Best Day Adventures in Santa Fe, NM
INSIDE : Get ready to dive into the rich culture of Northern New Mexico – where history, culture and stunning scenery are just a short drive from the City Different. Plan your next visit with the best day adventures in Santa Fe, NM.
This post may contain affiliate links. See full disclosure here.
Looking for an unforgettable escape from the ordinary? Santa Fe, New Mexico offers an incredible day adventure just waiting to be explored!
Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of Chimayo, the ancient Pueblo culture or the breathtaking landscapes that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe – a day trip in Santa Fe always promises incredible memories.
Get ready to dive into Northern New Mexico – where history, culture and stunning scenery come together.
We have lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the last 20+ years. So we often will take the 45 minute drive to Santa Fe for the day. It’s also fun to take the Rail Runner train, but that takes a bit longer, about an hour and a half.
Santa Fe “The City Different” is more than just beautiful adobe architecture and vibrant art galleries. It’s a wonderful travel destination for adventurers seeking unique experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a curious traveler, a single day in Santa Fe can be packed with unforgettable moments.
Santa Fe History
One visit to Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico and you immediately know it’s a city unlike most in our country! It’s a beautiful place full of rich history with gorgeous Pueblo style architecture. It’s located amidst the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Santa Fe offers an unforgettable experience for all who come to visit.
Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610 by Spanish conquistador Don Pedro de Peralta, Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the United States. It became part of the United States in 1848 when Mexico ceded New Mexico to the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
The city’s main plaza is widely historic with a charming square surrounded by adobe buildings, shops, and restaurants. There are numerous art galleries, museums and historical landmarks, such as the Palace of the Governors and the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Santa Fe is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking, biking, fishing and even skiing in the nearby mountains.
The surrounding historic district’s crooked streets wind past adobe landmarks including the Palace of the Governors, now home to the New Mexico History Museum.
Santa Fe New Mexico’s Weather
Santa Fe has a very dry, high desert climate with intense sunlight. On average, the city experiences more than 300 sunny days per year.
The highest temperatures are in July and August around 80-90 °F with only 3-6 days per year with 90+°F highs.
Elevation in Santa Fe
Santa Fe sits in the Sangre de Cristo foothills of New Mexico. Santa Fe is at the highest altitude of any U.S. state capital, with an elevation of 6,998 feet.
Historical and Cultural Santa Fe
Be sure to visit to the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the heart of the city. Here, you can browse Native American jewelry and crafts, admire the architecture and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Canyon Road
Just a short walk away is Canyon Road, which is a half-mile stretch bursting with over 100 art galleries showcasing everything from contemporary paintings to traditional Native American and Hispanic artworks.
You could easily spend hours wandering through the galleries in Santa Fe. It seems like they are on every single block of the city!
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
And you can not leave Santa Fe without stopping by the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, dedicated to the iconic artist who found inspiration in the New Mexico landscape.
Don’t miss the always intriguing Loretto Chapel and its mysterious “miraculous” spiral staircase, a marvel of engineering and legend. You can take a very brief tour of the chapel for a closer look at it’s staircase.
Meow Wolf House of Eternal Return
For a truly unique and immersive art experience, head to Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return. You could easily spend an entire day just here, but personally a few hours in my mind are plenty.
The interactive art installations are colorful, whimsical and fairly trippy, but you will leave inspired by all the creativity located in one spot.
Other Santa Fe cultural spots to visit are…
- Ghost Ranch – Immerse yourself in the art and history of Georgia O’Keeffe, exploring her studio, the ranch’s stunning landscapes, and the ancient Puebloan ruins.
- Ten Thousand Waves is an incredible spa and hot springs resort surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Well worth taking time to visit this spot. The craftsmanship of the entire facility is immaculate. Each of the hot tubs has it’s own private set of rooms including showers, restroom, sauna, cooling area with tatami mats, cold plunge and hot tubs.
- Tesuque Glassworks is just a short drive north of Santa Fe is the village of Tesuque. It is a glass blowing operation where you can watch them do the entire process. It’s really fascinating. They also have a gallery where you can purchase glass art etc. It’s worth calling ahead to see what time tours are and what time they will be blowing glass.
- Turquoise Trail – Drive along this scenic route, stopping at charming art galleries, antique shops, and historic mining towns like Madrid.
- I also had the honor of visiting the HGTV Smart Home which was located in Santa Fe. Talk about a once in a lifetime experience!
Santa Fe Outdoor Adventures
Since Santa Fe has such lovely year round weather, spending time outside is always a great choice.
Hiking Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Hiking in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is a great activity. The Dale Ball Trails system offers over 22 miles of paths, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging climbs. And if you are looking for panoramic views of the city, try the moderate Atalaya Mountain Trail.
Remember to bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months and wear sturdy hiking shoes. The New Mexico sun is intense.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
For a different perspective, consider a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Soaring above the “Land of Enchantment” offers unparalleled views of the city, the vast desert, and the majestic mountains painted in the soft morning light.
And don’t forget that Albuquerque which is about 45 minutes away has a HUGE yearly Balloon Fiesta the first week of October that people from around the world come and participate in!
Bandelier National Monument
Hike through ancient cliff dwellings at Bandelier and explore the captivating volcanic landscapes of this national monument.
We booked a guided tour of some of the larger cliff dwellings and found it very fascinating.
Other Santa Fe outdoor spots to visit are…
- Hiking and Backpacking: Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Santa Fe National Forest, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes.
- Mountain Biking: Enjoy exhilarating rides through the mountains and forests surrounding Santa Fe, with trails suitable for all levels.
- Fishing: Cast your line in the rivers and lakes of the region, targeting trout, bass, and other species.
- New Mexico Rail Runner + Sky Railway: There are a few trains that pass through Santa Fe and they are such fun. You can take the Santa Fe Railrunner from various train locations in Albuquerque all the way to Santa Fe. And the Sky Railway has fun dinner and beverage train tours to enjoy!
- New Earth Orchids is an offbeat spot, but a wonderful place to visit in the middle of winter when everything is bare and it’s chilly outside. This is a small greenhouse that only sells orchids. You walk in to hundreds and hundreds of orchids with many in flower. They are on the floor, on tables, hanging from the ceiling etc.
Santa Fe Food
No adventure in Santa Fe is complete without indulging in its unique culinary scene!
Start your day with breakfast at the renowned Cafe Pasqual’s, known for its Southwestern flavors. I’m also a big fan of Modern General coffee shop or Iconik Coffee for a delicious coffee or egg sandwich.
For lunch, savor authentic New Mexican cuisine at The Shed or Tomasita’s. In the afternoon, consider a wine tasting at Gruet Winery’s Santa Fe Tasting Room or Santa Fe Brewing for a cold beer.
And maybe the most elegant dining experience of my life was when I was invited to the HGTV Smart Home and had dinner a choreographed 9 course dinner at Sazon. That was like nothing I have ever experienced in my life and I’ve done some very lovely meals before!!
We also really love Geronimo and The Compound for amazing fine dining dinners!
Planning a Trip to Santa Fe
There are so many amazing day adventures available in Santa Fe. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
To make the most of your day adventure, make sure to plan your itinerary in advance, especially if you have specific interests. Consider the time of year and the weather and dress accordingly. Santa Fe’s high desert climate can bring significant temperature swings between day and night.
Whether you choose to hike through ancient landscapes, immerse yourself in art and culture, or savor the local flavors, a day in Santa Fe promises to be an enchanting and adventurous experience that will leave you longing for more of its unique charm.