Santa Fe is the warm and welcoming Southwest at its best: mountian views, 300 days of sun, art and culture, friendly people. But if you are looking for a lively cruising nightlife scene, you are in the wrong place. There are a few bars, but their vibe is more like a cafe than a dance club, and most people go to restaurants to drink. If you want to have a raging night at the clubs, Albuquerque is only 45 minutes away, but Santa Fe is about something different.
Santa Fe is an ideal romantic...
Santa Fe is the warm and welcoming Southwest at its best: mountian views, 300 days of sun, art and culture, friendly people. But if you are looking for a lively cruising nightlife scene, you are in the wrong place. There are a few bars, but their vibe is more like a cafe than a dance club, and most people go to restaurants to drink. If you want to have a raging night at the clubs, Albuquerque is only 45 minutes away, but Santa Fe is about something different.
Santa Fe is an ideal romantic getaway with plenty of gay owned and gay friendly bed and breakfasts and hotels, an array of culinary options and tons of Southwest culture. It is wonderfully gay friendly, and second only to San Francisco in its percentage of same-sex households. Santa Fe is also home to Rainbow vision, the first retirement community designed specifically for GLBT residents.
Located at 7,000 feet at the beginning of the Rockies, Santa Fe city is designed around the central downtown Plaza, with streets radiating from the center. It is very easy to get around, and many excellent lodging options are within walking distance of the best shopping, museums and restaurants. All parts of town are gay-friendly, with lesbians outnumbering the gay men.
The museums and art galleries are not to be missed (this is the land that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe, after all). The Museum of Fine Arts and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum are both located near the Plaza, while many new artists can be seen in the galleries of Santa Fe's hip Guadalupe District (also a popular place to meet local gays). Canyon Road features more upscale galleries and elegant restaurants. If you feel like going for a drive, the mountains offer excellent vistas and the Historic Route 66 is just south of downtown.
Santa Fe is the sort of place that can be visited anytime of year. In fall, the aspen leaves change to bright colors and the days are sunny but cool. In winter, the mountains fill with snow ideal for snow sports. Ski season ends in April, when the days get warmer and summer is Opera season. Whenever you visit, Santa Fe will be waiting. Next time your looking for a romantic getaway, come to Santa Fe.