Santa Fe, New Mexico is home to some the country’s best food, culture, art and outdoor activities. From high end shops and art galleries to skiing or hiking in the Sangre de Cristo mountains to savoring the famous green chile and taking in a stunning sunset view, there’s no end to the family fun in this quirky but upscale capitol.
Arts & Culture
Santa Fe is renowned when it comes to the arts. The city boasts incredible museums and art galleries and even many of the hotels here have extensive art collections on display. Its rich cultural history is highlighted in everything from the architecture to the turquoise jewelry sold by the local Native Americans.
Museums
Museums abound here and there’s plenty to entertain all interests. Budding historians will love the informative New Mexico History Museum that goes through everything from Native American history to early Spanish influence to the atomic bomb development. Mini artists can enjoy the Georgia O’Keefe Museum or SITE Santa Fe, which features a rotation of contemporary and boundary pushing exhibits. Little ones can have a more hands-on experience at the Children’s Museum. Depending on your family’s tastes there’s plenty more to choose from including the Museum of International Folk Art, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art.
Canyon Road
Santa Fe is world-renowned for their art scene among collectors. Stroll along Canyon Road and pop into art galleries as they strike your fancy. Here you can find everything from giant lawn sculptures to twinkling crystal pieces to more traditional paintings. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find a new piece for the living room.
The Plaza
Iconic adobe buildings with colorful accents surround the Plaza, the center and heart of the main downtown area. Here you can find everything from upscale clothing boutiques to Native Americans selling handmade turquoise jewelry, to authentic cowboy boots and hand-painted souvenirs.
Meow Wolf
Kids will go wild at this interactive exhibit that’s become a phenomenon drawing crowds from across the country. It’s hard to describe what exactly Meow Wolf is, but if you picture a psychedelic version of the Upside Down from Stranger Things you’re not too far off. Kids can explore an overgrown treehouse, walk through a kitchen fridge door down a trippy hallway, stroll through a neon forest and more. This spot can easily keep the whole family entertained for several hours. Pro tip: Try to go during non-peak hours (like during the week) and get tickets ahead of time online.
Outdoor Adventures
Nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains, Santa Fe has an impressive outdoor scene no matter what season you visit. Hike to breathtaking views, ski your way down the slopes or brave the Rio Grande rapids.
Skiing
If you’re in Santa Fe during the winter months, then hit the slopes with your family for skiing or snowboarding fun. Featuring seven lifts and trails perfect for all skill levels, this is a great place for kids to learn or to take their skills to the next level. And if you don’t have a car, there is public transportation to the mountain from downtown.
Hikes
Santa Fe is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Choose from a dizzying amount of hikes that range in difficulty and enjoy gorgeous views and wildlife. If you’re there in the fall you’ll be treated to stunning golden aspens dotting the mountain ridges. A few of our favorite trails include Dale Ball, which is a moderately easy hike and is also bike friendly. If it’s your first day in the area, Cerrillos Hills State Park offers a gentle path perfect for getting acclimated (don’t forget that Santa Fe sits 7,200 feet above sea level!). Meanwhile, those with more experience or who are looking to backpack or camp for the night will love Winsor Trail that offers views of Lake Katherine that are certainly worth the extra effort.
White Water Rafting
For adventurous families, a day out on the water is just the ticket. Head down the Rio Grande or Rio Chama for an unforgettable experience. Several companies will take you out for everything from half-day to multi-day trips and make sure you have everything you need.