5-Day Georgia O'Keeffe-Inspired Travel Itinerary: A Journey Through Art, Nature, and Soul
Explore the enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture that inspired one of America’s most iconic artists, Georgia O'Keeffe. This 5-day itinerary is perfect for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a soulful connection with the spirit of the American Southwest. O’Keeffe’s connection with New Mexico runs deep, and this trip is designed to immerse you in the rich artistic and natural beauty that informed much of her work.
Day 1: Arrive in Santa Fe - The Gateway to O'Keeffe's World
Stay: Check into the Inn of the Five Graces, a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. Known for its eclectic decor featuring vibrant textiles, antique furnishings, and intricate mosaics, this hotel is perfect for immersing yourself in a colorful and artistic ambiance.
Breakfast/Brunch: Begin your day with a hearty, organic meal at The Pantry, a local favorite since 1948. Order the breakfast burrito with red and green chile to get a taste of New Mexico’s famous cuisine.
Activity: After brunch, explore the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. This museum houses an impressive collection of O’Keeffe’s works, showcasing her evolution as an artist and her deep connection to the New Mexican landscape. Don't miss the exclusive exhibitions and special events held year-round.
Lunch: Head to Cafe Pasqual’s for an artisanal, farm-to-table lunch. The mole enchiladas or the smoked trout salad are delicious picks, featuring local ingredients and New Mexican flavors.
Afternoon/Evening: Spend your afternoon wandering around the Railyard Arts District, home to contemporary galleries, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, and some charming local boutiques. Later, enjoy a cozy dinner at La Boca, a Spanish tapas restaurant. Order a bottle of Tempranillo and share dishes like grilled octopus or patatas bravas..
Day 2: Ghost Ranch - O'Keeffe's Sanctuary
Morning: After breakfast at your hotel, head north to Ghost Ranch, located about 1.5 hours from Santa Fe. This 21,000-acre retreat was O'Keeffe's home for many years and is famous for its dramatic desert landscapes of red and yellow cliffs, which appear in many of her paintings.
Activity: Take a Georgia O'Keeffe Landscape Tour through Ghost Ranch, where you'll see the exact vistas that inspired some of her most famous works. There are several hiking trails as well, allowing you to experience the same connection to nature that O’Keeffe felt.
Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab something at the Ghost Ranch Café. Enjoy your lunch surrounded by sweeping desert views.
Afternoon: Visit the O'Keeffe Home and Studio in nearby Abiquiú. Tours are by appointment only, so be sure to book ahead. Seeing her studio and home will give you a unique insight into the spaces where O'Keeffe lived and created much of her later work.
Dinner: Drive back to Santa Fe and indulge in a meal at Geronimo, an award-winning fine dining restaurant. Located in an old adobe home, Geronimo serves up creative cuisine like mesquite-grilled elk tenderloin or seared diver scallops.
The labyrinth at Ghost Ranch. Photo © Adam Springer/iStock.
Day 3: Art and Relaxation in Santa Fe
Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Clafoutis, a quaint French café offering fresh pastries, quiches, and excellent coffee.
Activity: Spend the morning exploring Santa Fe’s historic Canyon Road, an iconic stretch lined with over 100 galleries showcasing a mix of contemporary, Native American, and Western art. Wander in and out of galleries at your own pace, soaking in the artistic diversity of the region.
Lunch: Stop for lunch at Paloma, a chic spot with Mexican-inspired dishes and craft cocktails. Their heirloom tomato salad and shrimp tacos are light and refreshing options.
Afternoon: After a morning of art exploration, it’s time to relax. Head to Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-style spa nestled in the mountains just outside of Santa Fe. Book a private outdoor hot tub or indulge in a massage for ultimate rejuvenation. The serene environment and zen-inspired design make this a perfect retreat after days of hiking and exploring.
Dinner: Enjoy a laid-back evening with dinner at The Compound. Located on Canyon Road, this elegant yet relaxed restaurant offers sophisticated takes on Southwestern flavors.
Day 4: Explore Taos - Art, History, and Culture
Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, drive about 1.5 hours to Taos, another artistic haven and a favorite spot of O’Keeffe’s. Check into the El Monte Sagrado Resort, a boutique eco-resort known for its earthy, organic design and tranquil setting.
Activity: Start your exploration at the Millicent Rogers Museum, home to an extensive collection of Native American and Hispanic art, along with works by Taos artists. Millicent Rogers was a socialite, fashion icon, and passionate collector whose life is as fascinating as her art.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Lambert’s of Taos, a charming restaurant serving upscale comfort food like roasted chicken or green chile cheeseburgers.
Afternoon: Visit the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, another significant artistic landmark. The museum is housed in the former home of Russian artist Nicolai Fechin, and the blend of European and Native American influences is mesmerizing. Make sure to stop by the Taos Pueblo, as well.
Dinner: End your day with dinner at The Love Apple, a farm-to-table restaurant housed in a quaint chapel. The menu highlights local, organic ingredients in simple but flavorful dishes like their signature enchiladas or the lamb chops. Note: This is a cash only establishment, so plan in advance!
Day 5: Wrap Up with Creativity in Taos
Morning: For your final day, take a plein air painting workshop in Taos, following in O'Keeffe’s footsteps. Capture the stunning light and landscapes that have inspired generations of artists.
Lunch: Before you head back to Santa Fe, stop for a bite at Gutiz, a cozy spot offering French-Caribbean fusion dishes. Their savory crepes and Cuban sandwiches are popular choices.
Afternoon: On your way back to Santa Fe, make a stop at the historic San Francisco de Asis Church in Ranchos de Taos. This mission church, painted by O’Keeffe and photographed by Ansel Adams, is a must-see for its striking adobe architecture.
End your Georgia O'Keeffe-inspired adventure with one last walk through Santa Fe’s Plaza or a sunset viewing at the Cross of the Martyrs, reflecting on the beauty and artistic inspiration of New Mexico’s desert landscapes.
Ranchos Church, 1930 by Georgia O'Keeffe
This itinerary not only offers a window into the world of Georgia O’Keeffe but also celebrates the natural beauty, vibrant art scene, and cultural heritage of Northern New Mexico. Whether you're an art enthusiast or someone seeking creative rejuvenation, this journey will leave you inspired by the same landscapes that moved O'Keeffe to create some of her most iconic works.
