Image courtesy of Four Seasons Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
New Mexico is home to high desert landscapes, living cultures, and creative spirit shape every journey. Santa Fe anchors the experience with adobe architecture, world class museums, and a food scene defined by red and green chile. Taos pairs dramatic mountain scenery with a long legacy of artists and Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country. Albuquerque brings a more urban rhythm, and serves as a gateway to Route 66 and Rio Grande valley trails. Beyond the cities, the state opens into otherworldly terrain, from the blinding white gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park to the vast underground chambers of Carlsbad Caverns and the lava fields of El Malpais.
Travel here is about contrasts and connection, moving between gallery hopping, hiking mountain trails, and soaking in natural hot springs. New Mexico rewards travelers who want culture, nature, and a sense of place that feels distinctly its own.
Need to know
Image courtesy of Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
New Mexico feels accessible and unpolished in the best way. Many communities face economic challenges, particularly on reservations, making awareness and respect an important part of travel. With thoughtful planning, the state offers a distinctive, meaningful experience shaped by culture, landscape, and local life.
Airports: Albuquerque (ABQ) offers the most direct connections, with year-round flights to Chicago and San Francisco, plus New York City seasonally. Santa Fe (SAF) is connected all year to Los Angeles, Dallas, and Denver. Taos (TSM) connects seasonally to Dallas and Los Angeles.
Transportation: Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring New Mexico’s cities, high desert landscapes, and remote ranches.
Best time to visit: New Mexico shines any time of the year. Summer (June–August) is popular thanks to a higher elevation and cooler temperatures than neighboring Arizona. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) bring golden landscapes and fewer crowds, though evenings can be chilly, particularly in the north. Winter (December–February) brings real winter weather with snow in the mountains.
Ideal length of stay: Three nights works best for a focused stay in one location, allowing time for art, history, dining, and nearby landscapes. Four to five nights is ideal when pairing a city stay with a ranch experience or wellness retreat. A week or more opens up scenic road trips with multiple regions across New Mexico or easy interstate add-ons.
Signature dishes and drinks:
Frybread: Golden, crisp on the outside and soft within, holding deep cultural significance across Native communities.
Carne adovada: Slow braised pork in a red chile marinade, rich with garlic and oregano.
Biscochitos: Delicate, anise scented cookies made with lard and dusted with cinnamon sugar, and named the official state cookie.
Sopaipillas: Light, pillowy fried pastries, commonly served warm with honey or alongside savory dishes to soak up chile.
Calabacitas: A comforting vegetable dish of squash, corn, onions, and green chiles.
Piñon coffee: Brewed coffee infused with the aroma of roasted piñon nuts, offering a subtle, nutty warmth tied to the high desert landscape.
What to wear: Layering suits New Mexico’s high-desert climate, with warm days giving way to cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are key for exploring galleries, trails, and markets. Casual attire works well in most settings, with smart casual appropriate for finer dining. Sun protection, including hats and sunscreen, is useful for time spent outdoors.
Travel tips:
Altitude: Many towns and outdoor areas sit above 6,000 feet, making a slower pace and steady hydration important while adjusting to the elevation.
Connectivity: Cell service is dependable in cities but limited in rural and high-desert regions. Hotels, cafés, and galleries commonly offer free Wi-Fi.
Santa Fe
Image courtesy of Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Collection
Adobe architecture, layered history, and a deeply rooted art scene define Santa Fe’s cultural core. Wander walkable streets lined with galleries, museums, and markets shaped by Native and Spanish influences. High-desert light and nearby mountains frame an unhurried pace.
Where to stay
Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Collection: Hideaway reimagined with warm, modern sensibility, offering spacious rooms, casitas, and private residences. Ranch-inspired experiences, elevated dining, and a strong sense of heritage make this feel both grounded and quietly elevated.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Four Seasons Rancho Encantado Santa Fe: Refined desert retreat on the outskirts of Santa Fe with adobe-style casitas. Grounded in wellness and place, the experience blends restorative spa rituals, Southwestern cuisine, and high desert landscape.
When you book Four Seasons with Fora, you’ll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits.
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi: Sophisticated and artfully rooted in Santa Fe’s cultural core, just steps from the Plaza. Rich textures, Native-inspired design, and a celebrated restaurant create an intimate, polished stay with a strong sense of place.
Fora’s Rosewood Elite partner perks include a $125 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, welcome amenity, and an upgrade and extended check-in whenever possible.
The Inn of the Five Graces: Intimate, transportive escape known for its richly layered interiors, candlelit courtyards, and deeply personal service. Exceptionally romantic, with a destination-worthy spa and a sense of old world indulgence.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, complimentary valet parking, no resort fee, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Inn and Spa at Loretto: Serene, design-forward hotel inspired by pueblo architecture, anchored by a tranquil spa and understated Southwestern style. The central location near Canyon Road pairs well with calm interiors and a quietly restorative mood.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
La Fonda on the Plaza: Historic landmark with vibrant soul, blending classic Santa Fe style, hand-painted details, and a lively sense of place. Rooftop dining, local art, and an unbeatable Plaza location make it an ideal choice.
Albuquerque
Image courtesy of Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
Laid-back and local, Albuquerque blends historic neighborhoods with a modern rhythm driven by food, breweries, and open space. The Sandia Mountains anchor the skyline, while river paths, nearby trails, and wide skies create easy access to the outdoors and everyday adventure.
Where to stay
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm: Serene, farm-driven retreat surrounded by lavender fields, gardens, and open farmland. Thoughtful design, seasonal dining, and a strong sense of place create a calm, restorative stay with quiet refinement.
Fora Perks include a $25 daily hotel credit, welcome amenity, an upgrade, and extended check-out whenever possible.
Hotel Chaco: Modern, design-led hotel inspired by Chaco Canyon, offering clean lines, warm tones, and panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains. Refined dining, a rooftop lounge, and proximity to Albuquerque’s cultural district make this a polished urban escape.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa: Spacious resort on the Rio Grande, blending Southwestern design with expansive desert landscapes. Golfing, a destination spa, and multiple pools create a well-rounded stay that balances cultural connection with resort-style ease.
Fora’s Hyatt Privé partner perks include a hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Taos
Image courtesy of Taos Ski Valley
Expressive and grounded, Taos draws creatives with its Pueblo heritage, small galleries, and unfiltered sense of place. The town’s energy is shaped as much by its artistic spirit as by the dramatic landscape that surrounds it, creating a setting that feels both raw and reflective.
Where to stay
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley: Contemporary alpine retreat at the base of Taos Ski Valley. Clean lined interiors, a full service spa, and refined dining create a polished mountain stay that feels modern, warm, and quietly elevated.
El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa: Soulful sanctuary where adobe style casitas and suites are set among gardens, waterways, and cottonwood trees. Grounded in wellness and spiritual calm, the property blends earth toned design, a holistic spa, and tranquil atmosphere.
The Historic Taos Inn: Storied adobe inn in the heart of Taos, with intimate courtyards, warm Southwestern character, and long standing connection to the local arts scene. Live music, regional cuisine, and an authentic sense of place make it an inviting, quietly charismatic stay.
Ranches
Image courtesy of Ladder, A Ted Turner Reserve
Beyond the cities, wide-open landscapes set the tone for a quieter New Mexico. Ranch stays offer horseback riding, wellness-focused experiences, and evenings under star-filled skies. It’s a restorative retreat rooted in space, stillness, and a strong sense of place.
Where to stay
Vermejo, A Ted Turner Reserve: Vast, private wilderness retreat where refined lodges and cabins are set within protected landscapes. Guided outdoor pursuits and thoughtful dining add to a quietly luxurious escape rooted in conservation and solitude.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, complimentary experience, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Armendaris, A Ted Turner Reserve: Remote desert sanctuary defined by wide horizons, volcanic terrain, and uninterrupted quiet. Historic ranch buildings, guided exploration, and immersive experiences offer a rare stay.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Ladder, A Ted Turner Reserve: A working cattle ranch turned guest retreat, understated accommodations sit within rolling grasslands and under open skies. Authentic ranch life, horseback riding, and unhurried rhythms shape a grounded, refined experience.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Sierra Grande Lodge: Restored historic hotel in Truth or Consequences centered on mineral rich hot springs and small town calm. Private soaking tubs, minimalist design, and a gentle wellness focus create a soothing, unpretentious retreat with timeless appeal.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
History and culture
New Mexico’s history unfolds across thousands of years, shaped first by Indigenous communities. Pueblo peoples such as the Tewa, Tiwa, and Keres built enduring villages, developing sophisticated agriculture, architecture, and ceremonial traditions rooted in the land. Many of these communities continue to observe seasonal dances, feast days, and spiritual rituals that honor rain, harvest, and balance. Spanish explorers arrived in the late 16th century, establishing Santa Fe in 1610 as one of the oldest European settlements in North America. The region evolved through centuries of Spanish and later Mexican governance before becoming part of the United States in the mid 19th century.
Today, this layered past can be experienced in places like Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site continuously inhabited for over a thousand years. Santa Fe and towns along the Rio Grande showcase adobe architecture, sacred spaces, and acequia irrigation systems. Art, food, and landscape combine to create a destination where cultural continuity feels present and preserved.
Cultural celebrations and events
Taos Wool Festival (May, Taos): Celebrates wool, sheep, and fiber arts with live demonstrations, sheep herding competitions, and artisan markets.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Summer Programs (June–August, Santa Fe): Exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops explore O’Keeffe’s work and legacy.
Santa Fe Indian Market (August, Santa Fe): Native American art event showcasing jewelry, pottery, and cultural storytelling from Pueblo, Navajo, and other tribal artists.
New Mexico State Fair (September, Albuquerque): Carnival rides, live music, and local cuisine offer a broad taste of state culture.
Hatch Chile Festival (Late September, Hatch): Small-town festival celebrating the green chile harvest with tasting contests, cooking demos, and live music.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October, Albuquerque): The world’s largest hot air balloon festival fills the skies creating a stunning high-desert spectacle.
Cultural & Music Events (year-round, statewide): From the Santa Fe Opera’s summer performances to jazz, folk, and Native music festivals across the state.
What to do in New Mexico
New Mexico offers unforgettable experiences shaped by ancient cultures, dramatic landscapes, and a deep creative spirit.
Santa Fe
Meow Wolf Santa Fe: The original location with mind bending, immersive art installations for an interactive experience created by local artists.
Bandelier National Park: Explore Ancestral Pueblo cave dwellings carved into volcanic rock, with ladders and trails that make history accessible for all ages.
Ghost Ranch: Visit Georgia O’Keeffe’s former retreat, known for striking desert landscapes, scenic hikes, and its lasting influence on American art.
Canyon Road: Stroll one of the country’s most concentrated art districts, featuring galleries filled with traditional and contemporary Southwestern works.
Spas and wellness: Unwind at destination retreats like Ten Thousand Waves or boutique hotel spas inspired by regional traditions.
Albuquerque
Petroglyph National Monument: Walk trails past thousands of prehistoric carvings etched into the rocks, offering a powerful introduction to the region’s history.
Old Town Albuquerque: Browse adobe-lined streets filled with Native American jewelry, local crafts, and historic landmarks.
Sandia Peak Tramway: Ride one of the world’s longest aerial tramways for hiking trails and sweeping views over the Rio Grande Valley.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: Discover the living cultures of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblo tribes through curated exhibits, traditional dances, and rotating art shows.
Hot air balloon ride: Float above cottonwood bosque, desert mesas, and the Sandia Mountains from a quiet, cinematic vantage point.
Taos
Taos Pueblo: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and living Native community, offering a meaningful look into centuries old traditions, architecture, and daily life.
Taos Ski Valley: One of the Southwest’s premier ski destinations, known for challenging terrain, deep snow, and a laid back mountain culture.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge: Take in dramatic canyon views, with nearby hiking paths that highlight the region’s rugged beauty.
Hiking: Access high desert mesas, forested mountains, and family friendly trails suited for all experience levels.
Local crafts: Shop turquoise jewelry, pottery, and textiles rooted in Native American and Hispanic traditions, often sold directly by artisans.
Where to eat in New Mexico
New Mexico’s dining scene is defined by bold chile-driven flavors, layered cultural influences, and centuries-old traditions that meet the Southwest’s creativity.
Santa Fe
Geronimo: Refined Southwestern cuisine in an intimate, historic setting, with signature dishes that highlight bold regional flavors and carefully sourced ingredients.
Sazón: Upscale Mexican fare with vibrant flavors and inventive twists on traditional classics, perfect for special nights out.
Tesuque Village Market: Casual café and market perfect for lunch near the Four Seasons in a relaxed, sunny setting.
The Shed: Classic New Mexican cuisine in a welcoming, casual spot that feels authentically rooted in local traditions.
Café Pasqual’s: Creative Southwestern dishes that pair inventive flavors with local ingredients in a colorful, lively atmosphere.
Tomasita’s: Laid-back, family-friendly spot with hearty portions of chile-spiced favorites that’s beloved by locals.
Albuquerque
Level 5 at Hotel Chaco: Refined Southwestern flavors with modern touches, perfect for dinner or drinks at sunset with sweeping views of the Sandia Mountains.
Campo at Los Poblanos: Casual yet elevated brunch and lunch spot highlighting locally sourced ingredients, all surrounded by lavender fields.
Sadie’s of New Mexico: Classic New Mexican cuisine in a lively, local hotspot.
El Pinto: Vibrant, festive environment serving traditional Southwestern dishes with bold flavors and house-made chiles.
Nativo Lodge & Café: Quiet, cozy spot for breakfast, coffee, or light bites that highlight New Mexican ingredients.
Taos
Tiwa Kitchen: Celebrated for authentic Native American and Pueblo cuisine, Tiwa Kitchen serves traditional dishes with bold, earthy flavors.
Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery: A cozy, laid-back spot known for fresh, locally sourced ingredients highlighting simple but flavorful dishes.
Michael’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery: Family-owned with generous portions, Michael’s offers hearty New Mexican and American breakfasts and lunches.
Lambert’s of Taos: Elevated Southwestern cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
SUCHNESS Dining Room: Modern, design-forward eatery offering a globally inspired menu with Southwestern touches.
The Love Apple: Charming, garden-inspired restaurant serving contemporary Southwestern dishes with an emphasis on fresh, local produce.
La Cueva Cafe: Casual, rustic spot for traditional and authentic New Mexican staples.
Trips to add on
From alpine drives and red rock landscapes to otherworldly desert scenery, these add on trips extend a northern New Mexico itinerary without feeling disconnected.
Colorado (3 hrs from Santa Fe): Travel through the high plains, mountain passes, and historic towns between Denver and Santa Fe. The drive offers a gradual shift in scenery, from alpine forests and open ranchland to desert mesas and adobe architecture.
White Sands National Park (4 hrs from Albuquerque): Located in southern New Mexico, this surreal landscape of bright white dunes feels unlike anywhere else. Dune hiking, sunset walks, and sand sledding add a striking natural contrast to New Mexico’s other terrain.
Arizona (6 hrs from Albuquerque): Dramatic red rock formations and spiritual landscapes, Sedona pairs well with New Mexico’s contemplative pace. Continue north to the iconic Grand Canyon, or head south to Phoenix for desert resorts and art driven neighborhoods.
If not New Mexico…
These destinations blend nature, creativity, and a slower pace of travel through a slightly different landscape and lens.
Sedona, Arizona: Red rocks, desert light, and a strong spiritual undercurrent define this high desert escape with hiking and wellness focused stays.
Asheville, North Carolina: A mountain town with a deeply creative spirit, where Blue Ridge scenery meets an active arts and food scene.
Moab, Utah: A gateway to dramatic national parks and adventure focused experiences, with a more rugged outdoor immersion.
Ojai, California: A relaxed mountain valley with a strong wellness ethos, framed by oak trees and a slower rhythm that echoes New Mexico’s restorative appeal.
Park City, Utah: A charming alpine town with a polished arts scene, winter skiing, and summer hiking all close to a lively town center.
Vail, Colorado: A classic mountain resort centered on world class skiing, with an upscale village atmosphere and easy combinations with other Colorado destinations.