What to do and see in Santa Fe, New Mexico (NM): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

February 20, 2022 Weston Hennigan

Venture into the unspoiled beauty of 7,000-foot Rocky Mountain vistas, marvel at the contrast of ancient native culture mixed with modern arts, feast on legendary cuisine and relax in rustic sophistication. A visit to Santa Fe, Travel & Leisure's #1 Cultural Getaway, feels a lot like a visit to Europe. The Spanish Colonial charm of this historic destination has been enchanting travelers for over 400 years. And Santa Fe shows no signs of slowing down.
Restaurants in Santa Fe

1. Nedra Matteucci Galleries

1075 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501-2735 +1 505-982-4631 http://www.matteucci.com/
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 348 reviews

Nedra Matteucci Galleries

An art gallery specializing in 19th- and 20th-century American art.

Reviewed By ColoradoChilidog

Sometimes it's the setting/location that makes a place and Nedra has it in spades. The historical buildings, classic interior rooms, vault, and art would make this a must stop but add in the garden area and that makes this a very special place. Every staff member would answer questions that I'm sure they are asked dozens of times per day. It's educational along with great art viewing.

2. Southwest Safaris

Santa Fe, NM +1 800-842-4246 [email protected] http://Southwestsafaris.com
Excellent
98%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 40 reviews

Southwest Safaris

xciting scenic air/land expeditions explore New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Arizona. Experience best of Great American Southwest. Discover Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Mesa Verde, Arches, Canyonlands, Painted Desert, backcountry Anasazi cliff dwellings, plus Navajo, Hopi, Apache, Pueblo Indian reservations. Behold majestic mountains, mesas, deserts, canyons. Learn geology, archaeology, history. Enjoy Flightseeing - Jeeping - Photography. Thirty-minutes to all-day adventures. Trips depart from, return to, Santa Fe, NM. Real vacation value! FAA-approved. Since 1974.

Reviewed By W_N_Weitner

Have you ever dreamed of flying? To see the world in it’s true, unadulterated context, is a gift. Better yet, to have a guide with such a depth of knowledge and obvious personal passion is joy upon joy. Our pilot, Bruce, was burgeoning with both historical and geological knowledge, laying bare the secret ancient history of New Mexico’s natives, mountains, and mesas. It was a rare privilege to share the sky with such an excited and curious mind. By the end of the flight you’ll feel connected to the magic of the land and the daring company who join you high above the Southwest dreamscape. Our experience with Southwest Safaris was truly formative; we’re counting the days we can return and join Bruce in the clouds once again.

26 Haozous Rd off Camino Los Abuelos, Santa Fe, NM 87508-8033 +1 505-471-1528 [email protected] http://www.allanhouser.com
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 60 reviews

Allan Houser Sculpture Gardens and Gallery

Just a 30 minute drive from Santa Fe, off the historic Turquoise Trail, the Allan Houser Sculpture Garden and Gallery offer the rare opportunity to experience the work of an American Master Artist. The gardens feature approximately seventy bronze, steel, and original stone sculptures, set among lush Juniper Pines and breathtaking mountain vistas. The gallery contains four rooms of smaller sculptures, drawings, and paintings. This property is closed to the general public, but private tours are available Monday-Saturday year round. It is recommended to contact us at least four days in advance to book a tour. Please note: the gravel paths of the gardens are not handicap accessible. We can provide a golf cart (seats up to five people) for visitors with mobility limitations.

Reviewed By SeattleFoodie3934 - Seattle, United States

Be forewarned that reservations are required. Allan Houser was an amazing Native American artist and sculptor. His history and works are on display and should not be missed! We accompanied friends who made the reservations. The tour was amazing and educational. It was the highlight of our trip to the Santa Fe area!

4. Yogihiker

581 Camino Montebello, Santa Fe, NM 87505 +1 505-819-8445 [email protected] http://www.yogihiker.com
Excellent
100%
Good
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 50 reviews

Yogihiker

Spending time in the woods has always been a source of calm, connection, and wonder. The same can be said of yoga. Yogihiker brings the two enriching experiences together on the trails of Santa Fe. We invite people to start their day experiencing the incredible outdoors, tuquoise blue skies, and beautiful trails and to leave a Yogihike fully refreshed with more vitality to enjoy what our amazing "City Different" is known for, the arts, culture, and cuisine. We offer a variety of outdoor experiences - Traditional Yogihike: 3 mile roundtrip hike, with 1 hour private yoga instruction at the top of the mountain. Rate is $135 per person, 2 person min. 3 Element Yogihike, Approx 4 hours, 1.5 mile hike, with 1 hour at the top of the mountain private yoga, followed by a Native American inspired Medicine Wheel guided meditation and a vegan picnic lunch, and 1.5 mile hike down.$195 per person, 2 person min. Ask us about private groups, extended Yogihike or special occasion themed Yogihikes.

Reviewed By lfruzz

Amy was such a great Yogihiker! We were in Santa Fe for two days and a Yogihike was time well spent! The hike was so beautiful! It was not a difficult hike (for anyone who might be worried about that) It was a great balance of hike and yoga (not strenuous) My husband is not a huge yogi, so I was a little worried about the level of the class. Amy was very inclusive, her cues for poses and breath were so helpful! We both had an amazing experience and definitely recommend it for those who love yoga and the outdoors!

5. New Mexico Wine Tours

Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 302 reviews

New Mexico Wine Tours

New Mexico's number one wine & scenic tour company! New Mexico is the oldest wine wine producing state in the US, dating back to 1629. A history so rich and wine so delicious! The perfect getaway what ever the season. Public & Private Tours all year-seven days a week! Fun with friends & family! Relax in comfort, spend a delightful afternoon of wine tasting along with other adventures that New Mexico Wine Tours offers. A fun-filled wine & scenic tour of local award winning wineries & attractions. Celebrate with friends & family, bachelorette, reunion, birthday, first date, anniversary, retirement, work party or girl's day out! We offer public, customized large and small tours, organize all types of day trips from start to finish. Solo travelers or group of two, join one of our public tours! You will meet some of the friendliest people here in New Mexico, average of 355 days of sunshine & blue sky. We strive in showing you, your friends & family a wonderful day tour of New Mexico. Please take a look at all the different tours we offer. Try our Rafting & wine tasting tour or a hands on traditional native cooking class, feast meal & wine tasting. Combine wine tasting with a favorite activity or attraction, also offering many tours without wine tasting. New Mexico Wine Tours provides transportation to all your favorite events and festivals, or just a night out on the town with door to door service! What ever the occasion, New Mexico Wine Tours will try our very best to make it happen!

6. Liquid Light Glass

926 Baca St Ste 3, Santa Fe, NM 87505-1093 +1 505-820-2222 [email protected] http://www.liquidlightglass.com
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 332 reviews

Liquid Light Glass

Liquid Light Glass, owned and operated by Elodie Holmes since 1987, is a contemporary glass studio and gallery offering world class glass art and glass blowing classes. Liquid Light Glass is part of the Baca Street Arts District- a community of local artists and small businesses primarily located on or near Baca Street in Santa Fe, NM.

Reviewed By NXTTRP - St. Petersburg, United States

I have a modest amount of glass-blowing experience, having over 35 recent hours of hot-shop exposure and instruction. Recognize that this is not extensive experience, just enough to know the terminology, but not enough to feel “accomplished “ in any aspect of this art. A survey of the hot-shop and showroom identified a well organized and talented group of artists. I have participated in other one-on-one glass blowing experiences, but this class with CIa as my tutor had a very favorable outcome. I was able to assist in the creation of a rather handsome wine decanter, a project that was individually “well over my pay grade.” Cia first interviewed me, to gain not only some idea of my skills, but to understand my primary goals of the session. As the hour went on, she was able to further identify my strengths and weaknesses on the fly and provided me with the necessary instruction and hands-on assistance when needed throughout the lesson. I highly recommend the Liquid Light Glass organization, studio and artists. It’s a fascinating art and LLG shows it in the best possible (liquid) light.

7. Prairie Dog Glass

2820 Cerrillos Rd Inside Jackalope, Santa Fe, NM 87507-2303 +1 505-216-1699 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/pdogglass
Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 364 reviews

Prairie Dog Glass

Prairie Dog Glass is a glass blowing studio and gallery. In addition, we offer a One Hour Glass Blowing Experience, come in, take a look at our “glass blowing menu”. Pick out some pieces, experts help you make them! Classes are charged at the rate of **$195/hour. We carry a beautiful line of indoor/outdoor glass products to enhance any home or yard! You may watch us work, ask questions, get involved, 7 days/week. Please call for an appointment. We can accommodate large groups, corporate events, parties?! Let Prairie Dog Glass make you a custom holiday gift item or corporate award. Promote your business! Prairie Dog Glass can put your logo on a custom paperweight or other glass object.

Reviewed By YP0000 - Bellaire, United States

Our family of 5 really enjoyed this! The glass making process was explained in great detail and we loved the opportunity to have this great hands on activity with beautiful, substantial glass pieces to take home.

8. Nambe Trading Post

20 Summer Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87506-9779 +1 505-470-6650 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/nambetradingpost
Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 106 reviews

Nambe Trading Post

9. Santa Fe Honey Salon & Tea Shop

554 Juanita St, Santa Fe, NM 87501-3708 +1 505-780-8797 [email protected] http://SantaFeHoney.com
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 187 reviews

Santa Fe Honey Salon & Tea Shop

Welcome to Santa Fe Honey Salon - a place to discover the spectrum of tastes, aromas and benefits of raw, unfiltered, extra-virgin honey. Working closely with bees for nearly a decade, we have come to know that just as different types of bees have different personalities - from curious and gentle to bold and protective, similarly, raw honey - a living food - is full of personality. Each precious spoonful tells a story that we are passionate about sharing with our guests. Come and experience our selection of honey-based products, such herbal & handcrafted soaps and body care products, candles and beeswax blocks as well as our famous honey drinks. While here, you can shop our ever-changing collection of Ristras & Southwestern Decor that we make on-site. Whatever the season we have something new and special to celebrate Santa Fe style!

Reviewed By madds1995

What a great experience. They offered free samples to taste. A lot of varieties of honey and honey-based products to choose from! Sprayed and wiped down all surfaces-very COVID conscious. Great customer service. Thank you

10. Mark Schumann Photo Tours

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 68 reviews

Mark Schumann Photo Tours

PRIVATE PHOTO TOURS & WORKSHOPS - Whether in and around Santa Fe, south along the Turquoise Trail, north to Abiquiu, or north to Taos, the photography opportunities in the "Land of Enchantment" are breathtaking, and seemingly endless. My goal is to help you make beautiful images of this unique landscape. Tours ranging from a half-day to three days can be customized to accommodate your schedule, interests, and level of activity. Tours can include sunrise or sunset photography, as well as night sky photography. Individuals, couples, and groups are welcome. Half-day tours are $275 (up to 5 hours). Full-day tours are $475 (up to 9 hours). Multi-day tours available upon request. Fifty percent off for additional photographers. Non-photographer spouses/partners welcome as guests. Note: Tour and workshop participants receive a copy of "The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography," by Glenn Randall. Randall is a master landscape photographer, and a gifted writer and teacher.

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