What to do in Santa Fe, NM

Activities, attractions and tours

Santa Fe showing a monument, a park and a memorial
Santa Fe showing a monument, a park and a memorial
Bandelier National Monument showing tranquil scenes
Santa Fe featuring interior views, religious elements and a church or cathedral
Santa Fe which includes religious aspects and a church or cathedral

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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Recommended things to do in Santa Fe

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What to do in Santa Fe


Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Fe

Explore areas of Santa Fe

New Mexico Museum of Art which includes a statue or sculpture and art

Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(47 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 neighborhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
Dramatic, beautiful sunset casts purple and orange colors and hues on clouds and mountains over a neighborhood in Tesuque, near Santa Fe, New Mexico

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
San Esteban Del Rey Mission in Acoma Pueblo

Historic Eastside

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and ViVO Contemporary.

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

Southside

4/5(30 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
The annual burning of Zozobra

Northeast Santa Fe

5/5(5 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Northeast Santa Fe and surrounding area, you can visit New Mexico Museum of Art and Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Northeast Santa Fe
Sunset on Bishops Lodge Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico with pink sunlight on green plants and road to Tesuque residential community

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 Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary and Cross of the Martyrs.

North Hills

 

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Day trip destinations from Santa Fe

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 kilometres from central Santa Fe is Downtown Santa Fe and Historic Eastside is 2 kilometres 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.

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