Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and for being a creative arts haven which attracts a lot of tourists from around the world. It was founded as a Spanish colony in 1610 and now is adorned with the historic district’s pristine, crooked streets and attractions which include the Palace of the Governors, now home to the New Mexico History Museum. If you a looking for a great list of activities while visiting this superb city, don’t worry–here I have for you a great list of things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico which will give you a holiday to remember.
1. See contemporary art at Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
Posted by Georgia O'Keeffe Museum on Friday, 10 August 2018
Take a scenic tour to this museum which is dedicated to Georgia O'Keeffe and features her art, life and public engagement and was opened in 1997 after her death. It has become such a great haven to visiting tourists. Make sure to plan a trip to this fascinating museum to see some great artwork and learn about the artist’s life.
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
Address: 217 Johnson St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Website: Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 7 USD
2. Marvel at the phenomenal architecture of the Loretto Chapel
The Loretto Chapel is a Roman Catholic church that is now used as a museum and a wedding chapel by locals though its history is something to marvel at. It is famously known for its helix-shaped spiral staircase which is a great marvel to many visiting tourists, not forgetting the fine detail of the interior finishing. The Sisters of Loretto credited construction as a way of extending the legacy of the Roman Catholic and has been standing since 1997. Many religious people have since come to pay homage to this attractive landmark.
Loretto Chapel
Address: 207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
3. Enjoy some stunning performances at the Santa Fe Opera
Santa Fe Opera is located 7 miles (11 km) north of Santa Fe, New Mexico and was the first opera house on a newly acquired former guest ranch. This is one of those places you really need to pop in if you are looking to enjoy some great symphony or live concert performances. You’ll find plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the arts and appreciate new forms of entertainment. This is one particular local attraction that has been an icon in the performing arts world and is the perfect spot for entertainment.
Santa Fe Opera
Address: 301 Opera Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87506, USA
Website: Santa Fe Opera
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 10 - 30 USD
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4. Immerse yourself in an enriching art experience at Meow Wolf
We will once again be open on Tuesday this week but after that our holiday hours are over. DON’T FORGET - we’ll be closed from Jan 22 through Feb 5 for annual repairs and renovations! —> Meow.wf/2018holidays
Posted by Meow Wolf on Saturday, 5 January 2019
This is an arts and entertainment company which has some of the finest spots of entertainment in Santa Fe. Here, you will enjoy an immersive and interactive experience that will transport you into a fantastic way of storytelling and exploration. You can even enjoy a live special performance of Game of Thrones which will blow your mind! Enjoy the installations as well as the mystery house with secret passages. There is a cafe on site as well.
Meow Wolf
Address: 1352 Rufina Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87507, USA
Website: Meow Wolf
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 10 - 18 USD
5. Go on an adventure on the Dale Ball Trails
Dale Ball Trails are superb hiking spot for travelers looking for a thrilling outdoor experience. It is perfectly located a short distance from downtown Santa Fe and is a perfect way to get away from the hustles and bustles of the busy city. This place offers a great opportunity for hikers to enjoy the expansive trails and amazing views of the surrounding wilderness. It also features unique numbering at each trail to provide easy navigation, as well as connects to other local trails for your hiking enjoyment and sightseeing.
Dale Ball Trails
Address: Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Website: Dale Ball Trails
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Go bird watching at the Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Friend of the Center & Sanctuary and Santa Fe poet, Elizabeth Jacobson gives us: Birds Eating Cherries from the Very...
Posted by Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary on Wednesday, 24 April 2019
This scenic center comprises of expansive space with lush landscapes and wildlife bounded by the National Forest and Santa Fe River Watershed land. The Center provides a sanctuary for plants and animals and thus offers a majestic scenery for travelers looking for a place to unwind in a natural setting. If you are the type of explorer that loves the thrill of enjoying nature then this is the perfect spot for you!
Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Address: 1800 Upper Canyon Rd Santa Fe, New Mexico
Website: Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free (admission and Saturday bird walks); 5 USD (docent-led tours)
7. Get your adrenaline pumping at Ski Santa Fe
Posted by Ski Santa Fe on Saturday, 2 March 2019
This is a downhill ski and snowboard area perfectly situated a few miles from the city of Santa Fe where it offers breathtaking views. Some of the finest attractive features of this place which include lush landscaping that give you a perfectly relaxing feel. This is the launching point for a ski experience with your family which you will never forget.
Ski Santa Fe
Address: NM-475, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Website: Ski Santa Fe
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily on regular season)
Price: From 64 USD (see website for lift tickets and passes rates)
8. Explore a blend of activities at Santa Fe Railyard
This one of the greatest places to visit in Santa Fe if you are looking for a place to sightsee and enjoy a wide array of galleries, museums, and a market with new retail and restaurant spaces. Even better, the market station complex boasts of artist studios and a state-of-the-art 12-screen movie theatre which is a must-visit spot. This is a tour you don’t want to miss if you are looking for the ultimate sightseeing experience.
Santa Fe Railyard
Address: 332 Read St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Website: Santa Fe Railyard
9. Admire the Romanesque architecture of The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is a Roman Catholic cathedral in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico and is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. This vintage landmark was built in the 1800s and boasts a Romanesque-style architecture that takes you back to the golden ages of the Romans.
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Address: 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
10. Stroll across an artistic road
Posted by On Canyon Road on Thursday, 6 December 2018
Canyon Road is an art district in Santa Fe with over 100 art galleries and studios exhibiting a wide range of art. This includes Native American art and antiquities, Latino art, regional art, international art, and contemporary art. Take a great tour in this superb city as you appreciate the work of great artists across America!
Canyon Road
Address: 729 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Website: Canyon Road
11. Have a scenic tour of the city and see the Roundhouse
The New Mexico State Capitol is the house of government of the US state of New Mexico and is the only round state capitol in the United States, also known as the “the Roundhouse”. This is a great spot to enjoy as it will give you the understanding of how the New Mexico government works among other functions.
New Mexico State Capitol
Address: 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Website: New Mexico State Capitol
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
12. Travel back in time at the vintage Ranch of the Swallows Museum
El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a historic ranch and now a pristine living history museum which is strategically located on what was once the Camino Real. This is the Royal Road that extended from Mexico City to Santa Fe and has been a great site to behold since its opening. Bring your family out to enjoy this superb vintage experience!
Ranch of the Swallows Museum
Address: 334 Los Pinos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Website: Ranch of the Swallows Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon &Tue)
Price: 6 USD (adults); 4 USD (seniors and teens); free (children 12 and under)
13. Taste some superb beers at Santa Fe Brewing
The 4th of July has come and gone but the sun has not yet set on this summer. Sunsetter is for sipping on summer nights...
Posted by Santa Fe Brewing Company on Friday, 6 July 2018
Established in 1988 the Santa Fe brewing company is New Mexico’s first craft brewery and has since become the largest brewery in the state. It produces some of the finest beers which have been celebrated by the locals for the rich taste that always sticks out. Even better, you can pop in and enjoy some of their finely crafted beers as a way of complimenting your trip and also enjoy some live music, too. Make sure to tag a friend or a partner to this amazing tasting experience!
Santa Fe Brewing
Address: 35 Fire Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87508, USA
Website: Santa Fe Brewing
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 11am - 10pm; Wed - Fri: 11am - 10:30pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 2pm - 8pm
14. Shop some fresh farm produce at Santa Fe Farmers Market
Posted by Santa Fe Farmers' Market on Thursday, 23 May 2019
Visit this market for a great grocery shopping spree with the finest farm produces being stocked here. This market opens twice in a week and offers the finest market produce that comes straight from the local farms just ready for you. There are so many stands which offer various types of fresh produce from fruits, vegetables, cheese, and flowers, too!
Santa Fe Farmers Market
Address: 1607 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Website: Santa Fe Farmers Market
Opening hours: Tue & Sat: 7am - 1pm
15. Explore the Palace of the Governors
This is a pristine structure located on Palace Avenue on the Plaza of Lincoln Avenue and Washington Avenue. It is also situated in the Santa Fe Historic District where it served as the seat of government for the state of New Mexico for centuries. Take time off and check out this vintage landmark where you will get to learn about some surprising details about it.
Palace of the Governors
Address: 105 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Website: Palace of the Governors
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
16. See the Cross of the Martyrs
The Cross of the Martyrs is a scenic landmark perfectly situated northeast of downtown Santa Fe and is perfect sightseeing spot for guests of the Inn at Pueblo Bonito to enjoy during their Santa Fe visit. It is also an excellent spot for an evening stroll or a free historical lesson of Old Santa Fe. This vantage point at the top offers unmatched views of the entire city as well as a glorious sunset viewing which will absolutely blow your mind.
Cross of the Martyrs
Address: 617 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
17. Admire some local art at Nedra Matteuci Galleries
The opening for Chris Morel’s show “One Man’s Home” is already tomorrow! Be sure to stop by Nedra Matteucci Galleries...
Posted by Nedra Matteucci Galleries on Thursday, 20 June 2019
Nedra Matteucci Galleries is a museum which boasts a diverse collection of important paintings that celebrate American art. Some of the artifacts housed here include works of artists from the 19th and 20th century with a diverse range, showing the change of times of American lifestyles. It is a superb spot to learn more about the history of art in America. This is a great place to check out the various arts of work that will give you a better understanding of the American heritage.
Nedra Matteucci Galleries
Address: 1075 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Website: Nedra Matteucci Galleries
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free admission
18. Get a taste of folk art and culture at the Museum of International Folk Art
The Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe is a lively spot that offers an opportunity for artists to feature their work in one of the world’s largest showcases for folk art. This is where you will find some of the finest activities celebrating folk art. This place began as a weekend activity that later on turned into one of the biggest year-round folk artist platforms and still continues to grow. Pop in this place and sample some of the finest entertainment in Santa Fe as you appreciate the diversity of folk art.
Museum of International Folk Art
Address: Museum Hill, 706 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA
Website: Museum of International Folk Art
Price: 7 USD (NM residents); 12 USD (non-residents); free (12 and under, active military and family)
19. Enjoy a stargazing experience at Astronomy Adventures
Elephant Trunk Nebula in Hubble Palette. 4 hours exposure time.
Posted by Astronomy Adventures on Wednesday, 15 August 2018
Astronomy Adventures offers a perfect spot for educational and night sky viewing sessions offered by guided night sky tours which are a great way to experience the Santa Fe night sky. It is because the Santa Fe night skies are always filled with bright twinkling stars that give you a frenzy that you won’t forget anytime soon! Even better, you can never have a complete tour of Santa Fe without a stargazing evening at Astronomy Adventures as the skies in New Mexico are usually clear and dark enough to explore the numerous jewels of the night that you will definitely fall in love with.
Astronomy Adventures
Address: NM-14, Santa Fe, NM 87508, USA
Website: Astronomy Adventures
Price: 40 (adults); youth (12 - 20 years); 10 USD (children 6 - 11 years); free (children under 6 years)
20. Indulge in your love for chocolate at Kakawa Chocolate House
Answer: Bring Kakawa Chocolates! Question: How to be sure you'll be asked back again! Reminder: We will be closed on...
Posted by Kakawa Chocolate House on Saturday, 19 November 2016
Kakawa Chocolate House is a chocolate company that boasts authentic and historic drinking chocolates which are something you don’t want to miss out on. Even better, it also has a wide range of drinking chocolates which include traditional Mayan drinking chocolates, and colonial Mexican drinking chocolates, making it a great spot for chocolate lovers. Make sure to bring a fellow sweet tooth for this tour since it will be a tour you will want to reminisce!
Kakawa Chocolate House
Address: 1050 Paseo de Peralta Santa Fe, New Mexico
Website: Kakawa Chocolate House
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
21. Tour the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art
This museum houses an extraordinary collection of Spanish artifacts and other numerous pieces that talk about the colonial history of New Mexico. Opened in 1930, this museum offers a superb detail to the history of New Mexico with some of the finest historical and contemporary works you’ll ever come across. It also provides you with a serene setting which offers a perfect ambiance to enjoy a wide collection of Spanish contemporary art.
Museum of Spanish Colonial Art
Address: 750 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA
Website: Museum of Spanish Colonial Art
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
22. Experience a luxurious vacation at Hilton Santa Fe (from USD 206)
Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder boasts room service with various dining options, free internet, a spacious casino gambling area and over nine different on-site dining options as well as modern guestrooms. It also provides everything needed for an unforgettable stay, including a top-rated golf course and outdoor tennis facilities which guests can enjoy. Even more, the guestrooms are furnished with flat-screen TVs, radios, and ultra-comfy beds.
Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder
Address: 20 Buffalo Thunder Trail
104 meters (339.9 ft) from Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino
23. See the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Santuario de Guadalupe, beautiful!
Posted by Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Monday, 6 February 2017
This is the oldest chapel in America dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the United States and has been a haven of visiting travelers from around the world. The oil painting altar screen of this place is thought to be the largest oil in America and offers congregants a great view of the front side of the church since its construction.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Address: 417 Agua Fria St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
Visit this city with unique history
Make sure to put this city in your travel bucket list because you will be blown away by the number of things you can see and fo. Check out these amazing things to do in Santa Fe, Mexico as you plan for a holiday which I’m sure will give you an absolutely fantastic time! Tag along your family, friends, or partner to this amazing city and enjoy a vacation like no other!
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