View more places in New Mexico
Santa Fe is a vibrant city known for its art and rich history. It embraces a unique culture that combines elements such as Gothic cathedrals, a love for the outdoors, flavorful chile-infused cuisine, and a deep appreciation for the arts. The city has a charming historic atmosphere with Spanish-influenced architecture and buildings dating back to the 16th century. However, it’s the art scene that draws many visitors to Santa Fe.
Renowned artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Peter Hurd, Miro Kenarov, and Gustave Baumann have contributed to the city’s artistic legacy. Their works, which reflect the dramatic and evolving landscape of Santa Fe, can be found in numerous galleries along the picturesque Canyon Road. If you’re interested in discovering emerging talent, stop by one of the artisan markets or explore The Railyard Arts District. You can even witness captivating glass-blowing demonstrations at Liquid Light Glass.
Santa Fe pays homage to its diverse art scene through various museums, such as the Museum of International Folk Art and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Music is also an integral part of the city’s artistic expression. The Santa Fe Opera hosts talented performers in a breathtaking mountain setting. Whether you’re captivated by visual arts or enchanted by live performances, Santa Fe offers a truly unique artistic experience.
Adventurous individuals are drawn to the captivating landscapes that captivated O’Keeffe. Throughout the year, these landscapes beckon active travelers with a variety of exciting activities. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains, while those seeking thrills can test their skiing skills on the powder-covered slopes of the nearby mountains. Additionally, the vast Santa Fe National Forest, spanning over 1.6 million acres, offers endless opportunities for exploration.
After an eventful day, Santa Fe provides a delightful culinary experience. The city boasts numerous gourmet dining establishments, allowing visitors to indulge in a diverse range of delectable flavors.
The ideal time to visit Santa Fe is from September to November when the weather is pleasant, ranging from the high 20s to high 70s. While spring also offers similar temperatures and hotel rates, fall takes the lead with its captivating festivals. Summer brings temperatures in the 50s to upper 80s, but it’s the busiest season, resulting in expensive hotels and limited availability. In winter, daytime temperatures can reach the upper 40s, dropping to the teens at night. Even during winter, the sun’s rays are strong, so remember to wear sunscreen.
Here are some of our favorite things to do while visiting Santa Fe. Select what you would enjoy!
The Santa Fe Opera House is a well-known place for enjoying operas during the summer. Since 1957, they have been presenting a wide range of operas, including comedies, dramas, and tragedies, in different structures. The current venue is an open-air …
In the past, Ancestral Puebloan communities lived in permanent settlements throughout the Southwest even before Europeans arrived in North America. Bandelier National Monument offers a chance to discover the remains of one such settlement. Situated …
Santa Fe is a fantastic place for art enthusiasts, and Canyon Road is the ultimate proof of that. Located just a short distance from Santa Fe Plaza, Canyon Road hosts over 80 art galleries where you can find remarkable pieces by renowned artists, …
Welcome to El Rancho de las Golondrinas, also known as the Ranch of the Swallows! This special place is a living history museum that aims to give you a glimpse into life in the rural area south of Santa Fe during the 18th and 19th centuries. The …
Santa Fe, a city with a rich history spanning over 400 years, exudes an aura of a vibrant living museum. To fully immerse yourself in this fascinating past while discovering its architectural marvels and notable landmarks, embark on a delightful …
Santa Fe, known for its vibrant cocktail culture, boasts a signature drink that has become synonymous with the region - the margarita. To celebrate this beloved concoction, Santa Fe County offers an exciting Margarita Trail, featuring around 50 …
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Santa Fe’s striking scenery served as a muse for renowned painter Georgia O’Keeffe. She became widely recognized as a leading artist of the Southwest due to her captivating depictions of New Mexico. Dedicated to honoring her …
The Loretto Chapel is famous for its remarkable spiral staircase, often referred to as the miraculous staircase. This unique structure undergoes two full rotations while ascending 22 feet to reach the choir loft. Interestingly, the staircase was …
In 2008, Meow Wolf began as a collective focused on arts and entertainment. However, when people mention Meow Wolf, they often refer to their main interactive installation called the “House of Eternal Return” in Santa Fe. This extraordinary …
The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, which is a part of the Museum of New Mexico system, has a mission to share the compelling narratives of the indigenous communities in the Southwest. They cover a wide range of periods, from ancient times to the …
This particular museum, operated by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, stands out for its unique and varied nature. Known as the Museum of International Folk Art, it displays an extensive collection of over 130,000 folk and traditional …
Nedra Matteucci Galleries is a renowned art gallery located on the outskirts of Canyon Road. Since its establishment in 1972, it has become known for its exceptional collection of American art from the 19th and 20th centuries. The gallery proudly …
The New Mexico History Museum showcases the state’s stories from different perspectives. Its main exhibition, called “Telling New Mexico,” provides an overview of over five centuries of regional history. Additionally, the museum presents various …
The New Mexico Museum of Art, the oldest art museum in the state, has been open since 1917. It is located in a traditional adobe building and houses over 20,000 artworks from American and European artists. The collection includes drawings, …
The State Capitol of New Mexico is commonly called the Roundhouse because it was designed to look like a Zia sun symbol, which is also on the state flag. The building covers an area of 232,000 square feet and is the only circular capitol in the …
The Palace of the Governors has a rich history dating back to 1610 when it served as the first capitol building in New Mexico. It holds the distinction of being the longest-standing public building in the United States. Made of adobe, this iconic …
Santa Fe is a lively arts community with plenty to offer visitors. One place that captures the spirit of creativity is Paseo Pottery, a working studio and gallery. Established in 1991 by a talented trio of artists, Paseo Pottery continues to be a …
Santa Fe Indian Market, held annually since 1922, is considered one of the oldest and most esteemed Native American art markets in the United States. It features the curated artwork of over 800 Native American artists from more than 250 federally …
Santa Fe’s Railyard Arts District is an important artistic hub, often referred to as a part of the “City Different.” It used to be an industrial area, but now it houses galleries, museums, restaurants, and shops. The district stretches along rail …
San Miguel Chapel proudly claims to be the oldest church in the continental United States. Its origins can be traced back to around 1610, making it older than the country itself. Throughout its long history, certain parts of the building have been …
The Santa Fe Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to explore the intricacies of the high desert landscape surrounding the City Different (Santa Fe’s nickname). Spanning approximately 20 acres, this garden offers various attractions for visitors to …
When you’re in Santa Fe, there are plenty of things to do and see. Whether you’re here for the art scene on Canyon Road or hitting the slopes for some skiing, make sure to carve out some time to visit the Santa Fe Farmers Market. This vibrant market …
The Santa Fe Plaza has been the heart of the city ever since it was founded in 1610. It remains a vibrant cultural hub, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Palace of the Governors. This plaza is not just a landmark, but also a center for …
New Mexico may surprise some visitors with its top-notch ski spots in the Southwest. Ski season typically starts in late fall and lasts until March, giving plenty of time for skiing enthusiasts to enjoy the slopes. One such popular spot is Ski Santa …
At Liquid Light Glass, you’ll find a wonderful collection of glass-blown art, sculptures, ornaments, vases, and much more. Our shop and studio are situated in the Baca Street Arts District, which is part of the southern area of Santa Fe known for …
Attention architecture enthusiasts! Don’t miss the chance to visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, a stunning example of French Romanesque Revival architecture. Construction on this magnificent cathedral began in 1869 and it has …