If you're planning a trip to Santa Fe for the first time, be sure to check out these helpful tips from a Santa Fe local.
1. Park Once and Walk
If you’re going to be visiting multiple places downtown, I highly recommend that you find a central parking spot…and stay parked there the whole time. You’ll waste more time trying to walk to your car, drive to the next spot, and then attempt to find a new parking spot. Downtown Santa Fe is small enough that you can usually walk from attraction to attraction.
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes
This one will come in handy if you follow the tip above. Santa Fe is an historic city which translates to uneven sidewalks and brick pathways that can trip you up . A simple sneaker or even a more stylish flat will work very well if you plan to spend most of the day walking. I highly recommend a good gladiator sandal if you plan to finish your day with some fine dining. The flat sole will make navigating the city easy during the day and then at night, your footwear is fashionable enough for a dressy dinner.
3. Ask for Directions from a Local
If you’re stumped on how to find that museum you’ve been planning to visit, just ask a friendly-looking local for help. This is a tourist city after all, so most locals are used to providing directions for lost visitors.
4. Make Dinner Reservations in Advance
So now you’ve spent the day exploring (and wearing your comfortable shoes!) and you’re ready to sample some of Santa Fe’s fine dining. There is nothing worse than anticipating dinner at a restaurant you are excited to try, only to find out they are booked. It’s easy to make a quick phone call the evening before (or even early afternoon if they are open at lunch) to reserve your spot at a coveted restaurant.
5. Start at the Plaza
The famous Santa Fe Plaza is the centerpiece of this charming city and you don’t want to miss seeing this hub of culture and activity. Most attractions will be easier to find if you use the Plaza as your “base”. If you’re with a group, this is also a great central place for everyone to meet up. Best of all, if you’re tired after being on your feet all day, there are plenty of benches to sit down and just observe the beauty and culture around you.
