Want to give your followers Instagram envy? Fill your feed with spectacular shots from these stunning locations you can only find in #TheCityDifferent.

 

1. Meow Wolf

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Meow Wolf (@meow__wolf)

The most Instagrammed location in New Mexico, Meow Wolf is a psychedelic funhouse for all ages, and offers several great photo ops sure to rake in the likes.


2. Historic Santa Fe Plaza

The area around the plaza features several opportunities for a great capture. The classic adobe architecture of the Museum of Art and Palace of the Governors make for great sight lines. For a touch of color and class, the rug room at Shiprock Santa Fe offers the ideal southwest backdrop.


3. Railyard Water Tower

Once a stop along the famed Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, the Railyard is now one of Santa Fe’s premier mixed use areas with contemporary galleries, live performances, shopping, and eclectic dining, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Santa Fe, the Railyard Water Tower. Nearby SITE Santa Fe and Warehouse 21 also offer wonderful outdoor murals and art installations for you to capture.


4. Museum Hill

Museum Hill is home to four major museums, as well as the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens. Several outdoor sculptures allow you to find an inspiring shot in any direction you look.


5. Aspen Vista Trail

The Alamo Vista Trail at the Aspen Vista Picnic Site may be the area’s most popular trail, and for good reason. The scenic views offered on this 12-mile out and back trail are not to be missed. This trail is particularly scenic each fall when the aspen groves that give the trail its name turn a shimmering golden hue.


6. Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

Just blocks from the historic Plaza, you will find the photogenic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Arguably the most recognizable building in the City Different, this location is a must for any trip to Santa Fe. Just across the street, the hand-painted pillars in front of the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts offer a vivid splash of color.


7. Cross of the Martyrs

No place gives you a better view of downtown Santa Fe than the historic Fort Marcy Park and the Cross of the Martyrs. It is easy to pick out landmarks, such as the New Mexico State Capitol, Scottish Rite Temple, and the historic Plaza.


8. El Rancho de las Golondrinas

New Mexico’s premier living history museum, El Rancho del las Golondrinas transports you back to a simpler time. Some of the original colonial buildings date back to the early 1700s, and the historic Sapello Mill is as photogenic as they come.


9. The Loretto Chapel

This Gothic-Revival style chapel, modeled after King Louis IX's Sainte Chapelle in Paris, is home to one of Santa Fe’s most popular stories. According to legend, St. Joseph the Carpenter had a role in the building of the chapel's Miraculous Staircase, constructed between 1877 and 1881 with two 360-degree turns and no apparent means of support. Have your camera at the ready—you will find eye-catching scenes around each and every corner.


10. The Oldest Church

Originally constructed in the early 1600s by Spanish-allied Tlaxcalan Indians from Mexico under the direction of Franciscan Padres, the San Miguel Chapel hosts many types of congregations in an all-adobe building dating from 1710.


11. Burro Alley

Home to some of Santa Fe’s more colorful history, Burro Alley was once a hangout for gamblers, thieves, and other seedy characters. Named after the firewood salesmen who would haul in loads of wood on their burros, the area today hosts one of Santa Fe’s most beloved statues.


12. Red & Green Chile

No trip to Santa Fe is complete without at least one photo of a plate smothered in the red and green chile that makes New Mexican cuisine so unique. You will find several New Mexican eateries across the city. Just ask a local which one they would recommend or check out the Santa Fe Dining Guide!


13. Margarita Trail

Give all your friends a serious case of FOMO as you share your journey along the Santa Fe Margarita Trail. With 40+ locations along the trail, there are plenty of great scenes to be found.


Get a taste of The City Different! Order your Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide now or browse our deals and specials to help you plan your next trip to Santa Fe.