The French & French Interiors Guide to Visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico
Our guide on where to dine, where to stay, what to do, and where to shop in Santa Fe, New Mexico — from two interior designers who have called it home for the past 20 years.
Interior designers, Heather & Matt French, photographed by Matt Dutile at Shiprock Gallery on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Voted by Travel & Leisure as the best city in the US for two years running, it goes without saying that YES, you should book your vacation to our beautiful city. Santa Fe is full of gems! With an ever-growing art market, people moving and traveling here from all over the world, and fun pop-ups for fashion and food happening on a weekly basis, this city is nothing if not a melting pot of global food, fashion, and music — all coming together to give the city its rich, artistic spirit. There is always something new to try, places to go... but we have our favorites.
Consider this a non-comprehensive guide to the city. These are our tried-and-true spots — the gems (some hidden, some not so much, but all 100% worth the hype) that you can depend on when visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico. We're always discovering new shops and restaurants, but these are the ones we find ourselves returning to time and time again.
We moved to Santa Fe in 2005 and never looked back
Heather & Matt on their honeymoon, backpacking the Grand Canyon.
Let's start from the beginning. We moved to the Land of Enchantment back in 2005. Following several years of internships and travel, along with our first remodel of a home in Florida, we were looking for somewhere to put down roots. Heather was looking to start her career in natural medicine, while Matt was following his path in off-grid electrical systems. Santa Fe was the perfect place for us to pursue both, so we packed up our truck and headed west.
Our first home in Santa Fe. A camper on a plot of land south of Santa Fe.
We settled on a plot of land south of Santa Fe in Madrid — purchased sight unseen, with all of our savings from that Florida remodel project — and slowly, over time, built our home. We'd live there for the next 15 years, raising our daughter Isla, transitioning careers, starting our business, and eventually running our design studio and a brick-and-mortar storefront in downtown Santa Fe. We lived in that home for almost 15 years before moving into city limits, to our current home and most recent remodel project, the Ivy House.
Heather & Matt outside of their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Photography by Jenna Peffley
What originally drew us to Santa Fe was the spirit of the city and the people it attracted. The closeness of the outdoors, and the lifestyle that came with it, drew us in too. Matt, an avid mountain biker and snowboarder, felt it immediately. We've met some of the most creative, entrepreneurial-minded people here in our hometown, as well as some of the most adventurous. So, without further ado, our take on the Santa Fe must-sees, must-dos, must-eats, and must-stays to add to your list, should you be so lucky to spend time in this beautiful city we call home.
Where to eat in Santa Fe
This is where we actually take people, and where we go ourselves.
Izanami — An enchanting experience even before the food is served. Japanese bar fare — you won't regret adding this to your itinerary. Make an afternoon of it and start with the spa at Ten Thousand Waves.
The Shed — A Santa Fe institution for a reason.
Pasqual's— Sit at the family-style table to dine alongside an eclectic mix of locals and visitors. Be sure to save room for the date milkshake for dessert.
The Compound — The Alexander Girard–designed dining room alone is worth the reservation.
Leo's — A fairly new addition to the Santa Fe restaurant scene, opened by our friend Jonathan Boyd of Boyd & Allister. Get there early and order the noodles the second you sit down — they sell out every night.
Tía Sophia's — The birthplace of the term "Christmas" for ordering red and green chile together.
Dolina — Eastern European breakfast fare, a wonderful way to start a morning before heading to the Plaza.
Farm Shop Norte — Start your evening with a drink here, followed by dinner at Market Steer next door.
Geronimo — a classic for a celebratory meal, right on Canyon Road.
Historic Landmarks and Architecture to see in Santa Fe
Santa Fe's built environment is basically a design education in itself, and this is the short list of what we think you actually need to see.
La Fonda on the Plaza — the anchor of downtown, and worth a wander even if you're not staying there. Great rooftop bar for a quick drink overlooking the Plaza at sunset. The current building dates to the 1920s and carries the Fred Harvey Company's fingerprints. The design influence comes from celebrated architect, Mary Colter, and the Southwestern hotel style she helped define.
New Mexico Museum of Art — Built in 1917, it's considered one of the buildings that helped launch "Santa Fe style" as we know it today. Pueblo Revival architecture drawing on the region's mission churches and adobe pueblos.
Palace of the Governors / NM History Museum — Located right on the plaza, this is the oldest continuously used public building in the country. You can also buy jewelry directly from Native artisans under the portal most days, which we highly encourage!
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi — Built between 1869 and 1886 in the French Romanesque Revival style, commissioned by Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy. A striking departure from the adobe buildings around it.
Loretto Chapel — This one's personal… it's where we got married! It's also known for its "miraculous staircase". A spiral staircase built with no visible means of support and, as the story goes, no nails, that local legend credits to a mysterious carpenter who built it and vanished without payment or a name.
San Miguel Chapel — one of the oldest churches in the U.S.
The Oldest House — a small adobe structure on De Vargas Street, long claimed to be the oldest house in the country.
The Girard Collection at the Museum of International Folk Art — Alexander Girard was a modernist known for the vivid, pattern-driven identity he gave to brands like Braniff Airlines, who spent decades amassing one of the largest personal folk art collections in the world. His donated collection, and the way he chose to display it, changed how folk art was understood and valued in this country… not as craft on the margins, but as art in its own right.
Where to shop for Vintage in Santa Fe
Santa Fe Antiques — Our first stop when we're hunting for a specific piece, and they have the best staff.
Santa Fe Vintage — Turquoise, cowboy boots, worn-in denim… the racks read like a time capsule of the Southwest. It's an appointment only shop, but it’s well worth the trek out of downtown to explore their incredible collection.
Double Take — Another incredible collection of western wear, vintage cowboy boots and jewelry. Don’t miss their home collection up-stairs!
Our favorite Women’s Clothing Boutiques in Santa Fe
La Boheme — Our go-to for a special-occasion piece. French-leaning, feminine, a little unexpected & as the name suggests, bohemian.
SOTE (Spirit of Earth) — A stunning collection of high quality women's clothing and accessories + a spectacular collection of jewelry from a diverse mix of artists. The merchandising is always beautifully done, too.
Spirit — Effortless, easy pieces.
Maya — Bold, global, a little bit of everywhere. Great for finding something you won't see on anyone else.
Where to stay in Santa Fe
Inn of the Five Graces — Maximalist in the best way. Global antiques, mosaic tile, velvet everywhere. If you want a room that feels like its own art piece, stay here.
La Posada de Santa Fe — Historic casitas tucked into six acres just off the Plaza. It’s quieter and a little more resort like than hotel.
La Fonda on the Plaza — Can't beat the location! and the rooftop bar makes it worth a stay even if you've been here a hundred times.
Inn of the Anasazi — Refined Southwestern elegance, just steps from the Plaza.
What Santa Fe Districts to explore
The Plaza — The historic heart of downtown, home of our favorites like Lucchese Boots, Shiprock Gallery and the Palace of the Governors.
Canyon Road — The art gallery district — half a mile of adobe courtyards, working studios, pop-up vintage shops, and some really great stops for food & drink!
Railyard / Guadalupe — The newer, more contemporary counterpart to the Plaza. More galleries, restaurants, and the farmers market on Saturday morning.
If you fall for this city the way we did…
What makes Santa Fe truly incredible is it’s tri-cultural heart — Native, Spanish, and Anglo influences that have layered on top of one another for centuries. It's in the architecture, the food, the art market, the language. It's the reason this city doesn't feel like anywhere else.
We love hosting our friends here and crafting homes that embrace the spirt of this city. It’s an honor to live in Santa Fe and to bring beauty into the homes across this region. Explore our interior design projects in Santa Fe.
The Hollyhock House, designed by French & French Interiors. Photography by Jenna Peffley.
Happy exploring!
— Heather & Matt French, French & French Interiors