Planning a family trip that caters to everyone’s interests and provides a rich cultural experience can be quite a challenge. However, nestled in the heart of New Mexico, Santa Fe offers a delightful blend of art, history, and natural beauty that makes it an ideal destination for a family getaway over a long weekend. From the mind-bending art installations of Meow Wolf to the picturesque streets of Canyon Road, the ancient ruins of Bandelier National Monument, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Plaza, Santa Fe has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will share our itinerary and all the details you need to know for having a great family trip in “The City Different.”
How to Get to Santa Fe, New Mexico
Of course you can fly into Santa Fe, but we opted to turn this trip into a fun road Road Trip. We live in the Dallas area, which makes the route about 9 and half hours, but we added a bunch of cool stops, which made it closer to a 14 hour trip. Read all about our adventures on the road to Santa Fe here. If you happen to also live in Texas, I’d highly recommend making the journey by car. There are too many cool things to see along the way not to.
Where to Stay in Santa Fe, New Mexico
There are a ton of options from very high end to budget friendly hotels throughout the city. Not to mention, there is no shortage of AirBnBs and VRBOs. We chose a stay at Hotel Santa Fe. It truly is a Haven of Southwestern Hospitality For an authentic Santa Fe experience. Nestled in the heart of the city, this luxurious hotel embraces the rich cultural heritage of the region. With traditional adobe-style architecture, elegant rooms adorned with Native American artwork, and warm, attentive service, Hotel Santa Fe ensures a memorable stay.
We especially loved the hotel’s proximity to everything. And, don’t worry, once you arrive, there is no need for a car because the hotel provides a free shuttle service anywhere within a 2 mile radius, which means all the hot spots are accessible.
Lastly, the free hotel entertainment is also great during dinner service. Our favorite was a Native American flutist who was truly captivating.
Thing to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico With Kids
Our three day adventure was long enough to pack in a ton of fun, but not long enough to exhaust the possibilities. There is so much to do and see in this charming city. Our Itinerary consisted of lots of exploring…check out our highlights.
Meow Wolf: A Gateway to Imagination Immerse yourself in a surreal and immersive world at Meow Wolf. This interactive art installation will ignite your family’s imagination as you step into a mind-bending and magical realm. From exploring secret passages to solving mysteries within the House of Eternal Return, Meow Wolf guarantees an unforgettable experience for all ages. We didn’t know much about Meow Wolf prior to going other than hearing that it was super cool and a must-visit. I am so glad that we didn’t know more. There was a surprise around every corner and the kids absolutely had a blast…so did the adults. I don’t want to give anything away, so just go…trust me!
Canyon Road: An Art Lover’s Paradise Step onto Canyon Road, where creativity thrives amidst adobe-style galleries and vibrant streets. This mile-long stretch hosts over 100 art galleries, offering a diverse range of artistic expressions. We spent several hours exploring each of the galleries and the outdoor art. Make sure you also keep an eye out for live artist demonstrations and engaging workshops, where your family can unleash their own artistic talents.
Bandelier National Monument: Ancient Ruins and Natural Splendor Venture beyond Santa Fe to the nearby Bandelier National Monument (about 40 minutes), a place of deep historical and archaeological significance. Hike through awe-inspiring landscapes, admire towering cliffs, and discover ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings dating back over 10,000 years. You will be walking on sacred ground, and if you take the time to look around and really take it all in, you will be filled with emotion. I just couldn’t get over the natural beauty and history.
The kids’ highlight was climbing into the cliff dwellings. There are ladders throughout the trails that are easily accessible to both adults and children. Note, the most interactive and kid friendly of the possible trails is the Main loop. It’s about 1.5 miles out and back, but that can take much longer than normal with little legs.
Hotel Santa Fe does not provide transportation to Bandelier, but it’s an easy drive to the base of the mountain and then a short shuttle ride the rest of the way.
The Plaza: The absolute heart of the city, The Plaza is a vibrant hub of Culture and History. This historic gathering place is adorned with beautiful gardens, stunning architecture, and charming boutiques. Browse through the shops filled with unique Southwestern crafts and handmade jewelry. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many acclaimed restaurants offering local flavors and traditional New Mexican cuisine. The Plaza Cafe is especially yummy for brunch.
On most weekends, especially those around holidays, there is live music and entertainment that brings out the tourists and locals alike. We were there over Juneteenth weekend and the celebration and vendors available were awesome.
In short, Santa Fe, New Mexico, invites you and your family to embark on an enchanting adventure filled with art, history, and natural wonders. From the otherworldly realms of Meow Wolf to the artistic haven of Canyon Road, the ancient ruins of Bandelier National Monument, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Plaza, Santa Fe offers an array of activities for the whole family. We can’t wait to go back and explore the sites we missed, including the Loretto Chapel, with that iconic staircase, the State Capitol, and a day trip out to White Sands National Park. Until next time, we hope you have a blast on your Santa Fe visit.
Happy Travels!
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