Santa Fe is a pretty amazing place to live with its vibrant culture, local shops, and amazing weather. We should know! Our families have been around the area for generations. But there are so many things to do in Santa Fe that it can be overwhelming for someone who’s never been here before.
Whether you’re a sight-seer, an outdoor adventurer, or a history buff, Santa Fe has an activity for everyone — and the culture to match.
Here are the top things to do in Santa Fe and everything you need to know as you plan your visit to the City Different.
Explore & Sightsee
Before the Mexicans and Anglos settled in Santa Fe, it was home to the Spaniards and Native Americans. As a result, the city is a hearty blend of Pueblo Indian, Italian, Victorian, and Spanish architecture. That cultural union led to Santa Fe’s nickname: the City Different. Here are the top sights to see and things to do in Santa Fe.
New Mexico State Capitol Building
Santa Fe is home to the New Mexico State Capitol building that is as unique as the city in which it stands.
The State Capitol, also known as the Roundhouse, is the only truly round capitol in the country and showcases the unique New Mexican architecture found throughout the state.
Art Galleries
Did you know that Santa Fe is home to over 250 unique art galleries? Many amazing artists live in the Santa Fe area, and new exhibits are always being set up to showcase a variety of local skills.
Including sculptures, paintings, intricate woven examples, and everything in between, there’s a gallery for every artistic taste. If you’re an art collector — or even just an art enthusiast — you’ll never run out of things to do in Santa Fe. Plan on spending more than a couple days visiting the local galleries.
Historical Sites
The city’s rich history dates back to the mid-1050’s to the 1100’s, so there are many historical sites to visit and things to do in Santa Fe — no matter your interests.
Visit the Bandelier National Monument or the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument for an adventurous exploration of our Native American roots. Or check out the Loretto Chapel’s infamous spiral staircase and the Military Museum for a more low-key study of Santa Fe’s history.
Plan for the Weather
The thought of a desert probably conjures images of coyotes and roadrunners chasing each other in the sweltering heat, but that’s not the case in Santa Fe!
Due to the high altitude, we’re lucky to have average July temperatures around 86 degrees (and less than 10 days a year of 90-plus degrees). That said, bring sunblock and lots of water if you plan any outdoor adventures. UV exposure is much greater at high elevations, and so is your risk of dehydration and sunstroke!
Despite having over 320 days of sunshine each year, the city gets an average of 32 inches of snow while the local ski resorts take in over 300 inches annually. Keep that in mind when you’re planning things to do in Santa Fe during the winter — it’s no fun trudging through snow in shorts and flip flops.
Visit the Dispensaries
As of June 2021, New Mexico is the 18th state to legalize adult-use cannabis, and while you’ve already got quite a list of things to do in Santa Fe, no trip would be complete without stopping by one of our city’s many dispensaries.
Maybe you need pain relief from putting in a few too many miles in those uncomfortable walking shoes you packed, or maybe you just want a high-quality smokable to help you relax and enjoy your visit. Either way, The Santa Fe Dispensary’s knowledgeable staff can guide you to the best products to meet your needs.
Add The Santa Fe Dispensary to your list of things to do in Santa Fe or visit our online shop today.