Santa Fe, the state capital of New Mexico, is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It has a fascinating history and rich heritage that you can discover. The city is known for its diverse mix of cultures, which can be seen in its ancient streets.
You will find beautiful Native American adobe buildings and charming Spanish colonial churches, as well as impressive Mexican missions. Santa Fe is famous not only for its cultural diversity and fascinating historic attractions, but also for its vibrant arts scene.
There are numerous galleries to explore, and the city is a hub for the performing arts, hosting many exciting cultural events and festivals. In addition to these activities, you can also visit incredible museums and enjoy the scenic surroundings of Santa Fe, located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
17. Santa Fe Plaza
Santa Fe Plaza is the heart of the city and has been for over four hundred years. It is located in the center and is surrounded by old adobe buildings, historic houses, and impressive monuments and museums. The plaza is a charming and lively place that locals simply refer to as the ‘Plaza’.
It is known for its fantastic art galleries and boutiques, where vendors sell Native American art and crafts. The plaza is always bustling with markets, music events, parades, and festivals, offering endless entertainment options.
Additionally, there are plenty of souvenir shops, restaurants, and museums to explore, making it a must-visit destination in Santa Fe.
16. Museum of International Folk Art
The Museum of International Folk Art is a must-visit place with a fascinating collection of over 135,000 objects from various countries. It is considered the biggest and best folk art museum globally, and it is located a short drive away from the city center.
The museum started in 1953 and has been expanding its collection ever since, showcasing fantastic toys, textiles, carvings, ceramics, and costumes from all over the world. In addition to the wonderful local Hispanic art, the museum also has displays depicting daily life in different societies, adding to its charm.
15. Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is a captivating place to visit. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the origins, history, and traditions of Native American people in the Southwest. Located just south of the center on Museum Hill, the museum houses an impressive collection of artworks, artifacts, and archaeological discoveries.
It was established in 1909 with the aim of safeguarding and celebrating the history, culture, and heritage of different Native American peoples and pueblos. In addition to exploring the remarkable pottery, photographs, and permanent exhibits, visitors can also enjoy delightful performances of dance, music, and storytelling.
14. New Mexico History Museum
The New Mexico History Museum is located in the city center, just behind the Palace of the Governors. It has a wide variety of interesting artifacts and exhibits that offer a fascinating insight into the people, cultures, and communities of New Mexico and the Southwest region.
The museum opened in 2009 and has three floors filled with photos, prints, and archaeological findings. These explore topics such as indigenous life, Spanish colonization, and significant events from the twentieth century. Additionally, the museum has a daily Native American arts market where you can purchase unique souvenirs. It is definitely a worthwhile visit if you get the chance.
13. New Mexico State Capitol
Located just a short distance from Santa Fe Plaza, you can find the New Mexico State Capitol, where the state’s government functions. The building, nicknamed the ‘Roundhouse’, stands out due to its unique design resembling the circular emblem of the Zia Pueblo, the state’s symbol.
Constructed in 1966, it showcases an interesting blend of Territorial Revival and Neoclassical architectural styles. The Rotunda and its stunning stained-glass ceiling are particularly impressive. Visitors can enjoy a view of the House and Senate chambers from above and explore various pieces of art that depict the history and culture of New Mexico’s people.
12. Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is a beautiful historic sight in the center of town. It was built in a Romanesque Revival style between 1869 and 1886. The facade of the cathedral has two towers and a lovely rose window above a pretty entrance.
Inside, the cathedral is quite simple, but its nave is decorated with large Corinthian columns and there are charming little chapels on either side. One of the notable features is a small statue of the Virgin Mary, called La Conquistadora, which is the oldest of its kind in the country.
11. Ski Santa Fe
Located northeast of the city, Ski Santa Fe is a beautiful resort with snowy slopes that are easily accessible. The resort offers 88 great trails and a terrain park with stunning views.
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or expert, you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the 500-meter vertical drop slopes, which are serviced by seven ski lifts. Besides winter sports, guests can also indulge in shopping and dining on the mountain, as well as explore nearby hiking trails and mountain bike paths.
10. San Miguel Chapel
Despite its simple appearance, the San Miguel Chapel is believed to be the oldest surviving church in the United States. The current chapel was built in 1710, but a previous version stood in the same location for nearly a century before it was destroyed during a revolt.
Constructed by Franciscan friars and Tlaxcalan Indians, the charming chapel showcases beautiful adobe architecture and features a small bell tower. Inside, the chapel’s interior is painted in white and adorned with unique artworks and an impressive altar. With its historical and religious significance, a visit to San Miguel Chapel is highly recommended as it is located in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic district.
9. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is located in the city center and is dedicated to celebrating the life and work of the famous artist. Inside the museum, there are beautiful galleries that showcase over a thousand of O’Keeffe’s paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Alongside these, you can also find artworks by other artists from the same time period.
In addition to exploring the largest collection of O’Keeffe’s works in the world, visitors have the opportunity to watch a film about her life and artistic achievements. They can also see some of her personal belongings and things related to her career. The museum building used to be a Baptist church made of adobe, which adds to its charm.
It is definitely worth visiting to see the wonderful watercolor pieces and pretty pastel artworks that depict the life and landscapes of New Mexico.
8. Loretto Chapel
The Loretto Chapel is not only known for its famous spiral staircase, but also has other beautiful features for visitors to enjoy. It was built in 1878 and has attractive architecture, including buttresses, spires, and stained glass windows.
Inside the Gothic Revival church, the standout sight is the remarkable spiral staircase, which appears to be unsupported and adds charm to the white walls of the chapel. Now serving as a museum and wedding venue, the Loretto Chapel is located in the historic center of Santa Fe.
7. El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Located just a short twenty-minute drive south of the city center is El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a large ranch that has been transformed into a living history museum. This historic site is home to many beautiful old buildings, orchards, and vineyards, providing visitors with a unique insight into the history, heritage, culture, and traditions of 18th and 19th century New Mexico.
Initially a stop for travelers on the Royal Road, which connected New Mexico to Santa Fe, the Ranch of the Swallows now serves as a welcoming destination for tourists and school groups. With its interactive and educational approach, the ranch offers delightful displays and demonstrations that showcase the daily lives and work of farmers, blacksmiths, and millers during the time of Spanish colonialism.
6. Santa Fe Farmers Market
The Santa Fe Farmers Market was established by a small group of farmers in 1968. Since then, it has grown to include more than 150 local growers and vendors. It is a beautiful and lively place, located near the city center in the Santa Fe Railyard. Visitors can explore numerous stands and stalls filled with fresh produce and colorful foods.
Additionally, they have the opportunity to buy souvenirs, try local treats, and enjoy a coffee or snack. The market’s Saturday morning event is the most popular, with live music and bands performing. However, there are also smaller markets on Tuesdays and Sundays that you can visit.
5. Santa Fe Opera House
The Santa Fe Opera House is located just north of the city and is known for its world-class opera performances during the summer. The venue offers stunning views of the Jemez Mountains and has a unique architecture with a sail-like ceiling that enhances the acoustics.
Established in 1998, it showcases a variety of shows featuring both emerging and established opera singers. If given the opportunity, visiting the Santa Fe Opera House is highly recommended as it is one of the best and most memorable places to experience opera in the Southwest.
4. Santa Fe Indian Market
Every August, the city becomes home to the Santa Fe Indian Market, attracting thousands of artists, vendors, tourists, and collectors. This event showcases the talent of over 1,200 Native American artists representing more than 220 tribes and pueblos. It is the world’s largest show and market of its kind.
The market’s location is the city’s central plaza and surrounding streets, where you can explore a wide variety of stands and stalls that offer beautiful creations such as beadwork, basketry, jewelry, textiles, and sculptures. Alongside the market, you can also visit open studios and galleries and enjoy Native music, film, and cultural events. The most exceptional artworks are recognized and awarded prizes through a juried competition.
3. Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf is an incredible art installation that offers a truly unique and engaging experience. It is located in a former bowling alley and features mesmerizing and surreal scenes to explore. You can unravel clues and solve codes related to a missing Californian family while wandering through mysterious hallways and discovering hidden doorways.
The installation also transports you to otherworldly dimensions through portals. As you journey, you will also encounter breathtaking artworks accompanied by enchanting music. The House of Eternal Return, which opened in 2016, is just a short fifteen-minute drive southwest of the city center.
2. Palace of the Governors
On Santa Fe’s plaza, there is a beautiful building called the Palace of the Governors. It was built in 1610 and is the oldest public building in the country. For many years, it served as the government building for the state. Nowadays, it is part of the amazing New Mexico History Museum and is protected.
Inside the palace, there are wonderful furniture and objects from the past that give us a glimpse into the history of the building, the city, and the state. The palace has simple adobe architecture and is only one story tall. It is now considered a National Historic Landmark.
1. Canyon Road
Canyon Road is a beautiful and popular place to visit, known for its art. There are over a hundred art galleries, studios, and workshops in this area. It is located to the southeast of Santa Fe.
It is a great place for people who love art, as there is a wide variety of things to see, such as contemporary crafts, unique clothing, sparkling jewelry, and impressive sculptures. The galleries also showcase Native American arts and crafts, which are both stunning and meaningful. Many of the galleries are located in attractive buildings.
Some of the artists are famous worldwide, while others are known locally for their exceptional folk art that represents the history and heritage of the region. Along with the art, there are also many restaurants and cafes on this road. It is a must-visit for art lovers, offering a delightful combination of art, architecture, and a pleasant atmosphere.
