Things to do in Santa Fe

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Bandelier National Monument which includes tranquil scenes

Santa Fe Attractions

Sante Fe is a magical city located in the American Southwest. Rich in history and local lore, this community is also known for drawing artists from all over the world because of unique quality of the light featured by this part of New Mexico. Some of the best attractions in Santa Fe include local art galleries. The dry climate and stunning landscape make it a popular tourist destination, and many who visit end up returning at some future point to live as residents.

Although most American cities have their own unique styles and cultures, Santa Fe has always stood out from the crowd. Referred to as "The City Different" since the early part of the last century, Sante Fe's pueblo-style architecture, blending of the distinct cultures of the Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo Saxon peoples, and abundant natural beauty make it a truly individual community.

Numerous cultural offerings and festivals are among the many Santa Fe activities available to both residents and guests. Events frequently take place in the plaza that is located in the city's historic downtown district. A must see event for those visiting Santa Fe during July is the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. Santa Fe tours include explorations of Museum Hill, which is an area close to the downtown region that contains a substantial number of museums. Other worthwhile Santa Fe excursions include the Canyon Road arts district and day trips to the Bandelier National Monument, which is located about 30 miles from Santa Fe proper.

Although summer is the most popular time of year to visit NM, many of those who return to Sante Fe on a regular basis do so during the month of September when the aspen trees in the surrounding mountains begin to put on their yearly show. Things to do in Santa Fe during the fall include attending the annual Fiestas de Santa Fe and visiting historic places such as the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.

By calling our offices here at Expedia when planning your Santa Fe sojourn, we can provide you with a map of the area's main attractions. You can also book your stay at Santa Fe's top lodging spots directly through us.

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Santa Fe must see attractions

1. Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe Plaza is a spacious gathering point with markets, a bandstand and a park at the heart of the city. At the square’s center find an arts stage and a statue that acts as an American Indian War Memorial. Many musical performances and political events take place in the lively square. Around the plaza are restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Use the benches and tables in this tranquil, grassy haven for a picnic.
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Santa Fe Plaza which includes religious elements, a church or cathedral and street scenes

2. Loretto Chapel

The origin of the helix-shaped staircase in the 19th-century Loretto Chapel continues to baffle historians more than a century after its construction. The Sisters of Loretto and the site’s many visitors consider the enigmatic construction of the stairs a miracle. Others offer more practical explanations. The former church, which is of Gothic Revival design, is now primarily used as a wedding chapel and a museum for the staircase.
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Loretto Chapel showing a church or cathedral

3. Canyon Road

Canyon Road is the heart of Santa Fe’s distinguished art scene, with over 100 galleries open to the public. Restaurants and boutiques line the scenic street that lures visitors with its elegant atmosphere and array of artworks. Find an eclectic range of themes, from Native American art and Hispanic works to modern art of international acclaim. The road also acts as a scenic trail toward the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
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Canyon Road featuring street scenes

4. Santa Fe Opera

The Santa Fe Opera is a majestic open-air venue hosting concerts and festivals in the summer season. The main theater is a marvel of innovative design that enhances the acoustics and offers a view of the night sky and the Jemez Mountains. The excellent vista generates an absorbing atmosphere alongside lovely music and fine acting. The program features a range of breakthrough operatic acts and reliable classics.
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Santa Fe Opera showing a city

5. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is a 19th-century church of Romanesque Revival design. Its style is a stark contrast to the surrounding clay adobe structures that date back to an earlier era. Its standout features are its arches, pediment, rose window and towers on either side of the façade’s center. Inside the church, investigate the stained-glass windows.
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Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

6. New Mexico Museum of Art

The New Mexico Museum of Art is one of the oldest galleries in the state. The array of internationally renowned works lures visitors from around the country to the intriguing structure of Pueblo Revival design. It contains a blend of traditional and contemporary art across temporary and permanent exhibitions. Take the time to see some of the 20,000 pieces in the museum.
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New Mexico Museum of Art which includes art

Recommended things to do in Santa Fe

Number of things to do
74
Things to do from
$6
Cheapest thing to do
The Town Too High To Die: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in New Mexico
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Santa Fe

Free Things to Do in Santa Fe

Escaping to Santa Fe on a budget? The following can be seen for nothing.

SITE Santa Fe - If you want to get cultured, head here and enjoy the creative talent on show.

College of Santa Fe - Architecture enthusiasts will certainly enjoy admiring the modern design of this landmark.

Cross of the Martyrs - Feel like you've taken a step back in time while wandering around this historic site.

Santa Fe Plaza - This buzzing location is a favorite of visitors and locals alike.

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi - Connect with your spiritual side or simply take in the peaceful ambiance at this holy place.

Winsor Trail - Unwind and let nature's rugged beauty here soothe your soul.

Skateboard Park - If you're into working in your garden, this place will captivate your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Santa Fe with Kids

There's fun for all the family wherever you roam in Santa Fe. Here are some family friendly experiences you can try together that promise to make your break a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Santa Fe? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Santa Fe on a sunny day?
Put on some sunscreen and some shades and sign up for activities like an All-Inclusive Luxury Group Tour of New Mexico or a Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride.
What should I not miss in Santa Fe?
If you’re eager to discover the best of this place, add these attractions to your schedule:

  • Santa Fe Opera
  • Palace of the Governors
  • Museum of International Folk Art
  • Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

Are there cheap things to do in Santa Fe?
If you’re on a tight budget, you may like to add these bargain tours and activities to your itinerary:


What can you do in Santa Fe for free?
You’ll hardly have time to take your wallet out of your bag with so many free attractions:

  • San Miguel Mission
  • Santa Fe Plaza
  • Loretto Chapel
  • Cities of Gold Casino

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Fe

Image for Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe Plaza

4.5/5(1,686 reviews)

Home to many landmarks in the heart of the city, this spacious square evokes echoes of the Spanish colonial era with its markets, bandstand and live music.

Santa Fe Plaza
Image for Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf

4.5/5(576 reviews)

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Meow Wolf during your travels in Santa Fe. Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this walkable area.

Meow Wolf
Image for Loretto Chapel

Loretto Chapel

4.5/5(764 reviews)

A mysterious spiral staircase with no known origin is the highlight of this former church that now acts as a wedding chapel and museum.

Loretto Chapel
Image for Canyon Road

Canyon Road

This charming road was once lined with typical adobe residences. Now art galleries, studios, restaurants and boutiques make it the most exclusive part of town.

Canyon Road
Image for Santa Fe Opera

Santa Fe Opera

4.5/5(179 reviews)

Listen to the enchanting sounds of classic opera in an open-air theater with views of the Jemez Mountains, the sunset and the stars.

Santa Fe Opera
Image for Ski Santa Fe

Ski Santa Fe

4.5/5(209 reviews)

Hit the slopes at Ski Santa Fe during your trip to Santa Fe. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed art scene in this walkable area.

Ski Santa Fe
Image for Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

4.5/5(648 reviews)

Take a tour of this 19th-century church in the center of Santa Fe to see its statues and brightly colored stained-glass windows.

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Image for New Mexico State Capitol

New Mexico State Capitol

4.5/5(364 reviews)

After visiting New Mexico State Capitol, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Santa Fe. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums.

New Mexico State Capitol
Image for New Mexico Museum of Art

New Mexico Museum of Art

4.5/5(191 reviews)

Admire the exceptional Pueblo design of the adobe structure that houses one of the oldest art galleries in New Mexico.

New Mexico Museum of Art

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Santa Fe

New Mexico Museum of Art showing a statue or sculpture and art

Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(1,990 area reviews)

Visitors to Downtown Santa Fe rave about its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries. You might also want to make some time to see Santa Fe Plaza or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
Canyon Road showing interior views and art

Historic Eastside

4.5/5(54 area reviews)

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and Old Fort Marcy Park.

Historic Eastside
A peak inside Meow Wolf. Love this place!

Southside

4/5(1,497 area reviews)

Southside is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Meow Wolf and Camel Rock Casino, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
My favorite juice/smoothie/breakfast place in Santa Fe. They also sell general goods and offer lunch. #places #eat #generalgoods #store #goods #flowers #coffee #restaurants #santafe #travel #breakfast #lunch #smoothies #juices #healthy

South Capitol

5/5(20 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in South Capitol, Railyard Arts District and Santa Fe Climbing Gym are top sights worth seeing.

South Capitol
The annual burning of Zozobra

North Hills

While North Hills might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Old Fort Marcy Park and Santa Fe Plaza.

North Hills
The annual burning of Zozobra

Northeast Santa Fe

4.5/5(111 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Northeast Santa Fe and surrounding area, you can visit Santa Fe Plaza and Old Fort Marcy Park.

Northeast Santa Fe
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Popular day trips from Santa Fe

Espanola which includes tranquil scenes

Espanola

Chimayo

Chimayo

Photo by Timothy Howard

Glorieta

Photo by Geraldine Soh

Tesuque

Photo by RVOutlawz

Cerrillos

Photo by Exploring Jen

Pojoaque

Photo by Wanderlustfemale

Santo Domingo Pueblo

Photo by Kate Cadwell

Tererro