19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Santa Fe, NM

Strolling around Santa Fe's historic Plaza under a cloudless blue sky, you'll feel as if you've left the U.S. and traveled somewhere else entirely. With its distinct all-adobe architecture, a multi-cultural story dating back more than 400 years, its world-class galleries, museums, restaurants, and even an opera and ski scene, Santa Fe is truly one of a kind.

Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the U.S., dating back to 1610 and its history includes the stories of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American cultures. The downtown is laid out around a central pedestrian Plaza, which is Santa Fe's heartbeat. You'll find Native Americans selling handcrafted jewelry and pottery here, and many of the city's top boutiques, restaurants, and hotels within walking distance.

The other two major tourist areas for shopping and dining are Canyon Road, just a short walk from the Plaza, which is ground zero for the city's famed art gallery scene. And the relatively newly developed Railyard District, where you'll find a farmers market and more restaurants and shops, as well as the train station.

Plan your next New Mexico trip with our list of the top things to do in Santa Fe.

See also: Where to Stay in Santa Fe

1. Visit the Plaza & Downtown

The busy hub of the town's life is the Plaza, a market square that was built by the Spaniards at the spot where the Santa Fe Trail ended. The Plaza itself is a lovely tree-shaded park that serves as a central gathering place that's close to many top tourist attractions.

The streets surrounding the Plaza are a lively place to visit, filled with numerous shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafés, as well as vendor tents during the city's frequent events. Tourists will find that it is the best place in the city to find Native American arts and crafts, especially jewelry.

To buy directly from artists, head to the portal in front of the Palace of the Governors, which runs along the north side of the plaza. The Native Americans who sell their jewelry here are part of the city's Native American Vendors Program which has been running for more than 60 years. A daily lottery means you'll find different artisans on different days, so if you see something you like buy it early.

The jewelry and other crafts sold here are usually the creations of the individual selling it. For the best selection, especially during the high season, arrive early. Locals always bring their out-of-town guests here to shop.

Although there are pieces in all price brackets, much of what you find is very high quality, which cannot be said for all the tourist-focused jewelry shops. Turquoise and silver are two of the most popular materials. Bartering is acceptable but be respectful.

The Plaza is just as popular with locals as it is with tourists and is an ideal spot for people-watching. Many of the city's special events, especially Native American cultural celebrations, are held here.

Address: 63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, New Mexico

2. Visit Canyon Road's Galleries

Santa Fe's take on Rodeo Drive, Canyon Road is where you go to shop for high-end art in the city. Home to more than 80 galleries as well as a mix of artisan jewelry shops and boutiques, it runs for half a mile. The arts district, which is an easy walk from the Plaza, began as a trade route in the 1830s, connecting to the community of Pecos on the eastern slope of the mountain.

Spend a day perusing the shops and enjoying the public art and architecture that make the walk so beautiful. Many of these businesses here offer workshops, including those that focus on Native American traditional crafts.

Where to Eat: In addition to all the visual arts, you'll have plenty of choices in food, including light fare at Café Greco, fine dining at Geronimo, divine treats at Kawaka Chocolate House, and even a Tea Room.

The arts community on Canyon Road also hosts numerous special events throughout the year, including the Spring Arts Festival, an Edible Art Tour, and seasonal events for Halloween and Christmas.

Author's Tip: Locals (of all religions) have a tradition of walking Canyon Road on Christmas Eve. The street and buildings are lined and lit with faralitos (brown paper bags with sand bottoms lit by real candles, although faux candle versions also exist these days for fire safety) which have been a Santa Fe tradition since the early 1600s. Most of the galleries stay open late, serve hot chocolate or cider to guests, and you'll find revelers often breaking into song around impromptu bonfires.

To make visiting even more convenient, tourists can use the Santa Fe Pick-Up shuttle, a free service, to get to and from the Canyon Road shops, with several stops in the area. The shuttle connects to many of the city's top tourist attractions, including several museums, as well as other popular neighborhoods.

Official site: www.visitcanyonroad.com

3. Explore History at the Museum of New Mexico Complex

The Museum of New Mexico Complex houses four museums that explore the state's heritage. The New Mexico History Museum chronicles the state's history from the 16th century onwards by way of exhibits that look at the native populations, colonization, and the ways the Santa Fe Trail shaped the state's economy and development.

The museum is housed in The Palace of the Governors, the former 17th-century seat of the Spanish government, which is a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can tour this adobe palace and see rooms complete with period furniture, set up as they would have been during the 1600s. Palace Press offers a unique chance to see live demonstrations of the first printing press in the state of New Mexico.

Another attraction at the complex includes the Fray Angelico Chavez History Library, which contains archival materials and historic documents, and the Photo Archives, where you will find more than 750,000 images that date back as far as the mid-19th century. The complex also hosts a Native American art market that operates daily.

Address: 113 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Official site: http://www.nmhistorymuseum.org/

4. Santa Fe Opera House

The Santa Fe Opera House is the state's top performing arts center, presenting a wide variety of operatic works that range from traditional favorites like Madame Butterfly to contemporary performances like Doctor Atomic. It's rare for a city the size of Santa Fe to have an opera, and performances are sold out well in advance as visitors flock here from around the country and the world.

One of the most endearing traditions here in Santa Fe is tailgating - a unique sight indeed as throngs of theatergoers in formal wear mingle in the parking lot while nibbling on upscale finger-food.

In addition to seasonal performances, the opera house provides apprenticeship programs for all aspects of production, and backstage tours are available year-round.

Address: 301 Opera Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Official site: www.santafeopera.org

5. Go Skiing, Southwest Style

If you're visiting in winter, there are several good ski areas in New Mexico, including one resort under a 30-minute drive from town. Ski Santa Fe is 15 miles away and offers varied terrain on more than 80 trails with lower prices and fewer crowds than its more popular competitor, Taos Ski Valley.

Ski Santa Fe's summit sits at 12,075 feet and the low-key resort gets plenty of powder each season. There is some great tree and glad skiing. Experts will enjoy playing near Big Rocks, which has chutes, cliffs, and boulders to navigate.

If you don't have a car, no worries. This resort is accessible by shuttle bus from Santa Fe. Note this is entirely a day resort, and there is no slope-side lodging.

Pajarito Mountain Ski Area is another option. It is located less than an hour's drive from Santa Fe, covering 750 acres and offering 45 trails. With fewer trails and more space, this is a favorite ski area for families and beginners.

Another smaller ski area is Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, located a little over an hour's drive from the city. Here, tourists will find three terrain parks in addition to over 40 trails, as well as recreational facilities during the summer months.

6. Museum of International Folk Art

Established in 1953, the Museum of International Folk Art has the largest collection of international folk art in the world, including baskets, textiles, wood carving, and ceramics.

The collections are divided up by geographical region: Africa, Asia and the Middle East, Contemporary Hispano and Latino, European and North American, and Latin American. There are also sections covering Spanish Colonial, and Textiles & Costumes.

The foundation of the collection comes from Florence Dibell Bartlett, who founded the museum. Many other individuals have made sizable donations to the museum and the collection has expanded greatly over the years.

The museum features a number of temporary exhibitions each year as well as events. Check the calendar to see about upcoming features that include music, films, lectures, and other programs.

Official site: www.internationalfolkart.org

7. Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is a lovely example of Romanesque Revival architecture, characterized by its Corinthian columns, rounded arches, and square towers. Built between 1869 and 1886, it took the place of a much older adobe chapel.

The last remaining piece of the original church houses a statue of the Virgin Mary known as Our Lady La Conquistadora. The statue was first brought to the site in 1626 from Spain and is the oldest of its kind in the United States.

The cathedral's interior is impressive yet simple, enhanced by features such as a Brazilian granite baptismal font, stained glass imported from France, and delicate woodwork. One of its most remarkable features, and one that has spurned much debate over the centuries, is the keystone with a carving of the Tetragrammaton in Hebrew.

Address: 131 Cathedral Place, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Official site: www.cbsfa.org

8. Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe has the world's largest collection of O'Keeffe's work with more than 3,000 of her paintings, drawings, and assorted works. Different parts of the collection are available to the public throughout the year, making every visit a unique experience.

The museum also hosts special exhibitions of O'Keeffe's work or that of other modernists such as Pollock, Warhol, and Levine. Year-round activities include lectures, workshops, and kids' activities. It is also responsible for the maintenance of O'Keeffe's former home in Abiquiu, a National Historic Landmark that can be toured by appointment.

Address: 217 Johnson Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Official site: www.okeeffemuseum.org

9. Santa Fe Farmers' Market

More than 150 local growers and vendors converge every Saturday morning at the refurbished Santa Fe Railyard for the Santa Fe Farmers' Market. The market itself has been in operation since 2002 with an ever-expanding array of products, from dried beans and peas to squashes, apples, corn, breads, breakfast burritos, and coffee.

Local musicians and other artists also perform at the market adding to the excitement. The market's parent association requires all items to be locally grown. Eighty percent of the ingredients and materials used in processed products are likewise expected to come from northern New Mexico.

Address: 1607 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Official site: www.santafefarmersmarket.com

10. Loretto Chapel

In 1850 Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy requested that the Sisters of Loretto send seven members from Kentucky to Santa Fe to help him grow the struggling New Mexico educational system. In 1853, the sisters opened the Academy of Our Lady of Light for 300 girls and Lamy rewarded them by constructing this touching Gothic Revival-style chapel.

Designed by French architect Antoine Mouly, the spires, buttresses, and stained-glass windows of the chapel make the spirit soar. The chapel is also home to a unique spiral staircase made entirely of wood and supported by a hidden central column that gives the structure the appearance of hanging free in the air.

Author's Tip: If you want to have your photo taken on the alluring staircase, you'll need to book the chapel for your wedding. The only time the staircase can be climbed is for wedding photos before or after your ceremony.

Address: 207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Official site: http://www.lorettochapel.com/

11. El Rancho de Las Golondrinas

Located 10 minutes south of Santa Fe, El Rancho de Las Golondrinas is a living history museum located on a former Spanish ranch dating back to 1710. This expansive 200-acre facility has 33 historic buildings, including originals, as well as relocated historic buildings from around the state. These include a variety of homes, as well as barns, a chicken coop, a general store, a schoolhouse, and mills.

Living history interpreters provide demonstrations of everyday life, including spinning, weaving, cooking, tin-smithing, farming, and blacksmithing, among others. The ranch also has traditional corrals and hosts special events throughout the year.

Address; 334 Los Pinos Rd, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Official site: http://www.golondrinas.org/

12. Become a Glassblower at Liquid Light Glass

Liquid Light Glass is a studio and gallery created by the acclaimed glass-blower Elodie Holmes. Admire the finished pieces, watch as the artists shape new creations, and even take a class. Workshops vary in length, and students can learn how to design and make their own glass creations, including paperweights, blown glass cups, and flowers.

Convenient for tourists just passing through Santa Fe, the studio will gladly ship the finished piece once it is ready. Liquid Light Glass is located in the Baca Street Arts District, which occupies part of the old Railyard on its southern end. Here, you will find a variety of unique shops, galleries, and quirky eateries within the heart of Santa Fe's art scene.

Address: 926 Baca Street, Ste 3. Santa Fe, New Mexico

13. Museum of Indian Arts and Culture - Laboratory of Anthropology

One of the centerpieces of the entire Southwest, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture was founded in 1909 with the mission to preserve the material culture of the Native Americans of the region – a people who at that time were enduring major transition and perhaps extinction.

In 1947, the museum was combined with JD Rockefeller's Laboratory of Anthropology, an institution dedicated to the ongoing study of the cultures of the Southwest.

Today, the museum hosts impressive collections of pottery, jewelry, basketry, and saddle blankets, as well as regular performances of Native American music, dances, storytelling, and other traditions. The facility is also home to extensive archives and research collections that include photographs, ethnographic records, and archaeological materials.

Address: 710-708 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Official site: www.indianartsandculture.org

14. San Miguel Mission Chapel

One of the oldest religious buildings in the United States, and the oldest of its kind in Santa Fe, the chapel of San Miguel was originally built in 1636. It was later burned and rebuilt at the start of the 18th century. It contains a number of fine statues and a high altar from 1798, with the likeness of St. Gertrude.

The adobe structure, which seems to change color throughout the day when the sun strikes it at different angles, features an open bell tower with a cross jutting from the top. The interior has white walls and wood beams on the ceiling and is decorated with unique works of art.

Address: 401 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico

15. Randall Davey Audubon Center

The 135-acre Randall Davey Audubon Center, on Upper Canyon Road in Santa Fe, has bird-watching tours and nature walks. It is a peaceful setting with a little history to it as well.

Set in the Santa Fe River Watershed and surrounded by forest, the center sees approximately 130 different species of birds. You can wander the trails on your own or take a guided walking tour to learn about the environment and its inhabitants.

The complex, which maintains several buildings, is home to the historical Randall Davey House. This unique building was originally a sawmill that Davey turned into his home and art studio. He died in 1964, and his family later donated the property to the National Audubon Society for use as a sanctuary and cultural center. You can tour the house, which is today a museum, and see his artworks, the studio, and furnishings.

Address: 1800 Upper Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Official site: nm.audubon.org

16. Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian

The Wheelwright Museum focuses on the arts and crafts of the Native Americans of the American Southwest.

In addition to a great variety of cultural objects, woven fabrics, silverware, and sand paintings, it has a collection of old writing and even some documents inscribed in clay. The exhibits include contemporary works as well.

The museum is named for Mary Cabot Wheelwright, who established the museum in the 1930s with the help of Hastiin Klah, a Navajo "medicine man" with whom she had long been a friend.

Address: 704 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Official site: www.wheelwright.org

17. Bandelier National Monumnet

About an hour outside of Santa Fe is one of the oldest sites in the nation. The Bandelier National Monument is a protected area covering over 33,000 acres of rugged canyon and mesa landscape. Within the park are petroglyphs, cliff dwellings, and masonry walls that reveal the history of the cultures that have occupied these lands for centuries.

Home to the Ancestral Pueblo people from 1150 CE to 1550 CE, this land within Frijoles Canyon is sacred ground and one of the most beautiful places in New Mexico to get out into nature.

Follow the Pueblo trail, a 1.5-mile round-trip trail that runs alongside the centuries-old cliff dwellings. Some even offer ladders for visitors to climb up into the cliff cutouts for a closer look.

Of course, the monument area has more challenging hikes. The Falls Trail is a three-mile out-and-back trail leading to a gorgeous waterfall (when the falls are flowing).

While the Ancestral Pueblo people had moved on from the Bandelier area by the middle of the 16th century, their closest descendants are the Cochiti Pueblo people who live just south and east along the Rio Grande.

If you have the America the Beautiful National Parks pass, you can access the Bandelier National Monument. If you're visiting in the summer, arrive early, as it gets excessively hot in the afternoon. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm

18. Origami in the Garden

Gorgeous pieces of delicate origami come magnified to life at Origami in The Garden. The touring sculpture garden has been on the road for 10 years and has come home to Santa Fe.

FLORIGMI features 18 installations of sculptures inspired by origami art. The sculptures are placed along a path that runs through a rugged, red rock desert landscape on the outskirts of Santa Fe. The pieces range from a playful squirrel to galloping horses and towering bouquets of flowers.

Walking the garden takes about 40 minutes, and there is a suggested donation of $5 per person.

Address: 3453 NM-14, Los Cerrillos, NM

Official site: https://origamiinthegarden.com/

19. The Railyard

The Railyard neighborhood of Santa Fe is a shining example of the city's modern side. This former industrial space has been reimagined as a center for local markets, live music, galleries, and free community events. Straddling the railroad tracks near Guadalupe Street and Cerrillos Road, this 50-acre space has become a vibrant part of the modern Santa Fe community.

Over 13 acres have been transformed into a pedestrian promenade, park, and plaza. Around the tracks are retail and restaurant spaces, live-in artist studios, and a 12-screen movie theater.

The SITE Santa Fe museum opened in 1995 and has been completely reimagined. Today this Railyard museum is a powerhouse of contemporary art. Exhibitions feature local and international artists' work across various media. Plus, all of the exhibitions are free to visit.

Address: 332 Read St, Santa Fe, NM

Official site: https://railyardsantafe.com/

Where to Stay in Santa Fe for Sightseeing

While Santa Fe is large and spread out, many of the attractions are located in the quaint, old city center, near the historic Plaza. This is the best place to stay for sightseeing and general ambience. Below is a list of some of the highly-rated hotels and inns in this area of the city:

Luxury Hotels:

• In the heart of Santa Fe is the iconic La Fonda on the Plaza, built in 1922, and located on the site of the city's first inn, which stood here in the early 1600s. This adobe-style building features uniquely designed rooms and suites, some with fireplaces, and an outdoor pool.
• One of the finest hotels in New Mexico, Inn of the Five Graces is a boutique hotel set in a group of restored adobe structures, with exquisitely furnished rooms and spaces.
• Two blocks from the Plaza, near the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, is the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza, with southwestern décor and a lovely outdoor pool area.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The Piñon Court by La Fonda, with a charming Southwestern style and atmosphere, is a good mid-range option within walking distance of the downtown attractions.
• The Las Palomas Hotel is another well-located property with a great ambience and beautifully designed rooms, including some with fireplaces.
• The quaint Inn of the Turquoise Bear is an 11-room bed and breakfast in a historic adobe mansion, surrounded by gardens, and within walking distance of downtown and the major attractions. Rooms are all individually designed and stays include a complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea.

Budget Hotels:

• Less than a mile from the Plaza, the Guadalupe Inn is a reasonably priced, quaint little B&B with lots of charm.
• El Sandero Inn offers basic accommodation but a central location in the city center. For more budget options it's best to head outside the downtown area.
• About a 15- to 20-minute drive from the city center are the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites and the Santa Fe Comfort Inn, both with reasonable rates and comfortable rooms.

Map of Things to Do in Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe, NM - Climate Chart

History of Santa Fe

In 1542, the first Spaniards arrived to find a populous Native American village. It was abandoned soon after. In 1609 the Spanish founded a town, which became the religious and administrative center of the province of New Mexico. In 1680 the Spaniards were driven out by the Native Americans but returned twelve years later.

After Mexico broke away from Spain in 1821, Santa Fe remained the capital of New Mexico and built up a lively trade with the Americans. The principal transport route was the Santa Fe Trail, which ran through the valley of the Rio Grande to reach the Missouri at Kansas City. Another important route was the Old Spanish Trail, which led to Los Angeles in California.

In 1846, during the Spanish-Mexican War, Santa Fe fell to the United States without any serious fighting and later became the capital of the US territory of New Mexico. In 1862 the town fell briefly into the hands of the Confederates. The economy of the town and surrounding area was given a boost by the opening of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1880, and since the early part of the 20th century, Santa Fe has been a hub for artists of all stripes.