Downtown Santa Fe Arts and Culture O’Keeffe Museum National Monument Ghost Ranch

Things to Do in Santa Fe, NM

With a mild four season climate, towering mountains, wild rivers and spectacular natural beauty, dynamic arts community and emergence into the international contemporary art scene, increasing role as "Hollywood's back lot" as well as incredible historic uniqueness and continued leadership as a scientific innovator, it’s no wonder there are so many things to see and do in Santa Fe.  Outdoor enthusiasts can avail themselves to a multitude of seasonal recreational opportunities from skiing and snowboarding, fishing and hunting, bicycling, hiking, to birding or boating. 

It is no wonder that Conde Nast Traveler magazine has voted Santa Fe one of their favorite travel destinations -- the third most popular city in the United States.  And it’s all just minutes away from your guestroom at the Inn At Santa Fe.

Downtown Santa Fe/The Plaza.   Established by Don Pedro de Peralta, Santa Fe Plaza has been the heart of Santa Fe’s culture and commerce since the early 17th century. This historic landmark, with its adobe and pueblo buildings, is also the home of dozens of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/amsw/sw53.htm

Canyon Road. Canyon Road in Santa Fe is known the world over as second only to New York City for its art galleries. Nowhere else in the country is there such a confluence of artists from a variety of disciplines. Not only Native American artists, but tradition and abstract artists as well are represented in the art galleries and collections found on Canyon Road. Located just 7 miles from this center of southwestern culture is the Inn At Santa Fe. This tranquil boutique hotel with newly renovated guestrooms that include complimentary high-speed Internet access, flat-screen televisions, and top-notch facilities, the Inn At Santa Fe is an ideal choice for your Santa Fe lodging needs. We also offer an Art Appreciation Package with all-inclusive extras. For more information on Canyon Road, go to http://www.canyonroadarts.com/  [Top]

Santa Fe's Museum Hill.  Explore world-class museums showcasing art, history, culture by visiting the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, the Museum of International Folk Art, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art.  The Museum of Indian Arts and Cultures Native Treasures Indian Arts Festival was held May 22-23, 2010 at the Santa Fe Convention Center.  Visit http://www.museumhill.org to learn about special events including new exhibitions, workshops and activities.

Institute of American Indian Arts. The Institute of American Indian Arts is both a college and museum cultivating cultural identity through the complex medium of art. The Museum is a showcase for contemporary Native American artists and is housed a traditional Pueblo Revival style building. For more information, visit http://www.iaia.edu/ 

New Mexico History Museum.  The newly created state-of-the-art New Mexico History Museum opened May 23, 2009 and has since won True West Magazines top Western Museums Award -- Number 1 in the Nation.  Multi-media interactive exhibits detail the early history of indigenous people, Spanish colonization, the Mexican Period, the world-renowned arts and the coming of the Atomic Age.   [Top]

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. One of America’s best known artists, Georgia O’Keefe was born in 1887 in Wisconsin, spent much of her professional life in New York and Texas, and moved permanently to New Mexico in 1949, after the death of her husband, Alfred Stieglitz.  She lived until she was 98. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum celebrates her work as well as that of other artists with ongoing exhibitions.

"Georgia O'Keeffe : Abstractions" featuring more than 100 abstract paintings by O'Keeffe runs May - September at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum -- the only stop in the West for the exhibit.  Summer hours through September 11:  Sun-Wed  10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs-Sat - 10 a.m.-8 p.m. - see http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/ for additional information.

Breakfast with O'Keeffe:  On the first Monday of each month continental breakfast (coffee, tea and pastries provided by Santa Fe Baking Company) and art are combined -- breakfast in the galleries followed with a talk by a distinguished guest.    The $5 fee includes Museum admission or free for Members.  The next event is Monday, August 2nd due to the 4th of July holiday weekend.

Palace of the Governors. Step back 400 years ago to the founding of Santa Fe when you visit the Palace of the Governors. This one-story, low structure made of adobe, was built by Don Pedro de Peralta, the first royal governor of New Mexico. In 1999, the building was proclaimed an American Treasure by the government. For information on museum visits and tours, go to http://www.palaceofthegovernors.org/  [Top]

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Southwest of Santa Fe, experience a unique landscape of enchantingly conical shaped rocks at Tent Rocks National Monument. Located on the Pajarito Plateau, these unusual formations came about from volcanic eruptions. Birdwatching, photography, and hiking are all part of the activities available to visitors. Visit http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/rio_puerco/kasha_katuwe_tent_rocks.html

Rancho de las Golondrinas. Rancho de la Golondrinas, or Ranch of the Swallows, is a living history museum and a testament to the Spanish and Mexican influence on Santa Fe, New Mexico’s history. Established in the 18th century as a stop along El Camion Real, the Rancho includes several restored colonial buildings and historic re-enactors dressed in period garb. Forthcoming events include the Herb and Lavender Fair (July 24-25), the Summer Festival, Frontier Days and Horses of the West (August 7-8) and New Mexico Roundup:  Heroes and Villains from the Past (August 14-15).  Various events are scheduled throughout the year.  For more information, go to http://www.golondrinas.org/ 

Puye Cliff Dwellings.  This national historic landmark, one of northern New Mexico's most awe-inspiring cultural attractions, is home to the ancestors of today's Santa Clara Pueblo people.  Puye Cliffs offers special narrated tours seven days a week as weather permits to help enhance your enjoyment and understanding of this spiritual and cultural attraction featuring cliff and cave dwellings and early Pueblo architecture, home to the Tewa Indian people.  For specific information on fees, special events and tours of Cliff Side, Mesa Top and Harvey House as well as restrictions, go to http://www.PuyeCliffs.com/  [Top]

Ghost Ranch. The inspiration of much of Georgia O’Keeffe’s art, Ghost Ranch today is a community center for locals and visitors alike that’s difficult to define. Offering classes and tours, Ghost Ranch is also the steward of three museums: Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology, Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology, and Piedra Lumbre Education and Visitors Center. For more on Ghost Ranch, go to http://www.ghostranch.org/

Lensic Theater. The Lensic is the performing arts center of Santa Fe, where you’ll find a variety of entertainment available throughout the year. Built in 1931, it has been the host to great performers like Judy Garland and Roy Rogers. From music and dance to film and lectures, the Lensic offers its entertaining programming in a beautifully restored setting. For more information, go to http://www.lensic.com/

Santa Fe Opera.  The world-renowned Santa Fe Opera entertains and marvels audiences with performances from popular classics to world premiers in the open air amphitheater style building.  With exquisite views, and excellent acoustics, the 2010 season (July 2-August 28) is one that will appeal to many musical tastes.  Offerings include Puccini's Madam Butterfly, Mozart's the Magic Flute, Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann, Britten's Albert Herring and Spratlan's Life Is A Dream.    [Top]