What to do in Santa Fe, NM

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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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What to do in Santa Fe


Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Fe

Explore areas of Santa Fe

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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 Santa Fe Plaza or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
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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
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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 showing interior views and art

Historic Eastside

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and Kania-Ferrin Gallery.

Historic Eastside
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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 Santa Fe Plaza and New Mexico Museum of Art.

Northeast Santa Fe
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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 Santa Fe Plaza.

North Hills

 

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Day trip destinations from Santa Fe