Santa Fe is a natural wonder, with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and access to 1.8 million acres of untouched forests. The city is also rich in cultural diversity — experience the nuances of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American traditions in one location.
The endless list of things to do around Santa Fe, New Mexico, makes the city even more exciting. If you’re considering moving to or purchasing property in the area, here’s what you can look forward to doing in your new home.
Outdoor Adventures
Santa Fe’s semiarid climate means long summers and mild winters. In addition, the region boasts an annual average of 320 sunny days, making it the ideal spot for outdoor fun. Here are five activities you can enjoy in New Mexico’s capital.
- Explore Pecos National Park: Through a millennium, this site has been home to travelers, missionaries, traders and hunter-gatherers. Locals and tourists visit this site for its rich history and architectural value.
- Visit Santa Fe Canyon Preserve: If you’re an avid birder or love marveling at wildflowers, a day trip to the Santa Fe Canyon is for you. With several walking trails to explore, it’s also an excellent opportunity to hit your daily step goals.
- Engage in water sports: If you enjoy kayaking, canoeing or rafting, you can try these hobbies on the Rio Grande or the Rio Chama. Visitors planning to enter restricted areas along the rivers must apply for a permit.
- Enjoy winter sports: Skiing and snowboarding are among the best things to do around Santa Fe. There are several ski resorts, including Ski Santa Fe, which is accessible via public transportation. Be sure to check the season dates when planning your day trip.
- Take a self-guided city tour: Santa Fe is a melting pot of cultures, giving rise to many architectural styles. A stroll through the city allows you to take in the beauty of the ancient buildings around you.
Cultural and Historical Activities
If you love history and culture, you’ll enjoy fitting these activities into your schedule. Here’s a more in-depth look at some of the best things to see in Santa Fe.
- Tour the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: Georgia O’Keefe was a leader in feminism and the modernist art movement. You can get personal with over 3,000 pieces of her work at the museum dedicated to her art.
- Marvel at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: This beautiful cathedral features a statue of the Virgin Mary from Spain, stained glass from France and a baptismal font from Brazil. The building has significant cultural and religious value.
- Visit the Museum of International Folk Art: From handwoven baskets to ceramics, the museum features the world’s largest collection of folk art. As 34 countries have donated artworks, you’ll surely have a diverse cultural experience.
- Experience the Santa Fe Opera House: From iconic operas to more contemporary productions, the Santa Fe Opera House showcases various top-class performances. If you’re looking for an occasion to dress up, plan on booking opera tickets.
- Check out Canyon Road’s Galleries: This experience combines art, food and a relaxing half-mile stroll along Canyon Road. Stop at the various galleries and purchase arts and crafts that catch your eye. You can complete the day with a delightful brunch at one of the quaint cafés.
Unique Things to Do in Santa Fe
Once you’ve enjoyed the various nature walks and museum tours, sign up for an unforgettable experience in Santa Fe. Here are some top suggestions for residents and visitors.
- Book a food tour: One of the best ways to get to know a new city and its heritage is through food. Several culinary tours are available for you to choose from — some of which allow you to make traditional dishes yourself.
- Take an art class: Santa Fe is synonymous with beautiful art, so why not create your own by signing up for a class? Explore different media and channel your inner Georgia O’Keeffe.
- View Santa Fe from above: Santa Fe is beautiful from all angles, but you get a stunning perspective from a hot air balloon. This experience makes a one-of-a-kind birthday gift or romantic date.
- Stroll through the Farmers’ Market: From seasonal flowers to ethical meat options, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market has all you need to stock your home. You’ll support local farmers, making it a win-win situation.
- Check out Ethyl the Whale: Artists used single-use plastic to create this whale sculpture, growing awareness of these pollutants’ environmental impact. At 82 feet long, Ethyl also holds a Guinness World Record.
Free Things to Do in Santa Fe
What is there to do in Santa Fe for free? Here are some activities that won’t break the bank.
- Santa Fe Plaza: This location’s prevalence of century-old buildings make it a national historic landmark. The plaza is also the site of parades and festivals, offering visitors a multidimensional cultural experience — without spending a dime.
- San Miguel Chapel: As the oldest church in the United States, the San Miguel Chapel is another historic site to add to your itinerary.
- View artworks at the Indian Market: Santa Fe residents look forward to the vibrant Indian Market every August. It celebrates Native American artworks from over 800 artists and is complimentary to the public.
Find Your Dream Property in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is a vibrant city, offering residents cultural, historical and outdoor activities to do in their free time. It’s one of the many reasons property owners consider purchasing apartments or other housing in this area.
Elevated Management Group, LLC, is a full-service property management company based in Albuquerque. Our convenient location gives us boots-on-the-ground experience in Santa Fe and beyond. Contact our team today to leverage our expertise to manage your property in New Mexico or ask for help and advice with finding a rental. From marketing your property to handling maintenance requests, we take great pride in offering our clients exceptional service!