Hello everyone! I hope you’ve been doing great.
Some people who will see this article want to know about Santa Fe. However, most are going to be people who wish to travel, who wish to explore, and who wish to expand their experience outside of their locality.
To bring a better perspective to this article, Santa Fe (meaning Holy Faith) is the capital city of New Mexico and happens to be the oldest capital in the USA.
It replaced San Juan de Los Caballeros as the capital of New Mexico in the same year in which it was founded.
Founded in 1610 by Pedro de Peralta, the city is named after Saint Francis of Assisi. The city’s full name is “La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis,” which is “The Royal Town of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi.”
With a land mass of 135.28 km² added to the 0.29 km² of water body, it brings its total area to 135.57 km², making it the fourth largest city in New Mexico.
Regardless, I do not plan to bore you today with the city’s history. I just wish to answer the question “What is unique about Santa Fe” and give you a few unique things to do in Santa Fe when you visit.
So without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. Visit Santa Fe Opera House
After you’ve landed in Santa Fe at either Santa Fe Regional Airport or Albuquerque International Airport, depending on the airline you used, the next thing is to get all settled in, take a bath, and rest.
Depending on the time of the day you get in, you could start your stall the same day or if it is for the next day. Whatever your choice, I believe your first stop should be Santa Fe Opera Hou.
One of the most interesting things about Santa Fe is the Santa Fe Opera House.
With an interior design that’ll make Da Vinci blush, it is a sight to behold. But that doesn’t compare to the performances that happen in this Opera House.
But if you are not an Opera nerd that’ll have the patience to sit through a 4-hour-long performance, you can opt for a free tour of the building, which is given free by The Guild of Santa Fe Opera House with a complimentary breakfast.
This tour includes a tour of the backstage, costume room, and change rooms. And believe it or not, seeing the effort that goes into these performances makes it worth it.
2. Take A Tour Of The Museum Of Indian Arts And Culture
It’s no news that America was once inhabited exclusively by Native Americans, of which many have their roots in New Mexico.
Santa Fe has done a phenomenal job in preserving the history, culture, and heritage of his Native American tribes.
One of the facilities they’ve made available for this preservative effort is the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture.
This museum, located at 710 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA, is combined with the Laboratory of Anthropology and has been since 1949.
The purpose of its existence is to showcase the ways of the Native American tribes that have their roots there. The museum focuses on its artifacts, whereas the laboratory focuses on their ways of life and how they’ve retained their identities to this day.
Opening from 10 AM to 5 PM daily from May to October and from 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, and November to April, it’s a destination that should be factored in.
Entry costs $12 for adults and $11 for students if they live outside New Mexico, but $7 for adults and $6 for students for those that live inside New Mexico.
People aged 16 and younger get a free pass.
3. Look Around The New Mexico Museum of Art
Santa Fe in itself is an art museum. Every turn has a pleasant surprise awaiting you. This goes a long way to show how much art means to them.
New Mexico Museum of Art is one of the places that has earned Santa Fe its fame.
Most of the artworks on exhibit there are art pieces done by local artists. They also have temporary exhibitions.
From May to October, the museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday to Thursday and closes later on Fridays (7 PM).
For months from November to April, the museum stays open from 10 PM to 5 PM, Tuesdays to Saturdays. The First Friday of every month sees the museum doors open for much longer (7 PM).
General entry will set one back $12 and for residents, $7, but it’s free for people below 17 years of age.
If you’re searching for a place to marinate in the splendor of art in one building, this is a place to start. You can then call it a day after your time here.
4. Stand In Awe Of The Cathedral Basilica
What better way to start your day other than admiring architecture?
If you agree with me, then you’d agree that the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is where to begin.
This has nothing to do with being religious but everything to do with being someone who appreciates art.
The architecture is awesome, with majestic towers representing devotion to the creator.
Aside from the architecture, this sight is one of the city’s most emotionally rich tourist sites. One can’t visit here and keep asking, “What is unique about Santa Fe.”
It’s a good place to start your day; you can then head to the popular Street in Santa Fe, Canyon Road.
5. Spend Some Time At Canyon Road
Knowing the popular Street in Santa Fe known as Canyon Road isn’t just enough; knowing why it’s popular is.
It is a good place to start if you want to know what is unique about Santa Fe.
The street is popular because of its street art, known as Canyon Road arts. If you’re an art lover, then consider walking through this street. I was walking through the streets of heaven.
If you wish to answer any questions that resonate with “What are the things Santa Fe is known for” this street gives you all the answers in one place.
There are also many galleries, restaurants, places to shop, and hotels. You can basically visit Santa Fe, stay on this street for a whole week without visiting other places, travel back home, and not feel like you missed anything.
The Adobe-constructed buildings along this street just add to the beauty of the place.
It’s a must-visit for all.
If you are deciding to travel alone while in a relationship,this travel tips on solo travel article is for you.
6. Forget Yourself At The Traditional Spanish Market
The traditional Spanish Market is a place that should be on your list, not necessarily because you wish to purchase anything, but just for the sight.
This annual occurrence aims to bring, on display, the full heritage of the people.
It brings together the best artists from within and around the region, and a great crowd of spectators is present to see what new things the artists offer.
What makes it popular is the diversity of arts that it offers.
It, of course, will be great to have it year-round, but what adds to its value is the fact that it happens for a short time. That is part of what has earned it a spot on this list.
If you can find a way to schedule your trip to coincide with the fair, you’d be really glad you did.
7. Unwind In 10,000 Waves Spa
With no contradiction, 10,000 waves spa is a good place to end a very busy day.
From relaxing in their Japanese bath/hot spring for just $28 per person, where you’d be provided with a towel, bathrobe, and sandals, it feels like you’ve time traveled to ancient Japan.
After your bath, you could opt for a full body massage.
Their services range from regular Swedish to traditional Japanese, with examples like the shiatsu-style massage. It’s a place to give your body a reason to love you.
You can also fix your visit as a romantic date; just book a private bath, and with a few more dollars, you can have it to your taste for the moment.
This is a good way to end your day.
8. Keep Yourself in Shape With The Art And History Bike Tour
What better way is there to burn calories if not in a fun adventure?
It’s a good way to see the city while at the same time doing a little bit of low-impact exercise.
After days of sitting around and eating street food, a bit of exercise is still in place. But finding a way to exercise while on tour is the best of both worlds.
It is organized by Routes Bicycle Tours and Rentals. The tour stretches for about 10 miles with about 7 stops and can be adjusted depending on the needs of the tourists.
For a price of $50-$55 per person for a bike tour spanning 10 AM to 1 PM, it’s worth your money.
9. Get Lost Attempting To Solve The Mystery Of Meow Wolf
After asking the question, “What is unique about Santa Fe” your next question should be, “What exactly is meow wolf.”
Meow Wolf tries to transport its visitors into a realm of fantasy. And when I tell you you should get lost attempting to solve its mystery, it’s not up to you because you surely will get lost.
It is a massive art installation that spans a total of 75,000 square feet, and you take a long while to reach every corner, maybe days or weeks. So really, don’t bother.
However, if you are interested in taking cool photos, I’ll recommend 1 hour 30 minutes to maybe 2 hours.
The installation will have you working through a teleportation fridge, a playable skeleton marimba, and a clothes dryer that doubles as a slide.
The mystery in itself involves a lot of teleportation, time travel, cryptic letters, and all other sci-fi stuff that only sci-fi nerds will know about.
Entry will set you back at about $18 for adults, $12 for children under 13 years old, and $16 for adults over 59 years old.
I recommend you wear sneakers because there are a lot of tricky spots and there’ll be a lot of trekking, with this I also recommend you read this article on what to bring to an African hunting Safari for the best experience.
10. Dance To The Groove At Santa Fe Bandstand Festival In Santa Fe Plaza
You can make your evening fun by visiting the Santa Fe Bandstand Festival. It only happens in the summer, and that’s one thing that makes it special.
Santa Fe Plaza in itself is an interesting place. With a picnic-inspiring lawn, it’s a good place to meet and interact with residents and fellow tourists.
It also creates room for you to shop and take very beautiful photos.
The festival in itself is a chain of music concerts that brings together various talents to showcase their skills, and all these happen at Santa Fe Plaza, which is in downtown Santa Fe.
This already tells you what is unique about Santa Fe. I know it’s cliché for people to say, “C’mon, this place has everything,” but trust me when I tell you, this place has everything.
I believe at this point, I have done justice to answering the question, “What are the things Santa Fe is known for.”
Now if you’re also asking what people from Santa Fe are called, some prefer to call them Santafeans. I really can’t say what that sounds like, but it’s not up to me to decide.
I believe, at this point, you should already have your bags packed and a flight bound for Santa Fe booked. If yes, then do well to enjoy your stay in Santa Fe.
If you have an interest in visiting other places, do well to check out our itinerary.
Thanks, and have a lovely day.
