Santa Fe, NM

What to do in Santa Fe, NM

Petroglyph National Monument

This spine-tingling site, located beneath 5 extinct volcanoes, includes over 15,000 prehistoric petroglyphs along a 17 mile-long volcanic lava flow.

Palace of the Governors

The first European structure in Santa Fe is the oldest US public building in continuous use. 17th-century Spaniards defended themselves there during a 10-day siege, and the first American to see Santa Fe was held there as a spy in 1807. It was a Confederate headquarters in 1862 and then-Territorial Governor Lew Wallace wrote most of Ben Hur inside its walls. It is now a history museum and a National Historic Landmark.

Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

Browse a showcase of classic and contemporary Southwestern Indian art including paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, basketry, and weaving. An exhibit tracing the life of American Indians was curated in part by Native American elders.

Chapel of San Miguel

The oldest church in Santa Fe was originally built in 1626, but the Pueblo Revolt soon began. The chapel's sculpture of San Miguel, the church's patron, was carved in Mexico in 1709, and the chapel was completely rebuilt in 1710.

Day Trips to Native American Pueblos

Of the 19 Native American communities located in New Mexico, 8 are Pueblo tribes near Santa Fe. Many of these Pueblos were established centuries ago, such as the Taos Pueblo which has been continuously occupied for close to 1,000 years. Each sovereign Pueblo has its own tribal government, traditions, ceremonies, dances, and feast days, many of which are open to the public.

Day Trip To Taos

This city should not be confused with the Native American Taos Pueblo, is characterized by its ancient adobes, narrow streets, beautiful courtyards, and magnificent cottonwood trees. The land is often described as mystical, pure and enchanting. One of its most interesting sights is Ranchos de Taos, a small collection of old Spanish ranches, farms, and adobes. The plaza is another "must," hosting many fine galleries, restaurants, and shops.

"High Road" to Taos

This is a favorite drive with many scenic overlooks through the mountains, foothills and the towns of Chimayo, Truchas and Las Trampas. Chimayo especially draws visitors and locals alike to explore artisan workshops and to visit the Santuario de Chimayo, which is said to contain healing powers in its soil.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Once a rest stop for travelers on the famed El Camino Real during the 18th and 19th centuries, this living museum of 33 historic structures on 200 acres is a traditional Spanish ranch that dates to 1710. Aside from its historical intrigue, there are festivals, fiestas, special weekend programs, animals, arts, crafts, traditional food, music, dance, and more family entertainment in authentic "Old New Mexico.".

White-Water Rafting and Kayaking on the Rio Grande This bi-national river has great scenery and guides for groups and individuals. Opt for a lazy glide past colorful mesas, or a thrilling ride on Class V rapids through the Taos Box, a 17-mile run on the upper Rio Grande. People of all and no experience enjoy the river on half- or full-day trips and overnight excursions.

Fishing

Hook your flies, lures, or bait and start reeling in your prize on the numerous streams and lakes that are chock-full of diverse fish. With the stunning mesa backdrop, you might not even mind if the Big One escapes you!.

Hiking and Biking

Trails criss-cross the nearby Santa Fe and Carson National Forests, starting and ending right outside of the city and heading off on major treks into the Pecos Wilderness.

Hot Air Ballooning

Several hot air balloon tours give you a high-flying bird's-eye view of the Rio Grande valley in a vessel that floats on the wind, for a serene experience on a grand scale.

Downhill Skiing

It isn't something that first comes to mind when you think of Santa Fe, but snow skiing is actually very popular. Those who venture into the snow-capped mountains surrounding the mesa town are rewarded with world-class skiing amid the stark beauty of the New Mexican landscape. Located just minutes from the historic city, Ski Santa Fe resort welcomes skiers and snowboarders to its 12,000-foot mountain.

Horseback Rides

Guided rides take you into the foothills of the Galisteo Basin and Pecos Wilderness, as well as into the seldom-traveled back roads of Northern New Mexico.

Golf

Santa Fe's newest public course, the Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe, is one of the finest in the state. An 18-hole course, with 5 tee boxes per hole, a 9-hole par 28 course and driving range boast a setting that is the envy of the New Mexico golf world, overlooking the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains. About 40 minutes south of Santa Fe, the Cochiti Lake region also has a beautiful public course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, against a stunning backdrop of mountains and mesas.