What to do in Santa Fe, NM

Activities, attractions and tours

Santa Fe showing a park, a memorial and a monument
Bandelier National Monument which includes tranquil scenes
Santa Fe
Santa Fe which includes a church or cathedral and religious aspects
Santa Fe Plaza showing shopping
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Top places to visit

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 heritage architecture, 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 showing 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 featuring 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, religious aspects and a church or cathedral

What to do in Santa Fe

Popular places to visit

Santa Fe Plaza which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and street scenes

Santa Fe Plaza

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
Ski Santa Fe

Ski Santa Fe

Hit the slopes at Ski Santa Fe during your trip to Santa Fe. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed art galleries in this walkable area.

Ski Santa Fe
Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf

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

Meow Wolf
Loretto Chapel showing a church or cathedral

Loretto Chapel

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
Canyon Road showing street scenes

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
Santa Fe Opera featuring a city

Santa Fe Opera

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
Santa Fe Railyard

Santa Fe Railyard

During your visit to Santa Fe, you can do some window-shopping at Santa Fe Railyard. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries in this family-friendly area.

Santa Fe Railyard
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi which includes heritage architecture, religious aspects and a church or cathedral

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

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
New Mexico State Capitol

New Mexico State Capitol

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 galleries and lively festivals.

New Mexico State Capitol

Explore areas of Santa Fe

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Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(14 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 Santuario De Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
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Tesuque

Tesuque is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shidoni Foundry and Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden.

Tesuque
Canyon Road featuring art and interior views

Historic Eastside

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and Edition ONE Gallery.

Historic Eastside
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Southside

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Southside is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Meow Wolf and International Museum of Collage, Assemblage & Construction, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
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Northeast Santa Fe

5/5(2 area reviews)

While Northeast Santa Fe isn't home to many top sights, New Mexico Museum of Art and Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi are some notable places to visit nearby.

Northeast Santa Fe
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North Hills

While there might not be top attractions in North Hills, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Canyon Road and Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.

North Hills

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Fe worth visiting?
Known for its family-friendly attractions and nature, finding awesome things to do in Santa Fe is simple. Remember to add Georgia O'Keefe Museum to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Santa Fe?
When you've checked off major attractions like Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and New Mexico History Museum, spend some time discovering Santa Fe's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Fe?
Don't go home without checking out Georgia O'Keefe Museum, rated the top tourist attraction in Santa Fe.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Fe?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Georgia O'Keefe Museum, Lensic Performing Arts Centre and Museum of International Folk Art with a three-day escape to Santa Fe. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Pojoaque.
Is Santa Fe a walkable city?
Some top sights in Santa Fe, including Georgia O'Keefe Museum and Lensic Performing Arts Centre, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometers from central Santa Fe is Downtown Santa Fe and Historic Eastside is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Fe with kids?
If you're searching for attractions and activities for all of your group, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Santa Fe with kids.

What to do in Santa Fe for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Santa Fe, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Santa Fe National Cemetery or Art Vault.
Are there free things to do in Santa Fe?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Santa Fe is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. International Museum of Collage, Assemblage & Construction is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.