Attractions and Places To See in Santa Fe County - Top 20
Attractions and places to see in Santa Fe County offer a blend of historical sites, cultural experiences, and natural landscapes. This region in New Mexico features ancient Puebloan ruins, vibrant art districts, and significant architectural landmarks. Visitors can explore extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking trails and scenic byways, set against a backdrop of mountains and high desert. The area provides a diverse range of points of interest for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see in Santa Fe County
…Last updated: May 9, 2026
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Highlight • Religious Site
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New Mexico Museum of Art
Highlight • Monument
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Santa Fe Plaza
Highlight • Historical Site
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Palace of the Governors
Highlight • Historical Site
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Atalaya Mountain Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
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Santa Fe Rail Trail
Highlight • Trail
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Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
Highlight • Monument
Website: iaia.edu
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San Miguel Chapel
Highlight • Religious Site
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Cavates
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Atalaya Mountain
Highlight • Summit
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Popular around Santa Fe County
Santa Fe to Taos Thru-Hike — A journey across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
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Adventure Cycling Association's Bicycle Route 66 — LA to Chicago
New Mexico Off-Road Runner
Cowboy country & Route 66 – Wild West meets legend
Hiking in Santa Fe County
MTB Trails in Santa Fe County
Cycling in Santa Fe County
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Running Trails in Santa Fe County
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Santa Fe Plaza stands as the historic and cultural heart of Santa Fe. Founded in 1610, it’s one of the oldest continuously occupied public spaces in the United States. The Plaza was originally designed as the central square for the Spanish colonial Presidio, surrounded by residences, a chapel, and the seat of government. Over the centuries it evolved — welcoming trade caravans arriving along the historic Santa Fe Trail, serving as a gathering place for Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and later American communities, hosting centuries of civic, social, and cultural life. Today, the Plaza remains a lively public square ringed by adobe-style buildings, galleries, boutiques, and museums — including the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied public building in the U.S. The plaza is also the official starting point for the Santa Fe to Taos thru-hike.
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The Basilica was built in the late 1800s by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, 26 years before New Mexico even became a U.S. state. However the site is much older than that, as the current structure is built on the foundations of earlier churches dating all the way back to 1626.
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The cavetes are located just below the ancient central village plaza in the cliff bands that make up the mesa. These cavates (human excavated cavities) were places where people could take shelter from the elements; the thick stone walls provided insulation from both the cold of winter and heat of summer. Talus pueblos were also most-likely constructed in front of the entrance to the cavates to further protect people from wind, rain, snow, and perhaps most importantly in the desert, heat. Please only enter cavetes that are immediately adjacent to the trail - the other cavets are dangerous to access.
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With 9,121 feet, Atalaya Mountain is one of the highest peaks around the city of Santa Fe. It is part of the Sangre de Cristo Range. Up here, you will be treated with a stunning view towards Santa Fe, Sun Mountain, Picacho Peak and Thompson Peak.
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Capital of the US federal state of New Mexico, with many Pueblo style buildings.
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This is the southernmost trail head for the Dale Ball Trail system. The trail starts near St. John's College (there is parking specifically for the trail). Very easy access from downtown Santa Fe. Can't speak to public transportation, as walked to trail head (road has only occasional sidewalks, just fyi), but I did pass a couple of bus stops. Trail is well-marked, especially at the numbered junctions (at which there are also topography maps of the trails). There are also a number of trail heads and interlacing trails, so hikes or bike rides can be shorter or longer depending on what you want, even while out on the hills. On maps, this trail is called "St. John's Trail", but physical markers use the name "Atalaya Trail"; either way, you will follow markers for Trail 174. Lovely hike, with views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and back across Santa Fe. Website: https://sfct.org/dale-ball-trails/
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The old town of Santa Fe is full of charm. It has kept its authenticity with its old center made of adobe houses. It is a city where you will find many art galleries, but also exceptional and unique museums like the Mocna (Museum of Contemporary Native Art) as well as many sculptures in the streets. This part of the original city revolves around the Santa Fe Plaza, where many artists sell their crafts on the ground. The Mocna is just opposite the church dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. For more information see their website: https://iaia.edu/mocna/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in Santa Fe County?
Santa Fe County is rich in history. You can explore the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied public building in the U.S., which now houses the New Mexico History Museum. Other significant sites include the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the historic San Miguel Chapel (often cited as the oldest church in the U.S.), and the Old Santa Fe Trail. Don't miss Pecos National Historical Park, offering ancient Puebloan ruins and an 18th-century Spanish mission, or El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living history museum.
Where can I experience art and culture in Santa Fe County?
Santa Fe County is a hub for art and culture. New Mexico Museum of Art, known for its Pueblo Revival architecture, is a great starting point. You can also visit the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. Canyon Road is famous for its numerous art galleries and studios, while Museum Hill hosts several institutions like the Museum of International Folk Art and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.
Are there any ancient Puebloan sites to explore in Santa Fe County?
Yes, Santa Fe County offers several sites where you can connect with ancient Puebloan history. Bandelier National Monument, just outside Santa Fe, features cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and kivas. A less crowded section, Tsankawi, offers ancient pathways. You can also find hundreds of ancient petroglyphs, including images of Kokopelli, at the La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Site. Pecos National Historical Park also preserves ancient Puebloan ruins.
What are some popular hiking trails in Santa Fe County?
For hikers, Picacho Peak offers a steep but rewarding hike with panoramic views of Santa Fe. The Atalaya Mountain Trailhead is another popular choice. The Dale Ball Trails provide a 22-mile network for hiking, running, and biking. For more options, you can explore various waterfall hikes or other trails within the Santa Fe National Forest.
Are there scenic drives in Santa Fe County?
Yes, the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway offers an adventurous drive through historic mining towns like Madrid and Cerrillos, which are now home to shops and galleries. The Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway is particularly beautiful, especially for fall foliage views.
Where can I find opportunities for outdoor recreation beyond hiking?
Beyond hiking, Santa Fe County offers diverse outdoor activities. The Santa Fe Rail Trail is a scenic cycle way. You can also find numerous road cycling routes. Ski Santa Fe is a popular destination for winter sports. Cerrillos Hills State Park and Hyde Memorial State Park offer opportunities for mountain biking, birding, camping, and in winter, sledding and snowshoeing. Nambé Falls & Lake Recreation Area is great for swimming and fishing.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Santa Fe County?
Many attractions in Santa Fe County are suitable for families. The Palace of the Governors and Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi offer historical insights. El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a living history museum with hands-on exhibits. Meow Wolf Santa Fe provides an immersive and interactive art experience that often delights children and adults alike. The Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary is excellent for wildlife viewing and easy hikes.
Which attractions in Santa Fe County are wheelchair accessible?
Several cultural institutions in Santa Fe County are wheelchair accessible, including the New Mexico Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. Many public areas around the Santa Fe Plaza are also accessible. It's always recommended to check specific venue websites for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
What are some unique or immersive attractions in Santa Fe County?
For a truly unique experience, visit Meow Wolf Santa Fe, an immersive and interactive art installation. The Loretto Chapel is renowned for its
What are some unique or immersive attractions in Santa Fe County?
For a truly unique experience, visit Meow Wolf Santa Fe, an immersive and interactive art installation. The Loretto Chapel is renowned for its
What are some unique or immersive attractions in Santa Fe County?
For a truly unique experience, visit Meow Wolf Santa Fe, an immersive and interactive art installation. The Loretto Chapel is renowned for its
What are some unique or immersive attractions in Santa Fe County?
For a truly unique experience, visit Meow Wolf Santa Fe, an immersive and interactive art installation. The Loretto Chapel is renowned for its
What are some unique or immersive attractions in Santa Fe County?
For a truly unique experience, visit Meow Wolf Santa Fe, an immersive and interactive art installation. The Loretto Chapel is renowned for its
What are some unique or immersive attractions in Santa Fe County?
For a truly unique experience, visit Meow Wolf Santa Fe, an immersive and interactive art installation. The Loretto Chapel is renowned for its
What are some unique or immersive attractions in Santa Fe County?
For a truly unique experience, visit Meow Wolf Santa Fe, an immersive and interactive art installation. The Loretto Chapel is renowned for its
Most popular routes in Santa Fe County
Most popular attractions in Santa Fe County
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