Things for Couples to Do in Santa Fe

Experience the Taste of Santa Fe

How hot can your tongue take it? "If the answer is 'mucho,' then you're in luck," writes author Karen Tina Harrison. "Santa Fe is the cradle of spicy Southwestern cuisine, a sophisticated take on Tex-Mex, and its top-rated restaurants specialize in fare designed to dazzle your taste buds. 

"Consider these specialties from some of Santa Fe's leading restaurants, sure to set your mouth on fire:

• Hatch Green Chile Mac & Cheese with Bacon from Coyote Cafe
• Fiery Sweet Chile and Honey Grilled Mexican White Prawns from Geronimo
• Taos Style Panini with Chopped Green Chile at Palacio Café
• Grilled Green Chile Bison Cheeseburger at Café Pascual's
• Chile Relleno with Tomato~Jalapeño Salsa at Café Pascual's

Know that some of the city's most popular restaurants are open for breakfast and offer eye-opening, chile-fired menu choices to fire up your day."

Make a Tribal Reservation

Historic, hauntingly beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico, will satisfy your cultural, culinary, and recreational urges for things to do.

So pack your hiking boots alongside your cowboy boots for a Santa Fe vacation. These are the ten best outdoor adventures in or near the Roadrunner State’s capital city.

Indian Nations

New Mexico harbors 22 sovereign Indian nations including Taos Pueblo, whose centerpiece is its oft-painted and photographed adobe dwelling. The pueblo may be ancient, but its casino is cutting-edge. And you can visit both.

Bike, Hike, and Never Forget It

Just to be outside under Santa Fe’s turquoise sky is glorious.

Scenic hikes and bike rides right in town include trails branching off of Ski Basin Road.

Pro guides from Santa Fe Mountain Adventures can ratchet up the enjoyment with GPS treasure hunts, fun facts, snacks, souvenirs, and other inducements to keep moving.

Pony Up for a Memorable Ride

What would a New Mexico vacation be without a horseback ride past fragrant piñon trees, silver-green sagebrush, and yellow-flowering chamisa?

The best stables around Santa Fe are at Broken Saddle Riding Co., Hyatt Regency Tamaya, and Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort.

Climb into an Ancient Cliff Dwelling

A scenic one-hour drive north of Santa Fe, Bandelier National Monument invites the intrepid to hike up a gorgeous mesa and climb into cave villages once occupied by Anasazi villagers—the Indian word means “ancient ones”—who disappeared mysteriously centuries ago.

Tee Up Where Conquistadors Roamed

The Land of Enchantment turns golf into a visual joy.

The latest twist is championship courses dazzlingly situated on serene reservation lands between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Whoosh Down Nature’s Own Slopes

Northern New Mexico’s Rocky Mountain slopes tempt powderheads to ski and snowboard without the Beverly Hills-style hauteur of Vail and Aspen.

Choice destinations include Santa Fe Ski Basin, Pajarito, Angel Fire, and Taos Ski Valley.

Relive the Old West on a Thrilling Train Ride

Looking for a totally not same-old day trip from Santa Fe?

The Cumbres & Toltec Railroad is one of those uncommon things to do. An exquisite remnant of the Old West, this coal-burning iron horse whisks passengers through magnificent mountain passes linking New Mexico and Colorado.

Fulfill your Promise to Take a Balloon Ride

Albuquerque's unique topography has made it the balloon capital of the world.

The mesmerizing Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta begins the first Saturday every October, and balloon outfitters offer thrilling rides year-round.

Earn Bragging Rights Whitewater Rafting

The mighty Rio Grande River dares you to see it close up.

Numerous outfitters, including New Mexico River Adventures, lead safe, exhilarating whitewater rafting trips down the majestic, cliff-lined “Taos Box” stretch of the mighty river.

Toast the USA’s Newest, Coolest Wine Region

New Mexico’s winemakers are blessed with a climate similar to Napa’s.

Winery tours and tasting rooms abound, like Gruet Winery in Albuquerque, acclaimed for its French-style bubbly.

Sample Santa Fe’s fantastic food while getting a first-hand look at The City Different on the Santa Fe School of Cooking's Insiders’ Culinary Walking Tour.