This year, my husband and I took an anniversary trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and we were immediately taken in by just how stunning the city is. Part of the magic of Santa Fe is the landscape – you just don’t see views like this anywhere else. The adobe earth tones and those wild desert reds and oranges make the whole place feel like it’s been brushed in its own unique palette. Plus, our resort offered a combination of adventurous activities, fine dining and relaxation – and somehow was also a perfect fit for families (more on this later!).
What to Do:
Santa Fe is packed with things to see and do, from wandering its vibrant plazas and art galleries to exploring the surrounding high desert landscapes that seem to stretch forever.
The resort we stayed at provided shuttle service to downtown Sante Fe, which made getting around so convenient. At the top of my list was the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. It’s the largest collection of O’Keeffe’s work in the world and features a selection of her paintings, drawings and sculptures. Admission is $22 for adults and free for children 17 and under and includes a free audio tour. Most time slots were full, so advance booking is definitely recommended. I was so inspired by her work that next time I hope to visit her home and studio, which is located about 50 miles away and is open to visitors.
The historic Plaza is the heart of Santa Fe, buzzing with street performers, local vendors and a real sense of the city’s past. It’s the perfect place to wander, people-watch or grab a snack from a market stall.
Canyon Road is lined with galleries showcasing everything from traditional southwestern art to cutting-edge contemporary pieces. Even if you’re just window-shopping, it’s a feast for the eyes and a great way to spend an afternoon.
The Palace of the Governors is a step back in time, with exhibits that tell the story of New Mexico’s rich history. Outside, you’ll find artisans selling handmade jewelry, pottery and crafts perfect for a unique souvenir.
For a truly unique experience, Meow Wolf is a wild, interactive art space where you can wander through rooms full of giant sculptures, glowing tunnels and secret doors that lead to unexpected worlds. You might stumble on a room that feels upside down, hear strange sounds or find a tiny hidden nook with its own little story – it’s a place couples or families can explore together and discover something new around every corner.
If you’re feeling outdoorsy, Santa Fe is the perfect destination. There are so many hiking trails that wind through high desert and pine‑covered hills. Whether you’re up for a short stroll or a more challenging hike, the scenery makes every step worth it.
If you’ve got kids in tow, the Children’s Museum is a hands-on playground for curious minds, with interactive exhibits that let kids build, create and experiment. It’s a spot where families can dive in together and everyone ends up learning while having a ton of fun.
For those who aren’t squeamish, the Bug and Reptile Museum is full of creepy‑crawly and scaly creatures from around the world – think giant insects, snakes and lizards you can see up close. It’s sure to be a hit with kids who love discovering the weird and wonderful side of nature.
The Kakawa Chocolate House is a little slice of heaven for chocolate lovers, serving up rich, handcrafted chocolates and drinking chocolates inspired by ancient recipes. It’s the perfect stop for a sweet treat or a cozy break, and tasting the unique flavors feels like a mini adventure in itself.
Where to Eat: Santa Fe’s culinary scene is just as vibrant as its art and culture, with everything from spicy Southwestern classics to inventive modern dishes worth seeking out.
In downtown Sante Fe, we had a festive and fun dinner at The Shed, a funky and friendly spot for classic Southwestern fare housed in a circa-1692 hacienda with a cantina-style bar. Enchiladas are the order of the day here and you can choose red or green chile. I skipped the great-looking margaritas in favor of the Mezcal Negroni, which was a delicious twist on the classic cocktail.
Since we are burger aficionados, we also made a stop at Blake’s Lotaburger, a New Mexico-based fast-food chain known for its signature green chile cheeseburger. This classic roadside burger joint is reasonably priced and a must-visit when you’re in New Mexico!
Our favorite meal of the trip was dinner at Terra, the onsite restaurant at the Four Seasons. To start, we shared the Roasted Beet & Baby Kale Salad and the Charred Corn Chowder. For our mains, I had the Pepita Crumble Seared Scallops while my husband enjoyed the Roasted Poblano (definitely add the gouda if you get it!). But the most amazing thing was dessert – the Dulce De Leche Warm Cake is a stunning presentation where dulce de leche is poured over a chocolate shell that cracks open to reveal cake and ice cream inside. Although the restaurant was upscale, it had a very relaxed vibe. There were several families with kids dining while we were there, but it never felt intrusive, or like kids didn’t belong.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is luxurious, relaxing and the perfect home base for exploring the city.
The resort is a peaceful hideaway tucked into the Sangre de Cristo foothills with adobe casitas, quiet desert vibes and majestic views. After a 2024 refresh, the interiors now glow in warm rust and coral tones, with pueblo‑inspired design, handcrafted pottery and cozy wood‑burning fireplaces (they even have a fireplace butler that will come to your casita to light your fire!).
The resort is located just 10 minutes from downtown Sante Fe, but it feels like a secluded retreat in the high desert with rugged natural beauty and stunning mountain views.
The on-site Adventure Center offers everything from guided hikes, mountain biking and horseback rides to off-road and aerial tours or water adventures. On our first morning there, we set out on a 1-hour guided hike along the Camino Encantado Trail. Our guide told us the history of Rancho Encantado and pointed out the stunning features of the landscape on this fairly easy hike that is free for guests. There was a family with two young boys in our group, two friends and us. It really exemplified how the resort is versatile enough for couples, families or friend getaways.
While we didn’t have a chance to go to the pool, it’s amazing that it’s heated and open year-round. With comfy lounge chairs and stunning mountain views I’m sure I could spend all day there with a good book and a drink.
I did get a chance to visit the spa, where I had the 50-minute Encantado Bespoke Massage. The experience began with a choice of aromatherapy scents – Earth, Sun, Fresh, Water and Mandarin (I chose Sun). The massage therapist, Stevie, did an excellent job and it was definitely one of the best massages I ever had! After a treatment guests have access to a plunge pool and steam room, which I also enjoyed.
Prices generally range from about $660–$1,500+ per night depending on room size and season. Right now you can book the Experience More resort credit for up to $500 toward food and drinks, treatments at the spa, guided tours or any other incidental charge. We can’t wait to go back, next time with the kids!
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