Despite being the oldest state capitol in the United States, Santa Fe is often skipped over by many tourists. It’s a great shame, really. Santa Fe is a city of culture. It has a thriving art and festival scene, much of which has been driven by the Native American residents. It has beautiful landscapes surrounding the city and great food. But, above all, there are some awesome things to do in Santa Fe.
We know that many of you might be at a loss for what to do in Santa Fe, so we’ve put together a list of our 15 favorite attractions. We’ve got a little something for everybody, although much of what we cover here will focus on the cultural roots of Santa Fe, as well as a little about the architecture of the place.
Things to do in Santa Fe
Table of Contents
1. Santa Fe Plaza
Santa Fe Plaza has been the heart of Santa Fe for over 400 years. Designed in the typical Spanish-American style, it attracts thousands of tourists each year.
While you can easily come to Santa Fe Plaza to enjoy the trees and ample places to sit, the place really comes alive during the countless events that are held here throughout the year. The highlight would be the Fiestas de Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Indian Market. If you’re around Santa Fe at Christmas, you’ll also want to swing by. The whole place is lit up, and the local government always sources the best Christmas tree in the US (in our opinion).
Address: 63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
2. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
A short walk away from the Santa Fe Plaza is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. This Roman Catholic church was built in 1887 and follows the classic Romanesque Revival style, which was modeled on 11th—to 13th-century churches from the continent. The result is a beautiful church, the likes of which you can’t find anywhere else in the US. This includes stunning round windows and beautiful side towers. The inside of the church is even more dramatic.
Even if you’re not religious, it is worth looking at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi while you’re in Santa Fe. It’s one of the top things to see in Santa Fe simply because there’s nowhere else quite like it in the country. As we said – Santa Fe is one of the state capitols that shouldn’t be skipped. The Spanish influence is strong here. Far stronger than anywhere else in the US.
Address: 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501
3. Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is one of the largest museums in the United States dedicated to Native American artwork. Since Native Americans played a key role in the development of Santa Fe, both before and after its founding, there’s a lot to experience here. Many of the items showcased here have been found on land in the surrounding area, with a few donations thrown in for good measure.
Address: 710 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505
4. New Mexico History Museum
The New Mexico History Museum charts the history of New Mexico from pre-European settler times (i.e. when Native Americans were around the area), through to the modern day. The exhibits here revolve with a great deal of frequency, which means you’ll rarely have the same experience when you visit the New Mexico History Museum.
Address: 113 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Also Read: Route 66 Stops in New Mexico
5. Santa Fe Farmers Market
The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market runs twice per week, 8 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays and on Tuesdays (the Tuesdays are in the Railyard). The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market invites some top local producers from New Mexico to showcase their foods, crops, and crafts. If you’re in Santa Fe and you want to throw together an awesome, delicious meal, then make a beeline for the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market. Some of the best ingredients in the state can be found here.
Address: 1607 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
6. San Miguel Chapel
The San Miguel Chapel may be a drastic step down in size and grandeur in comparison to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, but this doesn’t mean it is less important. The San Miguel Chapel is the oldest church in the United States. Built in the 1700s, with limited funds, the San Miguel Chapel doesn’t dominate the skyline, nor would you know that it is the oldest church in the US by walking past it. However, it is functional. Walk inside and see the wooden beams that support the structure, and the beautiful sculptures, and it feels like you’ve walked into a small, medieval church in Europe.
Address: 401 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
7. New Mexico State Capitol
We know that, for many, government buildings outside of Washington D.C. are somewhat bland. They become even blander if you’ve got no stake in the government working there. However, we still suggest that you take a trip to the New Mexico State Capitol. While we can’t imagine the politics going on in there is that exciting to experience, we can tell you that the New Mexico State Capitol building is the only round state capitol building in the US and one of only 11 without a dome. It is unique.
Address: 411 S Capitol St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
8. Bandelier National Monument
The Bandelier National Monument is one of the Santa Fe attractions that people travel hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to get to. Covering over 33,000 acres of space, the Bandelier National Monument is perhaps most famous for once being the home of the Ancestral Puebloans. While the landscape around the Bandelier National Monument is dramatic, the highlight is the old ‘buildings’ (really caves) that were carved into the cliffs centuries and centuries ago. There are several tours and trails through the area. While much of the terrain is rugged, there are parts of a trip through Bandelier National Monument that most people should be able to handle.
Address: 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Also Check: The Charming Small Towns in New Mexico
9. Loretto Chapel
The Loretto Chapel is an old Roman Catholic Church (it is no longer used as a church). Now operating as a museum, the Loretto Chapel is perhaps best known for its ‘Miraculous Stair’, which is a helix-shaped staircase in the church. This stairwell is the stuff of legends. Nobody knows who the builder was, how it was constructed, or even the wood that it was made from. Of course, there are a lot of religious theories out there (e.g. the stairwell was built by somebody God sent). If you’re not religious, that’s fine. It is still a stunning piece of architecture.
Address: 207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico
10. Ski Santa Fe
While Santa Fe has a reputation for being quite hot, during the colder months of the year, it also becomes a top ski destination. Just 16 miles outside of Santa Fe, you’ve got Ski Santa Fe. It is a medium-sized ski resort. There are 88 runs here, which means there’s a ski run for everybody. So, if you’re in Santa Fe and want to do a bit of skiing, then you don’t have to travel far. Ski Santa Fe is pretty much just around the corner.
Address: 1477 NM-475, Santa Fe, NM 87501
11. Museum of International Folk Art
The Museum of International Folk Art showcases artwork from around the world. Popular collections include the Girard Wing, which offers art, toys, and textiles from 100 different countries. This is packed up by the Neutrogena Collection, which has textiles, wood carvings, and ceramics. Much of the art in that exhibit is Spanish, one of the first places in New Mexico to display Spanish artwork.
Address: 706 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505
12. Santa Fe Opera House
If you’re struggling to work out what you want to do for an evening in Santa Fe, then it might be time to take a trip to the Santa Fe Opera House. It is one of the top things to do in Santa Fe. Standing since 1956 (and rebuilt in 1998), the performers at the Santa Fe Opera House are world-renowned for their ability to push opera as an art form. There are performances throughout the year, most of which will be offered in English or Spanish. However, don’t worry if you don’t understand Spanish. The Santa Fe Opera House has invested in beautiful screens that’ll give you instant translations of what is happening on the stage.
Address: 301 Opera Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87506
13. Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf is one of the more unique art collectives in the United States, and they’re right here in Santa Fe. Meow Wolf is a team dedicated to creating immersive artwork spaces. Their exhibit space in Santa Fe was their original exhibit, and it still stands. Here, you can explore 70 different rooms, each of which was crafted by a local artist. As many reviewers have stated – Meow Wolf is something that is hard to describe. It is something that you really need to experience.
A walk-through Meow Wolf will take you on a journey through color, lights, and pure beauty. You never know what is around each corner since every artist featured in the building’s art exhibits has their own unique art style. You can approach it in many ways too. You can walk through the building just looking at the sights and sounds, or you can steer a little off the beaten track and discover some of the smaller ‘secrets’ that Meow Wolf offers.
Address: 1352 Rufina Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87507
14. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Georgia O’Keeffe was a popular modernist painter who spent over 70 years working throughout Santa Fe. This museum is dedicated to her artwork and her life. You will need to head slightly outside of Santa Fe (about 50 miles) to get here, though. When you’re here, you’ll see plenty of exhibits dedicated to Georgia O’Keeffe. These exhibits help to chart her life from when she was a draftsman all the way through to when she started to gain popularity as an artist. You’ll also find revolving exhibits dedicated to other artists similar in style.
Address: 217 Johnson St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
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15. Canyon Road Arts District
Finally, we’ve got more artwork for you. The Canyon Road Arts District is home to over 100 different art galleries. If you love art, then you’ll love exploring all the small and large galleries scattered around the area. They each boast different art styles, and the district is the place to find some of the finest art in the United States.
Address: Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Fe most famous for?
Outside of the classic song, Santa Fe is perhaps best known for the Bandelier National Monument, an area where Native Americans settled centuries ago.
What is the best way to get around Santa Fe?
Walking around Santa Fe is probably the best. It’ll make it easier to see the architecture, and most of the top things to do in Santa Fe are concentrated in a small area. There are public transportation options, though.
What are some unique things to do in Santa Fe?
There are plenty of museums and art galleries around Santa Fe, with one of the best being the Meow Wolf exhibit. There are also museums dedicated to Native American culture, beautiful churches, and more.
Wrapping Up
Santa Fe isn’t a city that will ever appear on a list of ‘must-visits’ for tourists. However, it is a remarkable place. It is packed full of history and is one of the few places in the United States with architecture that follows a very Spanish style, which makes it unique in that regard.
If you’re looking for somewhere unique to visit in the United States, particularly one with a thriving art scene, then Santa Fe should be somewhere you go. It is a beautiful place, the locals are friendly, and there’s something to do around every corner.