Santa Fe Nights
Santa Fe's Relaxing Nightlife
Established in 1607, at a soaring altitude of 7,000 ft., Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the oldest and highest U.S. state capital. Regularly rated as a top travel destination, Santa Fe is a southwestern Mecca for musicians and meditation enthusiast, artists and the avant-garde. In fact, you can't walk a block in New Mexico's capital without stumbling upon an art gallery.
While the city is somewhat lacking in terms of traditional discos and dance clubs, the laid back scene in Santa Fe is an experience you'll find both relaxing and rejuvenating. One thing's for certain, denizens have perfected the art of people watching.
Great Santa Fe Spots For People Watching
To be clear, Santa Fe doesn't have many dance-till-your-feet-fall-off clubs. Locals are much more apt to people watch. It is an artists' haven after all. So where does the best people watching happen in Santa Fe?
315
Popular restaurant, 315, adds a touch of Parisian charm to Santa Fe. Guests dine in a sidewalk bistro setting while enjoying the best French and continental cuisine Santa Fe has to offer.
Secreto Lounge
Secreto Lounge, featuring two award winning mixologists behind the bar, is another popular spot.
The Pink
Simply referred to as “The Pink” by locals, The Pink Adobe is a Santa Fe institution. Established in 1944, the Pink's home is a 300-year-old building. Intimate fireplaces and inspiring art accent the dining room where guests feast on some of the yummiest New Orleans Creole and New Mexican cuisine you'll have the pleasure of tasting.
Milagro 139
Milagro 139 is quickly becoming the place to go to shake your groove thing in Santa Fe. The popular eatery converts into a dance club on Friday and Saturday nights. If you go, be sure to try one of their delicious “Beginner's Luck” margaritas.
Meow Wolf
The trendy Meow Wolf alternative art space also holds various parties on the weekends.
While the town does exude a more relaxed meta-tone, there are still a few raucous experiences to be had -- especially for those who enjoy taking a turn at the tables, as two Pueblo Indian casinos have opened up on the outskirts of town. Better yet, they both have door-to-door shuttles which service most of the major hotels in town. As a polar experiment, spend the day downtown waxing poetic over inspiring art, scenery and history, and then head to either the Camel Rock Casino or Cities of Gold at night for a rowdy time.
If you are the type of person who can gaze upon scenic vistas for days, book tickets to Santa Fe for the second week in September, the most beautiful week of the year in New Mexico's charming, historical, art-loving capital.