresh food, education, and fun to our community and promotes small farms and sustainable agriculture in Northern New Mexico.

Unlike most farmers’ markets in the US, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market assures that all products sold by its vendors are always locally grown by the people selling them. 100% of the vegetables, fruits, and nursery plants available at Santa Fe Farmers’ Markets are grown right here in northern New Mexico. The same goes for at least 70% of the ingredients and materials used to make all processed and craft items. Furthermore, no reselling is permitted. That means that the people doing the growing and producing are the same smiling folks who sell those products to you at Market.

RV Parks in Santa Fe

For travelers exploring by RV, Santa Fe offers several convenient and picturesque options:

1. Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground
   Just 10 minutes from downtown, this campground offers full hookups, scenic views, and access to hiking trails. Explore Downtown Santa Fe’s art, shops, and cuisine, or visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and Santa Fe Opera House. A hike to Nambe Falls offers stunning views for nature lovers—Santa Fe is the perfect blend of culture and adventure!
2. Santa Fe Skies RV Park
   Located on a hilltop, this RV park provides stunning panoramic views of the mountains and city lights. Amenities include full hookups and a dog park. Santa Fe Skies RV Park is family-built, owned, and operated. It sits on 17 acres overlooking the beautiful mountains of New Mexico. We are “Big Rig friendly”. Fifty-five sites are pull-thrus’ designed to accommodate large motor coaches and travel trailer rigs. All sites are equipped with 20/30/50 amp electrical service. Water and Sewer are available at all pull-thru and almost all back-in sites. We are “pet friendly”. Free Wifi is available.
3. KOA Santa Fe
   This is the perfect spot to slow down, read a book, sit by the campfire, toast a marshmallow (or two) and just relax. It is also the perfect spot to be adventurous and explore all that Santa Fe and the surrounding areas have to offer. Our campground is so much more than just an overnight stay. Let this KOA be your home base as you visit the Santa Fe Plaza, San Miguel Mission, Palace of the Governors, and Loretto Chapel. Check out Canyon Road, where you’ll find many shops, galleries and restaurants. Summer is filled with weekend festivals to enjoy
4. Black Canyon Campground
   Nestled in Santa Fe National Forest, this is a more rustic option for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. At 8475 feet in elevation, Black Canyon Campground is in a great location to experience some of the finest mountain scenery the Southwest has to offer. The facility is newly renovated and provides access to a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Campers can enjoy warm days and cool weather in the summer months, providing a scenic getaway from the desert heat.

Books About Santa Fe
To better understand the city’s history, culture, and beauty, check out these books:

1. “The House at Otowi Bridge: The Story of Edith Warner and Los Alamos” by Peggy Pond Church
   A fascinating tale of life near Santa Fe during the Manhattan Project. Two women, Edith Warner and Peggy Pond Church, guide the reader through a giant step back in time. Their letters and journals recount life in the 1920s in northern New Mexico including the advent of the Los Alamos labs and the onset of the atomic age.
   
   
2. “Santa Fe: History of an Ancient City” by David Noble (Revised)
   A detailed history of Santa Fe, from its founding to the present day.
   

   Drawing on recent archaeological discoveries and historical research, this updated edition of a classic history details the town’s founding, its survival through revolt and reconquest, its turbulent politics, its lively trade with Mexico and the United States, and the lives of its most important citizens, from the governors Peralta, Vargas, and Armijo to the Madam Doña Tules. The origins and transformations of the very building blocks of Santa Fe, from the iconic Palace of the Governors to the city’s acequia irrigation system, are revealed in these pages.

3. “The Santa Fe Trail: Its History, Legends, and Lore” by David Dary
   Explore the historic trade route that shaped Santa Fe’s development. Drawing from letters, journals, expedition reports, business records, and newspaper stories, David Dary–one of our foremost historians of the Old West–brings to life the people who laid down the trail and opened commerce with Spanish America: Native Americans and mountain men, traders, trappers, and freighters, surveyors and soldiers, men and women of many different nationalities.

Final Thoughts for The Smart RVer

Santa Fe is a destination that effortlessly blends old and new, offering a unique experience that lingers in your heart long after you’ve left. From its fascinating history and thriving art scene to its mouthwatering cuisine and breathtaking landscapes, it truly earns its nickname, “The City Different.” Santa Fe promises a memorable adventure for everyone, whether you’re exploring by RV, enjoying a gourmet meal, or delving into the region’s history through a good book.