As soon as you arrive at Santa Fe, you’ll instantly be blown away by this picturesque city and capital of New Mexico. Whether you spend your time exploring Santa Fe’s Spanish colonial-style and Pueblo Revival architecture or immersing yourself among its fascinating museums and cultural sites, there are countless reasons why you need to visit.
If you and your friends and family are on a quest for a rewarding vacation away, the sunny New Mexico skies and the warm Santa Fe hospitality will make you want to return time and again. Join us as we shortlist the best things to do in Santa Fe when you come to stay.
As the largest and most celebrated Native American arts markets in the world, our first recommendation on our tour is to visit the impressive Santa Fe Indian Market.
Typically held in August, this astonishing festival celebrates the rich artistic diversity and cultural significance of the Native American art, culture, and traditions on display. Here, visitors to the Santa Fe Indian Market can meet with artists and explore the rustic flavors of the various food vendors before enjoying live performances of Native American music, dances, and the retelling of folk stories.
Our second suggestion is the fiery festival of Zozobra, held every Friday before Labor Day weekend, which acts as the launchpad for the city’s Fiestas de Santa Fe celebrations. This nine-day carnival commemorates the Spanish reconquest of the City of Holy Faith – but the highlight of Zozobra has to be the spectacular burning ceremony of a 50-foot effigy.
Away from the festival season, Santa Fe is a cultural mecca for visitors to the New Mexico capital. Perhaps the most prominent is the Loretto Chapel and its showcase attraction, the Miraculous Staircase. Completed in 1878, this famous church features pointed arches and stained glass windows; however, the church’s spiral staircase – built without any central supports – steals the show as this engineering wonder is truly inspiring.
Next, on our guide to the best things to do in Santa Fe is to pay a visit to the astonishing Palace of the Governors on Santa Fe Plaza. Not only is the Palace of the Governors a listed National Historic Landmark, but it also has a claim to fame for being the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States. Open to the public, guests are encouraged to survey the Spanish and Native American artifacts on display throughout this historic building.
Embracing the rich and diverse cultures, we head next to the Museum of International Folk Art to discover the incredible array of folk art-inspired textiles, ceramics, and paintings. First founded over 70 years ago, the center is home to over 150,000 artifacts and is perhaps best known for being the world’s largest exhibition of folk art.
Our second museum of choice provides visitors with a modern interpretation of an art exhibit, acting not just as a museum but as a fully immersive art experience. Using a diverse range of mediums, including video, sound, and digital art, guests to Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return are treated to a fascinating journey through storytelling and interactive art. Fun for the whole family, Santa Fe is Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return’s flagship location, which has since expanded to multiple venues across the United States due to its immense popularity.
Of course, while Santa Fe’s historical and cultural attractions are certainly captivating, but in reality, the Land of Enchantment’s capital city is also a magnet for those of you who love the great outdoors.
For example, did you know Santa Fe was also a prime skiing and snowboarding destination in winter? Here, visitors during the cooler months of the year come to enjoy Ski Santa Fe, which is located just 16 miles from the heart of the city. Every winter skiers and snowboarders enjoy this world-class ski mountain, with its reliable snowfall due to its base elevation of 10,350 feet.
Taking advantage of the superb scenic surroundings of Santa Fe any time of year, our final recommendation on our shortlist of Santa Fe attractions sees us heading south of the city to the Tent Rocks National Monument. These astonishing-looking geographical formations resulted from volcanic eruptions that took place around 6 to 7 million years ago. For hikers and bikers, it makes for a picturesque backdrop for its two main hiking trails for those who like to explore beyond Tent Rocks National Monument Visitor Center.
If you’re yearning for a vacation stacked with historical and cultural attractions, regardless of what time of year you go, Santa Fe will absolutely keep you entertained. From its Pueblo-style architecture to its cultural hotspots and outdoor activities, Santa Fe will form memories that will last forever.
Be sure to stroll around the friendly streets of Santa Fe, around Santa Fe Plaza, and out into the spectacular surrounding desert landscapes. To enhance your New Mexico adventure, be sure to also book ahead at the pet-friendly Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe, where you can enjoy a solid night’s sleep, a swim, and a complimentary breakfast each morning during your stay.