Welcome to one of the greatest art cities in the world, Santa Fe, New Mexico. If you are looking for the best things to do in Santa Fe, here’s the list with all the information.
Being the oldest state capital of the United States, Santa Fe is home to many museums, galleries, one of the oldest churches in the country, impressive architecture, Native American heritages, and world-famous festivals.
The city, Santa Fe is a great combination of art, culture, and history. Also, it offers fantastic restaurants, shopping places, and many other fun spots.
Some of the most famous places to visit in Santa Fe are Canyon Road, the New Mexico History Museum, Santa Fe Plaza, and the New Mexico Museum of Art.
Santa Fe is a perfect travel destination whether you are looking for a family vacation, a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a romantic getaway.
Check this list of the best and fun things to do in Santa Fe, NM, and add them all to your list.
Things to Do in Santa Fe
1. Things to Do in Santa Fe: Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Georgia Totto O’Keeffe, or the Mother of American Modernism, was a famous American artist. She’s mostly known for her outstanding paintings of New York skyscrapers, enlarged flowers, and wonderful New Mexico landscapes.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is a dedication to her artistic legacy and admirable life story. This museum was opened in 1997, eleven years after the death of Georgia Totto O’Keeffe.
When you see the exhibits, you will realize how much she loved the culture and nature of New Mexico. It contains over 1,000 original artworks of her and over 2000 from her peers.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum shows you the biopic of this great artist and helps you understand each masterpiece’s background story.
If you are really into art, download the free Georgia O’Keeffe app and hear the informative audio while observing the exhibits.
Address: 217 Johnson St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States Phone: +1 505-946-1000
Recommended hotel near Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: Inn of the Governors
Things to Do in Santa Fe
2. Canyon Road Arts
As mentioned in the introduction, Santa Fe has a unique art culture. And Canyon Road is one of the best places to see that art.
Canyon Road is a picturesque trail that stretches for half a mile at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains base. It features Santa Fe’s art heritage through galleries, unique adobe architecture buildings, crafts, cuisines, studios, boutiques, jewelry shops, handcrafted furniture shops, and many other artistic things.
Some of the most famous galleries are Medicine Man Gallery and Blue Rain Gallery.
So, if you are an art collector, you will be delighted to see diverse art genres, from Native American art to modern art.
Aside from paintings, sculptures, and graphics, Canyon Road is more famous for stunning handmade gold and silver jewelry.
Also, this wonderful road features handcrafted furniture, handwoven rugs, Native American pottery, and impressive Folk Art that represent the history of the state.
Therefore, Canyon Road is almost heaven for ladies. They will love shopping along this trail throughout the day.
If you feel tired after shopping, Canyon Road offers you several restaurants that serve delicious local and international dishes.
Are you ready to have fun in Santa Fe?
Especially, the street showcases impressive traditional adobe architecture as a reflection of the ancient world.
Address: Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM, United States
Recommended hotel near Canyon Road: Inn & Spa at Loretto
Things to Do in Santa Fe
3. Things to Do in Santa Fe: New Mexico History Museum
Established in 2009, New Mexico History Museum is a history museum handles by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
It features New Mexico’s history from the 16th century onwards through its impressive exhibits. So, if you are a history buff, this museum is just for you.
And also, if you are in Santa Fe with kids, surely visit New Mexico History Museum as it teaches them about native populations, how Santa Fe Trail helped New Mexico’s economy and development, colonization, and many other things.
Apart from those exhibits, another highlighted thing inside this museum is The Palace of the Governors. It was the seat of the Spanish government in the 17th century. Still, you can see its authentic architecture and interior. Therefore it was designated as a National Historic Landmark.
The Palace Press offers you a chance to see the demonstrations of New Mexico’s first printing press.
Another place you should not miss inside New Mexico History Museum is the Fray Angelico Chavez History Library. It contains helpful information sources for history learners. Ex: photo archives, thesis, documents, books, and other learning materials.
That means the whole complex of the New Mexico History Museum is like a university for history lovers.
Address: 113 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States Phone: +1 505-476-5200
Recommended hotel near New Mexico History Museum: La Fonda on the Plaza
Things to Do in Santa Fe
4. New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe
Being another one of four state-run museums in Santa, the New Mexico Museum of Art was establishes in 1917. Also, being the oldest museum in New Mexico, it was formerly known as the Museum of Fine Arts.
First, you will attract to its impressive Pueblo Spanish Revival style building. Then, you will love its fantastic permanent collection of over 20,000 works that represent regional, traditional, and contemporary artworks.
You can see creations of Southwestern artists from Santa Fe colonies, Taos, and new artists worldwide.
Especially, its contemporary art collection contains creations done by famous American photographer Jane Reeves, Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings, Gustave Baumann’s paintings, and Lucy Rowland Lippard’s writings.
On the other hand, the museum’s St. Francis Auditorium hosts various cultural and musical programs. For example, Santa Fe Community Orchestra.
So, surely visit the New Mexico Museum of Art with your family.
Address: 107 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States Phone: +1 505-476-5072
Recommended hotel near New Mexico Museum of Art: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
Things to Do in Santa Fe
5. Things to Do in Santa Fe: Santa Fe Plaza, NM
Located at the center of downtown, Santa Fe Plaza is a National Historic Landmark that represents a traditional Spanish-American Style Colonial City. Also, as it is the major gathering place in the town, it is famous as “the heart of Santa Fe.”
Opened in 1821, Santa Fe Plaza was designed by the famous American architect, T. Charles Gaastra.
Who doesn’t like to visit the 1600s public space and see its old buildings? And at the same time, Santa Fe Plaza hosts fun festivals and fiestas all the time.
So, if you are looking for a fun thing to do in Santa Fe tonight, just check the city’s official calendar and catch a festival. You will have a lot of fun.
Address: 63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States Phone: +1 505-955-6200
Recommended hotel near Santa Fe Plaza: La Fonda on the Plaza
Things to Do in Santa Fe
6. Santa Fe Opera House
Before seeing the inside, you will fall in love with its outside look. Located in a dramatic place surrounded by mountains, Santa Fe Opera House is an architectural wonder in New Mexico.
It is an American opera company that features operatic repertoires, cultural performances, and music events. Especially, it hosts events every day in the summer.
Santa Fe Opera House was established in 1956 by John Crosby with the Opera Association of New Mexico. Since then, it shows national and international operas, including the latest ones. Ex: Madame Butterfly, Doctor Atomic.
Its open-air Crosby Theater, surrounded by 155 acres of magnificent natural views, and Stieren Orchestra Hall are the two most highlighted places inside the opera house.
If you are looking for romantic things to do in Santa Fe, please consider catching a Santa Fe Opera House performance. After that, you can take backstage tours as well.
Address: 301 Opera Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87506, United States Phone: +1 800-280-4654
Recommended hotel near Santa Fe Opera House: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
Things to Do in Santa Fe
7. Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
Mary Cabot Wheelwright was an American anthropologist and a museum founder. She is known as the founder of the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in 1937.
Hosteen Klah, a Navajo artist and medicine man, helped her to establish this museum. Now, it is the oldest non-profit, privately owned museum in New Mexico.
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian features unique Native American arts, including historic and contemporary artworks.
Also, it contains exciting art collections representing the other tribes of the Southwest, including Native American Navajo. For example, beadwork, embroidery, weaving, and basketry of other Navajo traditions.
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian features artworks of established arts as well new and little-known artists.
Address: 704 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States Phone: +1 505-982-4636
Recommended hotel near Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian: Residence Inn Santa Fe
Things to Do in Santa Fe
8. Meow Wolf Santa Fe, The House of Eternal Return
Meow Wolf Santa Fe is a unique tourist attraction in Santa Fe because it features immersive art installations with a mysterious narrative.
It was designed by a group of 135 artists and contained over 70 rooms with unique immersive art. Are you looking for some fun things to do in Santa Fe with kids? Here’s the chance for that.
Meow Wolf Santa Fe will take you and your kids through a strange and adventurous Victorian manor wonderland. Actually, it is like converting a storybook into real life.
They offer you clues to solve various mysteries hidden inside. For example, they offer you clues to find a disappeared family who formerly lived inside.
So, it is fun and full of excitement. Come along with your family.
Address: 1352 Rufina Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87507, United States Phone: +1 505-395-6369
Recommended hotel near Meow Wolf Santa Fe: Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe
Things to Do in Santa Fe
9. Skiing in Santa Fe
Looking for skiing? Santa Fe is a perfect destination for that.
There are several fantastic ski areas in Santa Fe and near Santa Fe. For example, Ski Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.
Ski Santa Fe is located just 30 minutes away (15.5 miles) from downtown. If you don’t have a vehicle, just catch the shuttle from downtown to get there. Spreading for over 650 acres, Ski Santa Fe contains more than 80 trails on diverse terrains.
Recommended hotel near Ski Santa Fe: Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe
Pajarito Mountain Ski Area is located a little far from Santa Fe (41 miles, a 50 minutes drive). But, it is totally worth it driving there because it has 45 exciting trails spreading over 750 acres. That means a few trails in a huge area. So, it is ideal for families with kids and ski beginners.
Recommended hotel near Pajarito Mountain Ski: Comfort Inn & Suites Los Alamos
Another famous ski area near Santa Fe is Taos Ski Valley. You have to drive for 1 hour and 50 minutes (88.7 miles) to get there. This ski area attracts many ski experts from all over the world as it has advanced terrains. Therefore, it is not suitable for families.
Recommended hotel near Taos Ski Valley: Snakedance 316
When you drive for 1 hour and 20 minutes (61.3 miles), you will reach Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort. It has three terrain parks with over 40 terrains. Also, it features recreational activities in the summer.
Recommended hotel near Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort: Sagebrush Inn & Suites
Planning to visit Utah for skiing? Here is the list of the best ski resorts in Utah.
10. Santa Fe Farmer’s Market
Looking for organic food?
In the beginning (in the 1960s), it was a small farm with a small group of farmers. But, now, Santa Fe Farmers Market features over 150 vendors and is considered the largest farmers’ market in New Mexico.
Santa Fe Farmers Market is more famous for farm-fresh produces by selling fresh, organic, and locally produced products. And also sells nursery plants, delicious baked goods, handcrafted items, and many others.
Since it is not allowed to resell, you can buy all the products from the original owners. That is the most authentic feature of this market.
So, if you want to get to know more about Santa Fe’s local lifestyle, just visit Santa Fe Farmers Market on a Saturday. Take your kids too. They will learn more about fresh agricultural products.
Address: 1607 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States Phone: +1 505-983-4098
Recommended hotel near Santa Fe Farmers Market: The Hacienda & Spa
Things to Do in Santa Fe
11. Things to Do in Santa Fe: Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
When it comes to history and Native American information, the whole of Santa Fe is like a university. Places like the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture prove it.
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is another Spanish Pueblo Revival museum located in Santa Fe. Founded in 1987, it represents unique Native American art and culture through preserved artifacts of the indigenous people.
So, you can see textiles, jewelry, pottery, baskets, and many other artifacts of native peoples who lived around 5000 years back in Santa Fe.
And also, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture hosts interesting, interactive events like native pottery demonstrations.
If you are into history, surely visit this museum on your Santa Fe tour.
Address: 710 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States Phone: +1 505-476-1269
Things to Do in Santa Fe
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12. Santa Fe International New Media Festival
Santa Fe is all about art and history. Catch Santa Fe International New Media Festival is an annual event that happens in Santa Fe. It invites all the emerging and established artists in the world to experience diverse media artworks.
Those artworks are shown through exhibits, workshops, presentations, multi-media performances, panels, and demonstrations. Most importantly, all of these programs are free to the public.
So, if you are looking for free things to do in Santa Fe, participate in Santa Fe International New Media Festival.
Also, if you are in the media industry, do not miss this festival as you can meet many new media artists from all over the world. (Check the official website to know the date and venue)
Things to Do in Santa Fe
13. Things to Do in Santa Fe: Museum of International Folk Art
Are you interested in fork art?
Museum of International Folk Art is one of the largest fork art collections in the world. This cultural institute presents diverse ceramics, baskets, wood carvings, textiles, costumes, and many other things.
Therefore, this museum is divided into several sections according to geographical regions. For example, Asia, Spanish Colonial, Africa, Contemporary Hispano, and Latino, Middle East, European, North American, and Latin American sections.
Florence Dibell Bartlett, the famous American folk art collector, founded the Museum of International Folk Art in 1953. Since then, its collection has expanded.
Also, it features fun events like musical shows, films, lectures, and many other interactive programs. Do not forget to check the museum’s calendar before the visit.
Surely take your kids to the Museum of International Folk Art. They will learn a lot and have fun.
Address: On Museum Hill, 706 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States Phone: +1 505-476-1200
Things to Do in Santa Fe
14. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi or Saint Francis Cathedral is a famous Roman Catholic cathedral in Santa Fe.
Being the mother church of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, this church was established in 1886.
Representing lovely Romanesque Revival architecture, Saint Francis Cathedral was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Its rounded arches, Corinthian columns, square towers, a statue of the Virgin Mary (Our Lady La Conquistadora), stained glass works, delicate woodwork, and carvings are impressive. That’s why it attracts thousands of prayers and visitors annually.
If you are looking for a relaxing place after visiting the city, just visit Saint Francis Cathedral and have a quality time.
Address: 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States
Things to Do in Santa Fe
15. Palace of the Governors
The Palace of the Governors or the Capitol of New Mexico was built in 1610.
Located on Palace Avenue on the Plaza of Santa Fe, the Palace of the Governors has been serving as the seat of government for New Mexico for centuries now.
Why should you visit there? As it is located next to the New Mexico History Museum, you can cover both in the same visit. On the other hand, the Palace of the Governors inside is like wonderful 1600s.
Its architectural style, furniture, rooms, and set up wonderfully represent the state’s history. So, it is totally worth it visiting.
Address: 105 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States Phone: +1 505-476-5100
16. Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe
The Loretto Chapel is a stunning former roman catholic church in Santa Fe. Now it functions as a famous wedding chapel and a museum.
The helix-shaped wooden spiral staircase supported by an invisible central column is the most highlighted feature of this church because it looks like hanging free in the air.
Aside from that, the French architect, Antoine Mouly, has designed attractive buttresses, spires, and stained-glass windows too.
There’s a nice background story about this wonderful construction.
Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, the first Archbishop of Santa Fe, wanted to improve the New Mexico educational system in the 1850s. Then, he asked help from the Sisters of Loretto, a Catholic religious institute.
As a result, seven members of the Sisters of Loretto came to Santa Fe and started the Academy of Our Lady of Light for 300 girls initially. Delighted, Lamy rewarded them by building this stunning Gothic Revival-style Loretto Chapel.
Address: 207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Recommended hotel near The Loretto Chapel: Inn & Spa at Loretto
Things to Do in Santa Fe
17. Kakawa Chocolate House, Santa Fe
Looking for fun things to do in Santa Fe with kids? Visit Kakawa Chocolate House with them as a surprise.
The meaning of Kakawa is cacao or chocolate. Kakawa Chocolate House is a unique chocolate artisanal company in Santa Fe. They produce delicious handmade chocolates, drinking chocolate elixirs and ice cream.
Kakawa makes chocolates by using original Colonial and Mesoamerican recipes with seasonal and fresh ingredients. Therefore, anyone can experience innovative chocolate flavors every time they visit there.
Ex: Cherry-Chili and Acai, Hibiscus flower, Pomegranate, Mescal, Earl Grey, Classic French Dark, Espresso, and many more.
Are you ready to try unique chocolate flavors at Kakawa Chocolate House?
Address: 1300 Rufina Cir a4, Santa Fe, NM 87507, United States Phone: +1 505-930-5460
Things to Do in Santa Fe
18. Liquid Light Glass
Liquid Light Glass is a famous Glassblower in Santa Fe because it owns by a talented, award-winning glass artist named Elodie Holmes.
She has been creating glass artworks since 1986. And plenty of visitors come to see her eye-catching works and the way of making.
If you are more interested, you can join her training class and make your own glassworks.
Address: 926 Baca St, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States Phone: +1 505-820-2222
Recommended hotel near Liquid Light Glass: Motel 6 Santa Fe
19. El Rancho de las Golondrinas
El Rancho de las Golondrinas is an impressive living history museum. It was a historic Spanish rancho dating back to 1710. Since it is located 10 minutes south of Santa Fe, you can easily get there.
Spreading for 200-acres, El Rancho de las Golondrinas contains 33 historic, original buildings and relocated historic buildings. For example, homes, mills, schoolhouses, barns, a chicken coop, and a general store.
Also, this museum features demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing, spinning, farming, weaving, tin-smithing, and cooking. So, you can learn a lot about the ancient lifestyle.
If you like experiencing more, El Rancho de las Golondrinas hosts special programs throughout the year as well.
Address: 334 Los Pinos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507, United States Phone: +1 505-471-2261
Recommended hotel near El Rancho de las Golondrinas: Inn at Santa Fe, SureStay Collection by Best Western
Things to Do in Santa Fe
20. Things to Do in Santa Fe: Astronomy Adventures
Are you ready for stargazing? Santa Fe is one of the best places for stargazing with your kids.
Astronomy Adventures is the perfect partner for that. They are always ready to offer entertaining and educational stargazing tours with a professional guide.
Since they use extremely powerful telescopes, you can clearly observe stars and the fantastic night sky without any interruptions.
Just take a short drive from Santa Fe and grab the Astronomy Adventures dark site experience with your family.
Things to Do in Santa Fe
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Canyon Road Arts
- New Mexico History Museum
- New Mexico Museum of Art
- Santa Fe Plaza
- Santa Fe Opera House
- Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
- Meow Wolf Santa Fe
- Skiing in Santa Fe
- Santa Fe Farmer’s Market
- Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
- Santa Fe International New Media Festival
- Museum of International Folk Art
- The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
- Palace of the Governors
- Loretto Chapel
- Kakawa Chocolate House
- Liquid Light Glass
- El Rancho de las Golondrinas
- Astronomy Adventures
Things to Do in Santa Fe
