Best Things to Do in Santa Fe

Santa Fe is one of the most distinctive cities in America.

Founded in 1610, it’s the oldest state capital in the United States and blends Native American, Hispanic, Mexican, and American influences into something completely unique. Between the adobe architecture, world-class art scene, mountain scenery, and incredible food, it’s easy to see why Santa Fe consistently ranks among the country’s top travel destinations.

Don’t Miss

Santa Fe Plaza

The Plaza is the heart of the city and you must visit, you’re not allowed to skip. Historic buildings, museums, shops, restaurants, and events are all centered around this walkable district.

Nearby highlights include:

• Palace of the Governors with native vendors selling handmade jewelry and crafts
• St. Francis Cathedral
• Loretto Chapel, known for its miraculous spiral staircase
• San Miguel Chapel (the oldest church in the Continental United States)
• Art galleries and museums, including The New Mexico History Museum
• Numerous restaurants, cafes, shops, and hotels

If you could only visit one place in New Mexico (which would be heartbreaking), the Plaza is the best choice. It’s the greatest encapsulation of New Mexico’s history, culture, and architecture in one place.

Canyon Road

Canyon Road is one of the most famous art districts in the United States. More than 80 galleries, studios, sculpture gardens, and shops line this historic street. It’s like having tons of mini museums all in one place. You can spend hours wandering the galleries, admiring the art, and enjoying the architecture. Whether you’re a serious collector or just browsing, it’s one of Santa Fe’s signature experiences.

Meow Wolf

Santa Fe is home to the original Meow Wolf.

Part interactive art exhibit and part immersive mystery, the House of Eternal Return is one of the city’s most popular attractions. It’s weird, creative, and unlike anything else in New Mexico.

Santa Fe Opera

The Santa Fe Opera is known for its striking open-air theater, world-class performances, and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Tickets can be expensive, but the beautiful hillside setting makes it one of the most distinctive opera experiences in the United States.

Museums & Culture

Santa Fe has many great, and perhaps a few world-class, museums. Some of the best include:

• Museum of International Folk Art (a personal favorite)
• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
• New Mexico Museum of Art
• New Mexico History Museum
• Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
• El Rancho de las Golondrinas (a living history museum)

If you plan to visit The Museum of International Folk Art, the New Mexico CulturePass is a great value that will get you into lots of other attractions.

Outdoors

Santa Fe isn’t just about art and history. The city sits at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and offers easy access to hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation.

Popular options include:

• Dale Ball Trail System (Atalaya Mountain provides a great view of the city)
• Hyde Memorial State Park
• Ski Santa Fe
• La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs
• Skiing at Ski Santa Fe (in winter)

The views from the surrounding mountains are some of the best in New Mexico.

Food & Drink

Santa Fe may have the most dense restaurant scene in America depending on your math. For classic New Mexican cuisine, look to the holy trinity of:

• The Shed
• Tomasita’s
• La Choza (same owners as The Shed, but more “local”)

Be prepared to wait for a table at any of these, they’re popular with locals and tourists alike.

The fine dining scene blends refined technique with the city’s Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican culinary heritage, offering everything from innovative New Mexican cuisine to world-class tasting menus. A few popular (and expensive) options include:

• Geronimo
• Sazón
• The Compound

Santa Fe also has a “margarita trail” with over 50 participating locations all serving their own unique take on the classic cocktail. Due to the overwhelming number of restaurants, it can be challenging to choose where to eat. Luckily, because the scene is so competitive, most restaurants tend to be great so if you see a place that looks good, go for it.

Events

Santa Fe hosts festivals and markets throughout the year, but a few stand out:

• Zozobra - The burning of a massive marionette to symbolize the burning away of the previous year’s troubles.
• Santa Fe Indian Market
• Spanish Market
• International Folk Art Market

If you’re planning a trip around a specific event, Zozobra is the most uniquely New Mexican experience but markets are fun too.

Where to Stay

Santa Fe offers everything from historic inns near the Plaza to luxury resorts tucked into the surrounding hills. Staying near downtown provides easy access to the city’s main attractions and may allow you to get away without a car as the city is very walkable. However, price increases exponentially the closer you get to the Plaza, so if you’re on a budget, consider staying a few miles away and driving in.

Some notable historic hotels that are worth visiting include:

• La Fonda on the Plaza
• Inn of the Five Graces
• Inn and Spa at Loretto
• Ten Thousand Waves (a Japanese-style spa and resort in the mountains above Santa Fe)

How Long Should You Stay?

For most visitors, 2–3 days is ideal.

That’s enough time to explore the Plaza, visit a few museums, walk Canyon Road and enjoy a few restaurants. Santa Fe isn’t a city built around nightlife or major attractions. Its appeal comes from the atmosphere, history, art, and culture. Take your time wandering around and enjoy one of the most unique cities in America!

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