Length of stay: 1 day
Visited: April 2024
Santa Fe lies at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southern end of the Rocky Mountains. It is one of the oldest cities in North America and has a rich history and culture. Santa Fe is known for its unique architecture, art and food, which have been influenced from the mingling of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American culture and traditions.
We spent the morning at Pecos National Historical Park and returned to our accommodations for lunch and to let the baby nap. By the time we headed out to Santa Fe it was late in the afternoon. After finding a place to park, we set out on foot, which is the best way to explore a place.
Santa Fe has a unique architectural style of low adobe-style buildings. The adobe bricks are made of resources found in southwestern United States, typically a mixture of dirt, dried grasses and water. This was the style used by the ancestral Pueblo people. It helps regulate the indoor temperature, keeping the place cool during the day and warmer at night.
Art is deeply rooted in Santa Fe’s culture and character. It’s considered the third largest art market in the United States with numerous art galleries and museums. The most famous of which is the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Since it was late in the day we headed there first.
Georgia O’Keeffe was an American artist who is renowned for her contribution to modern art. Influenced by nature, she is best known for her paintings of flowers and the desert landscape. The museum showcases her work and provides more information about her life, career and connection to New Mexico. There is actually a second part of the museum in Abiquiu, which is about an hour north of Santa Fe, but it was a bit too far for today.
We weren’t sure how much time we’d have as baby M was wide awake. But she was in a really good mood. Perhaps she’s developing an appreciation for art.
Once we finished up at the museum, we resumed our walk through the downtown. We meandered through a few streets, passing several markets which featured a colourful display of pottery, rugs, and strings of dried Chile peppers.
Santa Fe also has several beautiful churches. We passed a few during our walk, including the Loretto Chapel and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Both were unfortunately closed.
We wandered around a bit more, but we were getting hungry. While we didn’t spend much time in Santa Fe, it was nice to catch a glimpse of some of the architecture and art. The only thing missing was the food. And so we picked up takeaway on the way back to our accommodations.
Baby M says bye for now.
L
Great photos… baby adorable as well! 😃
Thanks for your kind words. Baby M is pretty darn cute! I’m glad she was in a good mood so we could explore Santa Fe for a couple of hours.
We really liked Santa Fe too. The galleries and the adobe buildings, it has a unique character. Baby M is adorable 😊 Maggie
Santa Fe is such a neat city. I wish we could have spent a bit more time here, but our schedule revolves around baby M and her nap times now. And we’re okay with that. Overall she was such a good little traveller on this trip.
We did a road trip there once and we liked it. A different scene and a different way of life. We got lucky with the basilica when somebody opened the door for us. I guess there was a problem with vagrants entering the church so they keep the doors closed. Your baby is growing up fast!
That’s awesome that you got to take a sneak peak inside one of the churches! I saw some pictures online and the interior looked quite lovely. We were visiting a bit late in the day and figured they would probably be closed anyway. It’s crazy how quickly baby M has grown. She’s now seven months and is starting to crawl. Our next trip should be interesting!
OMG, she is such a cutie!!❤️❤️
Oh I know! She has us wrapped around her little finger (and we wouldn’t have it any other way)!
Baby M is adorable, and such a great photo of the two of you! I love Santa Fe and exploring the galleries and enjoying the restaurants. It’s a place I have visited a couple of times but I would return again and again.
Thanks! We planned to spend more time in Santa Fe, but baby M took a much longer nap than we were expecting. And we didn’t have it in us to wake her up. Oh well, it meant she was wide awake to explore the city with us afterwards. I would love to return as well.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Georgia O’Keeffe landscape before. Love the colors in that one. And, by the way, that’s an awfully good baby.
It was neat to see a large collection of Georgia O’Keeffe’s work and to see how her style changed over time. I’m a huge fan of nature so naturally her landscape pieces captured my attention. Baby M was such a trooper during our entire road trip. She was starting to resent her car seat towards the end though.
An interesting historical city…with the added arty influence. Baby M looks like she appreciated it too!
Santa Fe has such a cool vibe. We wished we could have stayed a bit longer. And what can I say, baby M has good taste!
I’ve always wanted to visit Santa Fe- such an interesting place. That happy picture of Baby M just makes the whole day bright and happy 🙂
She tends to have that effect, especially on us. Her smile just melts my heart. Santa Fe has a lot of character and charm. We only visited for a couple of hours, but it was a nice overview. I’m sure we’ll be back someday.
Looks like a nice city the first building is definitely interesting.
Baby M is gorgeous 😍.
The buildings are so different compared to what we have back home. It was neat how many of them blend in with the desert landscape. Baby M was well rested from her nap and got to enjoy wandering around Santa Fe with us!
A beautiful destination. Lovely photos. My daughter and I had a wonderful time there, a few years ago.
Thanks for your kind words and for leaving a comment. I couldn’t agree more about how Santa Fe is beautiful. It has a lot of character and charm. Glad to here you had a fabulous time there with your daughter as well. Cheers. Linda
You’re very welcome. Have you been to Meow Wolf in Santa Fe? We had a fabulous time there! Cheers and thank you Linda! 😊
We only had a couple of hours to explore Santa Fe and unfortunately weren’t able to check out Meow Wolf. It seems really cool and a great way to showcase art from the community. We’ll have to add it to the list for next time!
I highly recommend it! I had no idea what we were in for but my daughter was dialed in. I am glad I listened! 🙌🏻
Good to know! And it’s great that your daughter was engaged in the trip planning process!
Great point, yes! 💕
I hope that you get to return someday! I was thinking about eating at The Shed while I read your post. I also think that the staircase in Loretto is so strange an cool. The Folk Art Museum is neat and worth going to as well. Good for you both continuing your travels with M!
I just looked up The Shed online and it looks like it has an interesting vibe. And the food sounds delicious. I’ll have to keep that in mind, along with the Folk Art Museum for when we return someday. I’d also like to visit the other Georgia O’Keeffe museum in Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch.
Wonderful! Remember that the collection rotates, so you’d see other pieces if you visit her museum DT again. Before I had my son, I went to Taos and Sante Fe five times per year
I didn’t know that about how the collection rotates. Good to know. And wow! Sounds like you visited New Mexico a lot. I can easily see why. It’s such a neat area. Have you been back since you had your son?
Yes, but not since 2021, unfortunately. I tend towards one big trip in June and need a consistent pet and house sitter!
We typically like to travel at the end of April and then again sometime in the fall. We too have to deal with a consistent pet and house sitter and find it’s much easier when the pool is closed for the season and the garden doesn’t require looking after anymore.
Baby M is absolutely adorable and I can see that she is comfortable going on these family explorations and developing an appreciation for travel and culture! 💕
Santa Fe is one of those places I would never think about visiting so it’s so nice to get to learn more about it through your travels and photos. It looks charming and I love the churches and art atmosphere in the community.
Santa Fe has a pretty cool art scene. We had planned to spend a bit more time there, but we were reluctant to wake baby M from her nap. Oh well, this meant she was well rested to enjoy the sights with us. It’s definitely worth checking out if you visit New Mexico.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Hopefully you’re all adjusted to being back home now.
I always wanted to see Santa F. Looks like it is worth a look for the architecture and art. If it is Baby M approved, that is good enough for me. She is such a cutie Linda. Happy Wednesday. Allan
For sure. It has such a cool vibe. We were only there for a couple of hours so we only had time to see some of the highlights. Oh, and to pick up so food as well, which was delicious. Have a wonderful weekend. Linda
I’d love to make it to Sante Fe someday, so your post is the next best thing–thanks for sharing! Also, Baby M is the cutest!
Thanks for your kind words and for leaving a comment. Santa Fe is very charming, as is baby M. Hope you’re able to visit someday as there’s so much interesting history, architecture and art here. And the food is delicious!
Another great adventure! I know a couple that traveled in and around Santa Fe this summer and they were really looking forward to the Georgia O’Keeffe museum. Sounds lovely!
We didn’t have much time to explore Santa Fe, but I’m glad we were able to wander around for a bit and check out the Georgia O’Keeffe museum. It was neat to hear more about her life, her connection with New Mexico and to see how her style changed over time.
Great Post and the Photos are Absolutely wonderful. Baby definitely has a adorable smile. Precious.
Thanks!! Baby M is the star of the show. Even though her nap went a bit longer than expected, I’m glad she was in a good mood to explore Santa Fe with us! It’s such a neat city.
That’s awesome. Glad you all enjoyed your trip. Blessings on many more.
Thanks! We’re actually hoping to do a bit more travelling later this summer and into the fall.
What a little cutie! She looks happy to explore new places so you may as well roll with it 🙂 I love wondering around Santa Fe (when there aren’t too many tourists). I really enjoyed the galleries and museums!
Thankfully it wasn’t very busy, but that could have been because we were visiting late in the day (and also during the shoulder season). Baby M typically naps when she’s in her baby carrier, but it was nice to see her so alert, especially when we were in the Georgia O’Keeffe museum. She’s got good taste already!
My kind of a baby 🙂
She’s the best. I guess we can keep her 🙂
🤣
While Santa Fe looks interesting with unique adobe buildings, an interesting art museum, and pretty churches, everyone agrees that Baby M is the star here. She looks adorable!
She definitely is the star of the show (and we wouldn’t have it any other way)! While we didn’t have much time to explore Santa Fe, we enjoyed what we saw. It has such a cool vibe.
I love Santa Fe and baby M. XO
She’s a real cutie! And Santa Fe is really neat!
Santa Fe is a beautiful and interesting city. I’m glad you got to see it; I would like to return someday. Baby is adorable!!
Oh I know. We wished we could have stayed a bit longer in Santa Fe as we really didn’t have much time to explore downtown. I’d love to return as well someday.
I only knew Santa Fe by name, but it’s clear that your inquisitive eye has found several interesting places to visit. Baby M is starting to build up her travel experience.
Santa Fe has such a cool vibe and interesting art scene. We didn’t have much time to explore the city, but I’m glad we managed to walk around for a bit as that is truly the best way to soak it all in. And Baby M was in such a good mood to share the experience with us.
Baby M sure is precious!! I never would’ve guessed there was so much art in Santa Fe.
There are so many art galleries in Santa Fe. You could easily spend a few days there. We only had a couple of hours and managed to see just one of the Georgia O’Keeffe museums.
So great photos of beautiful nature and grace Churches photography 🌷🙏👍🏻 dear you and your loving Baby so lovely
and mom and child so cute 😊 🖖👏 Santha Fe is a great place to visit people as well 😍👍🏻Thank you for sharing
and graceful wishes my lovely friend 💗✍️ God Bless 🙏
Thanks so much for your kind words. It was fun to share the experience with our daughter even though she was only about five months old at the time of our visit. She was such a good little traveller.
Thank you very much for your lovely reply message and most welcome 🙏 💗🌷 whenever we go , we take our children our care and the journey in peace is truly happy 😃 👍🏻💗 All The Best Wishes my dear friend and your loving family 💞✍️😍🖖
We couldn’t imagine travelling without our daughter now. Even though we can’t do nearly as much as we used to, it’s been fun to create new memories and experiences with her. Enjoy the rest of your week! Linda
So true 🌷🙏👍🏻 the joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences dear friend 🥰✌🏼 stay Blessed 💗👏
You as well. Cheers.
You’re right, the architectural style is very interesting. I’m sure the colours of the art work caught the attention of Baby M – lovely photo of you two. But I must say, that friendly little face of your baby at the end of your post is probably the most beautiful thing I’ve seen today!
I wish I took more pictures of the buildings around the city as they really are quite neat. I like how they blend in with the desert landscape. Baby M sure knows how to melt my heart. She’s the best.
So much color and beauty! I have never been to Santa Fe but now want to go. Right now.
Your little one is turning into quite the experienced traveler!
Santa Fe has a lot of charm and character. Plus it’s also close to a few ancestral Puebloan sites. It’s definitely worth exploring.
Baby M is starting to crawl now, which will make travelling a bit more challenging. We’ll be heading to Nova Scotia next month. Wish us luck!
I’m sure you will figure it out and have a fabulous time in the process!
Thanks! And even if things don’t go according to plan (which is always the case), it can make for some funny stories afterwards (I hope)!
Exactly!!! Besides, adaptability is an important part of travel.
I’d say you didn’t do too badly considering the limited time. I have heard of Georgia O’Keeffe and seen a bit of her art online so it was cool to check out some of her work on display at Santa Fe. M seems to be a fan of nature andante, she’s off to a good start!
While it would have been nice to spend more time in Santa Fe, we ended up doing way more than I thought we would during our road trip, so I can’t complain too much! Baby M was such a trooper. Typically she likes to nap in her baby carrier, so it was nice to see her looking around as we wandered through the city and art museum. She’s got good taste already!
I love the look of Santa Fe- and how happy Baby M is exploring; definitely going to be an adventurer 🙂
Santa Fe is super cool and has so much character. It was nice to see Baby M being so curious and alert. Typically she just falls asleep as we’re walking. We’ll be heading on holidays next month so let’s hope she’s still a good little traveller!
Awww, I’m bummed for you guys that the Lorretto Chapel was closed, because it’s so gorgeous inside. We didn’t hit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum when we visited; thanks for the tour. Adorable pictures of Baby M 🙂
We were visiting late in the day and decided to prioritize the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. By the time we finished up and arrived at the church, it was already closed for the day. Oh well, it just means we’ll need to return someday!
Hi Linda! Thanks for sharing these pictures of Santa Fe – I was there years ago in college and these pictures remind me that it would be good to go back. Love the pictures of Baby M – how sweet. Happy wandering 🙂
Loved the photos of you and your little art lover. Can’t start too early to expose them to the joys of life!
I guess the heat in New Mexico and the new baby might have dissuaded you from committed hiking in Santa Fe. Yet you got around the city well and saw plenty. Have you ever tried a New Mexican sopaipilla?
Pretty much. We weren’t sure how much our little one would tolerate being in her baby carrier or how she would adapt to the heat or elevation. Plus we were a bit out of shape ourselves to want to attempt anything strenuous! We found no shortage of interesting excursions and easy trails to keep us entertained so it all worked out. We missed out on the New Mexican sopaipilla. I just looked it up online and they sound delicious!
It’s always hard when time is limited to see it all. But, as you did, you pick one or two things and see it well. Weird that you didn’t find an outdoor restaurant area for food. I definitely learnt a lot about Santa Fe that I had no clue about before your post. Bernie
For sure. There never seems to be enough time. But hey, we made do with what we had. We didn’t even consider an outdoor restaurant because of baby M. She wasn’t old enough at the time of our trip to use a highchair. And we didn’t want to keep her in her carseat longer than we had to. So takeaway it was so we could let her play around in our hotel room and get some tummy time in while we ate dinner.
Ah, that never even dawned on me.
It’ll be interesting to travel with her now that she’s a bit older and starting to eat solids. But my gosh is she a messy eater! She looooves to touch her food and wants to always hold the spoon. We’re heading to Nova Scotia in a few weeks, but I think we’ll wait a bit longer before taking her to a restaurant.
Oh and what a cutie she is!!
Isn’t she!? She certainly has us wrapped around her little finger!
Cute little baby there! Though you’re busy, she is easier right now before she starts walking and wanting touch/throw things. 🙂 We loved Santa Fe since it’s so unlike what we have here in Canada.
You’re absolutely right about that! She’s starting to crawl now and loves to be on the move. And she doesn’t really nap in her baby carrier or in the stroller anymore. I imagine travelling would be much tougher now. We’ll be heading to Nova Scotia in a few weeks so I guess we’ll soon find out! And agreed, the architecture, history and terrain in Santa Fe is so different compared to Canada. It’s a neat city with such a vibrant vibe. We wished we could have stayed for longer.
I love your baby photos, Linda and how the baby gets to explore the big wide world with her parents! I find that even if my kids can’t remember the specifics of our vacation, travel at any age is a lesson in patience and adaptability – from waiting in the airport security line to trying new foods, sleeping in new beds and learning to interact with kids who don’t speak their language. Like sleep begets sleep, travel begets travel. The more you do it – and the earlier you start – the better they’ll be at going with the flow on future adventures. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Thanks!! I couldn’t agree more that even though she’s still too young to remember any of it, it’s all about providing her with new experiences. Plus it was so nice for us to get a change of scenery as well. And you’re absolutley right about how the more we travel with her, the better we get at packing and planning. We’ll be heading on holidays in a couple of weeks which should be interesting now that she’s starting to crawl!
Baby M. is so cute! So sorry you missed the Stairs in the Chapel of Loreto. I’ve read a lot about them.
I live for her smile! She’s the best. I looked up pictures of the inside of Loretto Chapel, which is not the same as seeing it in person, but it looks beautiful, especially that spiral staircase. I have a feeling we’ll be returning to Santa Fe at some point. There’s so much in southern New Mexico that we didn’t have enough time to explore, like Carlsbad Caverns.
The oics of baby M made my night. She is such a happy little girl !! Awwww. You’re absolutely exuding the mother glow. It’s so awesome to see. Its unfortunate the churches were closed but you got beautiful outside photos of them! I remember reading about Georgia back in college in an Art Appreciation class. Her flower paintings are magnificent.
You are too kind. Baby M had been so much fun to travel with and it’s been kind of nice to go at a slower pace. It’s also been neat to experience things through her curious little eyes. We didn’t have much time in Santa Fe, but I’m glad we managed to walk around and go to the Georgia O’Keeffe museum. Agreed, her flowers paintings are stunning!
Aw that’s awesome . I’m glad she’s enjoying it and that youre able to go at a slower pace. It’s nice to not have to rush for a change
For sure. It also forces us to prioritize the time we have between baby M’s naps!