Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
The Southwestern part of America is a haven for the queer community, often overlooked in favor of larger cities. In this city of Santa Fe, we find a very tight and loud gay scene which some have described as the second gayest city in all of the USA, so if you are after a gay place to visit, you will not be disappointed by this part of New Mexico. This city has a long history of openness and acceptance to marginalized communities and draws queers of all ages and interests to its welcoming sandy arms.
Drawing back from the countless gay-friendly venues and attractions in Santa Fe, we can see a city that hosts one of the most significant art scenes in the world. So you can expect to see every aspect of the city’s life feeding into its inhabitants’ creative and artistic culture. So even if you aren’t too keen to stop by Canyon Road to see the highest concentration of art galleries or artist workshops, you will find something in this little paradise.
Located in the region known as Oghá P’o’oge or Yootó to the Native Americans, it was home to their tribes for thousands of years until 1610 a Spanish settlement of Sante Fe was founded. From then, the population sprung up as a religious and eventual artistic center in New Mexico.
So, this rich history awaits you at Santa Fe; however, if you fancy yourself more of a foodie and have countless restaurants to explore or step out into the swell of nature’s bounty at their doorsteps.
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Gay Santa Fe, USA
Santa Fe doesn’t just offer queer exclusive venues and sights because this city has many attractions to suit all sorts. From the thriving art scene to the natural beauty of the parks, historic buildings and out-of-city adventures, you will always find something to get excited about.
As a new visitor to Gay Santa Fe, there are plenty of things to see and do, regardless of your sexual orientation. One of the best ways to experience any new city is to visit some of its most iconic landmarks and attractions, including visiting historical monuments, museums, and art galleries. We also love gazing at architecture up close, exploring parks and gardens, sampling the local cuisine, visiting local markets, and attending cultural events such as festivals, concerts and shows.
Even as the out-and-proud queer we are, we still love to just explore the city and its culture in the same way as everyone else. Doing so allows us the opportunity to learn more about the city and its people and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. As such, these are our favorite must-see attractions in Santa Fe.
Santa Fe: New Mexican Flavors Foodie Walking Tour
A top tour for food enthusiast tourists in Santa Fe is the New Mexican Flavors Foodie Walking Tour. You get led through the city by food by a guide who will teach you about the history and culture of the city’s food and sample local dishes and drinks at top culinary hotspots. You get to see iconic destinations as well as keep your stomach full!
2-Hour Sunset Serenade by Train
For those wanting a romantic date idea during your gay escapades into Santa Fe, you may fizz at the tour package, including a 2-hour sunset serenade by train. Why is this so great? Imagine being treated to a unique and relaxing experience on the backdrop of live jazz and cabaret performances on a train.
Then, spending quality time with a loved one, a potential partner, or a friend, you and drink cocktails and take in the stunning views of the Galisteo Basin. If this doesn’t sell you on the idea, you will also be treated in a first-class passenger cabin with service to pamper all guests. Who couldn’t say no to that?
Being the art capital of America, The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is one of many top-notched art galleries. This one focuses on the life and artistic legacy of Georgia O’Keeffe, who transformed American modernism.
You can see many of her essential art pieces across multiple sites, kindling her home and studio, and then the museum housing the bulk of the collection on display. This local legend’s art embodies iconic symbols straight out of the streets and surrounding deserts of Santa Fe, allowing you to take in what makes this place so unique.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
One of the famous facades of Santa Fe is the old Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, a Roman Catholic cathedral built between 1869 and 1886. Built-in the Romanesque Revival architecture with rounded arches, Corinthian columns, and truncated square towers, it is made from locally sourced yellow limestone and imported french stained glass windows.
Meow Wolf Santa Fe
A fun art installation is the House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe, made by Meow Wolf. Aimed to bring modern arts and entertainment to this town, they created a 20,000-square-foot concert venue that has left an impact and international praise from the art world.
This unusual building at first looks plain and stretched out on the outside, but when you go inside, you will be blown away by the experience you’ll have. To not give anything away, you will spend up to two hours having some of your life’s most immersive art experiences.
Santa Fe Plaza
Located in downtown Santa Fe is The Santa Fe Plaza, designed in a traditional Spanish-American colonial style. Here is a popular gathering for all, and places host events and markets annually.
Moreover, this plaza plays host to a central park where you can take a break from the bustle of the city and take a breather under the shade of trees. During Christmas time, you will find a lot of magic in this area as they decorate the trees with lights and set up a performing arts stage in the square to get everyone into the festive spirit.
Museum of International Folk Art
Santa Fe also supports international art movements, such as Folk art, showing its dedication to the art world. In their Museum dedicated to this movement, you can find a rich collection of work gathered since its founding in 1953. Today they hold over 135,000 artifacts displayed in four wings of the building, is different overall themes related to the various objects on display.
You will likely encounter a range of cultures and artifacts ranging from dolls to masks, Indian art through to Mexcian art. Moreover, the museum hosts the International Folk Art Market every July, so this would be the best time to see them at their peak.
Santa Fe Farmers Market
For those wanting a freshly rural experience of Santa Fe, you need to check out their Farmers Market, one of the oldest, largest and loudest community gatherings for farmers in the US. Here you can see the complete range of agricultural produce in New Mexico, taste the best fruits and other goodies around, and you may learn a thing or two about why buying straight from the grower is better than from stores.
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture is dedicated to presenting Native American art and culture in the region. Here you can get to know the rich history of the Native American peoples, see how rich and varied their art and culture spreads, and understand how organizations like this are trying to keep the Native American cultures alive today.
Ski Santa Fe
Santa Fe isn’t all about art and food; it has a dedicated outdoor sports community that includes taking to the icy slopes of the local ski field between November through April. Even if you are a first-time skier, you can have an incredible time ascending the snowy peaks and trying your skill skiing.
The resort offers lessons, allows you to hire all the gear and provides a warm place to relax between daring the frigid elements, plus views you can’t buy anywhere else.
Gay-Friendly & Gay Hotels in Santa Fe, USA
Santa Fe isn’t just a great place to see the sights of a uniquely situated Spanish colonial town full of rich history, art and other delights; they also have great options for accommodation that is not only gay-friendly but a highlight of your stay. So you can bet that this hotel will offer this and more regardless of your dream.
Being gay-friendly accommodation means that the establishment is welcoming and inclusive to guests who identify as LGBTQ+. This can include, but is not limited to, having policies and practices in place that demonstrate a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ guests, such as non-discrimination policies, and providing support and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Some gay-friendly accommodations may also provide amenities specifically catering to the LGBTQ+ community, such as rainbow flags or literature about local LGBTQ+ events or resources. Furthermore, gay-friendly accommodations may be located in an area that is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly.
While Santa Fe does not have any specifically gay hotels or resorts, these are the most fabulous and pro-actively gay-friendly hotels in Santa Fe. Needless to say, there are also hundreds more hotel and hostel options in Santa Fe if none of these suit your desired budget, facilities or area – but these are the best hotels according to other gay travelers and us.
Whatever your needs are, Santa Fe has you covered.
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi ☆☆☆☆☆
To begin our accommodation tour of Santa Fe, we want to start with the real buckaroo of this town, the five-star Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi. Located in the Downtown area of Santa Fe, you have access to the famous gay-friendly nightlife scene and are within walking distance of top city attractions.
However, the true gem in this dune is the on-site fitness center, spa service, and restaurant serving Latin American cuisine. So regardless of who you are, you can find plenty of things to do and space to eat or work.
Also, the rooms are fully decked out to provide all the basics guests could ever ask for. You can find a welcoming space for yourself and any traveling pets looking for some time away from home. The cozy rooms embody a warm winter cabin feel, with a highlight being the soft pastel decor colors, the terrace with a view, and the raging fire. Why ask for anything more?
Moving on into the gleaming four-star hotels of Santa Fe, you will find a striking historic hotel in the heart of the downtown area, La Fonda on the Plaza. You will not only be staying in a building built in the 1920s, but you’ll have easy access to the heart of the artsy body that drives the culture of this city.
These attractions include Santa Fe Plaza, Loretta Chapel and the New Mexico Museum of Art to get an all-rounded taste of Santa Fe.
It isn’t just the outside sights that make this hotel special, boasting 180 rooms equipped with premium bedding, TVs, coffee makers and other bare essentials. In addition, guests can enjoy the on-site spa, two restaurants, an outdoor pool and a shopping center. So why go anywhere else if all you need can be provided just a short walk away?
Another glowing four-star hotel is the Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Downtown Santa Fe. The hotel is conveniently located near popular attractions such as the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, the Santa Fe Plaza, and the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. However, if you want to stay at the residence, you can indulge in the on-site Nidah Spa, providing body treatment and a warm dip in a spa.
Moreover, you can swim in the outdoor pool or keep fit in the gym, and when you need some food, you can select from two bars. If the shared services weren’t making you excited, all 219 rooms you can choose from would come with luxurious bedding, a TV, fridges and even a microwave on request. The rooms are so varied that you will find one to suit your needs.
Inn at Santa Fe, SureStay Collection by Best Western ☆☆☆
For those fine cowboys and cowgirls looking for a three-star hotel to spend the night in the desert town of Santa Fe, you will love the Inn. This Hotel by Best Western embraces the culture and feel of Santa Fe, with a building that makes you expect to see a man on a horse pulling up outside the front door for service.
Inside you will be treated to a choice of 99 rooms, with the higher ones presenting fantastic views of the surrounding cityscape, and located on the outskirts, you’ll be sure to have prime viewing if that cowboy does appear.
The hotel provides work-friendly spaces with both rooms, including TVS and loungers when you want to rest. But if you need to leave your cave, you can try out their fitness center, sauna, steam room, and outdoor pool, so keeping active will be a breeze.
Then they also have you covered with food with their hotel bar and cafe; however, if you want to see what is beyond their walls, they have convenient access to many iconic Santa Fe attractions. These include the Quail Run Golf Course, Cerrillos Hills State Park, and Hermit’s Peak, making it great for those adventurous outdoor types.
Gay Nightlife In Santa Fe, USA
Despite its reputation as a cultural and artistic hub, Santa Fe, USA, also offers a lively and welcoming gay nightlife scene. There’s something for everyone in this vibrant city, from drag shows and dance parties to laid-back bars and lounges. You won’t find any ‘gay bars’ as such, but you will find a mixed crowd in the downtown section of the city, which plays host to the queer community in many forms.
Exploring the gay and gay-friendly nightlife in a new city can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences while traveling – and Gay Santa Fe is no exception. Not only will you have the opportunity to meet new people and make friends, but you’ll also get a taste of the local culture and learn more about the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
Going out and experiencing the queer and queer-friendly nightlife in a new city can also be a great way to break out of your comfort zone and try new things. Whether it’s dancing the night away at a gay club or mingling with locals at a gay-friendly bar, you’ll have the chance to make memories and create lasting connections.
So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore the gay and gay-friendly nightlife in Santa Fe. You’ll be glad you did!
Gay Parties & Gay Clubs In Santa Fe, USA
Santa Fe Pride and Human Rights Alliance
The heart of the formal gay community in Santa Fe is the Pride and Human Rights Alliance which helps support the queer community in this city. They don’t just provide a safe network to build and sport gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people; they regularly host events and annual festivals, the biggest being the Pride Festival.
Other Gay-Friendly Nightlife In Santa Fe, USA
The Matador, a downtown bar on the corner of San Francisco and Galisteo Sts, has become a local hotspot for the LGBTQ+ community. So head down to this laid-back basement venue to take in the whole dive bar experience, where Friday nights are the peak of the gay clientele. Unfortunately, you won’t have any live matador events here, but the decoration and celebration in its name for Mexcian culture, paired with great drinks and a friendly vibe, will make it stand out as one you can’t miss.
Boxcar is a trendy bar and restaurant named after the New Mexico term for train cart, and in its name, it provides a vast quantity of drinks and food that make it a great place to try a taste of American cuisine.
This establishment found in the Railyard District has gained a huge gay following, and this is a popular hotspot for a gay night out in Santa Fe. You could meet a date for a cocktail or local brew paired with great food and a lively lounge decorated with live music. Also, patrons love the outside patio for variation and socializing on warm nights.
Another unique spot popular with the queer crowd is the fantastically named Dragon Room Lounge, themed in the vain of the giant flying lizard itself. You will find trees growing through the roof and artwork by Rosalea Murphy, the creator of the Pink Abode in which the bar resides. The whole venue caters to guests’ food and drink needs but also embraces the unique cultural Santa Fe through arts and New Mexcian flair.
After a historic escapade in popular attractions for gay patrons, El Farol is a classic dining experience in their bar and restaurant. Experience incredible Spanish tapas, paella, and more, and be treated to live music shows like their regulars from the National Institute of Flamenco. This is the perfect romantic evening event, all ready to go! El Farol embraces the Spanish and Mexcian traditions that are still very much alive in Santa Fe today.
Since 1993, Cowgirl has been running her part of town as a popular restaurant and nighttime hotspot. Here you will find people who wanted to promote the culture of the American cowgirl through the foods of the American West and Southwest, and they have certainly achieved these goals.
You can not just buy food and drink here, but nifty like merchandise and gift cards to remind you of when you stopped by to enjoy their hearty barbecue or cold drinks.
Located in the luxury resort of La Posada de Santa Fe is the Staab House, a popular gay hot spot that runs out of an old patio and drawing room serving cocktails and other delights. You can experience a little slice of the splendor of the resort as you dine around galleries showcasing local artists and relax in the calm and tranquil scene.
Of course, you can expect rowdy dancing and parties here, but you will find a little quiet time perfect for some much-needed alone time.
Harry Roadhouse will have you spinning with joy if you’re looking for an all-rounder of food options that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner with a Southwestern twist. Founded in 1992, this colorful and whimsical abode provides affluent seating, with the opportunity to eat out on their patio if you want to take in the sights and tastes of the local area.
The Vanessie Inn has a popular restaurant and piano bar, exceptionally popular with hotel guests and the gay community. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown, providing a decor of fine dining, drinks and live entertainment.
The Secreto Lounge is a craft cocktail bar in the Hotel St. Francis in Santa Fe. Here you can be treated to the award-winning ‘garden-to-glass’, cocktails, fresh fruits, spirits, bitters and a vast selection of other delights.
When you dine, you will be lounging in a rustic indoor bar with a seasonal loggia and quiet time to relax with friends before you hit the town. So you can understand why they called it a secret, to keep it between knowing patrons for a reason.
Cruising & Gay Saunas In Santa Fe, USA
The cruising scene in Santa Fe isn’t as lively as in other parts of New Mexico. However, you can rest assured you’ll find a welcoming crowd of people where ever you venture into the city clubs. Furthermore, if you have your phone in hand with a date set up via a dating app, you will not have difficulty finding fun in her gay-friendly hold.
You can choose from several of the gay-friendly venues listed above to go on a romantic date, and then you could go for a twilight walk or take full advantage of your cozy abode back at your hotel. Whatever you choose may it be brilliant.
When traveling to a new city, it can be exciting to head out for more than just a stiff drink. One aspect of the Gay Santa Fe scene that many queer men enjoy is visiting gay saunas and cruising clubs.
Sure, the sauna culture in Santa Fe is not as hedonistic as in Amsterdam, Barcelona or Berlin, but these venues still offer a chance to meet new people, socialize, and engage in sexual activity – without resorting to gay hookup apps.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that these venues can vary greatly in terms of atmosphere, clientele, and rules, so it’s a good idea to prepare yourself before visiting. If you are apprehensive, we advise studying our guide to visiting a gay bathhouse for the first time, which should help set your mind at ease, and always practice safe sex.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware of and respect local laws and customs regarding gay venues and sexual activity. With a little bit of planning and an open mind, visiting gay saunas and cruising clubs can be a fun and exciting part of your gay Santa Fe travel itinerary.
Gay Map Of Santa Fe
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Santa Fe? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!