"The popular Dale Ball Trails system offers 23.4 miles of interconnected high-altitude desert trailsin the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where piñon and juniper forest greet sturdy ponderosa trees as you ascend to higheraltitudes. The systempassespretty close to town, and navigation is simplethanks to clear trail markers.If you're so inclined, follow the steepest path along the ridge to the top of Picacho Peak.The rewardfor your hike is a breathtaking 360-degree view."

"After helming two restaurants in Los Angeles , native Santa Fe chef John Sedlar returns to his grandmother’s New Mexicancuisineat Eloisa. The whitewashed, minimal, brick-exposed space serves as a temple for savory empanaditas , sopes , tamales, posole, tortillas made with fresh masa, and creative jicama and guacamole tacos with flower petals. To sip, tequila and mezcal cocktails arecrafted by Dede Roybal,a bartending genius. You won’t be disappointed. All dishes are expertly and artistically plated. Afterward, stretch your legs walking around downtown Santa Fe—Eloisa'slocale couldn’t be any more convenient."

"Museum Hill Spend some time on Museum Hill visiting the Museum of International Folk Art with its awesome Alexander Girard collection, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and its stocked basement trading post of Native American wares, and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. Unlike museum gift shopsthat sell replicas of artworks or mass-produced souvenirs,the museum shops here often carry original works of art for sale, so buying here can make you a collector, too.After all that culture, you'll be famished, so swing by the Museum Hill Cafe fora light snack."

"With its historic pueblo-inspired architecture and Spanish Revival style, this landmark Santa Fe hotel looks like it dates back much earlier than 1922, when it was designed by two of the area’s top architects: Mary Elizabeth Jane Coulter and John Gaw Meem. And, in fact, despite the imposing building’s relative youth, the legacy of La Fonda dates back to the 1600s. An inn or hotel has stood on this site since the city’s founding at the end of the Santa Fe Trail. Now, as one of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels, it presides over the historic Plaza and boasts some of the best views of the city and surrounding mountains and desert. Thanks to a complete (and completely faithful) renovation in 2013, rooms are now bright and airy, outfitted with handcrafted furnishings, local artwork and textiles, energy-efficient casement windows, and all the luxuries expected of a modern grande dame. The fine-dining courtyard restaurant is one of the most romantic dining destinations in town—trumped only by the rooftop Bell Tower Bar, whose sunset views and margarita menu draw locals and in-the-know visitors alike. Throw in a heated outdoor pool (open year-round, a rarity in Santa Fe) and a decadent spa, and it’s no wonder that La Fonda has maintained its reputation for superlative hospitality for so long."

"Hiking, Nature, History and Art The artist Randall Davey (part of the Santa Fe Art Colony) painted and worked at this former studio turned National Audubon Society on Upper Canyon Road. The land is now a preserved wildlife sanctuary (with a vast variety of birds like the goldfinch) with several trails and a cultural, educational and historical center. Take a hike with stellar views and later tour Davey's home and art studio with various personal effects. Closed in the winter. And, make sure to call ahead for times when the house is open."

"Nature's Bounty: New Mexican Colors, Textures, Aromas Don't miss strolling around the impressive Santa Fe Farmers' Market with its glorious abundance of beautiful and colorful produce, artisanal soaps, flowers, cheese, grass-fed meats and of course, peppers for miles—both electric-green and bright red (local Chimayo, Velarde, and Socorro varietals). Open: Saturdays year-round, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Tuesdays during warm weather."

"Independent, Locally-Owned Bookstore Take your time and sift through the well-culled selection of travel and art books including an ample amount of Southwestern subjects (from history to art to literature). Inside, you can sip organic coffees and pastries and outside, a patio allows for cracking open the first pages of your book purchase."

"Discerning, Stylish Americana Vintage This newly opened store, a pared-down collection of Scott Corey's large Santa Fe Vintage (on the outskirts of town), is "the" place to shop for amazing vintage pieces like flannels, jean jackets, gold-rimmed aviators and African indigo Mali cloth pieces. The shop showcases both vintage jewelry and gorgeous pieces by co-owner Julienne Barth."

"A Night at the Opera This brilliant, partially coveredamphitheateroffers views not only of the stage but of thestunning Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountain ranges in the distance. The world-renowned opera company presents five works in repertory each summer. Book well in advance, and don't miss the elegant tailgating in the parking lot (some participantsgo as far aswhite table linens and sparkling wine) before the performance. A picnic can be ordered (at least 48 hours in advance) for pick-up two hours before performances, or you can cobble together your own basket of goodies from local restaurants. Tablecloths not included."

"GnarChow Brought to youby the fine-dining folks at the gourmet-minded State Capital Kitchen, this highly touted food truck called Gnar (short for gnarly , or awesome ) carries farm-fresh delights from chefs Arthur Martel and Mark Connell. Decked out in artist David Santiago's fierce female-centric portraits, the tiny kitchen doles out affordable grub like stuffed waffle-pressed sopaipillasor Wagyu beef burgers alongside heaping bowls of pho. Afterward, wash everything down with thick chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry milkshakes."

"Headto the edgy Santa Fe Railyard District—just a20-minute walk from the plaza—to browsethe various contemporary galleries that have taken up residence there. Strollthroughthe small parks, enjoy a meal at offbeat Southwestern eateries like La Choza and Tune-Up Café, and of course, visit thebountiful farmers' market to check out the local produce and, in season,the famous Hatch green chile peppers."

"Your stay in Santa Fe is not complete until you've visited the serene 20-acre Ten Thousand Waves. Though nestled in the high hills among Santa Fe's piñons and junipers, the wooden walkways and lanterns will make youfeel as close to Japan asif you'd hopped a plane. Splurge on the spa's deep stone massage and salt scrubs, or opt for a warming herbal wrap with an add-on foot soak. Bliss is your reward.After you've had time to unwind, enjoy a meal at the on-site Izanami, which serves izakaya -style food using sustainably raised beef, pork, chicken, and organic vegetables.A note to the modest spagoer: All baths are clothing-optional except the communal tub in the hours after 8:15 p.m., when bathing suits are required."

"The entire north side of Santa Fe's downtown plaza is taken up by the 1610 Palace of the Governors, the oldest continually occupied public building in the United States. Its front adobe facade is completely shaded, and in this "portal," the Native American Vendors Program has been operating for over six decades. A daily lottery ensures a rotating selection of artisans from the various pueblos throughout New Mexico. Yes, there might be some "finer" pieces available in the chic boutiques elsewhere in Santa Fe, but here, in the shade of a four-century-old adobe building, you can meet the artists and even haggle a bit. Be respectful, though—these are not cheap trinkets made in a sweatshop abroad: The crafts and the jewelry are usually made by the person with whom you'll be conversing. (An interesting side note: The Palace was taken over in 1680 and occupied by Native Americans during the Pueblo Revolt until 1692, when the Spaniards returned. This is the only government seat in the U.S. to have ever been taken over by Native Americans. It then served as the residence of the governor during the Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. territorial regimes, until 1907. In 1912, New Mexico became a U.S. state. Today, the Palaceserves asamuseum.)"

"Fans of Stranger Things will undoubtedly gravitate toward the quirky Meow Wolf experience.A former bowling alley—a 20,000-square-foot space—becomes the House of Eternal Return, an immersiveart-installation-storytelling experience influenced, no kidding, by the mind ofGeorge R.R. Martin ( Game of Thrones ) and operated by an art collective of almost 200 "creators." Guestsareencouraged to find clues of what happened to a missing family by sifting through various diaries and opening a series of doors—including those of appliances like a refrigerator and a washing machine. Don't like audience participation? Worry not. Simply go along for the journey throughan all-encompassing dream world complete with high-tech visuals: kaleidoscopic laser beams, jungle gyms, and musical treats, like a synthesizer made fromdinosaur bones."