Five Free Things to Do in Santa Fe
What do you do around Santa Fe when you’re new to the area and looking to leave your wallet alone for the day? The weekends are a great time to enjoy some fun activities in the area without feeling the urge to spend any money. From a drive out to the mountains to enjoy a morning hike to an afternoon spent strolling the plaza, here is a look at five excellent things you’ll want to do in Santa Fe for no charge.
People watch at the Plaza
The Plaza, located at 63 Lincoln Avenue in downtown Santa Fe, is the perfect place to relax and people watch. It’s a historic landmark for the city, making it a beautiful place to stroll and appreciate the Spanish-American colonial style. It’s known for being a commercial, political, and social hub for centuries, and today it’s used as the location for art markets selling beautiful Native American jewelry and more.
Walk by historic churches
Santa Fe has some beautiful historic churches, like the large St. Francis Cathedral that was once visited by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. It’s a beautiful landmark that is one of the most photographed in the city. Check out the oldest church in the country, San Miguel Mission Church, just walking distance from nearby St. Francis Cathedral and Loretto Chapel, the latter known for its spiral wooden staircase that may have been built by St. Joseph himself.
Head to the mountains
If you love being outdoors, take a trip out to Sangre de Cristo Mountains where you’ll enjoy Santa Fe’s beautiful skyline. You’ll love getting out of the city for a hike, especially as the colors change in the fall. Explore Santa Fe’s hiking trails and find a variety of hiking experiences.
Appreciate art
If you love the idea of a free guided art tour, check out the Capitol Art Collection at The Roundhouse, where 600 works are exhibited in the public spaces of the building. You’ll love the free opportunity to see the nearly $6 million collection throughout the hallways.
Drive Canyon Road
Make time for a drive down Canyon Road, that popular winding road that lines art galleries and studios. It’s only blocks away from the plaza and it will be an easy way to reach cultural stops.
You don’t have to spend money in Santa Fe to appreciate its history, culture, and beauty. Try these five free things to do in Santa Fe the next time you have some free time!
