Santa Fe is a city that practically breathes history with every adobe wall, narrow alley, and colorful plaza. It’s one of those rare places where every corner seems to tell a story, from Native American traditions to Spanish colonial roots. That’s why exploring Santa Fe through a well-curated tour can make your visit far more meaningful. I recently spent time with a few standout experiences, like the Santa Fe Ultimate History Walking Tour, which offers a comprehensive intro to the city’s key landmarks, and the Deep Dive History Walking Tour for those hungry for detailed stories about Santa Fe’s millennia-old past. These walks help you connect the dots behind Santa Fe’s unique architecture, its complex cultural makeup, and the stories that shaped this city into what it is today.
While Santa Fe is famous for its art galleries on Canyon Road and its culinary scene, the variety of guided tours now available makes it easier than ever to tailor your experience. Whether your interest lies in historic architecture, Native American history, or local legends, there’s a tour for you—and many of them combine history with local flavors or art, making for a rounded visit. Below is a list of the best Santa Fe historical tours, each offering a different slice of the city’s story.
1. Santa Fe Ultimate History Walking Tour
This top-rated Santa Fe Ultimate History Walking Tour will get you oriented to downtown Santa Fe in just about three hours. It’s a solid introduction for first-timers or anyone wanting a detailed overview of the city’s core. The tour explores the Santa Fe Plaza, passing landmarks such as the Palace of the Governors and Loretto Chapel, with some stops off the usual tourist track—like Barrio de Analco, the oldest European settlement in North America. The guide shares stories not found in guidebooks, such as tales of Native American vendors at the Palace and the miraculous staircase of the Loretto Chapel, included in the tour fee.
This tour is perfect if you want a deep dive into Santa Fe’s architecture, culture, and history with a local guide who can offer insider tips on where to eat and explore afterward. The reviews praise the guide’s humor and knowledge, with many saying time flew by. It’s an excellent value for a well-rounded, engaging introduction—especially if you want some context before exploring on your own.
Bottom Line: For those who want a comprehensive, friendly overview with useful local tips, this tour hits the mark.
2. Santa Fe: Canyon Road Art & History Walking Tour
For around $70, the Canyon Road Art & History Walking Tour offers a focused exploration of Santa Fe’s renowned art district. Limited to about ten people, this tour blends art with history, making it ideal for those who want to understand Santa Fe’s creative scene as part of its story. The guide takes you through over 80 galleries, highlighting how Santa Fe became a magnet for artists and collectors. You’ll learn about some of the top local artists and hear stories behind select pieces, with opportunities to chat with gallery curators or even meet artists.
Unlike large bus tours, this experience is personal and interactive. Past participants rave about how much they learned about both the art and the city’s history, with reviews mentioning the guide’s organization and friendliness. If your goal is to appreciate Santa Fe’s art scene while getting a sense of its cultural background, this tour is a perfect pick.
Bottom Line: Best suited for art enthusiasts or those wanting an intimate look at Santa Fe’s creative roots. It offers great value for a small-group experience.
3. Plaza Sip, Savor, & History Walking Tour in Santa Fe
Combining history with local flavors, the Plaza Sip, Savor, & History Walking Tour is a delightful three-and-a-half-hour experience. It includes stops at iconic spots like the Santa Fe Plaza and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, with an emphasis on food and drink. You’ll visit three spots—such as a restaurant serving local dishes or craft beverages—and enjoy tastings included in the tour price.
This tour offers more than just stories; it immerses you in Santa Fe’s culinary culture, wrapping history into each tasting. The guide shares insights into the city’s development, from Native American influences to Spanish colonial times. Past guests mention how the tour balanced education and fun, with many appreciating the personalized approach and delicious stops.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history lovers who also enjoy tasting local cuisine and drinks. It’s a relaxed way to connect with Santa Fe’s past and present over a meal.
4. Santa Fe Art and History Small Group Bike Tour
If you prefer active exploration, the Santa Fe Art and History Small Group Bike Tour combines cycling with storytelling. For about two hours, you’ll pedal through the city’s most notable neighborhoods, including the Santa Fe Railyards and Canyon Road, visiting landmarks like La Fonda on the Plaza and the outdoor sculptures along Canyon Road.
The tour is suitable for all skill levels, with a leisurely pace and a professional guide who shares stories about Santa Fe’s architecture, Native history, and art scene. Guests describe the experience as a great way to see more of the city than walking allows, with some commenting on how the guide’s local knowledge enhanced the experience. The tour includes a visit to the historic La Fonda hotel, which is renowned for its Pueblo Deco architecture.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing, history, and exercise in a fun, informal setting.
5. Santa Fe: Canyon Road Art & History Walking Tour (Private Tour)
For a more personalized experience, the Private Canyon Road Art & History Tour offers an intimate, curated walk through Santa Fe’s most famous art district. It covers four or five galleries, focusing on both contemporary and historic works, with a knowledgeable guide who tailors the experience to your interests.
This private option is ideal if you prefer a flexible schedule or want to focus on specific styles or artists. The guide also discusses Santa Fe’s art history, including the significance of El Zaguan, a historic gallery space. Past clients rave about how much more they learned and how the guide’s expertise made the visit special.
Bottom Line: Excellent for art lovers seeking a customized, in-depth exploration of Santa Fe’s artistic scene.
6. Santa Fe Deep Dive History Walking Tour
If you’re a history enthusiast, the Deep Dive History Walking Tour spends three hours exploring Santa Fe’s most iconic sites with meticulous detail. It visits the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, San Miguel Chapel—the oldest church in North America—and the Palace of the Governors. The guide shares stories about the city’s Native, Spanish, and American influences, giving context to what you see.
Guests appreciate the guide’s depth of knowledge and the opportunity to learn about Santa Fe’s millennia-old past. The tour includes stops at the Old House and Native vendors, providing a comprehensive picture. It’s suited to travelers who love learning the nuances of history, architecture, and culture.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history aficionados who want a detailed, well-contextualized tour of Santa Fe’s most important sites.
7. Santa Fe History Night Stroll
Experience Santa Fe as it transforms after sunset with the Santa Fe History Night Stroll. This two-hour evening walk takes you through the Plaza, Barrio de Analco, and the Santa Fe River Park, with stories of the city’s native, Spanish, and American past told in the quiet of the evening.
Victor Romero, the guide, shares lively stories, and the cooler evening air makes the historic sites feel even more atmospheric. Many reviews praise the storytelling and the chance to see Santa Fe in a different light. It’s a less conventional way to learn about the city, ideal if you enjoy a relaxing, cultural walk under the stars.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a memorable, storytelling experience after dark.
8. A Walking Tour of Santa Fe’s Most Beautiful and Historic Sites
This Private Walking Tour covers Santa Fe’s highlights in about two hours, focusing on both renowned and lesser-known sites. The tour includes La Fonda, the Cathedral, and Sena Plaza, with a focus on architecture and local lore.
Although it’s a bit pricier at over $200 per person, the private format guarantees a personalized experience. The guide shares stories about the city’s Native American influences, the architecture, and some contemporary art. Reviewers mention the guide’s friendly manner and wealth of knowledge.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a private, rundown with tailored storytelling.
9. Discover Santa Fe: Driving Journey—History, Culture, and Cuisine
For those who prefer to see Santa Fe without walking, this Driving Tour offers a high-end, all-inclusive experience. The 3 to 4-hour ride includes stops at key landmarks like the Cathedral, Cross of the Martyrs, and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, with insightful commentary from a local guide.
You’ll learn about Santa Fe’s Native, Spanish, and American influences while enjoying a curated lunch. The tour is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, rundown in comfort, ideal for those with limited mobility or tight schedules.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a high-quality, all-in-one cultural experience without much walking.
10. Santa Fe Chocolate Tasting and History Exploration Tour
Chocolate lovers will appreciate this Chocolate Tasting & History Tour. It combines Santa Fe’s culinary history with visits to four local chocolatiers, including the historic Kakaw House, and the oldest house in town.
The tour lasts about three hours and includes tastings at each stop, along with stories about chocolate’s origins and its significance in New Mexico’s culture. Past reviews highlight the fun and informative nature of the tour, with many noting how it’s a delicious way to learn about Santa Fe’s history.
Bottom Line: Perfect for sweet-tooths and history buffs who want to connect food with local culture.
11. Downtown Santa Fe Walking Wine, History, & Tapas Tour
This Wine, Tapas & History Tour is ideal for those who love a good drink with a side of history. Over about three hours, you’ll visit three tasting rooms—such as Gruet Winery and Hervé Wine Bar—and learn about Santa Fe’s wine culture and how it fits into the city’s story.
The tour includes snacks and tapas, making it a relaxed, social experience. Reviewers mention how engaging the guide is, and many appreciate the mix of wine education and local history. It’s a refined way to explore Santa Fe’s culinary scene with an historical twist.
Bottom Line: Suitable for wine enthusiasts or travelers seeking a leisurely, social experience blending drinks with stories.
12. Santa Fe Family Treasures Private Tour: A Historical Adventure
If visiting with family, this Santa Fe Family Treasures Private Tour offers a tailored, engaging experience designed for all ages. It covers the Santa Fe Plaza, Loretto Chapel, and Santa Fe’s oldest church, with interactive stories and fun facts appropriate for kids and adults alike.
The private format ensures flexibility, making it easy to include kid-friendly stops like City Hall Park or the New Mexico History Museum. Reviews highlight how the guide makes history accessible and entertaining, turning the city into a storybook adventure.
Bottom Line: Great for families wanting a personalized, fun introduction to Santa Fe’s history without the crowds.
$441.39 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Santa Fe Historical Tour
When deciding, consider your budget, time, and specific interests. For a quick, rundown, the Santa Fe Ultimate History Walking Tour offers excellent value. Art lovers should head to the Canyon Road Art & History Tour, especially if small-group intimacy appeals to you.
If you’re pressed for time but want a deep dive, the Deep Dive History Tour covers many sites in detail. For families or those who prefer private experiences, the Private Canyon Road Tour or the Family Private Tour are ideal.
For those interested in food or wine, the Plaza Sipping & Tasting or Wine & Tapas Tour add flavorful local stories. And if you want to see Santa Fe at night, the Evening History Stroll offers a different perspective.
Final Thoughts
Santa Fe offers a wide array of historical tours that cater to nearly every interest—whether it’s a detailed walking exploration, an art-focused experience, or a culinary journey. For first-timers, a comprehensive tour like the Ultimate History Walk provides a solid foundation. Art lovers may prefer the Canyon Road small group, while families will appreciate the private, interactive Family Tour.
Booking early is advisable, especially for private tours and popular experiences, to secure your preferred time and ensure a smooth, memorable journey into Santa Fe’s past. Whatever your selection, each offers a unique lens on this city’s story—rich, layered, and waiting to be uncovered.