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 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.
Step in and out of art galleries and studios as you walk down the 0.5-mile (1-kilometre) road. Visit the establishments on one side of the road first and return via the other side. See public sculpture gardens and works of art outside the galleries.
Dine at one of the entertaining and upscale restaurants lining the street. You’ll find bohemian cafés, elegant bistros and a teahouse. Inspect the gold and silver for sale at a designer jewellery store. Purchase furniture and art with Native American or Hispanic themes. Look for cowboy boots and hats, handbags, accessories and shoes at a variety of boutiques.
Take part in a “gallery crawl” every Friday evening, where groups move through the new art exhibits in the street. Enjoy this sociable and fun way to keep up to date with the latest fashions of the art scene. On Christmas Eve, thousands of visitors flock to the area for the “Farolito Walk,” a candlelit stroll along the road.
The street was initially a small farming community full of houses of Pueblo Revival design, which were constructed from adobe and clay. Over time, the street’s natural beauty drew artists to the scene, until it became an art hotspot. Parking spaces are readily available.
Canyon Road is to the east of the centre of Santa Fe. A little further on, you can find the picturesque area of Dale Ball Trails, which is full of canyons and streams. At the eastern end of the road is Monsignor Patrick Smith Park. Use the free shuttle that takes passengers up and down the road.
