Things to Do in Santa Fe: Classes, Workshops, and Experiences
Santa Fe is a place where you can learn to throw pottery in the morning, take a cooking class at noon, ride horseback through the foothills in the afternoon, and attend a stargazing session after dark. The city's creative, outdoorsy population means there are hands-on experiences available that you won't find in most tourist destinations.
Cooking Classes
- Santa Fe School of Cooking — Located on the upper level of the Plaza Mercado. Hands-on and demonstration classes covering New Mexican cuisine, chile preparation, tamale-making, and southwestern desserts. They also sell specialty ingredients to take home.
- Las Cosas Cooking School — At the DeVargas Center. Classes focus on a range of cuisines, from New Mexican to Thai to Italian, all taught by local chefs.
Art Workshops
- Santa Fe Art Classes — Various studios around town offer drop-in and multi-day workshops in painting, drawing, and mixed media.
- Santa Fe Clay — On Rufina Circle. Open studio time and classes in wheel throwing, hand building, and sculpture.
- Santa Fe Workshops (Photography) — One of the most respected photography workshop programs in the country. Multi-day intensives taught by internationally known photographers. On the campus of the former Santa Fe University.
Outdoor Experiences
- Horseback riding — Several outfitters offer trail rides through the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos. Broken Saddle Riding Company in Cerrillos is a popular choice for riders of all levels.
- Hot air ballooning — Santa Fe Balloon rides offer early morning flights over the high desert. The calm morning air at altitude makes for spectacular flying conditions.
- Fly fishing — The Pecos River, Rio Grande, and numerous mountain streams within an hour of Santa Fe offer world-class trout fishing. Local guide services include High Desert Angler.
- Mountain biking — The La Tierra trails on the northwest side of town are excellent for all skill levels. Dale Ball trails near St. John's College offer more technical options.
Unique Experiences
- Ghost tours — Multiple companies offer walking ghost tours of downtown Santa Fe, which has no shortage of haunted stories after 400+ years.
- Railyard artisan market — Saturdays at the Railyard. Local crafts, food, and live music alongside the Farmers Market.
- Sunset at Cross of the Martyrs — A short walk up a hill near downtown, this cross overlooks the city and offers one of the best free sunset viewpoints in town.