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: April 24, 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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Old Santa Fe Trail
Highlight (Segment) • 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
Highlight • Cave
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Picacho Peak
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
Bikepack in America's southwest – deserts, cacti and Anasazi culture
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
Road Cycling Routes in Santa Fe County
Running Trails in Santa Fe County
Other adventures in Santa Fe County
Tips from the Community
Stretching from Franklin, Missouri, to Santa Fe, the Old Santa Fe Trail was once a key 19th-century trade route linking the American frontier with Mexico. Its final miles descend into modern-day Santa Fe, where ruts and landmarks still echo its storied past. Following this historic path north offers a rare sense of continuity between New Mexico’s present-day wilderness and its frontier origins.
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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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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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Picacho Peak is one of the summits very close to the city of Santa Fe. The hike is short – of course depending on your starting location – but will be steep. The stunning view is worth the effort and you can enjoy a great sunset if you stay until nightfall.
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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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Incredible feeling to roll into Santa Fe. The town is full of incredible sights, cuisine, culture, and more, a great treat after 13 days on the road!
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The Palace of the Governors was built in Adobe in 1610, stands directly on Santa Fé Plaza and is the oldest permanently inhabited public building in the USA. The Palace of the Governors should be seen when visiting Santa Fé. It is one of the most famous attractions and is part of the New Mexico History Museum. Indian goods, jewelry, handicrafts, etc. are often offered for sale in front of the Palace.
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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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