Santa Fe in the winter has a magical feel—picture adobe buildings kissed by snow, crackling fireplaces in cozy inns, and an arts scene that somehow feels even more intimate when the streets are quieter. My 24 hours in Santa Fe were filled with history, good food, stunning architecture, and dreamy strolls through some of the most charming streets I’ve ever seen. Plus, plenty of picture-perfect blue doors!

As a solo female traveler, I felt incredibly safe exploring Santa Fe, both during the day and at night. The city’s walkability, friendly locals, and well-lit streets make it an ideal destination for women traveling alone or even a fabulous girls’ trip! Whether you're wandering through Canyon Road's art galleries or soaking up the history of the Santa Fe Plaza, this city has something for everyone.

After a quick stop in Chimayó, I checked into the Inn and Spa at Loretto, the perfect base for my whirlwind Santa Fe adventure. Nestled in the heart of downtown, this luxurious stay offered warm Southwestern charm and easy access to all the sights. Plus, you NEED to check out the cozy fireplace lounge. It’s a lovely place to unwind after a full day of touring. I stayed in the Terraza King Guest Room because it was winter and I DESPERATELY wanted a cute fireplace to cuddle up to in the evening.

Loretto Chapel & the Mysterious Spiral Staircase

Immediately next to the hotel was the famous sprial staircase! This place is a must-see, not just for its stunning Gothic design but for the legend surrounding its famous spiral staircase. Built in the 1870s, the staircase has no visible means of support and was allegedly constructed by a mysterious carpenter who disappeared before anyone could pay him. Some say it was St. Joseph himself who built it! Spooky, miraculous, or just good old-fashioned engineering? You decide. Either way, it’s absolutely breathtaking.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

If you love grand architecture and fascinating history, this cathedral is a must. Commissioned by Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy in the 19th century, it’s an iconic landmark in Santa Fe. And here’s a fun fact: buried within its walls is a tiny chapel from the 1600s, making it one of the oldest religious sites in the country. Unfortunutely, it was closed while I was visiting due to COVID, but the outside is still a magnificent site.

Santa Fe Plaza: Shopping & History

The heart of Santa Fe, the plaza is where history meets modern-day charm. The Palace of the Governors is here, where Native American artisans sell handmade jewelry and crafts—perfect for picking up a unique souvenir. There were only a few sellers while I was visiting, but I’ve seen pictures where hundreds are selling their goods on a beautiful weekend day, Did I spend way too much time browsing turquoise jewelry? Absolutely.

Canyon Road: Art Lover’s Paradise

Strolling down Canyon Road is like walking through a living art gallery. This stretch is packed with over 100 galleries, each more unique and different than the last. I popped into the few that were a few and chatted with local artists, who were more than happy to share the stories behind their work.

Some fun standout pieces:

Thornwood Gallery – Home to the memorable bronze statue of a girl balancing on a globe. This one greets you as you enter Canyon Road.
Manitou Galleries – Showcasing intricate and contemporary mixed-media sculptures, including a fascinating mermaid-inspired piece.
Lucid Decor Gallery – Featuring mesmerizing wood-based abstract art, like the circular wood panel installation.
Art House Gallery – Exhibiting an eye-catching sculpture of a mystical black and gold female figure with a striking red mask.

The mix of traditional and contemporary art along Canyon Road makes this an unmissable stop in Santa Fe.

San Miguel Chapel: The Oldest Church in the U.S.

Dating back to 1610, this unassuming adobe church holds the title of the oldest church in the United States. Inside, you’ll find an ancient wooden altar and a bell you’re allowed to ring—unfortunately, the church was closed due to COVID, but it was a beautiful view from outside.

Santa Fe Railyard Arts District

When I tell you Santa Fe is filled with art from all over the world, every style and century is featured throughout the city. A quick 20-minute walk from the hotel, I headed to the Santa Fe Railyard Arts District to check out the contemporary galleries and handmade crafts at the farmers’ market. Housed in spacious warehouse-style buildings, this hip, revitalized part of town has some of the best coffee spots in town and is the perfect mix of old and new Santa Fe.

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

I wasn’t able to go inside due to COVID restrictions, but even from the outside, this museum is worth the visit. On a gorgeous sunny day, it’s a great spot to drive to from town and admire the stunning sculptures and artwork that surround the building.This museum offers a deep dive into the Indigenous cultures of the Southwest. The stunning sculptures and exhibits here are mesmerizing, and I highly recommend a visit.

Blue Doors & Adobe Charm — these are found all throughout the city!

It sort of became a game, where is the next cute turquoise door going to appear? The famous turquoise doors really add a pop of color against the earthy tones of the adobe buildings. Walking around town, I couldn’t help but snap pictures of these stunning entryways!

Santa Fe, worth it?

As I packed up and took one last stroll through the streets of Santa Fe, I felt that familiar bittersweet feeling of leaving a place that had embraced me so warmly. The scent of burning piñon wood, the colors of the adobe against the impossibly blue sky, and the kindness of the locals all left an imprint on my heart.

There’s something magical about traveling alone, about allowing yourself to be fully present in the experience, soaking in the beauty, the history, and the unexpected moments. Santa Fe gave me all of that and more. This wasn’t just a trip—it was a memory in the making, a love letter to solo adventures, and a reminder that some places don’t just welcome you, they change you.

Until next time, Santa Fe—you will always have a piece of my heart.

Would I recommend Santa Fe?

Absolutely! Santa Fe is one of those rare destinations that blends history, art, food, and culture seamlessly, making it perfect for a solo adventure or a girls' getaway. I never once felt unsafe, even when walking at night, and the mix of welcoming locals and stunning sights made this trip one for the books.

So, whether you’re looking to uncover scandalous historical secrets (like that mysterious staircase!) or just sip coffee in a beautiful setting, Santa Fe is the place to be. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to feel like a main character in a Southwestern fairytale for a day?

The Perfect Santa Fe Itinerary for a 24 Hour Solo Adventure