Fall is a great time to visit Santa Fe. The summer crowds are gone, the temps are cooler, and the fall foliage is on display. There is plenty to do for nature lovers, foodies, or anyone who appreciates great art. Here are some of our favorite activities during the fall months.
Hit Scenic Hiking Trails
Hiking is a great activity, no matter when you visit Santa Fe. But most Santa Fe locals will tell you that fall is the perfect season for a hike. The weather is cooler, and the leaves are starting to change. If you’re looking for a great place to hike that is just a short drive from the Inn on the Alameda, check out the Dale Ball Trail system. Located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it is a 25-network of trails for hikers and cyclists. The Aspen Vista Trail is just a short drive from the Inn on the Alameda. Named for the spectacular fall color of the aspens, this 11-mile trail is suitable for both casual leaf peeping and more serious hikers
Explore the Vibrant Art Scene
Santa Fe has one of the best art scenes in the country, and you can’t go anywhere without running into opportunities to experience or purchase art. Located just steps from the Inn, Canyon Road is one of the most famous gallery streets in the world. Spend some time wandering up it and into and out of galleries. Take the opportunity to visit some of the many artists who call Santa Fe home. A studio tour gives you the chance to meet artists in their studios to learn more about them and their work. If you’re looking for a more immersive art experience, visit Meow Wolf to explore their immersive, hands-on multimedia experiences. Or take a short drive out of Santa Fe to wander the sculpture garden at Shidoni. You can also visit the foundry and the glass-blowing studio that call Shidoni home.
Visit Museum Hill
No visit to Santa Fe would be complete without a trip to Museum Hill. Home to four world-class museums and the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens, the site is also a public sculpture garden with plenty of opportunities to view and learn about art and history. Explore the Spanish colonial period at the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art. Learn more about Native American art and culture at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. Then dive into folk art from around the world at the Museum of International Folk Art.
Enjoy Delicious Bites
Taste the flavors of the area. From dishes featuring red and green chiles to Native American-inspired cuisine and world-class fine dining, there is no shortage of wonderful places to eat and drink in Santa Fe. Start your day off with one of Tia Sophia’s famous breakfast burritos featuring red or green (or every local’s favorite – Christmas, a combination of both). For lunch, La Choza Restaurant is always a great choice for some of the best tacos and enchiladas in Santa Fe. Finish off your day with an unforgettable meal at Geronimo on Canyon Road. Named one of the country’s best fine dining restaurants, it features farm-to-table dishes using the best local ingredients and flavors. For chocolate lovers, a trip to the Kakawa Chocolate House is a must to try exotic treats like agave caramels and mezcal-flavored chocolates. Start or finish your evening with a stop at Joe’s Tequila Bar at the Inn on the Alameda to sample a tequila from our extensive collection.
The list above represents just a small sample of what Santa Fe has to offer, whether your preferences are for art and artisan crafts, the great outdoors, or great food. Visit our website to learn more about planning a fall trip to Santa Fe. And while you’re here, our experienced staff will be happy to provide vital details like opening hours and directions to various spots.
The Inn on the Alameda is the perfect home base for your Santa Fe visit in every season. https://www.innonthealameda.com
