Santa Fe is the capital and also one of the largest cities in New Mexico, USA. Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the United States, initially founded in 1610.

This historical city is well endowed with many tourist attractions that bring people of different races worldwide to visit New Mexico.

Although Santa Fe has a fascinating history and a variegated culture, it has remained a capital against all odds.

Santa Fe has a complicated history that greatly influenced the birth of the many museums found in the city today, creating an excellent place for history lovers to visit and explore the past in Santa Fe.

The markets and restaurants found in the city also showcase the variegated culture of the Santa Fe people. This culture is shared with visitors in beautiful artworks showcased in all the galleries in Santa Fe.

Interestingly, the city’s atmosphere is serene all year round, and its climate is merely comfortable.

Santa Fe is an excellent place for families, lovers, and friends to visit and strengthen bonds while having fun.

However, there are unique places to visit during a visit to Santa Fe and things to make that offer a lifetime experience. Therefore, here are the best fun things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Top Fun Things to Do in Santa Fe

1. Play Disc Golf

Disc golf is an exhilarating sport to engage in, although it can be argued that the sport is not very popular, it is very easy to learn and a lot easier to play.

Like conventional golf, players have targets that they must get to with as few moves as possible. However, there are no swings and golf sticks involved. All you need is your arm and the ability to throw a disc.

Disc golf is a gratifying sport in Santa Fe because of many reasons, including the beautiful climate available in the city, the variety of courses to choose from, and most importantly, free of charge.

Some places in Santa Fe, like Ashbaugh park, offer their visitors the opportunity to enjoy a nine-hole game of disc golf, unlike other places like the Monica Lucero park, which provides a full 18 hole game of disc golf magnificent course.

It may not seem it, but disc golf is an entertaining sport that creates opportunities for some of the coolest bonding between friends, family, or enemies.

Address:

Ashbaugh Park; 1703 Cerrillos Rd Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505, USA.

Monica Lucero Park; 850 Camino Consuelo, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507, USA

2. A Peek into the Military at New Mexico Military Museum

The New Mexico Military Museum is an inspiring place to visit. It brings back memories of past heroes who have laid down their lives for the good of the nation, especially the heroes who originated from the region around Santa Fe.

This museum is well known for its vast collection of historical artifacts and educational materials that enable visitors to discover the military history in Santa Fe.

Many exhibits on display at the New Mexico Military Museum, including the encapsulating World War I, the revolutionary World War II, and many other civil wars that claimed lives and properties.

However, one of the New Mexico Military Museum’s significant highlights is its famed military institute weapon room. There are all sorts of weapons on display in this weapons room. For gun lovers, the first glance into this particular room will keep their eyes peeled in awe.

Although the New Mexico Military Museum is undergoing renovations now, the museum may not be open; however, the museum will be ready to accept visitors once again shortly.

Address: 1050 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505, USA

3. See Cathedral Basilica of the St. Francis of Assisi

The Cathedral Basilica of the St. Francis of Assisi is one of the historic sites in Santa Fe. It can also be classified as a spiritual ground where Christians can come and have a very inspirational time.

The church looks very beautiful and has a brilliant architecture that showcases wonderfully built towers that are high.

The Cathedral Basilica of the St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most profound churches in the southwest, with a vibrant history dating back over a hundred and fifty years.

The Cathedral Basilica of the St. Francis of Assisi has many features that will leave you speechless. Some of these features include Our Lady of Conquistadora’s beautiful statue, a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary that is as ancient as the 1600s.

Other mind-blowing features in the Cathedral Basilica of the St. Francis of Assisi include the Hebrew Tetragrammaton’ – engraved keystone.

Interestingly, the Cathedral Basilica of the St. Francis of Assisi is always open as there is still a mass held every day. However, if visitors are interested, they can join in the sacrament of confession on Saturdays from 03:00 to 04:00.

Address: 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, USA

4. Things to See in Santa Fe: Canyon Road Arts

Arts is a fundamental concept to the people of Santa Fe, and the Canyon Road Arts could be said to be the home of arts in the city of Santa Fe. Visiting the Canyon Road Arts Is one of the most fun things to do in Santa Fe.

The Canyon Road Arts are found at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain. From a rational perspective, the Canyon Road Arts can be viewed as a picturesque pathway that places Santa Fe’s heritage cuisine, arts, shops, and crafts on display for the world to see.

The Canyon Road Arts have outstanding adobe architecture, which the old world beauty along the 0.5-mile route.

However, Canyon Road Arts does not only have only art studios, but there are over a hundred galleries, great clothes boutiques, unique jewelry shops, and talented field furniture stores.

The Canyon Road Arts offers its visitors the opportunity to explore the intrinsic beauty of arts in Santa Fe. Starting from the captivating sights of the handmade jewelry to the handcrafted furniture, all the way to the Native American pottery, hand-woven rugs, and very colorful native folk art, which highlights the native history of Santa Fe.

The Canyon Road Arts is a fun place to be as some available restaurants and cafés will delight visitors’ taste buds with local and international cuisines.

Address: Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

5. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is named after one of the greatest American artists of the 20^th century. This museum, which is the only museum dedicated to the great female icon, has the most extensive O’Keeffe work worldwide.

O’Keeffe makes over a thousand words in the museum. Some of these include sculptures, colorful paintings, and great drawings created between 1901 and 1984.

Some of her best works on display at the galleries in the museum include “Abstract Nature,” which can be described as a breathtaking perspective of how inspired O’Keeffe was by nature.

However, other works like the “O’Keeffe’s New Mexico” and the “My New York’s” are all very brilliant works of art and very captivating.

There are also work of famous contemporaries like Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol, which are also on display at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is a great place to visit, especially if you are an art lover.

Visitors can access the museum from Saturdays to Thursdays from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm and on Fridays from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm.

Address: 217 Johnson St. Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, USA

6. Visit the Museum Of Indian Arts and Culture

The historical preservation of the great Native American tribes’ wonderful heritage is an arduous task that has been convincingly undertaking by the Museum Of Indian Arts and Culture and the laboratory of anthropology in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The awareness of the Native American traditions and culture can be fully experienced in all its bliss, especially if you visit the Museum Of Indian Arts and Culture.

Interestingly there are various items on display at the museum that showcases the fantastic past of the people of Santa Fe. Some of these items include unique antiques, Native Americans handmade weapons, and many more.

The Museum Of Indian Arts and Culture is an educative place to visit. The vast history of strong and independent people on display is sure to amaze and share an exciting historical experience of strong-willed people with its visitors.

The museum opens daily from May to October by 10:00 am and closes by 05:00 pm, but from November to May, visitors can gain access to the museum from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm

This makes what to do in Santa Fe, NM, for history lovers, consider an addition to your bucket list of fun things to do in Santa Fe, NM.

Address: 710 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505, USA

7. Marvel at Glass Art in Liquid Light Glass

During a trip to New Mexico, there are only a handful of places that can dazzle your eyes with the beauty of the visible light and one of those unique places is the Liquid Light Glass located at Santa Fe.

The Liquid Light Glass was founded by a very talented glassblower named Elodie Holmes. He is a renowned glass blower known for his peculiar artistic touch nationwide.

The Liquid Light Glass is situated in the Baca street art district. Baca street art district is a place of wonder and unfathomable things that can be seen there daily.

However, at the Liquid Light Glass facility, visitors can be amazed by watching the glass masters. They create stunning glass objects or even have fun by partaking and creating beautiful glass objects themselves.

Visitors interested in this beautiful glassmaking art are in luck as the Liquid Light Glass facility offers various classes. Here people of different age grades (must be above the age of 10) can learn the beautiful craft of glassmaking. Besides, all products you produce can be sent to you.

The Liquid Light Glass facility is open from Mondays to Fridays from 10:00a am to 05:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 04:00 pm.

Address 926 Baca St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505, USA

8. Time Travel Through History at New Mexico History Museum

History is a world of its own, and there is no other place like the New Mexico History Museum that allows you to dive into the rivers of the past to enjoy the historically thrilling stories of New Mexico.

New Mexico has a vibrant history that dates many centuries back, although New Mexico became part of the union in just 1912.

Visitors are well-schooled by the available exhibitions on New Mexico’s indigenes’ rich heritage and the evolution of the colonial settlers in that area.

There are so many things taken out for at the New Mexico History Museum, like the Palace Of The Governors that dates as far back as the 17th century but more recently functions as a museum and exhibits that showcase commerce’s evolution.

The New Mexico History Museum is one of the most intriguing places to visit as it expands to a great extent your knowledge of American history.

The New Mexico History Museum opens daily from May to October from 10:00 am till 05:00 pm, with exceptions on Fridays when New Mexico History Museum closes by 07:00 pm.

However, from November to April, the New Mexico History Museum opens from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 am to05:00 pm and closes by 07:00 pm on the first Friday of the month.

Address: 113 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

9. Shop at the Santa Fe Farmers Market

The Santa Fe Farmers Market, located at the rail yard district, is a fascinating place to visit. You can also have fun engaging in various commercial activities, meeting different people, and also see multiple high-quality farm produce and craftsmanship of handmade products.

Although the Santa Fe Farmers Market was established in the later parts of the 1960s by a group of farmers, the market is now one of the significant Santa Fe attraction. Over 170 vendors are available. It is now arguably the largest farmer’s market in New Mexico.

Visitors who want to treat themselves to the best locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meats, cash crops, and many other savoring delights come to the Santa Fe Farmers Market to fulfill their desires and wrap themselves in the radiating festive atmosphere round there.

The Santa Fe Farmers Market is open on Saturdays all year round due to the high demand for agricultural products like fresh groceries. It is also important to note that all products sold at the Santa Fe Farmers Market are grown or made in New Mexico.

However, at the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market, other market days like the Tuesday markets operate from May to November, and the Wednesday markets run from July to September.

Address: 1607 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA

10. Antique Shopping at Santa Fe Indian Market

The Santa Fe Indian Market is a market where visitors worldwide experience the rich heritage of the ancient Native American people and purchase rare and unique antiques that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The Santa Fe Indian Market has been in existence for close to a hundred years and has since been one of the most significant cultural events globally.

This event, held annually in August, brings thousands of visitors worldwide to enjoy various programs hosted by the Southern Association For Indian Arts, including the Indian market week, which precedes the market day proper.

The Indian market week features a showcase of the historical Native American fashion, music, visual arts, culture, literature, and native films preserved over time.

For an experience of a lifetime, the Santa Fe Indian Market is the place to visit and have fun learning about the Native American people’s rich heritage.

It will even be more awesome if the visitors have a well-organized budget, which will enable them to purchase a dome of the beautiful Native American pieces of artwork.

Address: 121 Sandoval St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA

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11. A Romantic Evening at Compound Restaurant

One of the greatest pleasures that can be enjoyed during a vacation is the explosive sensation of the taste buds on the tongue anytime exquisite and tasty meals enter the mouth.

One of the few places visitors can fully experience in New Mexico is the Compound Restaurant, located in Santa Fe.

This fantastic restaurant was designed by Alexander Girard but is currently run by the executive chef, Mark Kriffin, who has led the Compound Restaurant to become one of the most outstanding restaurants in the area.

The Compound Restaurant has a distinctive charm and style, attracting people worldwide to experience its rich heritage of satisfying their customers with some of the best and outstanding cuisines.

These award-winning cuisines found on the Compound Restaurant’s menu majorly consists of a great mix of the southwestern ingredients and popular flavors found in various dishes.

This Santa Fe jewel’s interior is well adorned with a fine array of classical folk art, which creates a very relaxing feeling in the restaurant.

The Compound Restaurant operates from Monday to Saturday all year round, serving wonderful dinners and lunch.

Address: 653 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA

12. Kakawa Chocolate House

There are very few people on earth who do not love chocolate and its delicious taste. Those in New Mexico who love chocolate and are searching for the most brilliant chocolate taste should visit the Kakawa Chocolate House.

The Kakawa Chocolate House is a beautiful company that produces a wide variety of edible chocolate forms, including chocolate bars, chocolate ice cream, various chocolate drinks, and many more.

The Kakawa Chocolate House has grown to become one of Santa Fe top attractions as visitors worldwide come to have their taste buds mesmerized by the chocolate products available here.

The Kakawa Chocolate House is also a great place to hang out with friends, family, and loved ones while enjoying some chocolate snacks.

Visitors can also treat their kids to a good time at the Kakawa Chocolate House, where all sweet teeth are satisfied.

Kakawa Chocolate House has also stunned the world with its ability to mix up the Mesoamerican and colonial chocolate recipes with seasonal and fresh ingredients to create wonderful texture and taste.

The Kakawa Chocolate House opens from 09:30 am to 06:00 pm every Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays, it begins from 11:30 am to 06:00 pm.

Address: 1050 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA

13. Explore El Rancho De La Golondrinas

El Rancho De La Golondrinas is one of the most fantastic tourist attractions in New Mexico. This historical wonder of a ranch is just located on the outskirts of Santa Fe’s city.

The ranch has been in existence since the early 16th century where the Spanish colonial masters reared their cattle and other livestock, which was a significant source of meat at that time. Still, in more recent times, the ranch has become an expose into the past.

El Rancho De La Golondrinas, in the real sense, is an outdoor museum that is well known for its ability to amaze and educate its visitors on the unique way of life of the original settlers

Interestingly, visitors do not need tour guides in El Rancho De La Golondrinas as there are so many actors who transport visitors to the past and reliving the daily activities of the original Spanish settlers

There are also over 30 different buildings in the ranch that adventure-seeking settlers can explore. Some of these buildings include old barns, schools, homes, and many others.

However, El Rancho De La Golondrinas opens from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10:00 am to 04:00 pm

Address: 334 Los Pinos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87507, USA

14. International New Media Festival

The International New Media Festival is a fascinating festival that only takes place once a year to celebrate artists from all over. These celebrated artists might be well established or just emerging.

Art lovers worldwide can join the merrymaking in the International New Media Festival hosted in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

One of the most delightful things about the International New Media Festival is that visitors can witness various first-hand kinds of works from different artists at literally no cost

Some of the significant mediums which are showcased at the festival include mind-blowing robotics, augmented reality, and elegant light sculpture

Some artists works showcased at the festival include Ashley Autumn, Brandon Aleson, Santina Amato, and many other artists who blow their viewers away with the most mesmerizing feeling that creates a connection between the artwork and the viewer.

The International New Media Festival is one of the few events that has made Santa Fe historically known as a travel destination for technology, environmental beauty, and most arts.

Many people keep looking forward to each year’s International New Media Festival, especially the residents’ city of Santa Fe.

15. Become an Astronomer with Astronomy Adventures

Stargazing is a very electrifying activity that leaves its participants in a sea of awe of the wonders found in the skies. However, there are a few places in the world where this feeling can be gotten unfiltered, and one of these paces is the Astronomy Adventures.

At Astronomy Adventures, visitors enjoy a stargazing tour’s magnificent experience into the glorious Mexican night sky. Visitors do not also have to worry about unnecessary distractions when stargazing.

A night of stargazing at Astronomy Adventures will bring anyone closer to the universe thank the available telescopes, which broaden the scope of the user’s vision to get a better memory imprint of a crystal picture

Apart from just having fun star gazing, visitors are also well educated by their night sky tour guides on the astronomical significance of each star seen.

The tour guides are very professional and make the night more enjoyable with a sizeable Newtonian reflector telescope, highlighting great detail, making sense of what is seen by the visitors.

However, tours of the night sky occur on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays throughout the year. Therefore the Astronomy Adventures is the perfect place to treat your family to a night of wonder.

This makes what to do in Santa Fe for astronomy lovers, consider an addition to your checklist of things to do in Santa FE, NM.

Address: New Mexico-14, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508, USA

16. Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian

The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian is a very few places where people can learn about the Native American people’s significance extensively while in New Mexico.

The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian is located in Santa Fe. It has an excellent reputation as a museum due to the vast array of ancient Native American arts and other collections.

Although the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian was founded in the year 1937 by Mary Cabot and a Novajo man named Hastin Klah, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian has since then played a very significant role in the historical development of the city of Santa Fe.

The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian acts as a bridge between the past and the present-day meso American era. Visitors who visit the museum are more than well-educated on the beautiful way of life of some Native American tribes. Some of these tribes include the Navajo tribe, whose magnificent artworks are well displayed in the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian

There are so many beautiful events hosted at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, including the book club and special exhibits, do add to your bucket list of things to do in Santa Fe.

Address: 704 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505, USA

17. Dine at Tomasitas Restaurant

To quench an unending desire for sensational meals while in Santa Fe, it is recommended that you visit the Tomasitas Restaurant. Tomasitas Restaurant is a lovely place to visit as it is also an outstanding restaurant well known for how it prides itself in having the best red chili, green chili, and cool margaritas.

This peculiar restaurant has been in existence for almost 50 years. It can be said to be the oldest restaurant in Santa Fe, which serves some of the best classical northern new Mexican cuisines found anywhere in the world.

The Tomasitas Restaurant is formally owned by the Mary or Gundrey family. They have widely shown their devotion and passion for preserving the New Mexican and local, regional flavors, which is well showcased in the restaurant’s visitors’ mesmerizing menu.

The Tomasitas Restaurant design is very relaxing and quite casual as it further creates a serene and welcoming feeling for visitors. The available booths are cozy and spacious, with professionally arranged round tables.

At Tomasitas Restaurant, the food is also accompanied by a live mariachi band that creates a beautiful atmosphere with their great music.

Address: 500 S Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA

18. Marvel at Art Displays at Tuner Carroll Gallery

Tuner Carol Gallery is a great art gallery with a great collection of international contemporary art, which is quite impressive considering that many art galleries in the region do not have that size.

However, the Tuner Carol Gallery was established in 1991 by Michael E S. Carroll and Tonya Turner Carroll, who are fantastic gallery operators and well-experienced art connoisseurs.

Some of the excellent experience and established artists whose invigorating artworks fill the Tuner Carol Gallery walls include Fausto Fernandez, Deborah Oropallo, Mavis McClure, Robert Rauschenberg, and Waxing Zhang.

Visitors are usually drowned in all the magnificent artworks of the very creative artists, which hang on the Tuner Carol Gallery walls.

Deep connection s are most likely formed between some visitors and the fantastic art artworks on display.

At the gallery, other very unique and diverse artworks brought in from all around the world can also be seen on display at the Tuner Carol Gallery. There are collection pieces from Mexico, Romania, and many other countries.

Most importantly, there is a monthly show of new exhibits, although the Tuner Carol Gallery hosts other special events from time to time.

Address: 725 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA

19. A Tour with Heritage Inspirations

Indeed, one of the most exciting things to do in New Mexico is to tour the city. Yeah, it is the only way to fully understand the beauty and vibrant nature embedded in Santa Fe’s town.

One of the best ways to have this kind of excursion in New Mexico to give visitors in Santa Fe the best personal and most exquisite experience is to go on a tour employing Heritage Inspiration, a great medium.

The Heritage Inspiration offers visitors an all-inclusive guided tour, of which some go very deep into New Mexico. Some of the Heritage Inspiration’s unique terms enable the visitors to have an experience that highlights the rich culture, incredible art, thrilling adventure, and an expository education into the great heritage of new Mexicans in Santa Fe.

There are many tours to choose from at the Heritage Inspiration, and all of them are sure to give any visitor a good time. Some of these tours include The Magical Heirlooms of Chimayo Tour, The Bandelier National Monument Hiking Tour, and so many more.

This makes what to do in Santa Fe for some adventure time, consider an addition to your list of things to do in Santa Fe.

20. Get Ice Cream at La Lecheria

A vacation is never complete without a bucket of ice cream, and when in New Mexico, visitors can get some of the best ice cream flavors at the La Lecheria.

La Lecheria is located in the city of Santa Fe and was established by the head chef Joel Coleman who has led La Lecheria to become one of the most vibrant spots in New Mexico when it comes to vending ice cream.

One of the most distinctive features of La Lecheria is that the company prepares all of its ice cream products using a very effective traditional method that excludes the use of artificial ingredients and stabilizers. Instead, they use high-quality milk from Albuquerque’s Rasband Dairy.

Some of the beautiful flavors available at the La Lecheria include mouthwatering vanilla bean flavor, chocolate sea salt, mint chip, and exceptional coffee-flavored ice cream

Visitors can enjoy La Lecheri’s unique ice-cream flavor’s from the well-established company throughout the year and even much more as La Lecheria also serves a very high grade of well locally sourced soups and tasty sandwiches which are incredibly mouthwatering and tasty

Address: 101 West Marcy Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA

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21. Must-S Santa Fe Attractions: Santa Fe Plaza

The Santa Fe Plaza is where all kinds of events can be hosted and where many fun activities happen. On any day or any time a visitor visits the plaza, there is an availability of outstanding activities to grant the visitor a pleasant experience.

Some of the Santa Fe plaza activities include shopping, eating in restaurants, playing fantasy games, and so much more. The Santa Fe Plaza is a home for great entertainment, which provides bonding opportunities between friends and family

At the Santa Fe plaza, visitors can feel the youthful exuberance of the New Mexican youths even as the visitors explore the vast shopping complex and fun spots.

Rightfully, the Santa Fe Plaza can be described as a precious stone in which the energetic heartbeat of the city of Santa Fe is found therein

Apart from the fact that there is an opportunity to meet new people when you visit the Santa Fe Plaza, there is also a host of countless spots perfect for taking cool pictures.

The Santa Fe Plaza, in a word, is simply just amazing!

Address: 63 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501, USA

22. Museum Of International Folk Art

The Museum Of International Folk Art is one of the fascinating places to visit in Santa Fe. Unlike conventional museums, this museum helps its visitors fully understand different cultures and distinguish between each one of them.

However, the host of folk art collections found in the Museum Of International Folk Art all have one thing in common: every one of them is very outstanding and reverting art, which will leave its spectators in a blissful sense of awe.

Although the Museum Of International Folk Art focuses a little more on some forms of art that originate from the Latin American and Middle Eastern cultures, there are also beautiful pieces created from other parts of the world like Africa, Asia, and Europe, and South America.

One of the museum’s best features is that it opens daily throughout the entire year from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm. However, gaining access to the museum is only free for children under the age of 16. For any other age-grade above that, the Museum Of International Folk Art charges an admission fee.

Address: On Museum Hill, 706 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505, USA

23. Unique Things to Do in Santa Fe: Traditional Spanish Market

The Traditional Spanish Market is one event that can be considered as a full package of culture, tradition, and fun, which signifies the heritage of a proud and cheerful people.

Unlike many other events held at Santa Fe, the Traditional Spanish Market does not just revolve around the cult