10 Best Things to Do in Santa Fe

The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum showcases more than 3,000 works including oil paintings, drawings, and other artworks. The museum can be found just a few blocks west of Santa Fe Plaza. O’Keeffe’s art rotates throughout the year, and you will also find works by her American contemporaries. In addition to O’Keeffe’s artwork, you will also catch a glimpse of her creative process and the landscape that influenced her. If you are up for a drive, be sure to check out her home studio, which is located about an hour north of Santa Fe along the Rio Chama. The museum is also responsible for the care and preservation of this national historic landmark and offers tours by appointment.

The Santa Fe Plaza is well known as the "Heart of Santa Fe" and has been the central gathering place of the town throughout history. The plaza is nestled between San Francisco Street and Washington, Palace, and Lincoln avenues. You can gaze upon and appreciate traditional Spanish-American architecture here. As you stroll down the historic streets, you will pass by quaint boutiques, restaurants, bookstores, and art galleries. You can also find several events, including community gatherings, concerts, and Spanish and Indian markets.

Canyon Road features historic adobe buildings filled with fine art from across the country and around the world. The best way to get to the neighborhood is to take the free Santa Fe Pick-Up shuttle, as streets in the surrounding area are narrow and parking is difficult to come by. You can stroll along and appreciate spectacular contemporary and abstract art. Canyon Road is well known among art collectors throughout the United States, and you can find everything from artwork by famous artists to hand-woven Navajo rugs, fine jewelry, and Southwestern wood carvings.

Meow Wolf is an arts and entertainment collective that creates immersive and interactive experiences for people of all ages. You will find Meow Wolf located at the intersection of Rufina Street and Rufina Circle. You can experience interactive activities including art installations, video and music productions, and heightened-reality content. You can explore rotating installations as well as the permanent House of Eternal Return exhibit, which features a mystery house with secret passages, portals to magical worlds, and mesmerizing art exhibits. Meow Wolf also offers a children’s learning center, a café and bar, and a highly rated music venue.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi’s French Romanesque style is a deep contrast to Santa Fe’s surrounding adobe buildings. The basilica can be found a block east of the Santa Fe Plaza. The church was built between 1869 and 1886 in hopes of bringing Catholicism to the Southwest. You will find a small adobe chapel next to the cathedral that is the remains of a previous church that was destroyed in 1680, and the oldest representation of the Virgin Mary in the United States is housed here. If you visit as the sun is setting, you will see the structure highlighted by an inviting golden glow.

The Museum of International Folk Art presents diverse works from folk artists around the world. You can find it in the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. The eclectic collection of cultural art rotates regularly, with exhibits such as "Música Buena: Hispano Folk Music of New Mexico" and "Yokai: Ghosts & Demons of Japan." If you are visiting with children, there are several areas designed with their learning and enjoyment in mind. A favorite is the Tree of Life toy lounge, where children can learn through play with puppets, discovery boxes, and books. While you are welcome to view exhibits on your own, the museum offers daily tours where you will learn about the artistic traditions.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas showcases the history and culture of 18th- and 19th-century New Mexico. You will find the museum located in an agricultural valley south of Santa Fe. Here, you can tour original Spanish colonial buildings from the 1700s in addition to other historic New Mexico buildings that have been rebuilt here. You will enjoy walking the grounds next to "villagers" dressed in period clothing. The museum offers special events where you can get a glimpse into the daily life of the Spanish, Mexican, and Territorial periods of the Southwest, including their celebrations, dance, and music. You can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy during your visit or purchase lunch and snacks on-site on weekends.

The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture tells the story of the early people of the Southwest through native artifacts and exhibits. You will find it located on Camino Lejo, across from the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. During your visit, you can experience rotating exhibitions, public lectures, artist residencies, and many more educational programs. These opportunities give visitors a great insight into the communities of the Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache tribes of the area through oral histories, songs, and archaeological objects. The museum works closely with local native communities to ensure that it offers an authentic and culturally sensitive experience.

Ski Santa Fe is a family-friendly adventure offering some of the Southwest’s finest skiing. You will find the slopes located 16 miles north of downtown Santa Fe. Ski Santa Fe is one of the highest ski areas in the continental United States and offers panoramic views. You will find opportunities for first-time skiers and snowboarders as well as experienced thrill-seekers. The conditions are pristine, featuring bump runs, powder-filled chutes, graded tree skiing, and plenty of grooming. If you need assistance getting started, Ski Santa Fe offers excellent instructional sessions and family-friendly workshops.

The Santa Fe Opera House is a unique outdoor performance venue that presents 5 operas rotating throughout their summer season. You will find the theater on Opera Drive in north Santa Fe off of Highway 84. The open-air theater provides an outdoor experience, while the stage roof and balcony cover all the seating areas to accommodate guests even during bad weather. Each seat has a high-resolution touch screen that broadcasts translations in English and Spanish. In the background, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic mountains.