Sprawling on the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo, Santa Fe is one of the most beautiful cities in New Mexico that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. In addition to being the capital of New Mexico, the city also serves as a melting pot for different cultures, art, and exciting cuisines. It’s an oasis in the desert that is famed for its eye-catching Pueblo-style architecture and breathtaking mountain views.
Vacationers visit each year to partake in outdoor adventures such as hiking and horseback riding as well as explore hidden treasures. Planning to travel to Santa Fe? Here’s a list of the 10 must-see tourist attractions.
10 Visit The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
One of the popular sites that tourists first visit while in the city is the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which is situated off Johnson Street. This is one of the amazing things to do in Santa Fe for any art enthusiast. A tour of the museum reveals rotating exhibits of stunning flower paintings, sculptures, and sketches that were originally done by Georgia O’Keeffe.
9 Interact With Locals At Santa Fe Plaza
Santa Fe is a unique enclave in New Mexico where history meets art, as best evidenced by the Santa Fe Plaza. Situated in the downtown area of the city, the plaza is the perfect place for tourists who wish to interact with the locals and learn a bit about the local culture. It is home to several galleries that showcase beautiful collections. Natives, as well as visitors, come here to shop or just to enjoy a live performance. During the Christmas season, the area is beautifully decorated and dazzling with colorful lights.
8 Enjoy A Family Fun Day Out At Meow Wolf Santa Fe
The charming city of Santa Fe is a popular vacation destination for traveling families, thanks to the availability of family-friendly attractions such as Meow Wolf Santa Fe. Visitors can bring their families here to enjoy a surreal experience while solving puzzles and exploring the immersive art designs featuring multimedia effects. Whether old or young, the House of Eternal Return is a masterpiece that can surely leave thrill-seekers breathless. There are more than 70 rooms here, each with a different ambiance and vibe.
7 Worship At The Cathedral Basilica Of St. Francis Of Assisi
Even when on vacation, it is always a noble idea to remember the creator and give thanks for life's blessings. Christians visiting Santa Fe can go for spiritual enlightenment at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Featuring stunning architecture and captivating statues, this is a great place where tourists can spend their Sundays exploring the site of the oldest church in the US. There’s a gift shop on-site where visitors can buy souvenirs for their loved ones.
6 Shop Fresh Groceries At Santa Fe Farmers Market
Feel like eating homemade meals while staying in Santa Fe? Don’t worry, since Santa Fe Farmers Market is a great spot in the city where travelers can buy fresh, straight-from-the-farm ingredients for their exciting recipes. The market is clean and buzzing with very friendly local vendors that can make any visitor feel right at home. Animal products such as eggs, meat, dairy, and honey are also readily available. Tourists can also buy nursery plants and flowers to take back home.
5 Learn Local History At New Mexico History Museum
For those who are curious to get a hint into the city’s storied past, taking a tour of the New Mexico History Museum should be on top of their to-do list. History buffs as well as discerning souls come here to learn about the things that have shaped how Santa Fe and New Mexico as a whole are viewed by the external world. The museum houses the Historic Palace of the Governors as well as the iconic Fray Angélico Chávez History Library.
4 Take The Kids To Santa Fe Children's Museum
Sometimes finding fun and engaging activities for kids to do can be difficult, but Santa Fe Children’s Museum can help travelers to surprise their tots. Set along Old Pecos Trail, the museum features exhilarating hands-on activities for the kids, such as climbing a wall. The young visitors can also attend the interactive classes for a mind-bending experience. Tourists come here to have a taste of events such as Noon Year’s Eve and Weird Science.
3 Indulge The Taste Glands At The Santa Fe Margarita Trail
Foodies and cocktail lovers wouldn’t miss the Santa Fe Margarita Trail for anything in the world. This is an activity that gives adventure-seekers an opportunity to tickle their taste glands with some of the best margaritas in the world. The tourers hop from one restaurant to another or from one bar to the next, trying out different locally crafted cocktails. By the end of the excursion, fun-seekers will be left with nothing but wonderful memories.
2 Mingle With Nature At Santa Fe Botanical Garden
Santa Fe acts as a safe haven for nature lovers, and with attractions such as the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, it’s easy to see why. The center offers educative tours on how to preserve plants. The garden is encompassed by lush woodlands that add to its grandeur. While strolling around the beautiful gardens, visitors get to feast their eyes on spectacular mountain views.
1 Experience Thrills At Santa Fe Opera
Nestled in the Land of Enchantment, Santa Fe Opera is where partygoers and music enthusiasts come to witness music and nature blending in harmony. What makes this place unique is that it allows fun-seekers to have their entertainment in the open air. Imagine soaking up magical mountain sunsets while listening to some riveting acoustic sounds. That’s what visitors can expect at the opera house and much more.