This city feels less like a destination and more like a slow, deliberate breath, inviting you to linger over art and history rather than rush through it. Today, Santa Fe stands as a sophisticated artistic hub where ancient traditions meet contemporary creativity, offering travelers an intimate encounter with culture that resonates deep within the high desert air.
Do Santa Fe the way locals do: start slow at Santa Fe National Forest, eat where the regulars do at Tomasita's Santa Fe - New Mexican Restaurant, let the evening run long at Coyote Cafe & Rooftop Cantina.
Top things to do in Santa Fe
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Meow Wolf Santa Fe's House of Eternal Return
Unique & immersive art installations with multimedia elements & a mysterious narrative throughout.
Check tours & tickets2
Santa Fe Plaza
Historic city plaza with benches, a bandstand & ethnic markets, plus festivals & community events.
Check tours & tickets3
Santa Fe National Forest
This 1.6-million-acre forest with many miles of trails offers activities such as hunting & fishing.
Check tours & tickets4
Loretto Chapel Museum
Historic site for weddings & events with a notable spiral staircase with a legend behind it.
Check tours & tickets5
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
Rotating exhibits of the work of Georgia O'Keeffe include paintings, sculptures & sketches.
Check tours & tickets6
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Stately 1800s-era cathedral featuring colorful stained-glass windows & plenty of history.
Check tours & tickets7
Pecos National Historical Park
Former location of an Indian village, Spanish mission, Civil War battlefield & Greer Garson's ranch.
Check tours & tickets8
Museum of International Folk Art
80,000-sq-ft homage to global folk art & culture, featuring art & artifacts from over 100 countries.
Check tours & tickets9
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Living Spanish village includes a hacienda, village store, schoolhouse & more with costumed workers.
Check tours & tickets10
San Miguel Chapel
Storied adobe church originally built in the 17th century featuring restored paintings & other art.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Tomasita's Santa Fe - New Mexican Restaurant
Lively go-to for enchiladas, sopapillas, flautas & more Southwestern favorites amid basic decor.
Website12
The Pantry
Stalwart bustling eatery serves up a variety of classic regional dishes in a comfortable atmosphere.
Website13
La Choza Restaurant
Casual eatery with colorful decor features tacos, burritos & more with a separate vegetarian menu.
Website14
The Ranch House
BBQ mains, New American fare & creative cocktails are presented in an adobe-style space.
Website15
Harry's Roadhouse
Whimsical, colorful cafe serving regional eats & weekend brunch with optional patio seating.
Website16
Clafoutis
Low-key, French country-style spot for housemade baked goods & light breakfast/brunch/lunch fare.
Website17
Plaza Cafe Downtown
Retro spot for classic diner fare along with Southwestern comfort food in a family-friendly setting.
Website18
Tia Sophia's
No-frills, diner-style eatery serving regional favorites, breakfast specials & famously hot chile.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Santa Fe
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Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
New Mexico River Adventures
Check tours & tickets20
Loretto Chapel Museum
Historic site for weddings & events with a notable spiral staircase with a legend behind it.
Check tours & tickets21
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
Rotating exhibits of the work of Georgia O'Keeffe include paintings, sculptures & sketches.
Check tours & tickets22
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Stately 1800s-era cathedral featuring colorful stained-glass windows & plenty of history.
Check tours & tickets23
Sky Railway
Check tours & tickets24
Santa Fe Botanical Garden
Botanical center for tours & plant education set within a piñon-juniper woodland.
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Santa Fe National Forest
This 1.6-million-acre forest with many miles of trails offers activities such as hunting & fishing.
Website26
Bandelier National Monument
Human settlements from around 11,000 years ago lying in rocky canyon & mesa country.
Website27
Hyde Memorial State Park
This pine-surrounded natural area is popular for tent & RV camping, hiking & even ice-skating.
Website28
Ragle Park
Website29
Aspen Vista Picnic Ground
WebsiteAfter dark
30
Coyote Cafe & Rooftop Cantina
Elegant eatery featuring local cuisine with Southwestern flair, cocktails & a rooftop bar.
Website31
Del Charro
Rustic, Western-themed watering hole serving Tex Mex grub, margaritas & cocktails.
Website32
BOXCAR
TVs line this roomy, industrial sports bar/nightclub featuring standards like burgers & fries.
Website33
La Boca
Spanish small plates are paired with Mediterranean & South American wines at this refined venue.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
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