Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Santa Fe, New Mexico Santa Fe enchants travelers with its walkable downtown, fiery sunsets, and an unparalleled mix of tradition and creativity. The city's museums, historic chapels, and vibrant plazas are matched by its outdoor offerings, from hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to skiing in winter. The local food scene celebrates red and green chile with flair, and every corner bursts with handmade art. Santa Fe is a destination where every detail tells a story. Top areas to stay at in Santa Fe, New Mexico Downtown Santa Fe / Historic Plaza Downtown Santa Fe centers around the historic Plaza and is ideal for travelers wanting culture, convenience, and walkability. Rentals in Downtwon Santa Fe include adobe-style apartments, luxury condos, and charming casitas tucked into historic lanes. Staying here means being immersed in Santa Fe’s heartbeat. Canyon Road Famous for its art galleries and studios, Canyon Road is perfect for art lovers and those drawn to creative energy. Airbnbs here include homes with courtyards, artist lofts, and traditional adobe rentals close to sculpture gardens and galleries. Visitors can spend their days browsing, dining, and enjoying live performances. Canyon Road offers cultural richness and elegant surroundings. Railyard District The Railyard District is a revitalized area known for its contemporary vibe, farmers market, and modern art spaces. Vacation rentals in Railyard District include industrial-chic lofts, new condos, and townhomes with patio spaces. It’s home to SITE Santa Fe, trendy restaurants, and weekend events. This district blends Santa Fe’s heritage with a modern twist. Eastside Historic District With winding roads and historic adobe homes, the Eastside Historic District offers quiet charm just blocks from the Plaza. Rentals feature kiva fireplaces, exposed beams, and private gardens for an authentic Southwestern experience. The neighborhood is peaceful, shaded, and filled with history. Eastside provides classic Santa Fe in a serene setting. Tesque Village / Foothills A short drive from downtown, Tesuque Village and the Foothills offer mountain views, peace, and upscale hideaways. Rentals in Tesuque Village include luxury homes, artist retreats, and casitas with views of the Sangre de Cristo range. It’s ideal for nature lovers who want access to hiking, starry nights, and a slower pace. Tesuque blends rustic elegance with high-desert serenity. Must-visit places and attractions in Santa Fe, New Mexico Santa Fe Plaza The city’s historic heart, Santa Fe Plaza is lined with adobe buildings, museums, and cultural landmarks. Visitors can shop for Native American jewelry, attend festivals, or relax under the cottonwoods. The Palace of the Governors and surrounding sites reveal layers of New Mexico’s past. The Plaza remains the soul of Santa Fe. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Dedicated to one of America’s most iconic artists, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum houses a stunning collection of her work, personal artifacts, and rotating exhibitions. It provides insight into her creative journey and love for the New Mexican landscape. Art lovers will appreciate the depth and intimacy of this museum. Canyon Road Arts District Stretching over half a mile, the Canyon Road Arts District is filled with over 100 galleries, sculpture gardens, and studios. Visitors can meet artists, watch demonstrations, and shop for everything from folk art to contemporary pieces. Canyon Road is a cornerstone of Santa Fe’s artistic identity. Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return An immersive art installation like no other, Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return combines surreal environments, storytelling, and interactive exhibits. Created by a collective of artists, it’s both a funhouse and a thought-provoking journey. Families, teens, and adults alike will find it unforgettable. Meow Wolf adds cutting-edge creativity to Santa Fe’s traditional art scene. Loretto Chapel Known for its miraculous spiral staircase, the Loretto Chapel is a Gothic Revival landmark with mysterious allure. Visitors come to admire its architecture, stained glass, and the legend of its construction. The chapel adds spiritual and historical depth to your visit. Museum Hill A cluster of world-class institutions, Museum Hill includes the Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, and more. Set on a ridge with mountain views, it’s a place to spend an entire day exploring culture, history, and global creativity. Walking paths and cafés make it inviting for all ages. Museum Hill celebrates the world’s art from Santa Fe’s heights. Santa Fe Opera Set in an open-air amphitheater with views of the desert sky, the Santa Fe Opera offers unforgettable performances in a breathtaking setting. The summer season features classic and contemporary works in English and foreign languages. Tailgating before the show is a local tradition. The opera adds elegance and drama to the city’s cultural calendar. Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Spa & Resort Inspired by Japanese mountain hot springs, Ten Thousand Waves offers spa treatments, private soaking tubs, and serene surroundings just outside Santa Fe. Visitors can enjoy massages, skincare rituals, and tranquil forest paths. The resort blends East Asian serenity with Southwestern landscapes. Where to find a vacation rental near Santa Fe Taos, New Mexico About 90 minutes north, Taos is a mountain town known for its thriving arts scene, adobe architecture, and nearby ski resorts. Vacation rentals include historic homes, adobe casitas, and chalets near the slopes. Visitors can explore the Taos Pueblo, take scenic drives, or hike in the Carson National Forest. For a stay steeped in creative energy and mountain air, settle into a house in Taos, where rustic beauty meets cultural depth in every direction. Albuquerque, New Mexico Roughly an hour southwest, Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest city, offering museums, hot air balloon rides, and a lively Old Town. Rentals range from urban lofts to adobe homes with desert views. Guests can ride the Sandia Peak Tramway, explore the ABQ BioPark, or enjoy local cuisine. For high-desert views with city vibrance, relax in a vacation rental in Albuquerque, where colorful traditions and modern comfort blend seamlessly. Madrid, New Mexico A quirky former mining town, Madrid lies about halfway between Santa Fe and Albuquerque on the Turquoise Trail. Rentals include colorful cottages, artist studios, and hillside hideaways. Visitors can browse funky shops, attend art walks, or catch a performance at the local theater. For a bold and offbeat getaway, spend the weekend in an apartment in Madrid, where artistic spirit and small-town flair paint every street corner. Abiquiú, New Mexico Northwest of Santa Fe, Abiquiú is known for its red rock landscapes and connection to Georgia O’Keeffe. Vacation homes include cliffside casitas, desert ranches, and eco-lodges near Ghost Ranch. The area offers hiking, photography, and quiet reflection in nature. For creative solitude among canyon walls, enjoy a peaceful retreat in a vacation rental in Abiquiú, where the desert inspires every view. Las Vegas, New Mexico An hour east of Santa Fe, Las Vegas, New Mexico offers a mix of Old West architecture, history, and small-town charm. Rentals include Victorian homes, converted lofts, and cozy bungalows near historic plazas. Visitors can tour film locations, antique shops, and hot springs in the area. To soak in history at your doorstep, stay in a house in Las Vegas, where vintage streets and frontier elegance await. Explore a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and the vibrant art scenes of North America. Dive into the cultural heritage stemming from the indigenous Pueblo influences and Spanish colonial history, as you explore an array of unique museums and sites like the Palace of the Governors. Extend your journey to uncover more cultural treasures by choosing airbnb in Minneapolis, where you can visit the Walker Art Center. Experience history in the heart of the Northern Plains with Bismarck vacation rentals, offering proximity to the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. Head further east to the historic charm of vacation rentals in Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec, or enjoy the rustic beauty of the Saint Lawrence River with rentals in Clayton NY that highlight the grandeur of the Antique Boat Museum. The city's artistic vibe, showcased in places like the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, finds kindred spirits across the country where creativity thrives. Experience the cultural allure of the West Coast with rentals in Carmel California, a haven for artists and performers that mirror this artistic spirit. Soak up the eclectic and creative aura by booking stays in Bisbee, known for its thriving arts community. Further south, relish in the musical diversity when choosing airbnb in Austin, a city synonymous with live music and vibrant arts festivals that resonate with artistic enthusiasts worldwide.