1. Canyon Road: An Incredible Artistic Avenue
Santa Fe is very much an artistic hub, and nowhere can you get a better feel for the city's creative bent than Canyon Road. This strip may stretch for only half a mile or so in eastern Santa Fe, but it packs plenty of artistic pleasures into a short distance. There are more than 100 galleries here, featuring everything from photography and Native American art to jewelry, ceramics, abstract painting, and sculpture. Check out the calendar too, as Canyon Road is a thriving venue for street art and gallery festivals.
2. El Rancho de las Golondrinas: Step Back to the Era of Spanish Rule
Dubbed a "living history museum", El Rancho de las Gondrinas provides a unique window into 18th-century life when New Mexico was ruled by the Spanish Empire. Built in the 18th century, the ranch was the first stop on the Royal Road from Santa Fe to Mexico City, and it's hardly changed since. See authentic irrigation systems that turned the desert into a garden, attend the Wine Festival in July, and see actors in period costumes recreate life on a Spanish hacienda. There's nothing like it.
3. Georgia O'Keefe Museum: A Glorious Collection of Works by a Local Hero
Honor one of New Mexico's most famous daughters at this stellar gallery on Johnson Street in Downtown Santa Fe. O'Keefe is revered as a 20th century American legend due to her paintings of flowers, animals, and landscapes (often from around Santa Fe). This museum is a fitting tribute. Opened in 1997, it features 140 of O'Keefe's paintings and 700 drawings, and also includes her home and studio on a separate site in northern Santa Fe. There are also regular workshops with researchers who can illuminate her techniques and aims, giving you an insight into where her inspiration came from.
4. Santa Fe Plaza: The Beating Heart of Santa Fe For Centuries
Right at the center of Santa Fe you'll find the plaza, sitting where it's been for over 400 years. One of America's oldest urban meeting points, this square is constantly used as an event space, hosting craft markets, Native American art fairs and musical performances almost every day of the year. It's also lined with attractions, including the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the USA, and the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi.
5. Museum of Contemporary Native Arts: A Showcase for the Dynamic Native American Scene
One of the great things about visiting Santa Fe is the chance to find out what's happening in Native American culture, and the best place to do so is MoCNA, right next to Santa Fe Plaza. Featuring 7,500 artworks including paintings, sculptures, photos, clothing, videos and installations, every facet of modern Native American art is on display. If you don't know your Allan Houser from your Fritz Scholder, now's the time to learn.
