Sunny Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is one of the most-dog-friendly places we’ve been in the United States! We found so many cafés, breweries, restaurants, shops, and trade posts that allow dogs. Alice and I visited Santa Fe in late February, after spending a couple days at White Sands National Park (see my blog post about White Sands here). We flew in and out of Albuquerque and rented a car.
We had warmer-than-usual weather for February, with highs in the 50s! The weather can be very hot in the summer, so I would try to avoid travel to Santa Fe during that time. Spring and fall are probably the best times to visit!
Where We Stayed
I highly recommend Las Palomas! The location is perfect - a ten-minute walk from the plaza, with free parking on site. The hotel has that traditional Santa Fe vibe with luminarias on top of adobe buildings. Our room was very spacious with a kitchenette and wood-burning stove. The staff was also very friendly.
Activities
Santa Fe is known for its art galleries, and we visited many! Every single gallery I walked into said that dogs were allowed, but always ask! Canyon Road, a short walk southeast of The Plaza, is famous for its galleries, but there are others throughout old town as well.
There’s plenty of hiking around Santa Fe! We did the Dale Ball North Loop, which was a relatively easy trail with nice views. Sections of the trail were snowy or muddy in February. The trailhead is only a ten-minute drive from town.
Check out trading posts and shops! Many of them had dog treats; all of them were happy to invite Alice in. One of the oldest running trading posts in the US is in Santa Fe (appropriately named Original Trading Post), complete with original, creaky wooden floors. Growing up in Colorado, I learned a lot about the Native American tribes that inhabited what is now the (stolen land of the) southwestern United States. People in New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado seem much more knowledgeable, and connected to, the history and culture of the Apache, Navajo, Pueblo, Hispano, and other indigenous peoples. There are opportunities to meet, and learn from, indigenous people in Santa Fe, which I loved. Talking to people working in trading posts and shops in Santa Fe, which sell Native American goods, is one simple way to begin learning about these cultures and their traditions.
If you are able to leave your dog alone in your hotel, I highly recommend going to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum! Dogs aren’t allowed, but her paintings are so beautiful. I’m glad I let Alice nap for an hour so I could go.
Where to Eat & Drink
Places that Allow Dogs Inside
Henry & the Fish - Great coffee shop with a lot of seating, super friendly staff, and dog treats!
La Plazuela at La Fonda - This restaurant is inside a hotel, and there are a few tables at the edge of the restaurant that allow dogs.
Desert Dogs Brewery and Cider - A large brewery in the city center, they also serve tacos.
Chile Line Brewery - The kindest bartender gave Alice her own little tasting flight.
Hervé Wine Bar - Dogs are allowed at a couple of the indoor tables.
35º North Coffee - We ordered inside, then I drank my coffee on the large patio.
The Good Stuff - Cafe Vinyl - A cute shop that also serves coffee.
New Mexico Hard Cider Taproom - A bit south of old town, but lots of seating and many ciders.
Places with Heated Patios
The Shed - A Santa Fé staple, with really good New Mexican food. Expect to have to wait for a table!
Gruet Winery - A lovely wine tasting experience, with snacks too.
Plaza Cafè Downtown - Such amazing tacos!