A Guide to Staying Cool in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Stay cool at the Railyard

Explore the Railyard area on a Tuesday, Thursday, or weekend, when the markets are buzzing with artisans, local artists, and, on Saturdays, a farmers market. Across the tracks, you’ll find a vintage market with antiques, curios, and a great hat store—we even got a comprehensive cowboy hat lesson from the owner. Jewelry lovers should stop at Gordon’s Eidos custom jewelry store, right behind the REI. This is not your typical turquoise shop—think bespoke rings and necklaces. If you’re into craft beer, stop by Nuckolls Brewing behind the “space ship.”

Stay cool & visit a museum

Santa Fe’s downtown museums offer a break from the heat while immersing you in local culture. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum offers a thorough audio guide and makes for a great hour-long visit. The New Mexico Museum of History is equally engaging, with exhibits covering Spanish colonization, the Mexican period, the Civil War, and Santa Fe’s growth as a railway hub.

Pro tip: Allow up to two hours for the History Museum.

For something more unconventional, head to Meow Wolf, an immersive, air-conditioned art experience full of surprises for all ages.

Stay cool on a road trip to Taos

Allow plenty of time to enjoy Taos while keeping to the shade when possible. The Taos Pueblo offers guided tours every 20 minutes, included with admission. If the day is especially hot, take the low road back to Santa Fe and stop at Los Rios River Runners for a rafting trip on the Rio Grande.

Stay cool in churches

New Mexico’s historic churches are often cool inside and full of history. In downtown Santa Fe, visit St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral and the Loretto Chapel. On the way to Taos, stop at the Santuario de Chimayó, where the sacred earth is believed to have healing properties, and admire the adobe-style San José de Gracia in Las Trampas. In Taos Pueblo, see the white church with its striking blue altar, and on your return trip, stop at San Francisco de Asís Church in Ranchos de Taos.

Stay cool at the spa

Escape the heat with a spa day. Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Onsen, just outside of Santa Fe, offers private baths, communal soaking areas, and a cold plunge, plus a serene mountain setting. Ojo Santa Fe Spa features saltwater and thermal pools, private soaking tubs, and peaceful gardens.

La Mama

A farm-to-table restaurant voted one of the best in Santa Fe. It’s unpretentious but delivers simple, delicious food. The homemade bread was such a treat that we ordered more. They even make their own gooseberry cordial for the Kir Royal. You must try the duck confit and the trout. I was curious why trout was so popular here despite Santa Fe’s desert setting—our server explained that Colorado supplies excellent quality trout, and I can confirm it’s true!

The Pantry

Perfect for breakfast or lunch, especially if your hotel doesn’t include it. The Pantry serves authentic New Mexican food, from chile-smothered enchiladas to fresh taco salads and hearty BLTs. If there’s a line, be patient—they seat people quickly.

Coyote Cafe

Hands down, this was our favorite meal in Santa Fe. We sat at the bar, where the chef shared great tips and recommendations while casually working his magic. After watching him prepare the scallops, I had to order them—and they were perfect. We also had steak, cooked exactly right, and the best dessert in town. The corn-based dessert brought back memories for my husband, and I savored a decadent chocolate tart.

Betterday Coffee & Sky Coffee

For fellow coffee lovers. Betterday, tucked in a small strip mall, is great if you need a relaxed space with good vibes to work in. Sky Coffee, in the Railyard, is a favorite for both coffee and matcha lovers. We ended up visiting twice.

Clafoutis

As a French native, if there’s a good bakery, I’m there. We went to Clafoutis once—and returned the very next day. The menu is extensive, with well-dressed salads (goat cheese for me), a perfectly prepared croque monsieur, and fresh pastries and savory crepes. Everything is made that morning, so leave room for an éclair, madeleine, or Paris-Brest.

Escondido

If you want Mexican food in a chic, modern environment, Escondido is your spot. The owner is also behind Meow Wolf, and both the food and the atmosphere are fantastic. Go for dinner and catch a gorgeous sunset from the patio.

Boca

A Spanish tapas restaurant that’s been nominated eight times for a James Beard Award. Sharing five tapas was plenty for us, but make sure to leave room for the dessert tapas. I loved the thoughtful wine pairings, and our sweet server made it a perfect last-night meal in Santa Fe