Grab your buddies and get away to Santa Fe! The City Different, a nickname it gave itself just after New Mexico’s statehood in 1912, is THE spot for an all-around broventure. It's an outdoor mecca for dudes, complete with a light-up-your-tastebuds culinary scene, endless options for award-winning craft beer and spirits, cool evening hotspots and their rockin’ menu of live music licks, and a handful of sick spa choices to work out the kinks. Here are our 5 top ideas for your posse!
1. Get Outside
Did you know that just 4 miles from the historic Santa Fe Plaza you can find the edge of the Santa Fe National Forest? Yup, and there are 1.6 million acres to explore. The Blue Bus is your ticket any season. Take it to Ski Santa Fe, topping out at 12,075, open Thanksgiving day through early April, to explore the fluffiest snow on 90 trails, something for every level of snowboarder or skier in your crew—from the timid “just along for the ride” bud to the rad “I’m gonna hit all of the bumps!” Definitely hit mid-mountain Totemoff’s for the legendary Texas chile, a signature cocktail, and some live tunes.
If it’s bike season, have the Blue Bus drop you off at Norski and bomb the Winsor, 12 miles of challenging single track through the forest, along and over the Tesuque River, eventually dumping you out in the town of Tesuque. Take Bishop's Lodge Road a couple of miles for some sustenance at Tesuque Village Market. Their margs and bloodies will have you telling stories.
Speaking of stories, consider getting a guide and strap on the waders for some fly fishing. There are many rivers to choose from, the Rio Grande and Pecos among the faves for developing tall tales about those brown or rainbow trout you’ve caught.
As you likely know, any active day can be paired with at least 9 holes of golf. At the top of the must-play list is Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe, just eight miles west of downtown. This legendary mini course is in high-end country club condition, with 360-degree views of the mountains. And yes, you’ll want to hit the 19th hole, aka The Links Bar & Grill for some suds and their ample Northern New Mexico cuisine menu.
2. Eat the Food
You know what you and your buds need to do in Santa Fe and there’s no doubt you’ll accomplish the task: Eat lots of Northern New Mexican cuisine, which means saying “Yes!” to chile, be it red or green or Christmas. For guidance, check out the Iconic Foods of Santa Fe and the 12 Must-Taste Dishes in Santa Fe or make some notes about stops along the Food Truck Tour and the Breakfast Burrito Tour. Experiencing Santa Fe’s cuisine could consume (get it? 🙂) your entire visit, so choose wisely. Our Santa Fe Menu Magazine might also help you (or it could further overwhelm—in a good way!).
3. Sample the Suds & Spirits
So, let’s face it, imbibing is some of the glue that affirms dude friendships and lucky for y’all, Santa Fe is a goldmine in this department. To make it easy on yourself, hop on the Craft Beer & Spirits Tour for an inspired itinerary to various breweries, beer halls, tasting rooms, and distilleries where Santa Feans take their beer and spirits craft quite seriously! New to the block is Keeping Together Brewery and Beverage Garden, housed in a lovingly repurposed greenhouse and led by Averie Swanson, a Master Cicerone® and world-renowned brewer. Or check out the Santa Fe Margarita Trail with 50+ stops for your Tequila-loving reveling!
4. Check out the scene
Santa Fe is fast becoming a haven for Gen Zs and Millennials, which means nightlife and live music is a requirement. Standards in the heart of downtown like Evangelo’s and The Matador offer an edgy, grunge vibe. Both in the Railyard, Nuckoll’s Brewing Co. (plus its groovy Low Bar) and As Above So Below promise a great vantage point for live bands at the stage in front of the water tower as well as their own weekly gigs. Up-and-coming Gatsby’s is the spot for a sophisticated swill. Cowgirl BBQ always delivers on the fun with no end to the drinks, excellent live music, and a pool hall to boot. Also, it’s got a playful Western feel. Midtown’s Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery is absolutely worth a visit for some live entertainment in what feels like a revamped barn, while sipping their locally crafted beer and spirits. If your dudes' main obsession is live music wherever they can find it, plan ahead and see what local promoter Lensic 360 has on tap. You’d be surprised by the exciting bands that grace our small Southwestern city!
5. Calm Down & Relax
The underlying goal of any vacay, even one spent with your dudes, is to relax, right? So, take advantage of the super chill nurturing vibe Santa Fe offers. A soak in natural mineral hot springs has a magical power to heal and rejuvenate, so you can spend more time on the links or at the bars. Soak at Ten Thousand Waves in a private tub (some permit up to 8 people) at a Japanese-inspired bathhouse set high in the mountains or experience multiple spring-fed pools set on a pastoral 77-acre resort at Ojo Santa Fe. Within easy, scenic driving distance, try Ojo Caliente and Jemez Hot Springs offer communal and private soaking options. Or check with your local lodging—many have spa and sauna services onsite. Each offers a range of unique and rejuvenating body treatments.
Get a taste of The City Different! Order your Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide now or browse our deals and specials to help you plan your next trip to Santa Fe.
