Top 10 Santa Fe Traveler
Top 10 Attractions in Santa Fe
10. Palace of the Governors
What better way to start off our Top Ten Santa Fe attractions than with the oldest continuously used building in the U.S.? The Palace of the Governors is an adobe structure built in 1610 to be Spain’s seat of government. It’s now a history museum, as well as a part of history! The exhibits chronologically depict the history of the region, giving you a healthy dose of culture and knowledge. Trust us, all traveling cats love a good meowseum. Open 10 AM – 5 PM daily and free on Fri from 5 PM – 8 PM.
9. Loretto Chapel
Are you ready to witness an architectural feat with your own two eyes? Well, get ready. Inside the Loretto Chapel is a famous, peculiar staircase that is shaped as a helix. This miraculous staircase draws in travelers from around the world who come to gaze at the interesting illusion making these steps a Top 10 Santa Fe attraction! The old Roman Catholic Chapel is now a stunning museum, featuring fascinating pieces from from the entire region. Just be careful not to stair too much…Open Mon – Sat 9 AM – 4:30 PM, Sun 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
8. Harrell House
It really bugs us when travelers skip this place. Inside the Harrell House of Natural Oddities, you’ll find insects, invertebrates, and fossils galore! Learn about the beautiful minerals and different animal species of the area, all in one cute little place. Visit the Science Shop for neat little gifts and science-y gadgets—you can even get a little science lesson while you shop in the Top 10 Santa Fe attraction! Even if you’re feeling sluggish, don’t miss this fun shop. Open Mon – Fri 10 AM – 7 PM, Sat 10 AM – 6 PM, and Sun 12 PM – 5 PM.
7. Hyde Park
We had to add your daily dose of nature into our Top 10 Santa Fe attractions! Hyde Memorial State Park is a gorgeous get-away from the buzz of the city. Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this park includes a breath-taking forest of pines and the babbling Little Tesuque Creek. Great for hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and so much more, make this park a must-hit for your Santa Fe travels. Get your nature on. Open 24 hours daily.
6. Meow Wolf
You might not be ready for this level of hipster, travelers. Meow Wolf is an immersive art collection in the heart of one of the most artistic cities in the South. With the goal being for the art to transport awe-inspired patrons to fantasy realms, this incredible experience will be one for the books—guaranteed. Visit the House of Eternal Return for an extra-special treat. Open Sun – Mon 10 AM – 8 PM, Wed – Thurs 10 AM – 8 PM, and Fri – Sat 10 AM – 10 PM.
5. Folk Art Museum
What the folk?! This crazy huge collection was an easy choice for our Top Ten Santa Fe attractions! Boasting a whopping 125,00 pieces from over 100 nations, this is truly one of the largest folk art collections in the world. Come see exhibits like the Morrison Miniature Circus: Return of the Little Big Top and other intriguing and creative exhibits. check-out what the folk all the hype is about. Open daily 10 AM – 5 PM.
4. Canyon Road
Alright travelers, if you haven’t gotten enough culture shoved in your face yet, head on over to Canyon Road, a gigantic art district located in the wonderful Santa Fe. Chock-full of over a hundred art galleries and exhibits featuring local and regional art, this is one area of the beautiful city you definitely don’t want to miss. But you don’t have to just look—you can buy local art and grab some delicious eats while you’re there! Come on down and get your art on at this Top 10 Santa Fe art walk. Hours of operation vary by gallery.
3. Pecos Historic National Park
If you like wind in your hair and bugs in your teeth, here’s an outdoor treasure for your travels. Pecos Historic National Park is a fabulous destination for hiking, camping, bird watching, foraging, really anything your heart desires! Explore the Pecos Valley and experience the rugged and stunning terrain of New Mexico. You may even stumble across pueblo ruins while you’re romping around—who knows! Open daily 8 AM – 6 PM during the summer and 8:30 AM – 4 PM during the winter.
2. The Plaza
It would be silly to leave the hustling bustling city center off our Top Ten Santa Fe attractions! The Plaza has been the heart and soul of the city for over four hundred years—that’s a long time to keep a party going. Hosting daily and weekly markets, community gatherings, and festivals of all shapes and sizes, this truly is the hub of activity you want to be near. Visit the surrounding shops and cafés to discover hidden gems of the city. Party hard, plaza people.
1. Cliff Dwellings
Earning the competitive number one spot for our Top 10 Santa Fe attractions are the magnificent Puye Cliff Dwellings—centuries of Native American culture in the Southwest. Experience the spectacular homes the people of the region built and bask in the effort and creativity of the patrons. Take a self-guided tour or have a knowledgeable local teach you about New Mexico’s rich history. A sheep, a drum, and a snake fall down a cliff…baa dum hiss. Open daily 8:30 AM – 6 PM.