Santa Fe's gorgeous landscape and lovely weather attract visitors throughout the year. But what makes guests fall in love with the city is its fascinating culture and inviting outdoor activities. Santa Fe has been long beckoned travelers from near and far, especially since the early 1900s, when artists, writers, and retirees ventured there — and often stayed — in a testament to the dry climate, beautiful landscape, and artsy culture. Today, Santa Fe remains a popular destination, especially among snowbirds. Here are six of the best activities for seniors to enjoy while in New Mexico's capital.
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What to do in Santa Fe: Top 6 Activities for Seniors
1. See an Opera
The Santa Fe Opera is an institution, mainly for its famous open air theater that offers 360-degree views of the wilderness that surrounds the building. The Opera is also very Santa Fe — jeans are allowed and many tailgate in the parking lot before shows. The 2016 season includes Don Giovanni and Romeo Et Juliette.
2. Tour Santa Fe's Museums
Santa Fe is known for being a center for art, and its diverse array of museums reflect that. There’s the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which honors the Santa Fe transplant; the New Mexico Museum of Art, the oldest museum in the state, which resides in an adobe building; and the Museum of International Folk Art, a unique tribute to folk art from around the world, not just the Southwest.
3. Walk Along Canyon Road
Canyon Road has much in common with Santa Fe’s museums, except here, the artwork is available for purchase. The neighborhood, just east of Santa Fe Plaza, is home to a host of galleries selling the work of up and coming, as well as already established artists. Visit the more than 50 galleries, even if just to browse and enjoy paintings, crafts, jewelry, sculptures, pottery, and more.
4. Visit Santa Fe's Many Churches
Santa Fe is home to many historic churches, cathedrals and chapels. No matter what you’re religious persuasion, they’re worth looking at for architectural and historic value. Make sure to see The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the saint Santa Fe was originally named for; the Loretto Chapel, famous for its mysterious spiral staircase; and the San Miguel Mission, which has the oldest church still in use in the country.
5. Take a Bike Ride
Santa Fe has been rated one of America’s top biking towns by numerous publication, largely due to the plentiful trails that weave through the mountains and public land that surround the city. The Dale Ball Trail system includes a 10 mile bike trail — long enough to get a workout in but not overly strenuous. The trails also include numerous hiking options for those who would rather remain on their own two feet.
6. Golf
One of the top reasons to travel to Santa Fe is it’s warm climate, and there’s no better way to experience that then by a morning spent golfing — no matter what time of year. The varied landscape of the city and surrounding area allow for varied courses as well; some sit in the mountains while others are situated in the expansive desert. If you only have one day for golf, try to visit the Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe, which has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
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This article was written by Isabella Sayyah.