Discover Sante Fe
Sante Fe Educational Tours
Founded in 1610, the winding streets, adobe architecture, and traditional Spanish and Native American artwork immerse you in Santa Fe’s heritage. This 400-year old city blends old-world charm with urban sophistication and is sure to be among your most memorable destinations!
Santa Fe Overview
The city of Santa Fe is one of the oldest surviving cities in the United States. Founded by Spain and at one point controlled by Mexico, this city has a carefully preserved blend of cultures that has appealed to artists, writers, and lovers of distinct architecture for decades. In fact, the city’s official nickname is “The City Different”. Combined with its visual appeal, Santa Fe’s almost-year-round sunshine and dry climate makes the city a truly pleasant walk, bike or drive. A guided city tour of Santa Fe is a great way to to appreciate this beautiful destination as a whole, and many of the city’s attractions are easily accessible and pedestrian-friendly.
As one of the country’s largest art markets, Santa Fe offers nearly 250 galleries and art dealers. Canyon Road, a mile-long stretch of famous galleries and boutiques, is lined with charming adobe homes that have been converted into galleries for contemporary and traditional artwork. These galleries are filled with an impressive array of works by local, national and international artists. Another great stop for artwork is the neighboring Railyard, Baca Street, and Guadalupe districts, which is marked by contemporary lofts, galleries, and museums. Visit the 10-acre Railyard Park for community gardens and two outdoor performance spaces. While in the Railyard District, student groups should definitely make time for a stop at SITE Santa Fe. The goal of SITE is to present “the most innovative visual art of our time in new and engaging ways.” With both indoor and outdoor spaces featuring the work of local and international artists and free admission, SITE Santa Fe is an enjoyable stop for people of all ages and interests.
Looking for more artistic inspiration? You can find it at one of Santa Fe’s museums. Head up to Museum Hill, where you’ll find four museums set amid beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Museum of International Folk Art, Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and Museum of Spanish Colonial Art are located within walking distance of one another and will immerse students in art, history, and culture of the Native American Southwest, the Spanish colonial past, and folk traditions from around the world. Another notable stop is The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in downtown Santa Fe. The Museum collection is the single largest repository of work by famous American artist Georgia O’Keeffe in the world.