Top Santa Fe Art & Culture

Get oriented to Santa Fe’s unique history, architecture, and culture on this top-rated walking tour. Explore the Santa Fe plaza area on foot, passing landmarks like the Loretto Chapel, Palace of the Governors, and Bario de Analco, plus places off the beaten path that most visitors miss. Hear stories not found in any guidebook, and get tips on how to make the most of your Santa Fe vacation.

Struggling to make sense of Santa Fe’s vibrant Canyon Road on your own? This guided walk turns that challenge into a rich, immersive experience. Join a local guide to slow down, look closer, and really connect with the fascinating artistic district. Explore a handpicked selection of galleries and a historic site, and learn how Native traditions evolved into today’s dynamic art scene. Enjoy lively conversation and an easy-to-learn method for interpreting art, plus, get an insider understanding of the area's culture and history.

The historic Santa Fe Plaza and downtown area has a 400-year old history filled with the lore and legends of conquistadors, scientists, artists, outlaws, and Pueblo peoples. Access this history on your phone through our GPS-enabled walking tour. Start and stop on your own schedule—access to the tour never expires. Learn about the annual Zozobra celebration, what "Christmas-style" means, and where to find the oldest church in the United States.

Enjoy all the beauty New Mexico has to offer on our Scenic Train ride! New Mexico is known around the world for its beautiful landscapes. So why not take in those gorgeous views from the comfort of our beautifully restored passenger cars. You and your family can enjoy first class service and amazing vistas while our train takes you out across the high desert to the views overlooking the Galisteo Basin. The Santa Fe Scenic Train departs and returns to the Santa Fe Depot. Each ticket includes a seat in our enclosed train cars, a complimentary champagne welcome as the adventure begins, and live entertainment! Additional snacks and drinks can be purchased. This train has no depot stop, you are onboard the duration of the ride. Outside food and drink are prohibited.

Explore acres of monumental works at the ancestral home to over seventy monumental works by Allan Houser spanning various forms of sculpture including unique stone and casted bronze depicting the love, culture, religion and shared plight of Native Americans. The Apache Ethnographic Exhibit at the Allan Houser Foundation showcases the intricacies of the ancient arts of quilled beading and embroidery featuring pieces curated from generations of family artifacts, baskets, bone jewelry, hand crafted musical instruments and traditional weaponry. The Allan Houser Gallery at Haozous Place offers an expansive selection of unique pieces for sale and casted editions of bronze sculpture, charcoal drawings, and an extremely rare collections of watercolor work from his earlier periods. Guests may visit the outdoor "Walkabout" exhibit featuring work by Bob Haozous including work dedicated to the ongoing pursuit of political progress and judicial equity for Native Americans.

There are many Santa Fe tours out there, but this is the only one lead by a homegrown historian and author of eight books on the city. Take advantage of the guide’s deep knowledge of Santa Fe history and culture to gain a new perspective on landmarks like the Loretto Chapel, Canyon Road, Cross of the Martyrs, Route 66, and more. The tour delves into topics not often covered, including the Manhattan Project, spirituality, and Santa Fe’s role in World War II.

Discover what makes the city different in Santa Fe, and visit non-touristy sights you’d miss by exploring on your own. On this small-group walking tour of Santa Fe, you’ll learn about the unique history of Santa Fe with your local guide as you head to downtown highlights including the Plaza, Loretto Chapel, the oldest church, San Miguel, and Sena Plaza, one of the city’s oldest homes.

Discover 400 years of rich history and culture on the Historic Downtown Santa Fe Walking Tour. Guided by NM History museum-trained docents, this two-hour journey uncovers the captivating stories behind the city’s diverse architecture, from ancient Pueblos to the iconic state capitol building. Explore eighteen historic sites and gain insights into significant events, such as the Pueblo Revolt and the Manhattan Project. Engage with Santa Fe’s vibrant past in a small group setting that ensures a personalized experience, all while supporting the New Mexico History Museum. - Two-hour guided walking tour through Santa Fe’s historic downtown - Visit eighteen historic sites - Small group sizes led by knowledgeable, museum-trained docents - All proceeds support educational programs at the New Mexico History Museum

Discover the rich history of chocolate on this immersive 3-hour tour in Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States. Explore the evolution of chocolate from ancient elixirs to modern delights. Sample unique offerings at four local chocolate shops, each showcasing a distinct aspect of Santa Fe's culinary scene. Delve into the stories of chocolate’s cultural significance while enjoying a flavorful journey through time. - Explore four local chocolate shops with unique specialties: Kakawa Chocolate house, Chocolate En La Plaza, Chocolate and Cashmere and Senior Murphy's. - Learn about chocolate’s history from ancient Central America to modern treats - Tour duration of 3 hours with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 participants - Comfortable shoes and a bottle of water are recommended for this walking tour

If you’re drawn to Santa Fe for its arts scene, get a fantastic introduction on a private tour of Canyon Road, the city’s the most famous art district. With dozens of galleries to choose from, it can be intimidating to know where to start, but an artistic guide removes the guesswork and takes you to the most essential galleries. See the best pieces, and get tips on how to interpret both historic and contemporary art.

Every day, we offer a leisurely ride through the heart of Santa Fe from our central location at the Santa Fe Railyards / inside the historic Santa Fe Depot. This signature two-hour experience showcases the beautiful culture, art, history, and panoramic landscapes of 'The City Different' as our professional, local tour guides offer an intimate look at the many unique landmarks and local treasures along the route. This ride is enjoyable for all skill levels, and families (riders 4’8” and up) are welcome! Traditional pedal bikes are included; please inquire about E-bike upgrades.

Starting in the historic Santa Fe Plaza, your tour will explore the major attractions, as well as some hidden gems, of New Mexico's capital city. Enjoy the vibrant art scene, the multicultural architecture, and the wide range of crafts being sold aside the plaza. Highlights include the Palace of the Governors, Basilica Cathedral of St Francis, De Vargas Street, and more. At the Museum of Art, your guide will provide a robust introduction before you explore it at your own pace.

Unleash your inner creative during a guided art workshop in Santa Fe which is ideal for would-be artists of all ages and levels. Don’t waste time deciding what to create; instead, benefit from your tutor’s informative step-by-step demonstration of your subject matter and take advantage of one-on-one guidance to create a unique piece of art.

Discover the world of J. Robert Oppenheimer and Soviet spies on this engaging two-hour walking tour in Santa Fe. Led by museum-trained docents from the New Mexico History Museum, this tour illuminates key locations related to the Manhattan Project and Cold War espionage. Explore the back-room office for the Manhattan Project, learn about vital spy craft techniques, and hear compelling stories tied to this historic period. With insights into the motivations of spies and the secrets exchanged, this tour provides a rich educational experience in a captivating setting. - Two-hour walking tour led by museum-trained docents - Discover key sites of the Manhattan Project and Soviet espionage - Hear true stories and anecdotes from a pivotal historical era - Tours available twice a month from April to November

Engage in a two-hour private pottery session in a charming adobe studio on Upper Canyon Road, designed to immerse you in creativity and tranquility. This experience offers personalized guidance, beginning with a wheel-throwing demonstration, followed by tailored instruction whether you prefer wheel throwing, handbuilding, or painting. With no crowds and a relaxed atmosphere, you can explore your artistic side at your own pace, utilizing provided tools and materials. Each crafted piece will be carefully prepared and shipped to you, serving as a unique memento of your time spent immersed in the artistic spirit of Santa Fe.

There are very few stained glass classes in the US, and even fewer that don't require multiple weeks and hundreds of dollars. We make stained glass accessible and fun!

Get the chance to break glass and melt metal while creating unique works of art at this stained glass class in Santa Fe. Using straight-forward instruction, your teacher will show you centuries-old techniques of an art form that goes back to the 6th century. You'll make suncatcher ornaments using techniques developed by the famous Tiffany glassmakers. Newbies welcome, and discounts offered for BIPOC.

There’s nowhere better to try your hand at pottery than Santa Fe, arguably America’s artsiest city. With this experiential class—geared to travelers and newbies—you’ll get one no-strings two-hour session at the wheel, guided by a local pro. Great for friends, families, and anyone interested in getting their hands dirty, you’ll leave the wheel having explored your artistic side.

With so much to explore, it can be hard to know where to begin in Santa Fe. This private walking tour removes the guesswork for an ideal introduction to the city’s historic plaza, charming adobe buildings, parks, and art galleries. Finish at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, with included admission so you can explore the life of this artist who immortalized northern New Mexico landscapes.

Taste the highlights of Santa Fe during this food-themed walking tour. Meet your guide in the centrally located Santa Fe Plaza, and come hungry: you’ll visit multiple local food businesses, where you can enjoy enough samples to add up to a generous meal (plus drinks on the side). As you go, you’ll also see landmarks like the San Miguel Chapel and the Palace of the Governors.

Explore Santa Fe’s rich tapestry of art and history on this self-guided walk through the city’s iconic landmarks. Wander between adobe structures, vibrant plazas, and renowned galleries as you uncover tales of cultural exchange and conflict that have shaped this unique high desert capital. Discover the blending of Pueblo traditions, Spanish colonial influences, and modern artistic expressions along the way. With each stop, learn about significant events like the Pueblo Revolt and the city’s evolving identity, creating a deeper understanding of Santa Fe's distinct character and heritage. — Self-guided walk through Santa Fe’s historic and artistic sites — Discover the influence of Pueblo, Spanish, and Anglo cultures — Learn about the city’s history, including the Pueblo Revolt — Uncover stories that make Santa Fe a unique cultural destination

Explore downtown Santa Fe's best eateries on a half-day walking tour led by an informative guide. Get a taste of new developments in Santa Fe’s food scene and sample classic New Mexican flavors as you explore the historic downtown Plaza area. Your guide shares commentary about the city’s history and the mix of Native, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures that have shaped its food culture.

This one of a kind walking tour will help you understand the significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the history of our unique city. Following on the research I have done, this walking tour tells the story behind about a dozen art installations, murals, and tiles featuring her image. Have your cameras ready because each stop, planned or not, is an opportunity to capture beautiful images and share them with the hashtag #whereslupita, joining thousands of people worldwide in the documentation of this powerful and iconic image.