What to do in Agua Fria, NM

Santa Fe Plaza is a spacious gathering point with markets, a bandstand and a park at the heart of the city. At the square’s center find an arts stage and a statue that acts as an American Indian War Memorial. Many musical performances and political events take place in the lively square. Around the plaza are restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Use the benches and tables in this tranquil, grassy haven for a picnic.

The origin of the helix-shaped staircase in the 19th-century Loretto Chapel continues to baffle historians more than a century after its construction. The Sisters of Loretto and the site’s many visitors consider the enigmatic construction of the stairs a miracle. Others offer more practical explanations. The former church, which is of Gothic Revival design, is now primarily used as a wedding chapel and a museum for the staircase.

Canyon Road is the heart of Santa Fe’s distinguished art scene, with over 100 galleries open to the public. Restaurants and boutiques line the scenic street that lures visitors with its elegant atmosphere and array of artworks. Find an eclectic range of themes, from Native American art and Hispanic works to modern art of international acclaim. The road also acts as a scenic trail toward the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The Santa Fe Opera is a majestic open-air venue hosting concerts and festivals in the summer season. The main theater is a marvel of innovative design that enhances the acoustics and offers a view of the night sky and the Jemez Mountains. The excellent vista generates an absorbing atmosphere alongside lovely music and fine acting. The program features a range of breakthrough operatic acts and reliable classics.

The Bandelier National Monument is an expansive stretch of scenic land containing the preserved territory of the Ancestral Pueblo peoples. Within majestic canyons, its main attractions are the fascinating cliff dwellings where Native Americans once lived. The homes contain remnants of these communities that teach us about life more than 1,000 years ago. Visit the park, which sweeps across more than 33,000 acres (13,000 hectares) of rocky terrain at the foot of the Jemez Mountains in New Mexico.