If you are planning a trip to Santa Fe, your first stop should be [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/" text="santafe.org" date="2017-02-28"]  where you’ll find the most up-to-date Santa Fe event listings, itinerary ideas, special deals, and more. May we also suggest a visit to the [blog_link url="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g60958-Santa_Fe_New_Mexico-Vacations.html" text="Santa Fe TripAdvisor" date="2017-02-28"] page?  Why? Well for one, TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site with more than 60 million members and over 170 million reviews and opinions of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Take a look at what travelers like you are saying about the “Top 10 Things to Do in Santa Fe.”

  1. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
The Georgia O’Keefe Museum opened to the public in 1997. (Photo courtesy of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum) The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum opened to the public in 1997. (Photo courtesy of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum)

“Don't miss this tiny little gem right near Santa Fe's plaza.” –DedMC123 Princeton, NJ

A visit to Santa Fe is incomplete without exploring the [blog_link url="https://www.okeeffemuseum.org" text="Georgia O'Keeffe Museum" date="2017-02-28"]. Dedicated to one of the most significant and influential artists of the 20th Century, the museum contains a collection of more than 3,000 works comprised mostly of O’Keeffe paintings, drawings, and sculptures that date back to 1901. After this experience, you’ll find inspiration and a new appreciation for Northern New Mexico.

 

  1. Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
More than 65,000 visitors come to the museum each year. (Photo courtesy of Museum of Indian Arts and Culture)

More than 65,000 visitors come to the museum each year. (Photo courtesy of Museum of Indian Arts and Culture)

"There's so much to learn about Native American culture in New Mexico that this is like a general introduction to the pueblo people in the present and with a view of their past."  – megfstone, Brewster, Massachusetts

The  [blog_link url="http://miaclab.org/" text="Museum of Indian Arts and Culture’s" date="2017-02-28"] outstanding collection showcases classic and contemporary Southwestern Indian paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, basketry and weaving. A permanent exhibition tracing the life of American Indians, "Here Now and Always" was curated in part by Native American elders, scholars and tribal members.

Don’t miss their new exhibition, Frank Buffalo Hyde: I-Witness Culture. Artist Frank Buffalo Hyde (Onondaga/Nez Perce) believes it is the artist’s responsibility to represent the times in which they live. Transforming street art techniques into fine art practices, his humorous and acerbic narrative artworks do exactly that.

 

  1. New Mexico State Capitol (Roundhouse)

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"Probably the most unique state capitol building in the U.S. Well worth walking to and around. Nice to see that it reflects Native American traditions in construction, layout, and artwork." - Robert N. Monterrey, California

Today's New Mexico State Capitol, known as the Roundhouse, is the only round capitol building in the country. It was built with a design that combines elements of New Mexico Territorial style, Pueblo adobe architecture and Greek revival adaptations. The Roundhouse is also host to a special contemporary art collection known as the [blog_link url="http://www.nmcapitolart.org/" text="New Mexico Capitol Art Collection" date="2017-02-28"].

The collection was created in 1991 and consists of nearly 600 artworks, exhibited in the interior public spaces of the State Capitol Complex, as well as on the Capitol grounds. The collection includes paintings, photography, works on paper, sculpture, mixed media, textiles, ceramic and glass works, as well as furniture.

 

  1. The Plaza
Find a park bench on the plaza, have a seat and watch the world go by! (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)

Find a park bench on the plaza, have a seat and watch the world go by! (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)

"So much history and art and shopping...so little time! The Natives selling their hand-made goods, the Palace of the Governors, and the New Mexico Historic Museum are a must-see!" - kathykoehle5044 Durango, Colorado

The heart of downtown Santa Fe for nearly 400 years, the Santa Fe Historic Plaza remains the central part of the city, hosting Indian and Spanish Markets and other annual events as well as community gatherings, concerts and more. The Plaza is a National Historic Landmark and was originally and to this day, the center gathering place in town.

 

  1. Loretto Chapel
Visit Loretto Chapel and find out more about the revered miraculous staircase. (Photo courtesy of Loretto Chapel)

Visit Loretto Chapel and find out more about the revered miraculous staircase. (Photo courtesy of Loretto Chapel)

"I was in awe of the Loretto Chapel and the Stairway. It is mind boggling how anyone could have constructed this stairway. Awesome." - patsybuse Robstown, Texas

This glorious Gothic-Revival style chapel was completed in 1878 and modeled after King Louis IX's Sainte Chapelle in Paris. The church was built for the Sisters of the Loretto, who established a school in Santa Fe in 1853. According to legend, St. Joseph the Carpenter had a role in the building of the chapel's [blog_link url="http://www.lorettochapel.com/staircase.html" text="Miraculous Staircase" date="2017-02-28"], constructed between 1877 and 1881 with two 360-degree turns and no apparent means of support. Today, the church is a private museum and a popular site for wedding ceremonies.

 

  1. New Mexico History Museum
nm-hisory-mu-seum The New Mexico History Museum tells New Mexico's story from prehistoric times to the present. (Photo courtesy of New Mexico History Museum)

"This museum covers all of New Mexico's history with well written displays. We learned a lot. My husband took the free docent tour and it was great. I visited the governors palace which was interesting as well. Fabulous gift shop." - Red Bubble Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

The [blog_link url="http://www.nmhistorymuseum.org/" text="New Mexico History Museum" date="2017-02-28"] is a distinctive emblem of our nation's history. The museum presents exhibitions and public programs that interpret historical events and reflect on the wide range of New Mexico historical experiences. The museum actively acquires and holds in perpetuity collections relating to the heritage of New Mexico and the Southwest.

Opening at the New Mexico History Museum on May 14, 2017 is the exhibition, Voices of Counterculture in the Southwest, which spans the decades of the 60's and 70's exploring the influx of  young people to New Mexico and the subsequent collision of culture. You won't want to miss this exhibit!

 

  1. Canyon Road

canyonrdstoryportraitmedia-6255 Stroll this magical half-mile in the historic district of Santa Fe. (Photo courtesy of Visit Canyon Road)

"Fantastic galleries - beautiful southwestern art, exquisite works in all types of media - take the car because you'll want to take something home if you don't have it shipped!"- lonestartraveler3 Fort Worth, Texas

Ambling up along the edge of the river, Santa Fe’s [blog_link url="http://visitcanyonroad.com/" text="Canyon Road" date="2017-02-28"] is renowned as one of the country’s premier arts destinations. There’s nothing quite like taking a stroll through one of the city’s most historic art neighborhoods under the strikingly blue sky. Canyon Road has been a haven for artistic types since settlers first parked their wagons by the waters flowing down from the mountains through the canyon.

 

  1. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
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This cathedral is the crowning achievement of Archbishop Lamy. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)

"Lovely cathedral and basilica, one of only two in the USA. Nice artwork within as well. The carved entry doors are remarkable works of art in their own right."- Patrick H.

You can’t go wrong with a classic. Countless visitors admire the gorgeous [blog_link url="https://www.cbsfa.org/" text=" Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi" date="2017-02-28"], but how many delve into the history of the man who brought this magnificent edifice into being? Be among those in the know by settling down with Death Comes for the Archbishop, Willa Cather’s fictionalized portrait of Bishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy. This fascinating historical perspective is well worth getting to know. Your appreciation of his beautiful church and verdant garden will be enriched by this lively tale of a remarkable individual and his lasting Santa Fe legacy.

 

  1. Santa Fe Opera House
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Stunning sunsets, mountain views and incredible performances can be found at the Santa Fe Opera. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)

"This was definitely memorable. Even if you're not into opera, I'm sure you will find a story that might spark your interest in giving this venue a try. The theater is partially open to the outdoors and you can see the sunset while the performances begin." - ladc2001 Hesperia, California

Who could have imagined back in the 1950’s that Santa Fe would be home to a world-class opera company? John Crosby did–by envisioning and creating a place for American singers, both professionals and those on the cusp of their careers, to hone their craft at home.

The Santa Fe Opera's 51st season opens with Die Fledermaus on June 30.  Lucia di Lammermoor, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, Alcina and The Golden Cockerel round out the summer season bill. Purchase your tickets [blog_link url="https://www.santafeopera.org/operas-and-ticketing" text="here" date="2017-03-07"].

 

  1. Museum of International Folk Art
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There are over 136,000 objects from 100 nations at the Museum of International Folk Art. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)

"My wife and I recently toured this museum and enjoyed our visit. The collection is outstanding and there are pieces that should interest every age group. It a thoroughly impressive collection from all over the world and it is well displayed." - DallasTraveler49 Dallas, Texas

The  [blog_link url="http://www.internationalfolkart.org/" text="Museum of International Folk Art" date="2017-02-28"] on Museum Hill houses the world’s largest collection of traditional folk art from around the world. Museum Hill is also home of the ever popular  [blog_link url="https://www.folkartalliance.org/" text="International Folk Art Market" date="2017-02-28"] which takes place each July.

Lloyd’s Treasure Chest in the Neutrogena Wing of the Museum of International Folk Art recently opened on January 29. Visitors will take “the vehicle to the vault” to see the Folk Art treasures in sharper focus. Lloyd's Treasure Chest offers a participatory gallery experience highlighting the Museum’s permanent collection of over 136,000 objects of international folk art from over 100 countries.

There are so many more things to do in The City Different; start planning your getaway by checking out the [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe/Specials/index.html" text="great offers" date="2017-02-28"]  in Santa Fe and by ordering your [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/Visitors_Guide/index.html" text="2017 Santa Fe Travel Guide" date="2017-02-28"]. We hope to see you soon!