Location: Santa Fe
Top Things to do in Santa Fe
- 1. Santa Fe Opera House
- 2. Nedra Matteucci Galleries
- 3. Liquid Light Glass
- 4. Keshi
- 5. Museum of International Folk Art
- 6. Harrell House of Natural Oddities
- 7. Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
- 8. El Rancho de las Golondrinas
- 9. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
- 10. Lensic Performing Arts Center
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10 Things to Do in Santa Fe That You Shouldn't Miss
Venture into the unspoiled beauty of 7,000-foot Rocky Mountain vistas, marvel at the contrast of ancient native culture mixed with modern arts, feast on legendary cuisine and relax in rustic sophistication. A visit to Santa Fe, Travel & Leisure's #1 Cultural Getaway, feels a lot like a visit to Europe. The Spanish Colonial charm of this historic destination has been enchanting travelers for over 400 years. And Santa Fe shows no signs of slowing down.
Restaurants in Santa Fe
1. Santa Fe Opera House
Overall Ratings
5 based on 964 reviews
A beautiful outdoor venue that offers music festivals in July and August.
Reviewed By Kaycee D - Santa Fe, New Mexico
Not only did we get to enjoy tailgating before the opera we were able to go inside have a glass of wine and walk around the grounds taking in all the beautiful views before the sun set gave the opera stage the best backdrop ever. Spectacular views, the opera was alright (Saw an Apprentice showcase- which website failed to give a really good description of) The actors/singers were very talented and the ticket was cheap ($15) so i'm not complaining
2. Nedra Matteucci Galleries
Overall Ratings
5 based on 281 reviews
An art gallery specializing in 19th- and 20th-century American art.
Reviewed By MaryEllenM27 - Kalispell, Montana
We never visit Santa Fe without going to Matteucci Gallery to see its amazing collection of art originals, sculpture, jewelry, outdoor sculptures and its serenely gorgeous walled, back-patio garden. You can walk around the calming running-water pond back there, enjoying the waterfowl, sculpture garden and the awesome gigantic white bark Birch trees.
Even if you never buy a single item, the staff welcome you. Its a no-pressure pleasure to stop by Matteucci at any time of year. Cool in Summer, and festive during the Holidays. Just across the street is the Kakawa Chocolate House and a little further down the road to the north on Paseo de Peralta comes the southern end of Canyon Road.
3. Liquid Light Glass
Overall Ratings
5 based on 257 reviews
Liquid Light Glass, owned and operated by Elodie Holmes since 1987, is a contemporary glass studio and gallery offering world class glass art and classes. Liquid Light Glass is part of the Baca Street Arts District- a community of local artists and small businesses primarily located on or near Baca Street in Santa Fe, NM.
Reviewed By SWSal - Minnetonka, Minnesota
We booked a glass paperweight glass sculpting class during a recent trip to Santa Fe and it was an experience I’ll treasure for a long time. Our skilled instructors (Cia and Al) were very helpful and encouraging, assuring us that our completed paperweights were going to be beautiful. Best of all, it was fun! I highly recommend this class. The gallery features beautiful items made by the artistic team.
4. Keshi
Overall Ratings
5 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By LabmeisterII - Morro Bay, California
Most people visiting Santa Fe will not get a chance to visit the silversmiths and fetish carvers of Zuni Pueblo farther to the west. That's too bad, because it is a spectacular area with many artisans. Luckily, this shop features a great cross section of Zuni makers and at reasonable prices. Highly recommended.
5. Museum of International Folk Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Open 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Sundays and closed Mondays November through April; open daily 10am to 5pm May through October. Closed Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Easter & Thanksgiving holidays. Current exhibitions include No Idle Hands: The Myths and Meanings of Tramp Art, Artistic Heritage: Syrian Folk Art Crafting Memory: the Art of Community in Peru, plus more than 120,000 objects are on display in the long term exhibition Multiple Visions, A Common Bond by architect and designer Alexander Girard. This international folk art collection includes miniature buildings, streets and village scenes from more than 100 different countries. There are no text panels in this exhibition, the cases are numbered. If you miss the Docent walk-in tour, pick up a multi-media tour at the front desk or a grab a printed gallery guide at either entrance. Kids 16 and under and Museum of New Mexico Foundation Members always free!
Reviewed By Jean G
WAnt to travel round the world meeting its farmers, artisans, weaver, potters, toymakers and merchants? Go spend a few hours at this delightful museum. And if you're well-traveled you'll enjoy being reminded of all the marvels you saw on your trips.
6. Harrell House of Natural Oddities
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
We are located INSIDE the mall at DeVargas Center! The mall entrance closest to our store is around the corner from Hastings, Panda Express and Great Clips and across the hall from Ross. The Museum features Oliver Greer's Crawlywood Collection, a staggering assortment of 2,400 mounted insects, arachnids and other bugs from all over the world. You will also see the Harrell Houses' own collection of LIVE invertebrates including more than 100 of live tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes, millipedes and other amazing creepy-crawlies! Museum and store are Inside the Mall. No admission required to visit store, the Harrell House Science Shop offers a wide range of educational toys, dinosaur models, fossils, mounted insects, original art, jewelry, souvenirs and more!Museum Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for Children 12 and under. Military and Senior discounted rate $5.
Reviewed By ripcordzz - Denver, Colorado
Our five-year-old son actually found this place through a flyer in the hotel lobby. It's a small place, but big enough to have a great experience. Lots of bugs to see and you will be amazed at the size of some of them. You'll want take the opportunity to hold some of them, something every kid (and adult!) should do! The millipede was the coolest, sort of like Velcro on your hands. The bonus is all the cool reptiles. It's worth an hour or two of your time for sure. Our son talked about all the cool bugs for days after that visit.
7. Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 699 reviews
The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, one of four museums in the Museum of New Mexico system, is a premier repository of Native art and material culture and tells the stories of the people of the Southwest from pre-history through contemporary art. The museum serves a diverse, multicultural audience through changing exhibitions, public lectures, field trips, artist residencies, and other educational programs.
Reviewed By EarthyNP - Denver, Colorado
Located on museum hill in Santa Fe, this center is only one of many attractions in this area. Beautifully done with great collections of native American pottery, textiles and art from around 500 BC to current. Well preserved. Docent available for questions. Reasonable price and gift shop has true crafts, not junk. Grounds are very nice as well. No photography allowed.
8. El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
This living history museum, located just south of Santa Fe, recreates 18th-century ranch life. Guides, dressed in period clothing, show how people lived in early New Mexico.
Reviewed By justme2ooo
We have been here quite a few times.
Always fun.
LOTS of walking!
Just went to the Harvest Festival.
Loved making tin medallions, making and eating Tortillas, trying fresh horno baked bread with fresh churned butter.
Lots of fun things to do and see.
Beautiful location.
Price is a little high unless you buy a membership and make sure you go to at least a couple of events.
Good family fun :)
9. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
This cathedral was built in 1886, and is known for its beautiful Romanesque architecture.
Reviewed By Beemer54 - Salt Lake City, Utah
Go in the evening to get so great pictures of this church. The building has historic as well as amazing character. Be aware this is a place of worship so keep your voice down and be aware of people praying inside.
10. Lensic Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
We are Santa Fe, N.M.'s premier performing arts center located in the historic Lensic Theater in the heart of downtown Santa Fe.Our MissionThe nonprofit Lensic Performing Arts Center enriches lives by bringing diverse art and people together in the historic Lensic Theater, a cornerstone of downtown Santa Fe since 1931. The Lensic presents and supports local and national artists and serves as a center for education, community and youth events through its accessible and affordable programming.
Reviewed By jfmolanphy - Santa Fe, New Mexico
This spectacular showcase is designed in moorish style Spanish architecture and yet is cozy - not warm, since they always run the a/c on high! But the lensic offers great entertainment all year long. This past Sunday we enjoyed a special treat with the "friends of the lensic" which included gratis food and beverages at the open bars, and then a special showing of "an American in Paris " - super event
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