Fall in Love with Santa Fe: Your Ultimate Autumn Guide

• Strolling through the Canyon Road art district, you'll find over 80 art galleries offering a feast for the eyes with their stunning art, jewelry and handmade Pueblo pottery. Many of these galleries are housed in historic adobe buildings adorned with brightly colored flowers and filled with the enchanting aroma of piñon incense.

• Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is open every year in late September. It is a celebration of the region’s finest wines and delicious cuisine, featuring local chefs, winemakers and restaurants. Over 3,500 guests arrive in Santa Fe each September for this one-of-a-kind Fiesta.

• The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market is open year-round on Saturdays in the heart of the Santa Fe Railyard. Enjoy the bounty of the fall harvest with fresh, local produce, artisanal goods, chili and live music!

• Visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum to admire her iconic paintings of New Mexico landscapes and enlarged flowers. Then, head to the Palace of the Governors to explore handmade art and jewelry crafted by Native American artists.

• Visit the Loretto Chapel, downtown Santa Fe. This is a must-see and is famous primarily for its fascinating 19th-century wooden spiral staircase, which seems to defy gravity as it has no central support pole. Go to see the miraculous staircase, claimed by the faithful to have been built by St. Joseph.

• The "Oldest House in the US," an 800-year-old adobe dwelling, stands as a poignant testament to history. The De Vargas Street House in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is not only revered as the oldest house in Santa Fe but also holds the distinction of being one of the oldest buildings in the entire United States. Nestled at 215 E. De Vargas Street in the Barrio De Analco Historic District, this historic gem is located just across from the venerable San Miguel Chapel, offering a profound glimpse into the past.

• Stroll around the Santa Fe Plaza, the vibrant heart of the city, surrounded by key landmarks such as art and history museums. Relax on one of the plaza’s benches to people-watch and enjoy the charming, small-town atmosphere. It’s also a fantastic spot to explore and shop for handmade crafts from local Native American artisans, offering a beautiful, curated selection and a deep immersion into local artistry.

• Seasonal Celebrations, Dances and Feast Days. Native American feast days are ceremonial occasions where tribal members renew their culture, language and religion, with each Pueblo hosting its own unique celebration. These events typically feature traditional dances, cultural activities, food and arts and crafts. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please contact the respective Tribe, Nation or Pueblo directly — phone numbers can be found on the “Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations” page. Be aware that dates may change, so confirming beforehand is recommended. Additionally, observe the tribe’s etiquette and protocols, and remember that photography is generally not permitted unless you have obtained a specific permit.

Day trips:

• Take a drive along the High Road to Taos, a 56-mile scenic route that winds through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Santa Fe and Taos. This picturesque journey takes you through high deserts, mountains, forests, small farms and quaint Spanish land-grant and Pueblo Indian villages. More than just a beautiful drive, it's an immersive adventure through charming mountain towns and the vibrant artistic and cultural hub of Taos.

• Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is a hidden oasis in La Cienega Valley, New Mexico. It is just minutes from downtown Santa Fe and one of the world's oldest health resorts. This day-trip destination boasts three spring-fed thermal pools, rich in minerals such as iron, lithia, arsenic and soda, with temperatures ranging from 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Santa Fe Indian Market: Held annually in August, this renowned event showcases Native American art, crafts and performances, drawing artists and visitors from around the world.

• Bandelier National Monument is a place to explore ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs where Ancestral Pueblo people (Anasazi) lived from 1150 AD to 1550 AD. A 45-minute drive north of Santa Fe, visitors can choose from over 70 miles of hiking trails. The most popular are the Pueblo Loop Trail and Alcove House Trail. They are accessed from the visitor center in Frijoles Canyon and lead to many Ancestral Pueblo sites.

• Geronimo Restaurant

• The Compound Restaurant

• The Shed

• El Farol

• Plaza Cafe Downtown