29 Best Places to Shop in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Background Illustration for Shopping

Santa Fe has been a trading post for eons. Nearly a thousand years ago the great pueblos of the Chacoan civilizations were strategically located between the buffalo-hunting tribes of the Great Plains and the Indians of Mexico. Native Americans in New Mexico traded turquoise and other valuables with Indians from Mexico for metals, shells, parrots, and other exotic items. After the arrival of the Spanish and the West's subsequent development, Santa Fe became the place to exchange silver from Mexico and natural resources from New Mexico for manufactured goods, whiskey, and greenbacks from the United States. The construction of the railroad in 1880 brought Santa Fe access to all kinds of manufactured goods.

The trading legacy remains, but now Downtown Santa Fe caters increasingly to those looking for handmade furniture and crafts, and bespoke apparel and accessories. Sure, a few chains have moved in and a handful of fairly tatty souvenir shops still proliferate, but shopping in Santa Fe consists mostly of high-quality, one-of-a-kind independent stores. Canyon Road, packed with internationally acclaimed galleries, is the perfect place to browse for art and collectibles. The Downtown blocks around the Plaza have unusual gift and curio shops, as well as clothiers and shoe stores that range from theatrical to conventional. You’ll find quite a few art galleries here, too. The hip, revitalized Railyard District (sometimes referred to as the Guadalupe District), less touristy than the Plaza, is on Downtown's southwest perimeter and includes a wide-ranging mix of trendy boutiques, gift shops, and avant-garde contemporary art galleries—it’s arguably the most eclectic of Santa Fe’s shopping areas.

Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery

The Plaza Fodor's choice

You can browse, and buy, some of the nation's finest examples of both historic and contemporary Native American pottery at this gallery a couple of blocks east of the Plaza. It is especially renowned for its collection of pieces from San Ildefonso Pueblo legend Maria Martinez and her illustrious family.

The Ark

Railyard District Fodor's choice

Santa Fe is well-known for its mystical side and the Ark is where locals go to feed their spiritual souls. Mainly a metaphysical bookstore, the Ark also offers a diverse selection of cards, gemstones, candles, and crystals as well as gifts of all kinds, from Tibetan prayer flags and wind chimes to yoga mats and clothing.

Beastly Books

Railyard District Fodor's choice

Famed Santa Fe resident George R. R. Martin owns this fantasy-and-science-fiction-focused bookstore as well as Jean Cocteau Cinema next-door. Named after Cocteau’s 1946 classic Beauty and the Beast (which was also a television show the Game of Thrones author worked on in the 1980s), the shop features books of all genres, each signed by its writer. This, of course, includes Martin’s many offerings, but also books by Diana Gabaldon, Leonard Maltin, Erica Jong, and Walter Jon Williams.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Cielo Handcrafted

East Side and Canyon Road Fodor's choice

This family-run lifestyle gallery specializes in goods produced by local artists and craftspeople including pottery, clothing, art, furniture, and home goods. Of particular interest is the stunning jewelry created by local artist Gloria Olazabal as well as the beautiful wood cutting boards and serving trays featuring inlaid turquoise by Wild Edge Woodworks.

Collected Works Book Store & Coffeehouse

The Plaza Fodor's choice

You'll find a great selection of art and travel books here, including a generous selection of titles on Southwestern art, architecture, and general history, as well as the latest in contemporary literature. In a large, inviting space close to the Plaza, you can also enjoy organic lattes, snacks, and sandwiches from the superb Iconik Coffee Roasters. Peruse the local author sections, and don't miss the live readings and music performances. The proprietress and her staff are known for their knowledge and helpfulness.

Doodlet's

The Plaza Fodor's choice

Most locals have fond memories of visiting Doodlet's in childhood because this store has been delighting customers with its whimsical collection of pop-up books, silly postcards, tin art, hooked rugs, and stringed lights for decades. Considered one of Santa Fe's best gift shops, you will find wonderment in every display case, drawing the eye to the unusual. There's something for just about everyone at this delightfully quirky, popular shop, and often it's affordable.

Homefrocks

East Side and Canyon Road Fodor's choice

This shop features simple, yet exquisite, women's clothing designed by local artist Nancy Traugott. The natural silk and linen fabrics are colored by hand with botanical dyes, making each classic piece truly one-of-a-kind. Equally appropriate for a farmers' market stroll or a night at the opera, these breezy yet substantial mix-and-match dresses, scarves, pants, and jackets are certainly an investment but are sure to become staples in any wardrobe.

Jackalope

South Side Fodor's choice

You could easily spend a couple of hours wandering through this legendary indoor--outdoor bazaar, which sprawls over 7 acres, incorporating pottery barns, a furniture store, endless aisles of knickknacks from Latin America and Asia, and a glassblowing studio. There's also an area where craftspeople, artisans, and others sell their wares—sort of a mini--flea market feel (but with retail prices).

Kakawa

East Side and Canyon Road Fodor's choice

You're unlikely to ever have tasted anything like the divine, agave-sweetened, artisanal creations that emerge from this sweet shop. Historically accurate chocolate drinks, like the Aztec Warrior Elixir, divine caramels, and gluten-free chocolate baked goods are served in this cozy, welcoming establishment that's as much an educational experience as a chance to indulge in exceptional sweets. There are three more locations: one is on Rufina Street near Meow Wolf, another sits in midtown on San Mateo Road, and the other is all the way in Salem, Massachusetts.

Niman Fine Art

The Plaza Fodor's choice

This intimate space focuses on the prolific work of world-renowned, award-winning contemporary Native American artist Dan Namingha whose celebrated paintings and sculptures are part of exclusive collections all around the world. His sons Arlo and Michael are also artists working in bronze, wood, and stone as well as digital imagery. The family founded the Namingha Institute to help instruct and guide new generations of Indigenous artists.

O'Farrell Hat Company

The Plaza Fodor's choice

Scott O'Farrell (son of the shop's late founder, Kevin) and his highly trained staff carry on the tradition of producing carefully designed and constructed classic Western hats. These one-of-a-kind, fur-felt cowboy hats make the ultimate Santa Fe keepsake. Custom work is available and this level of quality comes at a cost, but devoted customers—who have included everyone from cattle ranchers to U.S. presidents—swear by O'Farrell's artful creations.

Patina Gallery

The Plaza Fodor's choice

In this slick, museum-like space, you'll find outstanding contemporary jewelry, textiles, and sculptural objects of metal, clay, and wood. With a staff whose courtesy is matched by knowledge of the genre, artists-owners Ivan and Allison Barnett have used their fresh curatorial aesthetic to create a showplace for dozens of American and European artists they represent—many of whom are in permanent collections of museums such as MoMA.

photo-eye Bookstore and Gallery

South Side Fodor's choice

The place to go for an almost unbelievable collection of new, rare, and out-of-print photography books; the staff is made up of photographers who are excellent sources of information and advice on great spots to shoot in and around Santa Fe. The store has an impressive gallery in the Railyard District ( 541 S. Guadalupe St.) that presents fine photography.

Santa Fe Farmers' Market

Railyard District Fodor's choice

Browse through the vast selection of local produce, meat, flowers, honey, wine, jams, and cheese—much of it organic—at the thriving Santa Fe Farmers' Market. Dozens of stalls are arranged inside a snazzy, modern building in the Railyard and adjacent to it; it's open year-round on Saturday morning (7 am to 1 pm in summer, 8 am to 1 pm in winter) and additionally on Tuesday morning May through mid-December. The lively space also hosts an artisan market on Sunday from 10 to 3. It's a great people-watching venue, with entertainment for kids as well as food vendors selling terrific breakfast burritos, green chile bread, Taos Cow ice cream, and other goodies. For those staying on the Southside of town, be sure to check out the satellite Del Sur Market, Tuesday from 3 to 6, July through September, at the Presbyterian Medical Center ( 4801 Buckner Road).

Shiprock Santa Fe

The Plaza Fodor's choice

This rustic and light-filled space showcases a beautifully curated collection of Navajo rugs and blankets, contemporary and vintage Native American jewelry, pottery, sculpture, folk art, fine art, and more. The vision of fifth-generation art dealer Jed Foutz, who was raised in a family of art traders on the Navajo Nation, the gallery is notable for its dedication to showcasing exquisite vintage pieces alongside vanguard contemporary works.

Gerald Peters Gallery

East Side and Canyon Road Fodor's choice

Santa Fe's most impressive gallery of American and European art from the 19th century to the present. Contained within are works by Max Weber, Albert Bierstadt, Frederic Remington, the Taos Society, the New Mexico modernists, and Georgia O'Keeffe, as well as contemporary artists.

Array

Railyard District
In this cozy Railyard District shop you'll find a well-curated selection of home goods—tableware, candles and folk art from Mexico, tote bags, toys, and even a few antiques. Note the very nice selection of lotions and body-care products made in New Mexico.
322 S. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM, 87501, USA
505-699–2760

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Back at the Ranch

The Plaza

This cozy space in an old, creaky-floored adobe is stocked with perhaps the finest handmade cowboy boots you will ever see—in every color, style, and embellishment imaginable. If you can't find what you're looking for, they create custom boots too. Other finds, like funky ranch-style furniture, 1950s blanket coats, jewelry, and belt buckles are also sold here.

209 E. Marcy St., Santa Fe, NM, 87501, USA
505-989–8110

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Design Warehouse

The Plaza

A welcome antidote to Santa Fe's preponderance of shops selling Native American and Spanish-colonial antiques, Design Warehouse carries hip, contemporary furniture, kitchenware, home accessories, and other sleek knickknacks, including vaunted brands like Alessi, Knoll, and Normann Copenhagen. Note the select collection of books and magazines focusing on art and design.

Double Take

Railyard District

This rambling 25,000-square-foot shop ranks among the best consignment stores in the West, carrying elaborately embroidered vintage cowboy shirts, hundreds of pairs of boots, funky old prints, antique Southwestern-style furniture, and amazing vintage Indian pawn and Mexican jewelry. The store comprises several sections that also include contemporary clothing and accessories for men and women and a pottery showroom.

Hecho a Mano

East Side and Canyon Road

Focusing on handmade items from both local craftspeople and artists in Oaxaca, this lifestyle gallery offers beautiful prints, ceramics, jewelry, and more, at all price points. Owner and "Creative Conductor" Frank Rose also sells an impressive collection of prints by Mexican artists including Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo.

830 Canyon Rd., Santa Fe, NM, 87501, USA
505-916–1341

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Kaune's Neighborhood Market

The Plaza

Although Santa Fe has no shortage of gourmet groceries, this neighborhood market near the Capitol building has been stocking its shelves with fine foods since 1896 (its original location was on Washington Street). You'll find specialty and organic goods, many of them local, including fine wines, artisanal cheeses, and chocolates. A short walk from the plaza, it is one of the few places in the neighborhood to also buy basics such as produce, dairy, and bread.

511 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM, 87505, USA
505-982–2629

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Keshi: The Zuni Connection

The Plaza

Since the early '80s, this gallery specializing in beautiful animal fetishes carved out of turquoise, marble, onyx, and countless other materials has served as a co-op art gallery for western New Mexico's Zuni Pueblo. You'll find fetishes representing an astounding variety of animals, from eagles to mountain lions to turtles, plus fine jewelry and pottery.

227 Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM, 87501, USA
505-989–8728

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Las Cosas Kitchen Shoppe & Cooking School

West of the Plaza

In DeVargas shopping center, Las Cosas Kitchen Shoppe stocks a fantastic selection of cookery, tableware, and kitchen gadgetry and gifts. The shop is also renowned for its cooking classes taught by local personality chef Johnny Vee, which touch on everything from high-altitude baking and northern New Mexican specialties to gnocchi workshops and Vietnamese street food. For those looking to really up their culinary game, Johnny Vee also offers regular classes on techniques such as braising, grilling, and fundamentals including knife skills and pressure cooking. Classes are Tuesday and Friday night, as well as Saturday morning. If you've got a tight schedule or a big group, Las Cosas and chef Johnny are happy to schedule something just for you.

Modern General Feed & Seed

Railyard District

With a clean, orderly aesthetic that seems right out of the pages of Kinfolk, this upscale take on a general store carries gorgeous kitchenware and table linens, from salvaged-olive-wood cutting boards to handwoven dish towels. Fine hardware, garden tools, and books related to kitchen and home are also on offer. It's adjacent to and run by the team at Vinaigrette restaurant, and you can dine here, too—there's a juice bar and a small café proffering delicious breakfast fare, sandwiches, pies, and more. Owner Erin Wade is well-known in the restaurant community for her creative sustainability solutions, such as reusable take-out containers, to-go cups, and composting initiatives.

Morning Star Gallery

East Side and Canyon Road

Owned by the prestigious Nedra Matteucci Galleries, this is a veritable museum of Native American art. An adobe shaded by a huge cottonwood tree houses antique basketry, pre-1940 Navajo silver jewelry, Northwest Coast Native American carvings, Navajo weavings, and art of the Plains Indians. Prices and quality span the spectrum, making this a great stop for both new and experienced collectors.

The Rainbow Man

The Plaza

Established in 1945, this colorful, if touristy, shop does business in an old, rambling adobe complex, part of which dates from before the 1680 Pueblo Revolt and also served as offices for the Manhattan Project. The shop carries early Navajo, Mexican, and Chimayó textiles, along with photographs, a breathtaking collection of vintage pawn and Mexican jewelry, Day of the Dead figures, Oaxacan folk animals, New Mexican folk art, kachinas, and contemporary jewelry from local artists. The friendly staff possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of the art here.

107 E. Palace Ave., Santa Fe, NM, 87501, USA
505-982–8706

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Red River Mercantile

The Plaza

This small but well-stocked space is one of the best spots in town for rugged and stylish—but casual—men's wear, along with backpacks, computer bags, watches, wallets, and other accessories. Well-established brands like Filson, Pendleton, Howler Brothers, and Grayer's fill the aisles, and the staff is extremely helpful.

235 Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM, 87501, USA
505-992–1233

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Travel Bug

The Plaza

Here, you'll find a huge array of guides and books about travel along with maps. You'll also find all sorts of gadgets for hikers and backpackers. There's also a cozy coffeehouse (excellent java) with Wi-Fi. On many Saturday evenings the shop hosts presentations on world travel experiences.

839 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM, 87501, USA
505-992–0418

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