Location: Santa Fe
Top Things to do in Santa Fe
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids in Santa Fe, New Mexico (NM)
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. Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 203 reviews
Nature, geology and history come to life on the trails around Santa Fe with Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing. Alpine trails to high desert canyons are our specialty.
2. Allan Houser Sculpture Gardens and Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Just a 30 minute drive from Santa Fe, off the historic Turquoise Trail, the Allan Houser Sculpture Garden and Gallery offer the rare opportunity to experience the work of an American Master Artist. The gardens feature approximately seventy bronze, steel, and original stone sculptures, set among lush Juniper Pines and breathtaking mountain vistas. The gallery contains four rooms of smaller sculptures, drawings, and paintings. This property is closed to the general public, but private tours are available Monday-Saturday year round. It is recommended to contact us at least four days in advance to book a tour. Please note: the gravel paths of the gardens are not handicap accessible. We can provide a golf cart (seats up to five people) for visitors with mobility limitations.
Reviewed By SeattleFoodie3934 - Seattle, United States
Be forewarned that reservations are required. Allan Houser was an amazing Native American artist and sculptor. His history and works are on display and should not be missed! We accompanied friends who made the reservations. The tour was amazing and educational. It was the highlight of our trip to the Santa Fe area!
3. Santa Fe Art Classes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
Time to inspire your inner artist; share an AMAZING experience with friends & family. Our private classes are for all levels: "never picked up a paintbrush" to advanced painter. Book your private party for an unforgettable family experience, bridal shower, birthday or the perfect date. Did you read our 5-Star Reviews? Considered one of the BEST things to do in Santa Fe, you'll take home a completed, unique painting. You'll follow step by step in our joyful, supportive studio, and then deviate as your Inner Artist gains confidence. Professional Fine Artist instructors only. Spontaneous private bookings joyfully available. Call Robbi Now! And Welcome to Santa Fe; you'll never forget the time you share with us. We look forward to painting with you. Best, Robbi Firestone Owner, Artist
Reviewed By Slesterdc
What a super experience with Robbi - ONLINE Painting Class Definitely recommend as a wonderful experience !!! My observation- be it experienced or just learning (like me) an absolutely super experience.,.. Just signed up for ALL the ONLINE classes this Spring (2021) Looking forward to my trip to Santa Fe.. SL
4. Vision Quest Western Horseback Rides & Lessons
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 214 reviews
Western Horseback Trail Rides by the hour at various locations in the Santa Fe area. We also offer Destination Rides upon request. We offer Western Riding Lessons for kids and adults 7-8 and older. Pony Rides are also available for children under 8 or older If preferred. All of our rides are PRIVATE, and we cater to you. We are located a quick 8 minutes for downtown Santa Fe!
Reviewed By klcm78
Our family had a wonderful time with Joaquin, Kelly and the horses on a recent trip to New Mexico. Joaquin was enthusiastic, informative and passionate about his horses and the area in and surrounding Santa Fe. He took us on an absolutely beautiful two hour ride and made certain to take individual and group photos, which are great keepsakes. The horses were patient, well-mannered and endearing. We were all sad to say goodbye to them at the end of the ride. We will definitely take another ride the next time we are in the area!
5. Santa Fe Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,097 reviews
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Plaza is the heart and soul of the city. The gathering spot for residents and tourists alike is surrounded by city landmarks, shops and restaurants.
Reviewed By jh453
My 20-something daughters and I spent an enjoyable hour in and around the charming Plaza on a gorgeous Spring day. There is something there for every budget and many time constraints and tastes. You can sit on one of the plentiful benches, on the grass, or at one of the metal tables and relax and people watch for free. You can spend a little or a lot of money at the stores that flank the Plaza or at the sidewalk vendors who sell mostly silver jewelry (most of it, apoarently, made by local Native Americans in tribal styles). You can eat in one of the nearby restaurants. The day we were there, there was just one food truck in one corner of the Plaza, selling only fajitas and tamales. I wish I knew the name, because their food was excellent- smoky, delicious, generous, and a great bargain, with fajitas at $5 and tamales at $2 or $2.50 each. I hope that truck is a regular and that my description is enough to let you find it and enjoy a tasty (and economical) lunch. I noticed that all the tables were wheelchair-accessible.
6. Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 857 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 kendak999 - Durban, South Africa
Another of the NM museums on the Culture Pass, I visited mid-December, hoping to get some insight into Native American culture and history. I was not disappointed. The Here, Now and Always exhibition is quite large and beautifully curated, giving you a glimpse of the life and ways of several Native American tribes who are/were in the NM region, including day to day items as well as art. Some of the pieces date from 500 AD! On the Art side, there are several galleries exhibiting Native American pottery, again, with some pieces magnificently conserved and dating back over 1000 years. What I particularly liked, both in the culture and art exhibitions, was the curation of real-people accounts from Native Americans, their remembrances and views on many aspects of the exhibits.
7. El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 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 Preraphaelite11
Walk into El Rancho de las Golondrinas and you'll open a door and step back 300 years to experience authentic Southwest history. See first-hand how people lived, the buildings they constructed and their purpose, how they made their clothes, cooked their food and worshipped. You'll get a unique taste of everyday life in a community in the 1700s, learn about the inhabitants' hardships, their hopes and fears while exploring this exceptionally, well-maintained and preserved historic ranch. I spent 4 hours walking the grounds and talking with the knowledgeable and friendly staff. I'm a historian and learned more about New Mexico's fascinating history when visiting El Rancho de las Golondrinas.
8. Cross of the Martyrs
9. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,902 reviews
This cathedral was built in 1886, and is known for its beautiful Romanesque architecture.
Reviewed By 674sharons - Atlanta, United States
It is a beautiful church, with its inspirational stained glass windows, grand arches and baptismal. Then there was the docent, Mary, who made our visit very special, by giving us a personal tour that was educational, explaining about La Conquistadora, learning the history of how it became a Basilica, the history of the relics, the history of the stained glass windows especially the story of La Conquistadora, how she is cared for, the celebrations that are around her. There was so much more. It was a sacred visit and we felt so connected to the cathedral and the holy spirit residing here. Thank you for a supernatural experience. If you can join a tour of the cathedral it is well worth the time spent.
10. Hyde Memorial State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Located in a breathtaking natural setting, this park is ideal for picnics and camping.
Reviewed By 9gaylem - Santa Fe, United States
We just spent a couple of nights in a yurt in Hyde Park. Very nicely outfitted and perfect for people who don’t have a lot of camping gear but want to enjoy the outdoors. The three yurts are fairly close to each other which is too bad, but our neighbors were quiet and not a bother. The skylight is great for star gazing in the night and the 6 beds that come with the yurt were comfortable. Very close to the Borrego Trail - a lively hiking trail that is popular with Santa Feans. Also so close to town if you get tired of cooking on a campfire, it’s a 15 minute drive to downtown Santa Fe and 10 minutes to 10,000 waves.
