Santa Fe, new mexico
Attractions Guide

Santa Fe is a very old city, originally founded by the Spanish in 1610. As such it has a rich cultural history as one of the oldest cities in the modern United States. Additionaly, there are many beautiful natural sights surrounding Santa Fe, such as the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks and Bandelier National Monuments.

Downtown Santa Fe is centered around Santa Fe Plaza and hosts two beautiful old churches, the Loretto Chapel and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Nearby is the oldest church in the continental United States, the San Miguel Mission, which was built over 400 years ago.

Be sure to also see the historic Palace of the Governors adobe structure which sits on the centrally-located Santa Fe Plaza. Located adjacent is another interesting adobe-structure housing the New Mexico Museum of Art, which hosts exhibits in contemporary art and photography.

On the eastern side of the city along the city’s Canyon Road you’ll find many hip art galleries, restaurants, and interesting shops. Further east is Museum Hill, home to several museums including the Museum of International Folk Art and Museum of Indian Arts & Culture.

Meow Wolf

In the southwestern portion of the city near Agua Fria is the famous Meow Wolf, an incredible attractions which offers a unique immersive experience with many lights and highly elaborate and technological art installations.

To the southeast of Santa Fe and Agua Fria is the El Rancho de las Golondrinas, an intriguing living history museum displaying life at a historic rancho.

You might also consider visiting El Santuario de Chimayo, a beautiful Catholic church and pilgrimage site located to the north or Santa Fe.

The Pecos National Historical Park lies to the east of the city, and features the remains of an old Spanish mission, pre-historic Native American ruins, and even a battlefield from the American Civil War. You can admire all of these historic sites along the 1.3 mile (2.1 km) round-trip loop trail.

The area around Santa Fe has several great museums and natural areas, especially around the city of Los Alamos. Within the city of Los Alamos (where the United States developed atomic bombs) are the Bradbury Science Museum and Los Alamos History Museum where you can learn about the town and the atomic Manhattan Project.

Be sure to also stop for the views at White Rock Overlook a bit east of Los Alamos for breathtaking canyon views over the Rio Grande River.

Near Los Alamos are some of the most incredible natural formations in New Mexico, located at the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Kasha-Katuwe hosts many bizarre tent-shaped rock formations, which create a breathtaking and otherworldly landscape. The most popular hike in this national monument to see these intriguing formations is the 3 mile (4.8 km) round-trip Tent Rocks Trail.

Also nearby Los Alamos is Bandelier National Monument, where a 2.6 mile (4.2 km) round-trip hike from the monument's visitor center allows you to observe and explore the stunning cliff dwellings and natural features, including the Alcove House and its wooden ladders, along with other ruins.