Set at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in the USA and the country’s oldest capital. With an incredible past influenced by Mexican, Spanish, and Native American settlers, the city has a distinct Southwestern charm unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been.
Scattered with the unique Puebla-style adobe architecture typical of the region, Santa Fe has a way of making visitors feel like they’re in a movie, with almost-too-beautiful-to-be-true scenes in every direction you look. The city is known both as The City Different and The Land of Enchantment, of which both nicknames suit it very well.
The rugged desert beauty is the perfect backdrop for adventure seekers, while the quirky city provides a beautiful location for browsing boutique shops, indulging in the stellar dining scene, or experiencing the area’s incredible artistic legacy and museums.
There are countless boutique hotels and authentic accommodations around the city. However, surrounded by exquisite desert, mountains, rivers, and incredible local flora, staying in one of the best cabins in Santa Fe is, without a doubt, one of the top ways to experience this other-worldly city.
Charming Studio Cabin with Patio and Yard
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Just outside the city, a short drive from major attractions
- > Rustic-chic interiors with tons of natural light
Charming 1 Bed Cabin Casita with Desert Garden
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Close to lots of walking and bike trails just outside the heart of Santa Fe
- > Contemporary interiors with full kitchen, laundry facilities, and spa shower
Beautiful 5 Bed Adobe Cabin with Fireplace Living Room
- > $$$$
- > 10 Guests
- > Traditional adobe cottage just a mile from Santa Fe Plaza with free parking
- > Fully equipped kitchen, living room, and private patio
Staying in a Cabin in Santa Fe
Whether you visit to ski in the winter or browse the markets and museums in the summer, Santa Fe is a beautiful destination for a holiday. While many capital cities of its caliber have been developed into bustling metropolises, Santa Fe has maintained its historic charm and down-to-earth atmosphere. Without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience authentic Santa Fe is to stay in a cabin.
Surrounded by exquisite nature, there are numerous cabins available for rent in the city and on its outskirts. The terrain differs dramatically from one part of the city to the other, flanked by rivers, mountains, and the ranchland desert. Whether you choose a property in the town or a cabin in the desert or mountains, cabins offer a sense of home away from home.
If you choose a mountain cabin on the outskirts of Santa Fe, you can expect a traditional log cabin like you’ll find in most other areas in North America. Cabins traditionally feature an open-concept living area with a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, and dining area with separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Most will also have a private terrace or porch, which opens into the shared living space.
However, cabins closer to the main town will typically be built using the traditional adobe Puebla style with Southwestern interiors. These are locally known as casitas, which are defined as small yet self-contained houses. Of course, there are a few ultra-luxurious modern cabins in the mix too.
What to Look For in a Cabin in Santa Fe
The first thing you’ll want to consider when looking for a cabin is its location. In my opinion, the best cabins in Santa Fe are located off the beaten track. The main advantages of these types of accommodation include escaping the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and soaking up the nature around you.
However, you might want to base yourself in the thick of the city (which, to be fair, is super laid back and relaxed as well). If you choose a remote cabin, make sure you have access to a personal vehicle or driver, as it can get pricey using cabs to get around. If you do bring along a car, check whether your cabin offers a free parking spot.
Those visiting with young kids will want to choose a cabin with child-friendly facilities. For example, many cabins have exposed beams, sharp surfaces, and staircases with wide railings that might not be suitable for toddlers. That being said, most Santa Fe cabins are single-story, totally safe for kids, and even offer baby toys, safety gates, and games.
The Top 15 Cabins in Santa Fe
No matter the destination, accommodation is one feature that can make or break a vacation. Surrounded by so much natural beauty, Santa Fe is a prime place to rent a cabin in a remote location and take advantage of the gorgeous surroundings. Here is my pick of the 15 best cabins in Santa Fe.
Overall Best Value Cabin in Santa Fe – Studio Cottage with Cozy Interiors and Private Garden
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Located in a trendy residential neighborhood in central Santa Fe
- Private Garden with mountain view
With natural light flowing through the French double doors and across the shabby-chic kitchen, this cozy cabin is one of the best cabins to call home in the area. Hardwood floors, ceiling beams, and pops of quirky furniture and eclectic art make it feel like a home away from home in the center of Santa Fe.
So well located, it’s just steps away from the trendy boutiques and cafes as well as the Railyard Arts District and Santa Fe Farmers Market. The studio cabin also includes a private front patio and a gated parking spot for convenience.
Best Budget Cabin in Santa Fe – Charming 1 Bed Cabin Casita with Desert Garden
- $
- 2 Guests
- Close to lots of walking and bike trails just outside the heart of Santa Fe
- Contemporary interiors with full kitchen, laundry facilities, and spa shower
Wake up to morning sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling glass doors, which open out into a private landscaped desert garden. As the best cabin in Santa Fe on a budget, this one-bedroom is laid out like a studio, with brand-new appliances and more space than you could dream of.
It even has a dedicated workspace, full kitchen, and innovative smart shower, making it seem more luxurious than budget-friendly. However, you’ll save big bucks on this cabin surrounded by bike and walking trails in Santa Fe.
Best Cabin for Couples in Santa Fe – Charming Studio Cabin with Patio and Yard
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Just outside the city, a short drive from major attractions
- Rustic-chic interiors with tons of natural light
Pictures just don’t do this cabin justice. Overflowing with sunshine through three huge skylights, high ceilings, and white walls, this spot has used the classic foundations of a cabin and modified them to create a contemporary yet eclectic, romantic environment.
The cabin features a four-poster bed and a sofa bed and includes a private patio, a living area under vaulted ceilings, and a full kitchen. Set just outside the heart of the city, the cabin is surrounded by nature. Couples traveling with a car can park on the premises for free.
Best Cabin for a Group of Friends in Santa Fe – 3 Bed Cabin Casita with Hot Tub and Garden
- $$$
- 8 Guests
- Pet-friendly accommodation with parking, a garden, and BBQ facilities
- On the Historic East Side, within walking distance from Canyon Road
Contemporary living meets classic cabin interiors in this traditional casita. As one of the best cabins in Santa Fe for a group of friends, this space includes three full bedrooms as well as a sofa bed in the living room.
Designed for a family-style vacation, guests can make use of the fully-equipped kitchen, spacious living area, garden, and terrace with BBQ facilities. Wake up to the sound of the desert birds and enjoy a soak in the hot tub, surrounded by nature at its finest.
Over-the-Top Luxury Cabin in Santa Fe – Beautiful 5 Bed Adobe Cabin with Fireplace Living Room
- $$$$
- 10 Guests
- Traditional adobe cottage just a mile from Santa Fe Plaza with free parking
- Fully equipped kitchen, living room, and private patio
With its grandeur and five bedrooms, some might describe this more as a hacienda than a cabin. However, it still embraces the traditional interiors and stylistic parts of a cabin, with wood-beam vaulted ceilings, warm neutral tones, and cozy wooden furnishings.
The property also features interiors from a classic adobe home, with a kiva fireplace, mud-brick walls, and distinct art and furniture. Perfect for a big travel group, the home has a massive kitchen, terrace, BBQ facilities, spacious ensuite bedrooms, and free parking.
Best Cabin for Families Visiting Santa Fe – 4 Bed Cabin with Courtyard and Parking
- $$
- 8 Guests
- Warm wooden cabin textures throughout
- Fifteen minutes from the iconic Santa Fe Plaza and surrounded by hiking trails
Spread across five stories just outside the busy center of the city, this four-bedroom casita cabin is easily one of the best cabins in Santa Fe for families traveling with children. It’s just a short drive into the city, but it feels a world away.
Recent renovations to blend traditional charm and contemporary style have made this one of the coziest and most comfortable homes on the market. Spend your evenings cozied by the kiva fireplace or stargazing from the rooftop terrace.
Best Cabin in Santa Fe for Backpackers – Casita Studio Cabin with Private Entrance
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Basic kitchenette and dining area
- Breathtaking views of the desert and mountains
Backpackers on the hunt for affordable accommodation with a local twist will be over the moon with this cabin, which is entirely private and secluded from the city. This cabin has a private entrance and parking and offers incredible views of the surrounding desert and mountain.
Although small, it’s filled with everything you might need for a backpacker adventure. From the basic kitchenette to the bathroom with a tub to the private yard with a daybed overlooking the desert, you won’t believe this space is as affordable as it is.
Cabin in Santa Fe with the Best Views – 3 Bed Cabin with Mountain Views and Pool Access
- $$$
- 6 Guests
- Views of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains
- Classic Southwestern interiors with rounded ceiling veins, kiva fireplaces, carved wooden furniture
Great views, sunsets, and sunrises are one of the main attractions in this gorgeous city. If you’re searching for a place with vistas from every window, this has to be the best cabin in Santa Fe for the job. Set on the outskirts of the city overlooking the Jemez and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, you’ll have views to admire year-round.
The cabin also has a swimming pool, an indoor kiva fireplace, and a full kitchen with a dishwasher and laundry facilities. Enjoy the sounds of nature and outdoor views with a classic BBQ on the furnished patio.
Top Off-The-Beaten-Track Cabin in Santa Fe – 1 Bed Barn Cabin with World-Class Sunsets
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Furnished with local New Mexican finds
- A short drive south of Santa Fe in the desert, perfect for stargazing
If a bit of peace and quiet is what you’re after, you’ll love this remote barn-style cabin in the magical New Mexican desert. With mountain and desert views, the cabin is set on five private acres of property, which guests can explore at their leisure.
Newly renovated for ultimate comfort, the cabin features a cozy living area and kitchen decorated with eclectic art and bespoke furniture. Private from the living area, the bedroom is set upstairs in a loft space, which is overflowing with natural light.
Best Cabin for a Weekend Trip to Santa Fe – Luxury 1 Bed Cabin in Central Santa Fe with Hot Tub
- $$
- 2 Guests
- A blend of contemporary and traditional adobe interiors
- Full kitchen, private terrace, and hot tub
What looks unassuming from the outside opens up into a luxury cabin on the inside. Set in downtown Santa Fe, just a few blocks from the Plaza, this historic adobe casita structure features original Venetian plaster and diamond adobe walls, wooden floors, and light fixtures.
As the best cabin in Santa Fe for a weekend visit, the contemporary and modern interiors feature stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer facilities, and a private patio with a BBQ grill – everything you might need for a short stay.
Best Cabin in Santa Fe for Long-Term Travelers – Traditional Adobe 1 Bed Cabin with Full Kitchen
- $$$
- 4 Guests
- Traditional adobe home on the Historic East Side of Santa Fe
- Complete with a kiva fireplace, brick floors, and traditional New Mexican interiors
Fitted with its own spacious living room with a kiva fireplace, outdoor patios, and a fully-equipped kitchen, this one-bedroom cabin in Santa Fe is perfect for travelers looking to settle in the city.
The authentic adobe home has three patios overlooking gorgeous mountain views and is just a short walk to Canyon Road and the Santa Fe Plaza on the historic East Side. You’ll feel right at home in this classic New Mexican abode with a gorgeous brick floor, traditional adobe walls, and high beam ceilings.
The Cabin with the Most Epic Location in Santa Fe – 2 Bed Cabin in Santa Fe National Forest
- $$
- 4 Guests
- Bordering the Santa Fe National Forest, surrounded by peaceful trees in the Pacheco Canyon
- Traditional cabin interiors with nostalgic vintage finishes and handmade details
Waking up in this cabin will have you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Perched in the forest on the Santa Fe National Forest border in the Pacheco Canyon, this cabin is surrounded by the sounds, smells, and sights of nature at its finest.
Built like a traditional American cabin in the woods, the property is made from local wood and stone materials and features high ceilings, warm wooden interiors and neutral tones, and tons of natural light. With a covered porch, wood-burning stove, and charming kitchen, this is easily one of the most unique accommodations in Santa Fe, with an incredible location.
The Most Beautiful Cabin in Santa Fe – Historic 1 Bed Cabin in the heart of Santa Fe
- $$$
- 2 Guests
- Historic building with traditional adobe exterior and updated luxury interiors
- Cozy living area and basic kitchenette
Just a ten-minute walk to the Santa Fe Plaza and Folk Art Market, this historic casita cabin has been remodeled with inviting contemporary interiors. On top of its exceptional location, the property will make you feel right at home.
The space has a basic kitchenette, comfortable living area, and cozy bedroom and is designed with a blend of farmhouse chic and traditional casita interiors. With unique New Mexican tiling and linen, each room is overflowing with local charm.
Best Cabin in Santa Fe for Honeymooners – Gorgeous Studio Casita with Traditional Interiors
- $$$
- 2 Guests
- Cozy living area with a private outdoor terrace
- Traditional adobe interiors with wooden beams, a kiva fireplace, and tile floors
Abundant natural light, a cozy fireplace in the living room, and a comfortable bedroom fitted with high-quality linen. What more could you ask for from a honeymoon suite?
Perfect for couples and honeymooners, this cozy cabin features a studio layout with a fully-equipped kitchen, a spacious bathroom with a bathtub, and a living and dining area. It also includes a patio furnished with comfy outdoor furniture and BBQ facilities, making it one of the best cabins in Santa Fe for an evening of stargazing with your significant other.
Most Traditional Cabin in Santa Fe – Traditional Adobe Cabin with Terrace and Mountain Views
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Located in the historical East Side district of Santa Fe along the river
- Locally built adobe filled with traditional furnishing and art
One of the most beautiful traditional cabins in the area, this single-story cabin is as cozy during winter time as it is comfortable during the summer. Built using traditional methods and filled with eclectic Puebla-style furnishings and interiors, the home offers guests the quintessential New Mexican experience.
Besides the basic kitchenette, wood burner in the bedroom, and a bookshelf filled with good reads, the best part of this property is the garden. Enjoy your coffee on the patio, surrounded by the buzzing sound of bees, the smell of fresh lavender, and sunshine beating down on you before spending your day exploring the city.
Don’t Forget Your Santa Fe Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Cabins in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is one of those unique cities that offers just as much outdoor adventure as it does tourist attractions. Surrounded by forests, desert, and mountains, you’ll be close to the beating heart of New Mexico’s nature wherever you are in the city.
To take advantage of the natural beauty, I highly recommend renting out one of the best cabins in Santa Fe. From low-key and affordable casitas to incredibly luxurious casas, there are endless properties to choose from in this charming city.
I hope that after reading through this list, you have at least one of the best cabins in Santa Fe added to your travel bucket list. If you’re visiting the country from overseas, don’t forget to organize comprehensive travel insurance to avoid any unexpected costs.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
