Location: Santa Fe
Top Things to do in Santa Fe
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Top 10 Things to do 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. Santa Fe Opera House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,069 reviews
A beautiful outdoor venue that offers music festivals in July and August.
Reviewed By adam-mo2 - Phoenix, United States
I really didn’t know what to expect when visiting the opera house but let me tell you that it was amazing. I have only been to one other opera house in my life but this was an eye opener. Beautiful venue and great atmosphere which I enjoyed a lot. The Opera house should definitely be on your travelers list when visiting Santa Fe.
2. 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.
3. Canyon Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,969 reviews
Canyon Road is Santa Fe's historic arts district. Home to over eighty art galleries, as well as boutiques, restaurants, and historic adobe homes, it is the cultural center of Santa Fe. The galleries on Canyon Road show everything from traditional southwestern Pueblo pottery and quintessential Western art to contemporary abstraction and computer and digital art. Take time to explore; there's a little something for everyone here.
Reviewed By 66abi
A short walk from downtown this mile or so of art galleries offers a bit of everything, from crafts to really good fine art. We found happy surprises in nearly every one. My painter friend and I are art lovers so looked at everything with interest and took two days to do it, which was made easy by the presence of good restaurants and a wonderful tea house. We never knew what was behind the next doorway, in the next room and often were wonderfully surprised.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Loretto Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,035 reviews
This chapel contains a mysterious spiral staircase built without nails, dowels or any visible support.
Reviewed By StevenP3559 - Pueblo, United States
This small chapel is known by people world round for its "miraculous stairway" that winds to the choir loft above the church's nave. It is a beautiful little chapel and well worth a visit while in downtown Santa Fe.
7. Museum of International Folk Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,060 reviews
Open 10am to 5pm every day. 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 DiliaS - Denver, United States
The International Folk Art Museum is a destination every time I go to Santa Fe ;the Alexander Girard collection its outstanding, and even if you spend all day it would be hard to see it all with close attention ,also the changing exhibits are always interesting..a must see in Santa Fe if you like Folk Art !!
8. New Mexico State Capitol (Roundhouse)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,003 reviews
Reviewed By WC-Travelers-75
AAA Guidebook stated there was a permanent collection of art created by New Mexicans..and we had some time in our schedule. It was better than expected. First There was a temporary exhibit entitled Out of the Blue, featuring contemporary fiber art, that opened days before our visit. Very interesting and creative art, generally seemed to be revolving around a water theme. We then visited the permanent exhibitions on the upper floors of the state house. Again some very interesting and singular pieces of art. It is worth at least and hour of your time and it was free.
9. Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,049 reviews
The O’Keeffe Welcome Center includes a store, classroom, amenities, and check-in for tours of the O’Keeffe Home and Studio in Abiquiu, the Center serves as a gateway to the Rio Chama valley, with information about O’Keeffe and the rich history and culture of the area. Tours of the Home & Studio run seasonally from March – November with advance reservations and payment.
Reviewed By Ivanelofanich - Cardiff, United Kingdom
This is a small museum, well set out with a mixture of O'Keeffe's artwork. Flower pictures, abstract drawings, bone paintings, photographs, New Mexico landscape paintings and New York skyline paintings along with a short film and timeline of her life. There was also a glass case containing her paint box and utensils. I loved it! We downloaded the museum's app on to our phones and so we did a self audio tour which gave us time to properly look at the paintings.
10. Meow Wolf Santa Fe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,724 reviews
In light of the state government’s public health order suspending mass gatherings in New Mexico, and to be responsible to our community by preventing unnecessary spread, we will be temporarily closing our Meow Wolf Santa Fe exhibit House of Eternal Return until further notice.
Reviewed By flyincoyote - Denver, United States
Very fun immersive experience where you are encouraged to explore and interact with the rooms you encounter as you attempt to piece together the story line that unfolds all around you. There were people of every age wandering about and having a great time, we made the trip to NM primarily to visit Meow Wolf. Highly recommended!
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