10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING SANTA FE - Top Tips To Help You Prep For Your New Mexico Vacation!

I was so glad to visit Santa Fe this year with my girlfriends for a bachelorette weekend! What a fun place to get away and see a new culture - and all within the US!
In this video, I share my TOP 10 MUST KNOW TIPS before you take a trip to Santa Fe, so you can make the best of your vacation.
These are verrrrrrry practical tips, I'll admit. 😊
Coming up, I'll also have another guide video releasing later this year that shares the top things to do when you visit Santa Fe, so stay tuned for that as well!
Hope you enjoy! Cheers, and happy travels!
-Eliz
Means To Travel Founder
#MeansToTravel
NOTE: Product links below may be affiliate links, where Means To Travel LLC might make a small commission if a purchase is made.
◆ Mentioned In Video:
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Tickets: www.okeeffemuseum.org/tickets...
- Las Palomas Hotel: www.laspalomas.com/
- Smart Water for electrolytes: goto.target.com/vnqk3y
- Hydrating mineral sunscreen: goto.target.com/kjGE33
- Aquaphor Lip Balm with SPF 30: goto.target.com/Gj3JB9
- Lotaburger (burger restaurant): www.lotaburger.com/
- Geronimo (restaurant): www.geronimorestaurant.com/
- Dolina (breakfast burrito footage): www.dolinasantafe.com/
- Trading Post: www.originaltradingpost.com/
- Pottery class: www.greenriverpottery.com/
- Santa Fe Ski Resort: skisantafe.com/
- Santa Fe National Forest: www.fs.usda.gov/santafe/
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5 Things To Do In Southern Utah - Must-Do's near St. George, Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, and More! | bit.ly/SouthernUtahMustDos
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◆ About Me:
Hi! I’m Eliz, short for Elizabeth, and I am a travel and lifestyle vlogger sharing knowledge and inspiration that I’ve gained through years of frequent travel. Follow along to experience more meaningful travel, and find the means to get there!
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Filmed & Edited by Eliz Armstrong Zacarias at Means To Travel LLC
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#travel # #traveltips #travelguide #santafeguide #santafetips #visitsantafe #santafe #newmexico

[@MeansToTravel]

Be sure to hit the like button! We're so grateful for your likes, subscriptions, and shares! 👍🙏 Do you have any additional tips for visiting Santa Fe? Feel free to share them in a comment below!!! 😀👇

[@EddieMontoya-zh9fd]

I'm a native of Santa Fe. I'm glad you like it here. To me there's no other place in y world. Thank you for the nice words.

[@MeansToTravel]

You have a truly wonderful hometown! Thanks so much for watching my video! 😀

[@anitamcginnis8028]

I've lived in Santa Fe for many years and am impressed with the quick, concise, and useful information you give to visitors. Thank you.

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks so much! I'm really glad you liked the video!

[@mikepatrick4429]

I'm a Santa Fe local and you nailed it! Great vid!!!

[@MeansToTravel]

Comments like this one make my day! Thanks so much for watching and validating the points as a local! 😃🙏🏻

[@calmmusicforsleep]

Awesome tour and so beautiful city! Pretty cool views! Great footage! Thanks for sharing! Have a wonderful week my friend🌸👍

[@MeansToTravel]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! 😀

[@maybeerainmaybeesnow]

Lots of good info here! Thank you!

[@MeansToTravel]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching! 😀

[@williamcullinan8309]

St. John’s College is never mentioned in so many Santa Fe videos. The Summer Classics Program is fantastic.

[@MeansToTravel]

Is that something a visitor would be able to participate in during a quick visit to Santa Fe, or is that more of a college program?

[@jayhumphreys2030]

@@williamcullinan8309 and the trails around the college are great too!

[@lisadaniels6020]

NICE JOB!! Headed there in July for Opera and your tips are great!!

[@MeansToTravel]

So glad you enjoyed the video! Have you visited Santa Fe before, or will this be your first trip? 😀

[@user-ox9nm1ov9b]

Thank you for your story❤

[@MeansToTravel]

Glad you liked the video!

[@papagen00]

Thanks for the great tips, especially about the high altitude. Visiting for the first time in August for the Santa Fe Opera Festival. One week road trip from L.A. Excited!

[@MeansToTravel]

Drink lot's of water and have THE BEST time! You'll love it!

[@marcuspayne9744]

Enjoyed your take on Santa Fe and nailed it pretty accurate. Vacationed there in 2007 and loved it. My wife and i are planning on trip there this coming October. Thanks!

[@MeansToTravel]

So glad you liked the video, and hope you have a great time during your return to Santa Fe! 😀

[@marcuspayne9744]

@@MeansToTravel will go to Taos too, were there too the last time. Thanks!

[@theresabigwideworld2632]

Santa Fe looks like a fabulous place to visit, I love the style of the buildings and it's good that there aren't a lot of hotel chains there. It would make for having a more authentic local experience.

[@MeansToTravel]

It's such a delightful city! I completely agree that it feels very authentic and absolutely oozes culture. 😀😀

[@randyburlingame1611]

Sure there are 😂 even two Motel 6s and some Hostels

[@mrjaimerey]

Great video!!

[@MeansToTravel]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@donhaffner7843]

I did the plumbing work there , man like maybe9 yr ago cool place , may move back some day , love it there.

[@MeansToTravel]

So glad you liked your time working there! I agree it's a really special place, so I hope you get to move back there if that's what you want to do!

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Great tips Eliz . Harriet and i would do walking and bike tours in Santa Fe. A nice city if you simply want to relax. Love it. Harriet and i Thank You for the tips. Sending you lots of love💖💖 Harriet, Jim and Yuki. Richmond. Va.

[@MeansToTravel]

Yeah that's a great point! The downtown area is pretty flat, so it would be fairly easy to bike around. Just don't ask me to bike up the mountain to that ski lodge, hahaha! 😆😆 Hope Yuki is doing alright! Derek's parents just got a new puppy today and we are all over the moon with her!

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Really glad that Santa Fe closes at 10 PM for bars. I am mostly an ambivert and not a party type. The foodie show looks really delicious. I wanna laid-back vacation

[@MeansToTravel]

You're going to have a great time, sounds like a perfect fit! 😀

[@wingandhog]

I live 45 minutes south of Santa Fe in Cedar Crest NM. I ride up on the Turquoise Trail to SF quite often on one of my motorcycles. Usually for lunch and to visit friends. The traffic can be busy but it’s worth checking out.

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks for watching the video, and for sharing your great experience on the Turquoise Trail! 😀

[@Rickettsia505]

Madrid is cool, too.

[@patricktimothy8354]

You should always wear a hat out there when hiking. That high altitude sun is even more brutal on the bare head. The Santa Fe/Taos/Enchanted Circle part of New Mexico is one of my favorite places in the world. There are affordable small condos near Fort Marcy Park too.I stayed there in October 2019 for less than 200 a night and I had a full kitchen. But definitely eat at some of the incredible restaurants in the area. Also,the fall colors will blow your mind. The Aspen trees put on an amazing color show in the mountains and other plants along the rivers and springs add color to the desert.And if you are lucky to see early fall snow dust the 13 and 12 thousand feet peeks surrounding Santa Fe,you will witness something literally breathtaking like I did years ago while walking my friend's dog at a dog park-even the every day activity can be life-changing out there!

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks so much for adding these tips! I really hope I can get back to that area in fall and see the colorful foliage - sounds amazing!!!

[@ginavelasquez5453]

im from santa fe. the altitude is over 7000 feet. people from lower altitudes could get sick. but the best time to visit is during fiestas and see zozobra! its an experience!

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks for these great tips! And yes, the altitude can definitely hit anyone who isn't used to it! 🙏😀

[@Mckenziebushway1079]

I love living in santa fe

[@MeansToTravel]

It’s such a lovely place! You’re very lucky!

[@johnauvin]

Very nice.

[@MeansToTravel]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MinistryPodCastNetWork]

Thank you For The Information here,I'm Moving From Washington State to Here in April! Looking forward To The Change!

[@MeansToTravel]

You're very welcome, and I hope the move goes well! Enjoy the new, sunnier weather! 😀

[@Rickettsia505]

It takes a bit to acclimate. Plan to rest more.

[@MinistryPodCastNetWork]

Had A Change Of Plans, Waiting Now Till August. Saving Up More Money!

[@Rickettsia505]

@@MinistryPodCastNetWork Have a great move.

[@etherdog]

Eliz, you are channeling your inner Mark Wolters :-) I've been to Santa Fe a few times and it has always been a great experience, and I lived in Las Cruces for about a year 40 years ago. Recently, human footsteps were discovered in White Sands that date to 23,000 years ago, about 10,000 years earlier than other human inhabited sites in the Americas (this was shown on PBS last week) which corresponds with the lore of the First Peoples.

[@MeansToTravel]

YOU'RE KIDDING! I filmed two videos at white sands on this trip (to be published), and they told me the sands are only 10K years old. I'm definitely going to read up on this!!! Also I've heard that Las Cruces is a nice home base for WSNP, but I didn't make it there to check it out. I hope you liked your year spent there!

[@etherdog]

@@MeansToTravel Definitely check out the recent NOVA episode on PBS where they laid out all the evidence, including a human interaction with a giant sloth--MIND BLOWN! If you talked with Park Rangers, they may have been under an embargo until the episode aired, and they do want the keep the exact location under wraps for the sake of archaeological preservation. Among other things, I read/watch/listen to a lot of archaeology (and quantum field theory, food, travel, and Japan).

[@paulvest3157]

I've been living in ABQ going on four years, and have yet to visit Santa Fe. I'm planning on taking the turquoise trial, stopping on the towns along the way. I looked into relocating there, but rents are really high.

[@MeansToTravel]

I've spent two nights in Albuquerque and it's a great city, too! Hope you have fun on the turquoise trail!

[@vegangreatlife]

I lived in Santa Fe for a year in 1997 while attending International Institute of Chinese Medicine (now closed) and fell in love. Went back in 2007. Cost of living had gone up quite a bit by then! Haven’t had a chance to get back since, BUT a couple tips: ‘Christmas’ at restaurants means red and green Chile. You’ll be offered either or Christmas for both. There’s a small monument just off the plaza. Not recalling the name but you can wind around up to the top (easy walk, but up an incline that circles round) for great vistas. Especially near sunset when adobes glow a beautiful apricot orange hue. Visit Canyon Rd around happy hour time. Some restaurants (back then) offered apps for much cheaper. That was where I first tried a fried avocado which was awesome (chased down with a Tecate served with a lime, of course!) Ok I don’t drink nor eat fried foods but it’s a great treat. Other foods often have a New Mexico twist like pastas with poblano peppers. Breakfast out in Santa Fe was a real treat. Plus if Sage bakery still open they bake bread, have awesome croissants and can make sandwiches to go. Not sure what may have changed but I guarantee it’s still The Land of Enchantment! Such a unique place to visit. Great video!

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks for all of these great tips!!! I loved trying a Christmas breakfast burrito when I was there last year. And I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! I have another Santa Fe video on my channel as well (4 Tips For Visiting Santa Fe), in case you wanted to watch! 😀

[@jpking51]

I believe the small monument you mention is likely the Cross of the Martyrs, about a 5 block walk northeast of the Plaza. If you don't mind the short uphill walk to reach the top, it does indeed provide great views of downtown Santa Fe and surrounding vistas.

[@MeansToTravel]

@@jpking51 Great tip!

[@vegangreatlife]

@@jpking51 That sounds like it. Thanks Couldn't recall name but it's nor far from the plaza. You can go up steps I think otherwise it goes up hill, in a sort of circular spiral upwards. Great views, esp. at sunset.

[@WillyPDX94]

Santa Fe is my favorite place in the world and I've vacationed there literally dozens of times since 1985. This video has some good advice but my advice is just to be open and take in the city as it presents itself to you. There are plenty of places worth seeing (some of the best museums in the world) and things to do (e.g. concerts on the Plaza in the summer, the markets like Spanish Market and Indian Market, etc.). But my favorite time in Santa Fe is the winter holiday season. I've spent several Thanksgiving weeks in Santa Fe and all of them were magical. And though there will be plenty of people in the city, it's nothing like the summertime or market weeks. Not that the crowds are unpleasant. If anything there is an electricity in the air during those busy weeks and people are just as happy as they can be. But I like the serenity Santa Fe has during the holiday weeks. So that my recommendation: spend Thanksgiving week or Christmas in Santa Fe. ✌❤.

[@MeansToTravel]

These are great recommendations, thanks so much for sharing them! I'm jealous you've been able to visit Santa Fe so much!

[@garethleitner9547]

LotaBurger! Yeah!

[@MeansToTravel]

Haha yes!!!

[@Rickettsia505]

Car rental is important. High altitude! Hydrate, limit alcohol. Altitude sickness is real, and can put you in hospital. Get rest. Take a siesta. Consider the Santa Fe Opera or nearby ruins or pueblos, historic sites. Beware the sun! At this altitude, you can quickly fry like bacon. Outside activities are better in morning or evening. Sunscreen is essential, but it is not armor. Buy a hat and wear it. Go to the old Woolworths on the plaza and get a frito pie.

[@MeansToTravel]

So true about the altitude sickness - I had a quick bought of it myself on my first visit and it'll get you! And thanks for adding your great sightseeing, food, and sun tips! 😀

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Tell people about the train next time from Albuquerque to Santa Fe for the people who don’t enjoy driving. Also some people older don’t have good eyesight or other disabilities might enjoy knowing about the train. The train, I’ve heard runs multiple times a day and very convenient in an expensive.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

I meant to write the train is not expensive

[@MeansToTravel]

Great point! Thanks for the tip!

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

@@MeansToTravel welcome. :)I am a fan of trains since at one time I worked overseas and took lots of trains in in Europe even as a commuter

[@MeansToTravel]

@@enjoyslearningandtravel7957 That's great! European trains are the best 😀

[@bluekatgal7300]

Good info. NM resident.

[@TravelAdventureswithEricB]

First must know for me is I need to go.

[@MeansToTravel]

You'll love it when you go! It's so different than most other places in the US, which I know you'll enjoy exploring. 😀

[@kimberlyd5379]

Any suggestions for great neighborhoods to move to from an out of stater?

[@MeansToTravel]

I’m not sure what to suggest for living vs visiting, but I wish you good luck with your move!

[@Rickettsia505]

It's expensive for NM, get a local realtor to help you. A lot of people live in surrounding areas and commute. There is a train from Albuquerque.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

I plan on taking the train for the first time from Albuquerque to Santa Fe which looks like a really cool train called the Rail runner and it beeps like a road runner when it closes the doors which I saw on a KZbin video. So I will not be renting car in Santa Fe and will just be enjoying walking and I heard they have buses. Do you know if you can get by bus to use a spa to relaxin for example? I will be saving money from renting a car for possibly buying some beautiful art to take back to the Southeast where I live. Thanks in advance for any information.

[@MeansToTravel]

That will be so fun! If you're only planning on being around the downtown Santa Fe area, I'm sure you could get by with walking. We stayed at an AirBNB in one of the neighborhoods, so we definitely needed either a car or to call a ride share (Uber, Lyft, etc.) in order to get around. Also, if you're planning on hiking while you're there, you'd probably need a ride (rental car, taxi, Uber, etc.) to the trails.

[@wingandhog]

@@MeansToTravel…. You definitely need a car while in SF. Especially since there is much to see and do outside of the city.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

You get to ride the local buses for free as it's included with your train ticket price.

[@pamelabassett7778]

One thing, Santa Fe is definitely not a spring break destination, so I didn’t quite get that mention. Also, you said it wasn’t noisy like other” big “cities. That’s because it’s nowhere near a big city. It’s not going to have the personality of a big city in anyway. The quietness of it is probably what attracts a lot of people there. It doesn’t attract partiers or late night people I just thought you might need a better understanding of the town, the history, the reason why it’s so popular, before doing a video on it. But I will say toward the end you did talk about the art culture importance of that and I like that part. I do not live there, but I lived in Colorado and went there many times, and I will be going again next winter.

[@MeansToTravel]

Santa Fe is the oldest capitol city in the US. It has a population of nearly 90K, plus a lot more snow birds in the winter, which makes it one of the largest cities in New Mexico. But it does a good job at having a smaller town vibe because of its quietness and older population

[@pamelabassett7778]

@@MeansToTravel I don’t think you understood what my point was at all. . I wasn’t talking about how old Santa Fe was or about snowbirds. . You compared it to a big city. It is really a very small city. Albuquerque, the largest town in New Mexico is close to 10 times bigger than Santa Fe.

[@KD-nk3ht]

Flying in from NY next week. Any decent Tex-Mex restaurants in that town?

[@MeansToTravel]

Lot's of great places to eat!

[@brayancatano136]

Allsups Chimichangas = Prime Santa Fe Experience

[@MeansToTravel]

Awesome, thanks for adding this tip!

[@user-bd5nh5eb4b]

And they say Paris is beautiful,they should see this town❤

[@MeansToTravel]

Haha I must admit, both are beautiful! While they’re extremely different from each other, they both have wonderful light for artists 😀

[@hoovdog5059]

Santa Fe is a very spiritual area. It has no history of war, which is why spiritual people are drawn to live there. Sometimes the best way to enjoy these types of areas is to just sit quietly for a while, clear your mind and see what it has to say to you. If you are with a large group, consider splitting up into smaller groups, go to different venues, then gather in the evening over food and drink and tell the stories. This will also help keep the smaller venues from overcrowding. And don't forget to support the Indigenous-owned business. They were here first!!🙂

[@MeansToTravel]

Wow that’s so cool it has no recorded history of war in the area - I love that fact! Thanks for sharing it, since I wasn’t aware. And yes, I totally agree that it feels spiritual and is a great place to clear one’s mind. 😀🙏🏻

[@lennym480]

That's incorrect. There's been a few wars in Santa Fe. Why do you think there's so many people of Spanish ancestry? Just like the other parts of US, there were natives here before us 😂

[@hoovdog5059]

@@lennym480 Yes, but no major long lasting ones.

[@lennym480]

@@hoovdog5059 Just because the majority of them were only a few days and not years, doesn't change the fact.

[@vicmo5837]

Santa fe is basically a rich person alberquque lol. Meow wolf was basically the only thing that makes it unique to me

[@MeansToTravel]

There are definitely some cultural and food similarities that you can find between both!

[@garyreid6165]

I am interested in living in or in the area of Santa Fe. I am interested in studying music and want to find a good school that teaches people how to play various musical instruments.

[@MeansToTravel]

What a great place that would be to study music! Hope you find the perfect fit! 😀

[@cynthialeespring4283]

History here is multifaceted and complicated. We have had wars going back to 1680. As a longtime tour guide in the area, I can tell you about the Pueblo Revolt, the Reconquest, the invasion and takeover of the American army and more. Yes, we can be spiritual, but we’ve had our share of violence.

[@dragonlover2085]

Ok, the most important thing is: bring money😂 Hey, we're heading to Santa Fe in July. If anybody wanna have a drink with us, write me back.

[@MeansToTravel]

That's funny and kinda true! So many great things to spend money on in Santa Fe 😆

[@nobonespurs]

if im there, going in may

[@orl2222]

Used to be a good place, old native new Mexico hispano. It wasn't unusual for old hispanic families would invite stangers in their houses for dinner. When the rich anglo people moved in, pushed out alot of people. Property values soared beyond comprehension. Alot of native american arts were copied, and out right theft, cliaming it was " native inspired" Gentrification ruined the town.

[@MeansToTravel]

I’m so sorry to hear this Richard! Thank you for sharing your perspective. The native cultures throughout New Mexico are so wonderful, with history going back thousands and thousands of years. They should be preserved and honored.

[@Brian_yeah_that_brian_Strang]

Don’t dry out people

[@MeansToTravel]

Hydration is key!

[@nobonespurs]

very good, not to long, good speaking , will look for your things to see video - hope one exists

[@nobonespurs]

tip red chile is hotter in Santa fe

[@MeansToTravel]

Thanks so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed it! There’s one other Santa Fe Tips video on my channel. 😀

[@mr.meanstotravel]

Still on my bucket list!

[@MeansToTravel]

I missed being able to experience Santa Fe with you! We'll have to go together someday soon!