If New Mexico is the Land of Enchantment then Santa Fe is the place where dreams come true. The adobe city tucked in the most beautiful canyon with all the art you could ever imagine, natural wonders everywhere, sunsets unrivaled, insane food and more all at the foot of beautiful hiking trails and state and national parks. You can pop into one of the hundreds of art galleries, see the amazing Native American art, visit one of the many outdoor markets and fairs
All of these amazing experiences you can have in Santa Fe and the best part is you can bring your dog with you because Santa Fe is an incredibly Dog-Friendly city! Not only is Santa Fe one of our favorite getaways but our dog has always loved it too! Check out our favorite places to stay, things to do and favorite eats- oh and don’t forget to pack your pup!
Where to Stay
There are so many beautiful old and historic buildings and hotels in Santa Fe. We’ve stayed at several and we’ve loved them all! Take a look at some of our recommendations and be sure to book early! Hotels (especially pet friendly ones) book early so if you know your travel dates reserve your room ASAP!
La Fonda on the Plaza is our favorite hotel in the US. This historic hotel is located on the historic plaza so the location can’t be beat. You’re only a short walk away from the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts and the St Francis Basilica. Even with the insanely great location you’ll have a hard time wanting to leave the hotel. There’s an amazing restaurant downstairs, spectacular rooftop bar with craft cocktails and a famous sunset view. The hotel is filled with original art and each room has beautiful hand painted headboards, original art on the walls and beautifully restored luxury bathrooms.
La Posada de Santa Fe is an hotel from the 1880’s on 6 acres just a few blocks from the town square and a short walk to the famous canyon road. The rooms are lovely in this upscale hotel. They have a great restaurant, amazing dog-friendly patio, tequila tastings and FREE PARKING! Yes, you read that right- free parking in Santa fe!
If you’re looking for more of a modern and familiar accommodation the Drury Plaza Hotel is perfect for you and your pup! The hotel is a modern renovated hotel in a historic hospital with a large variation of room sizes and styles. They even have a few pet-friendly rooms with small outdoor balconies and small gated individual garden patios. Located on the edge of the historic town and nearly next to the Basilica. The Drury Plaza Santa Fe also has an amazing view on a small balcony with a fire pit!
Where to Eat
Santa Fe has an amazing patio culture which means that your dog can join you for dinner at so many locations! There’s not enough room in this article to list all of the amazing places that your pooch can dine so we’re sharing our favorite few.
Tune Up Cafe is a little but amazing restaurant located a little ways off the town square. This cafe is more popular with the locals than with tourists which means you know the food is always good. Cocktails are great- don’t miss the Prickly Pear Marg- and you can sip them and chow down on their delicious food on their dog friendly patio. Don’t fear their warm summer days- they put out water bowls for your very welcome pup!
Located in the historic town square in a pueblo that was built in 1692(!), The Shed is one of the most popular places to eat in all of Santa Fe. They serve southwestern food and are famous for their frozen prickly pear margs. Reservations can book out weeks and months in advance so if you didn’t snag a reservation get there right at opening. Make sure to let them know you need a patio seat for your pooch and they’ll be happy to accommodate if they can!
Are you missing La Belle Vie en France? Mille has some of the best crepes and French pastries outside of France. This cute restaurant has limited parking and sometimes longer waits but the pastries, quiches, and French inspired fresh dishes are 100% worth it! They can sell out of their most popular dishes fast so wake up early, especially on weekends, and grab yourself a breakfast you won’t forget!
Cowgirl BBQ is a barbeque joint on the historic plaza that has been featured on Food Network. It’s barbeque with a southwestern twist with indoor and outdoor seating! It’s casual but it’s delicious and the drinks are as good and affordable as the food! Get there early and bring your dog to enjoy this amazing place!
What to Do with Your Dog
Art Galleries
In Santa Fe there are more art galleries per capita than anywhere else in the world! With over 250 galleries in this beautiful city, you could spend weeks looking at all of the amazing pieces. Santa Fe has art in all price points and styles but one thing that most galleries have in common is that they are very dog-friendly. Some of our favorite galleries have dog treats and dog bowls for their canine visitors. With Santa Fe being one of the newest fine art centers in the world we recommend grabbing the leash and getting out to a gallery! Some of our favorites are on Canyon Rd with our favorite probably being the amazing Nedra Matteucci Gallery and it’s secret garden tucked back behind it.
Hiking
Just outside of the city center of Santa Fe there are petroglyphs, many dating from the 12th to 16th century! Cieneguilla Petroglyphs are a more difficult hike with fairly unmarked trails which makes it feels like you’re discovering the amazing carvings for the first time! The hike is rocky and not for young children or older dogs and dogs without some amount of physicality.
If you’re looking for an easier hike closer to town Frank S Ortiz dog park is a great place for you and your pooch in Santa Fe. This park is a 138 acre area for long walks off leash! This park is not fenced so make sure to keep an eye on your pup and clean up after them!
Town Square Shopping/Outdoor Fairs
Santa Fe’s historic plaza has areas that date all the way from 1610. In a country that doesn’t usually have many buildings over 100 years old, these are incredibly old and cool. Many of the shops carry art from local craftsmen and women, insanely beautiful artisan pottery and art and souvenirs. Well behaved dogs are welcome at pretty much every shop.
Every Saturday and Sunday morning near the famed Loretto Chapel there is a street fair with artists, fresh produce, local treats and delights.
In the plaza itself there are frequent large fairs that celebrate many different types of art, cultures, ideas and people. These fairs can bring thousands of people to the plaza, late night music, delicious food and more. Keep your dog leashed, throw on some shades and head to enjoy. Don’t make our mistake- bring cash if you can to grab some amazing street food!