Welcome to The City Different. If you are visiting us here in February 2026, you are arriving at a unique time where the winter ski season is still in full swing, but the city is just starting to wake up for spring preparations. Santa Fe isn’t just the oldest state capital in the U.S.; it’s a place where Pueblo, Spanish, and Anglo cultures have been mixing for over 400 years against a backdrop of adobe architecture and high-desert sunsets.
Before you start filling your itinerary, there is one thing I always tell clients when they first get into town: respect the altitude. We sit at about 7,200 feet here. It takes a day or two to adjust, so drink more water than you think you need. This guide breaks down the major landmarks you expect to see, but I also want to share some of the local spots we actually go to when the work week wraps up.
Explore the Historic Plaza and Downtown
When you are looking for things to do in Santa Fe NM, the Plaza is the natural starting point. It has been the heart of the city since roughly 1610, and it’s still where we go for markets, music, and people-watching. It’s walkable, historic, and gives you that immediate sense of place you can't find anywhere else.
On the north side of the Plaza, you’ll find the Palace of the Governors. Walking under the portal (the covered porch) is a quintessential Santa Fe experience. This is where dozens of Native American artisans sell handmade jewelry and pottery. A quick tip: while some vendors take cards, cash is often preferred and appreciated here. Just down the street, make sure to peek into 109 East Palace. It looks like a standard office now, but during the 1940s, this was the secret checkpoint for scientists heading up to Los Alamos for the Manhattan Project.
A few blocks away, the architecture shifts dramatically. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi dominates the skyline with a Romanesque style that stands out against the low-slung adobe buildings. Nearby, the Loretto Chapel is famous for its "miraculous" spiral staircase, which has no visible center support. Entry is usually around $5 per person, and it’s worth it just to marvel at the carpentry.
Parking smarts: Street parking can be tight. I usually recommend the garages on Sandoval or Water Street. In 2026, rates are hovering around $2 per hour with a daily max of about $12, which is much easier than hunting for a meter.
Immerse Yourself in World-Class Art
Santa Fe is a UNESCO Creative City for a reason. You can’t talk about life here without talking about art. For a traditional experience, head to Canyon Road. It’s a half-mile stretch packed with over 100 galleries. It’s perfect for a "gallery hop" where you can get some exercise while viewing everything from bronze sculptures to contemporary oil paintings.
If you are looking for something more modern and immersive, Meow Wolf (the House of Eternal Return) is non-negotiable. It’s a psychedelic, walk-through art experience that started here and went global. However, you cannot just show up at the door. You need to book tickets weeks in advance, especially now. Tickets generally run between $35 and $45 depending on the day.
For a quieter afternoon, drive up to Museum Hill. You get incredible views of the mountains and access to four major institutions, including the Museum of International Folk Art and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. If you plan on hitting multiple museums, the NM CulturePass ($30) is a great value. Back downtown, the Georgia O\'Keeffe Museum remains essential for anyone who loves American Modernism.
Outdoor Adventures: Hiking and Skiing
Since it is February 2026, the outdoor scene is currently split between snow sports and desert hiking. Ski Santa Fe is just 16 miles from downtown and usually stays open through early April. The base elevation is over 10,350 feet, so the snow stays good late into the season.
The biggest news for outdoor lovers right now is the reopening of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. After being closed for quite a while, it officially reopened on February 1, 2026. Seeing the cone-shaped rock formations again is fantastic, but the rules have changed. You now need an advance reservation which costs about $6 total ($5 ticket + $1 fee). They do not sell tickets at the gate, so plan this before you drive out there.
If you want to stay closer to town, the Dale Ball Trails offer miles of hiking and biking networks right in the foothills. For a high-reward, low-effort walk, head to the Cross of the Martyrs just north of the Plaza. It’s a short, paved switchback path that offers the absolute best sunset views over the city. For something off the beaten path, drive south to the La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs to see ancient rock art without the crowds.
A Taste of Santa Fe: Red, Green, or Christmas?
You will be asked a question at almost every New Mexican restaurant: "Red, green, or Christmas?" They are asking which chile sauce you want. Red is earthy, green is usually spicier (though it varies), and "Christmas" means you want a mix of both. If it’s your first time, go for Christmas to try them side-by-side.
For the classic experience, The Shed is legendary, but you need reservations 2 to 4 weeks out. Tomasita’s in the Railyard and Cafe Pasqual\'s downtown are also staples that live up to the hype. If you are celebrating a special occasion, Geronimo or Sazón offer incredibly refined fine dining experiences, with bills often exceeding $50 per person.
If you want to eat where the locals eat, try these spots:
Dolina Cafe: incredible Eastern European brunch and baked goods.
Jambo Cafe: an award-winning fusion of African and Caribbean flavors.
Plaza Cafe Southside: the same great food as the downtown location but with easier parking and fewer tourists.
For drink enthusiasts, you can download the app for the Margarita Trail to track your tastings, or visit the Gruet Winery tasting room to try some of the best sparkling wine produced in the United States.
Walkable Neighborhoods to Explore
While the Plaza is great, exploring Santa Fe neighborhoods gives you a better feel for the actual lifestyle here. The Santa Fe Railyard is a vibrant, contemporary district that feels very different from the historic center. On Saturdays, the Farmers Market is the place to be. It also has the Railyard Park and serves as the hub for the Rail Runner train.
Just across the river is the Barrio de Analco. This historic district features the "Oldest House" in the U.S. and the San Miguel Chapel. It’s quieter and feels like stepping back in time. For a mix of shopping and dining, the Guadalupe District is very walkable and home to favorites like the Cowgirl BBQ.
Mark Your Calendar: Key Events in 2026
If you are thinking about moving to Santa Fe, looking at the event calendar helps you decide when to visit for your house hunt. Spring is generally quieter, featuring Santa Fe Restaurant Week in March and the Literary Festival in May.
Summer is when the city truly fills up:
June: Rodeo de Santa Fe.
July: International Folk Art Market and the Traditional Spanish Market.
August: Indian Market. This is the biggest event of the year, transforming the entire downtown into a gallery. Accommodation prices spike during this week, so be prepared.
Fall brings the Fiesta de Santa Fe and the Wine & Chile Fiesta in September, which are local favorites due to the perfect weather. If you are here in winter, the Christmas Eve Farolito Walk on Canyon Road is a bucket-list experience.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
To wrap this up, let’s cover the logistics that make a trip smoother.
Altitude Sickness: I mentioned it earlier, but it bears repeating. Hydrate. Limit your alcohol intake on your first night. If you feel a headache coming on, take it easy.
Getting Around: Downtown is very walkable. There is also the "Santa Fe Pick-Up," a free shuttle that connects the Railyard, the Plaza, and Museum Hill. It runs frequently and saves you from moving your car.
Weather: We have a saying: "Don't like the weather? Wait five minutes." But seriously, layers are essential. Even if it’s 60 degrees during the day, once the sun drops behind the Jemez Mountains, the temperature plummets.
Parking: Stick to the garages ($2/hr). The Railyard has ample parking if you don't mind a short walk or shuttle ride to the Plaza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Fe walkable for tourists?
Yes, the historic downtown and Plaza areas are very walkable. Most major hotels, restaurants, and museums in the city center are within a 15-20 minute walk of each other. However, you will likely need a car or ride-share to visit Meow Wolf, Museum Hill, or the hiking trails.
What is the best month to visit Santa Fe in 2026?
September and October are widely considered the best months. The summer crowds have thinned out, the monsoons have usually passed, and the weather is crisp and sunny. It is also the season for the smell of roasting chiles, which is an experience all on its own.
Are there free things to do in Santa Fe?
Absolutely. You can wander the Plaza, walk through the Railyard Park, and visit the State Capitol (known as the Roundhouse) for free. The Capitol actually has an incredible art collection inside that costs nothing to view.
Is Tent Rocks open in 2026?
Yes, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument reopened on February 1, 2026. However, you must have an advance reservation to enter. Do not drive there expecting to buy a ticket at the gate.