Things to Do in Santa Fe

Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, is known for its Pueblo-style architecture and being the creative arts hotbed. Many travel thousands of miles each year to check out the beautiful city and all it has to offer. It was founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, and the heart of the city is the traditional plaza. The surrounding historic district is filled with crooked streets that wind past adobe landmarks including the Palace of the Governors. With so much to see and do in the area, it can be a tad overwhelming. To eliminate any of the stress you may have about finding the perfect areas to visit, we have created a guide to our favorite things and places to visit in Santa Fe.

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Photo Credit: jpellgen (@1179_jp) via Flickr CC 2.0

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is dedicated to the artistic legacy of Georgia O’Keeffe and her life which executed American modernism and public engagement. The Museum opened in July of 1997. It has two different sites, Santa Fe and Abiquiu, New Mexico. The museum includes; the Library and Archive within its research center at the historic A.M Bergere house; the Education Annex for youth and public programming, Georgia’s home and studio as well as a welcome center and gift shop.

Santa Fe Plaza Inc

Photo Credit: getdowngoblin_138 via Instagram

This Historic Landmark is located in Downtown Santa Fe. The plaza or city square was and is a gathering point for the town. It is known for being the heart of the city. Since becoming the town square, the landmark has become a playground for many tourists interested in Spanish, Native American, and Mexican cultures. The plaza includes music, design shops, jewelry and you can even see some art, live music, and street dancing. If you want to truly experience the culture and history of the town the plaza is a must-visit. you can try authentic food and clothes and maybe even stumble on one of their many events that are held in the area.

Canyon Road Arts

Photo Credit: motokat13 via Instagram

Canyon Road is a half-mile walk where every door you pass will lead to a wonderland of creative delights, Starting at the bottom, where Canyon Road and Paseo de Peralta meet and make your way up the street from the vivid colors of Waxlander Gallery to the stately Zaplin Lampert Gallery. Stop along the way for lunch at Geronimo or Milad Persian Bistro, before collapsing at the Teahouse at the end of the street. If art isn’t your thing, take in the architecture as well as some of its captivating half-hidden gardens.

Meow Wolf

Photo Credit: Simon Foot via Flickr CC2.0

The former bowling alley has morphed into a huge play park for all ages. Meow Wolf creates immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. They do this by including art installations, video and music production, and extended reality. Meow Wolf values investing in the creativity of others and giving back to the community by challenging them once you enter the experience and art museum.

Loretto Chapel

Photo Credit: jpellgen (@1179_jp) via Flickr CC 2.0

Located just south of the Santa Fe Plaza, this architectural jewel is one of the many places visitors love to stop when they are passing through. The legend behind the beautiful spiral staircase located in the chapel is a strange, unknown man snuck in after the Sisters of Loretto prayed for nine days for help to complete the building. Without their knowledge or any real tools, he built the beautiful staircase and left before anyone could pay him or even thank him for his kind work.

Ski Santa Fe and Ski Taos

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The Rocky Mountains in New Mexico offer some of the best skiing in the southwest. Located just 16 miles from downtown, Ski Santa Fe has 83 trails for skiers and snowboarders with 1,725 vertical feet of skiing. Enjoy the skiing or grab a bite to eat slope-side on the mountain at Totemoff’s Bar. They offer live music and you can also sit on the outdoor deck and watch others ski.

Museum Hill

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With more than a dozen museums throughout the city starting on the picturesque hill east of downtown is the perfect way to experience all of the beautiful arts district. The hill not only offers the most breathtaking view of the city but it is near the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, and the renowned Museum Of International Folk Art Museum.

Santa Fe Farmers Market

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Dozens of farmers, ranchers, artisan cheesemakers, bakers, and others sell their delectable goods to locals and visitors from around the world. The market runs year-round and is consistently ranked as one of the top farmer’s markets in the entire country. The ultra-fresh produce, New- Mexico raised beef and poultry, roasted green chiles, and much more generates a wonderful Spanish market as well as some Indian market items too.

The Santa Fe Railyard

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The Railyard is like the city’s hub where free events are held, a booming nightlife, and even 28 gardens. Visitors and locals like to stop by to catch a movie, share a meal, listen to live music and shop the weekend artist and artisan markets. The 13-acre Railyard Park is the perfect place to share a picnic and meander through the gardens, admiring the rotating public art and enjoying one of the many free events offered throughout the year.

Margarita Trail

Over 18,000 locals and visitors have traveled to the trail since its opening in 2016. Many have earned a commemorative T-shirt or other prizes from the trail by collecting stamps at each venue. The trail continues to grow and new venues have been headed taking margarita fans across the city and beyond its outskirts. You will be led to visit bars with history, classic local stops, and even 5-star restaurants. You can download the Margarita Trail Passport on your phone to get started on the trail.

Santa Fe is known all over the United States for its beautiful art galleries and rich history. You can explore the outdoors with a walking tour, or head down the Santa Fe Trail, the city offers it all. The southwestern city has a wonderful mixture of museums from the Bandelier National Monument to the New Mexico History Museum. The Santa Fe opera house is also one for the books, you won’t want to miss. Enjoy options for short day trips to Albuquerque, our northern New Mexico. No matter what you spend your time doing, you will not be disappointed with Santa Fe.

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