Our spontaneous 2-day trip to Santa Fe with my husband and toddler turned out to be the perfect little getaway to a city that had been on my bucket list for years. Known for its rich history, adobe architecture, and thriving art scene, Santa Fe completely charmed us with its creative energy and laid-back Southwestern vibe. From exploring Canyon Road’s art galleries and unique boutiques to finally visiting the iconic Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, every part of the trip felt inspiring — and the incredible food made it even better.

What To Do

Georgia O’Keeffee Museum

We started our morning at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum right when it opened on a Tuesday, and although there was a small line outside, it ended up being the perfect time to go since we were some of the first people inside. That meant we got to quietly wander through most of the galleries on our own, which made the experience feel even more special. We spent about 30–40 minutes there before our toddler started getting restless, but honestly that felt like the perfect amount of time since the museum itself isn’t very large. We especially loved admiring O’Keeffe’s colorful desert landscapes and seeing how beautifully her artwork captured the spirit of the Southwest.

Canyon Road

Walking along Canyon Road was easily one of our favorite parts of our trip to Santa Fe. The entire street feels like an open-air art gallery, lined with beautiful adobe buildings, unique boutiques, and countless galleries showcasing everything from colorful paintings to modern sculptures. We especially loved the artwork at Susan Eddings Perez Gallery — her vibrant pieces were some of our favorites from the entire trip. We also really enjoyed browsing through Owen Contemporary and taking our time wandering in and out of the different galleries along the road.

Santa Fe Plaza

We loved spending time exploring the historic Santa Fe Plaza, which really feels like the heart of the city. Surrounded by local shops, restaurants, and beautiful adobe architecture, it was such a fun area to slowly wander through with our toddler while soaking in the atmosphere of downtown Santa Fe.

St. Francis Cathedral

While exploring downtown, we also stopped by the stunning Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Its beautiful Romanesque architecture stands out among Santa Fe’s adobe buildings, and the inside felt peaceful and full of history. It’s definitely one of the must-see landmarks in the city.

Where To Eat

Paloma

Paloma was one of those meals that stayed with us long after we left. Their Latin American–inspired menu is full of bold, unexpected flavors, and everything we tried felt thoughtfully put together. The standout for us was dessert. The chocolate mousse was rich, smooth, and the perfect sweet ending to a meal that already impressed us at every turn.

Leo’s

Leo’s completely won us over the moment we walked in. The aesthetic is stunning. Modern, cozy, and full of personality. It made the whole dining experience feel extra special. On top of that, the service was incredible, which always makes such a difference, especially when dining with a toddler. The Thai and Malay-inspired dishes were flavorful and comforting.

La Mama

La Mama was our go-to for a slower, quieter moment during the day. This coffee and wine bar had such a relaxed, inviting vibe, making it the perfect stop for an afternoon recharge. We grabbed coffee here and ended up lingering a bit longer than planned. They also have a really cute little market section, which made it fun to browse while we were there. It felt like more than just a quick stop, and added something extra to the experience.

Modern General

Modern General quickly became one of our favorite stops, especially for brunch. The space feels warm and inviting with a really thoughtful aesthetic, and they also have a small boutique area to shop from, which adds to the experience. Everything felt intentional, but the smoothies were the real standout for us. They were incredibly fresh and some of the best we’ve had.

Vinaigrette

If you’re craving something fresh and flavorful, Vinaigrette is a must. We especially loved the sandwiches. They were packed with flavor and felt both satisfying and light at the same time, which was exactly what we were in the mood for. We also couldn’t skip dessert, and the cheesecake ended up being such a standout. It was the perfect balance to the meal and definitely worth saving room for.

Where To Shop

Folklore

Folklore was one of the boutiques I had saved after doing a quick Google search for spots to visit in Santa Fe, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The space blends an art gallery and boutique so seamlessly, with artwork that felt both simplistic and bold in the best way. Everything inside felt carefully curated, making it one of those stores you want to slowly wander through and take in piece by piece.

Cielo

Cielo was a beautiful find while we were exploring Canyon Road. The boutique celebrates both New Mexican and Peruvian art, and the mix of textiles, handmade pieces, and vibrant colors made the space feel incredibly unique. It was the kind of shop that immediately draws you in, and one of our favorite unexpected discoveries while wandering through the galleries and boutiques along Canyon Road.

Farm Shop Norte

Los Poblanos Farm Shop Norte was one of those stores that immediately felt like my style the second we walked in. The shop has a beautifully curated lifestyle feel, with everything from home goods and self-care products to locally inspired pieces that perfectly reflect the New Mexico aesthetic. The space itself felt calm, minimal, and intentional, making it such an enjoyable place to browse. It’s the kind of shop where you want to take your time looking at every detail, and I easily could’ve left with far more than I did.

Where To Stay

El Rey Court

Our spontaneous family trip to Santa Fe turned into the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, made even more memorable by our stay at El Rey Court. The hotel’s convenient location gave us easy access to downtown shops, local art, and amazing restaurants while still feeling like a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. We loved the property’s eclectic Southwestern design, relaxing time at La Reina Bar, and the charming greenhouse filled with cacti from Sabo Santa Fe. By the end of the trip, El Rey Court felt like more than just a hotel—it became a meaningful part of our family experience and left us eager to return to Santa Fe again soon.

Even after just two days in Santa Fe, it’s easy to see why so many people love this city. Between the colorful art scene, amazing restaurants, charming adobe streets, and unique local shops, Santa Fe has such a special atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and explore. Our little family trip was full of memorable moments, and I already know we’ll be dreaming about another visit soon.

XOXO