13 Best Places to Shop in The Plaza, Santa Fe

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.