Santa Fe or Yosemite?
 

Trying to select a honeymoon trip -- it's between Santa Fe and Yosemite --- time is late March. What would you suggest and why?

Thanks!

Spent part of my honeymoon as well in Yosemite but in June when the weather was warm. Been to Santa Fe as a girlfriend trip.

While both are great, they are both different and would choose one as a honeymoon site depending on what both you and your husband like to do. Yosemite, obviously is great for those who enjoy nature, hiking, etc. We stayed for three full days and I could have certainly stayed longer but my DH said that it was enough and couldn't imagine staying longer. Yosemite is so large with so many things to do but I don't know how much will be open in March due to the weather. We also went to San Francisco, Carmel, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Big Sur, LA (therefore navigating our way through the famed Pacific Coast Highway) as part of the whole honeymoon. How much time do you have?

As for Santa Fe, it is such a beautiful town and had lots of fun shopping with my girlfriends. We also did Santa Fe as part of a bigger trip which included the SW-Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, Rocky Mountain, Gunnison, Taos, Albuquerque.

If I had to choose between the two, however, I would have to say Yosemite.

I spent my honeymoon in Yosemite in Feb. - many years ago. We skied at Badger Pass (by late march BP may be closed for the season - depends on how much snow we get between now and then), hiked in the valley and a couple of trails, had 2 or 3 meals at the Ahwahnee (we couldn't afford to stay there, so we economized w/ the Lodge and then "slummed" at the Ahwahnee :) ) and attended some photography talks, etc. It was really great.

But you would be pretty much confined to BP and the Valley floor. The road through YNP over Tioga Pass will still be closed for the season.

It sort of depends - do you want the magical surroundings - or do you want an interesting town w/ lots of artists etc.

Been to both. Love them both..I would day Sante Fe definitely...because of the kiva fireplaces, romantic bars and eateries,candle lit lobbies, it just seems like a place where there are amny more options for rooms that are wonderful. Yosemite rooms are pretty expensive and not always top notch. If you are outdoor lovers both are would be great!

I love both places, but I would not hesitate to say Santa Fe for a honeymoon in March. The Yosemite weather could be rather grim and wet, and aside from hiking and other outdoor activities there is not a whole lot to do there. Santa Fe is a destination town with plenty to do indoors and outdoors. There are cultural activities; there is great, great wonderful food; sightseeing galore, and possibly outstanding weather (no guarantee). It's a very romantic place with great history and art.

If it were me/us, Santa Fe for sure. It has wonderful restaurants, hotels, galleries, museums, hiking trails and other outdoor activities. The prices in March should be good. Bishop's Lodge just outside of town is beautiful. And go to Taos for a day too.

Hope this helps...
Debi

Thanks for all the input! You have helped to confirm that both locations are excellent. I have been concerned about a trip to Yosemite in March -- don't want gloomy damp weather, that's for sure! I've had the feeling that Santa Fe would provide both natural beauty and plenty of great sightseeing (which is our favorite thing).

We like to take off each day and drive around and take in new sights and experiences. I've read about several wonderful day trips out of Santa Fe that sound interesting and beautiful.

Any recommendations on places to see, places to stay, and of course, restaurants.

Thanks for you help!

the area around santa fe has some great ruins of the anasazi-which i think would be open in march--georgia okeefe's ghost ranch would be open i think. taos is fun and a nice contrast to santa fe.

santa fe has lodging of various degrees of luxury. i think the inn of the anasazi is the most lux. but there is also la posada and a number of others. Bishop's lodge is out of town--don't know how much you want to be in town and be able to simply walk around.

Been to both, including Yosemite for part of my honeymoon. For late March, the safer bet is Santa Fe. We love it because it's laid back and funky. It's an artist-type colony. Lots of shops to visit. Hope you, and especially him, enjoy that. There isn't really an A list of things to see and do which is part of the appeal. We took a walking tour which was fun. We also got massages here: http://www.tenthousandwaves.com/ Expensive but what the heck, it's your honeymoon.

As far as where to stay, we use B&Bs so I'm not much help there. I'd urge you to go to www.tripadvisor.com and search for "santa fe hotels" to get some good ideas. Their reviews can be very helpful. Pick out your favorites there and then do searches here to see what the Fodorites have to say about them.

Congrats on the upcoming wedding!! Dave

We honeymooned in Santa Fe, where I went to college. La Posada is a lovely place, within walking distance of the Plaza and in its own lovely compound. We stayed out on Cerrillos Road at El Rey in a room with a fireplace, a budget choice at the time and still just fine. But it has been awhile! For a combination of natural beauty, the outdoors, food and culture, it's hard to beat Sant Fe.