10 Cool Things to See And Do In Santa Fe, USA
- Shyla Watson
- Updated:
Thanks to its proximity to the Mexican border, Santa Fe is a place that perfectly melds differing cultures. It also happens to be a former Spanish colony and houses many of the oldest sites in all the United States. These things and more make Santa Fe a really cool place, with tons to see and do. Read our list to discover out top ten choices.
Governor’s Palace in Santa Fe | ©Krissa Corbett Cavouras/Flickr
Palace of the Governors
Located in the historic district of Santa Fe, the Palace of the Governors is an adobe structure that was built in 1610. It served as the seat of government for the Spanish colony that presided over Santa Fe, but has since been converted into the state history museum. Take a tour of the facility and discover things related to the Santa Fe Trail, Civil War in New Mexico, Spanish American War, and more. Exhibits rotate a few times a year, but educational events take place more frequently. You’ll learn so much that you can volunteer to be a tour guide yourself! Be sure to check the online resources and schedule for upcoming events, and ask your guide about photography rules.
Address and Telephone: 105 W. Palace Ave. Santa Fe, NM, USA, +1 505 476 5100
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum | ©Karl Schultz/Flickr
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
During a 1929 vacation, American modernist Georgia O’Keeffe became fascinated with the beauty of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The artist relocated to the city shortly after her visit, and quickly began painting the desert landscape. Then, in 1997, a few years after the artists’ death, a museum was built to preserve her artwork and legacy. The museum houses an extensive collection of O’Keeffe’s works, including 140 oil paintings, 700 drawings, and more. A number of educational programs, workshops, lectures, presentations, and other events take place frequently. The museum is also tied to the Georgia O’Keeffe research center, which cares for letters, photographs and libraries that belonged to the artist, as well serves as a place for people to learn more about the artist, American Modernism, and museum studies.
Address and Telephone: 217 Johnson St. Santa Fe, NM, USA, +1 505 946 1000
Canyon Road Contemporary Art
With a combination of over 100 art galleries, studios, and museums, Canyon Road is the recognized art district of the Santa Fe area. Canyon Road Contemporary Art is one of the best galleries around, providing collectors with art for the past 30 years. Featured work is created by local and regional artists, and ranges in mediums, including sculpture, fused glass, paintings, mixed media, sketches, and more. The gallery acquires new pieces almost every week, so pop in and peruse the walls. You may find something so striking that you decide to take it home with you! Canyon Road Contemporary Art hosts various events throughout the year, so subscribe to their newsletter so you never miss out on a good time.
Address and Telephone: 403 Canyon Rd. Santa Fe, NM, USA, +1 505 983 0433
Loretto Chapel ‘Magnificent Staircase’ | ©Tim Menzies/Flickr
Loretto Chapel
Loretto Chapel is a retired church that is now preserved to showcase the magnificent architecture. The gothic church was opened in 1878, although the person who built it remains a mystery, and another mystery of the chapel is the ‘Miraculous Stair’ a helix-shaped spiral staircase. Meant to provide a way to reach the choir lift, the staircase was built by an unknown carpenter. The fascination lies in that the staircase has no central support, but is still structurally sound. It is the point of interest at Loretto, and makes a fantastic place for engaged couples to pose for portraits. The chapel has a lot of other remarkable attributes, including stained glass, paintings, miniature structures, and more. Stop by and take a look around. Just be sure to check the schedule in case a wedding is in progress!
Address and Telephone: 207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM, USA, +1 505 982 0092
Latin American Masks at Museum of International Folk Art | ©hewy/Flickr
Museum of International Folk Art
This cultural museum is dedicated to showcasing folk art from all around the globe. The art exhibited ranges in mediums, but includes paintings, drawings, sculptures and figurines, photographs, multi-media presentations, and more. Works are often complimented with relevant workshops, performances, lectures, and historic artifacts, which support the artwork. The featured art is representative of cultures from all across the world including African, Asian and Middle Eastern, Latin American, Spanish Colonial, European, North American, and Hispano and Latino. The museum rotates exhibits regularly, and hosts a number of events and educational programs throughout the year.
Address and Telephone: 706 Camino Lejo Santa Fe, NM, USA, +1 505 476 1200
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi | ©Kent Kanouse/Flickr
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Located in downtown Santa Fe, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is an active Roman Catholic cathedral. The church is quite beautiful, with a keystone, great bronze doors, interior nave, sanctuary, and two smaller chapels. Unlike the traditional adobe structures that surround it, the church was built in Romanesque Revival style, with round arches and Corinthian columns. Guests are encouraged to admire the exquisite structure, as well the interior artwork, especially the stain glass. Mass is held each day, as are weekly confessions, scheduled baptisms, and weddings. Parish office hours differ from the schedule of certain services, so check the websites for specifics.
Address and Telephone: 131 Cathedral Place Santa Fe, NM, USA, +1 505 982 5619
Sculpture at Museum of Indian Arts and Culture | ©Joseph McCarty/Flickr
Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
With nearly 75,000 annual visitors, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture displays Native American art, dating from pre-history to contemporary pieces. Through the art, visitors will learn about the history, heritage, and culture of the Native American peoples. Join a free guided tour, which provides fun and interesting facts about each piece of art, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, pottery, jewelry, mixed media, and more. In addition to special events, the museum hosts a number of programs and educational workshops, such as lecture series, hands-on workshops, courses, presentations, and more. Many of these are free opportunities for people who are passionate about arts and culture. Check the museum’s online resources to learn more about the exhibits and themes commonly found in the art, and sign up to be a volunteer tour guide!
Address and Telephone: 710 Camino Lejo Santa Fe, NM, USA, +1 505 476 1269
San Miguel Mission | ©mnchilemom/Flickr
San Miguel Mission
Erected centuries ago between 1610 and 1628, San Miguel Mission holds the title for being the oldest church in the United States. The Spanish colonial mission church was built in the Romanesque style, with a fortress of thick walls surrounding it. The adobe structure has been beautifully preserved, as has the artwork inside. There are lovely paintings above the altar, in addition to carvings, wooden statues, and tapestries. The chapel also houses a grand bell, which was inscribed in 1856. Still active, visitors are welcomed to attend traditional mass on Sundays; a Latin Mass is also offered early in the day, as is a Gregorian chant mass once a month. Being such an old establishment, the mission is constantly in need of repairs and renovations, so feel free to donate funds, tools, mud, materials, and your time.
Address and Telephone: 401 Old Santa Fe Trail Santa Fe, NM, USA, +1 505 983 3974
Campground at Hyde Memorial State Park | ©Chad Fennell/Flickr
Hyde Memorial State Park
Enjoy a breath of fresh air as you stroll through Hyde Memorial State Park. The park, which spans 350 acres, is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, providing exquisite views. There are numerous hiking trails within the forests, as well as established sites for camping. Stop by during the seasons for various recreational activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, kayaking, fishing, and more. Alternatively, relax and have a fun picnic with the family, or do some bird watching. Hyde Memorial is also home to a historic lodge, which is often used for special events, such as wedding receptions or family reunions. Contact the park superintendent about reserving the space, and check the park website for maps of hiking trails, campsites, and more useful information.
Address and Telephone: 740 Hyde Park Rd. Santa Fe, NM, USA, +1 505 983 7175
Performance at El Rancho de las Golondrinas | ©Larry Lamsa/Flickr
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Step back into the past when you visit El Rancho de las Golondrinas. Once a rest stop from Mexico City to Santa Fe, the history museum is unlike any other in the area, providing a real-life look into the day-to-day activities of villagers in the 1700s. The site is comprised of original colonial buildings from the 18th century, including a few reconstructed New Mexican historic buildings. Actors wear authentic garb of the times, and through various activities, display what life was truly like. Participate in traditional celebrations and festivals that were essential to the Spanish, Mexican, and colonial heritage of the people that once resided in this New Mexican city. Watch out for special events each month, as well as educational programs for students.
Address and Telephone: 334 Los Pinos Rd. Santa Fe, NM, USA, +1 505 471 2261