Explore Canyon Road in Santa Fe

100 Galleries & More in One Half Mile

A Magical Half Mile: Canyon Road

The lively Canyon Road in Santa Fe is the epicenter of the bustling Historic Arts District of the city. This half-mile stretch is home to more than 80 art galleries, showcasing works from the traditional style to contemporary forms and everything in between. You’ll also find jewelry stores, fashion boutiques, and delicious dining experiences. As you take a stroll on this magical route, you’ll spot unique adobe structures and homes, stunning handcrafted outdoor sculptures and installations, and meet many of the artists. Canyon Road is an art collector or admirer’s dream.

Often referred to as the “Road Creative,” Canyon Road leads toward the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Initially a residential neighborhood, the route is lined with historic homes built in the traditional Pueblo Revival Style—many of which are converted into galleries, restaurants, and businesses. A group of early 20th-century artists known as the Los Cinco Pintores were drawn to this area for the striking beauty and contributed to drumming up attention to the artists of Santa Fe all those years ago. Today, the galleries on Canyon Road are diverse, each with its own focus from Native American art and antiques, contemporary paintings and sculptures, and Western works.

Before planning your visit to Canyon Road Santa Fe, you’ll want to get your lodging reserved. Thankfully, our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast is the ideal location for exploring the historic arts district and the festive Santa Fe Plaza. You’ll be steps away from the vibrant downtown area but nestled on a quiet neighborhood street. Those who have an affinity for Native America, Spanish, and Southwestern art you’ll find our Inn the perfect setting to enjoy the City Different. Each of our six guest suites is brightly and tastefully appointed with handmade furniture, all the needed comfort amenities, and has the quintessential Santa Fean-style.

Your next trip to Canyon Road is almost on the books; head over to our calendar and reserve today!

The 10 Best Art Galleries on Canyon Road

The best way to explore Canyon Road is on foot, as parking is known to be tricky. Thankfully, as a guest at our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast, there’s ample parking, and all the action of Canyon Road is just about 15 minutes walk. Stroll up and down the art gallery-lined street and pop into stores that catch your eye. After all, Santa Fe is one of the largest art markets in the US, second only to New York City.

Here are a handful of notable galleries on Canyon Road Santa Fe not to miss:

Morning Star Gallery: For those interested in antique Native American art, this long-time gallery is known as one of the premier dealers. They mainly focus on pieces from the Southwest and Plains Indians.
Zaplin Lampert Gallery: As one of the stalwart galleries on Canyon Road (open for 35 years), this space is one of the best destinations for classic American West works. Their collection includes pieces from the Taos Society of Artists and the Santa Fe Art Colony. The lovely grounds feature works by Native sculptor Allan Houser.
Ventana Fine Art: This gallery showcases contemporary and classic works of many mediums in a centuries-old schoolhouse. Outside, the garden grounds hold captivating sculptures around each corner.
Globe Fine Art: This contemporary gallery sits at the top of Canyon Road Santa Fe; they feature emerging artists in many disciplines alongside established painters, sculptors, and glass workers.
Canyon Road Contemporary Art: The gallery resides in a historic home boasting a spacious 3,000 square feet of exhibition space showcasing work from more than 25 diverse and eclectic artists.
Meyer Gallery: For the best in contemporary representational art from emerging and well-established artists, this gallery on the magical half-mile represents about 60 professionals at any given time.
GF Contemporary: Every visit to this elegant gallery on Canyon Road will feel like your first. They’re constantly showcasing new and exciting works from a diverse clientele of local and international artists.
The Longworth Gallery: Head through the adobe arch doors to a garden space of this fine-art gallery dedicated to the metaphorical realism of artist Vladimir Kush. You’ll also experience a collection of works from other innovative artists.
Nuart Gallery: This contemporary art gallery has close working relationships with the 26 artists they represent, creating a cohesive and curated space to view paintings, sculptures, and installations.
Nedra Matteucci Galleries: Just one block off the main drag of Canyon Road Santa Fe, this stunning adobe house turned gallery is well worth the detour. The tranquil gardens have paths weaving through lush greenery, water features, and spectacular sculptures.

More Things to do Along the Beautiful Half Mile of Canyon Road

Aside from the abundance of art galleries lining the sides of Canyon Road, you’ll also find local boutiques and award-winning restaurants. Each year, the historic arts district also puts on exciting festivals drawing thousands of visitors and locals alike.

Cafes & Restaurants:

The Teahouse Santa Fe: For a fantastic selection of imported teas from around the world, served hot or over ice, coffee drinks, and tasty lunch-fare, this popular spot on Canyon Road is the perfect reprieve after exploring the galleries. Find a lovely seat on the patio for sandwich platters and fresh salads.
The Compound: If you’d like to experience fine dining in Santa Fe, this elegantly remodeled adobe home showcases contemporary American fare from the James Beard award-winning chef Mark Kiffin. The meals served here are often referred to as works of art themselves.
Ahmyo Wine Garden: Known as one of the best hidden gems in Santa Fe, this wine bar has a beautiful desert garden patio space. Pick from a creative list of picnic items and sandwiches to pair with a wine flight or glass of local New Mexico wine.
Geronimo: The historic adobe Borrego House is now home to one of the best restaurants in Santa Fe. Enjoy multi-course tasting menus with spectacular seafood dishes, meaty mains, and flavorful vegetarian fare.

Shops & Boutiques:

Desert Son of Santa Fe: This iconic Canyon Road Santa Fe shop is known for its handcrafted leather pieces and apparel. There are impeccable designs with a Southwestern aesthetic for every taste, from handbags and footwear to belts and jewelry.
Creative Design Store: Part ladies’ clothing boutique, part unique gift shop, this store is in the ideal location along the magical half-mile. You’ll find designer pieces, quirky antiques, and great gift options.
Rock + Feather: This stunning jewelry shop is full of handcrafted and one-of-a-kind pendants, earrings, and rings. The talented artists showcase their craftsmanship using a variety of metals, gems and stones, paper works, leather, and more.

Annual Events:

Spring Arts Festival: Each year, as we move from winter to spring, the artists of Canyon Road celebrate the changing of seasons by welcoming visitors to witness their creative process up close. There’s no better way to truly appreciate the talent of these artists than seeing them in the act of creation. The majority of the galleries also launch brand new exhibitions and works during this time.
Christmas Eve Farolito Walk: As one of the most beloved yearly traditions in Santa Fe, the Canyon Road Farolito Walk is a magical evening during the winter season. Farolitos, also known as luminaries elsewhere, are paper bags filled with sand and tea lights, which cast a warm glow, especially when thousands line the street. This festival of lights is a time to celebrate with sweet treats, live musicians playing holiday songs, and last-minute shopping opportunities.

One of the Best Places to Stay in Santa Fe

On a getaway to the Southwest, you don’t want to stay at a cookie-cutter hotel. You want to feel immersed in the rich culture and heritage of this city, and at Four Kachinas B&B that’s exactly what you’ll get. Each of our six guest rooms are artfully decorated and call to the Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influence and history of the area. Furniture is handcrafted locally, fine art is placed thoughtfully, and each detail is curated to whisk you away to an authentic New Mexico experience.

Every morning of your stay, allow us to treat you to a gourmet breakfast with fresh local ingredients, family recipes, and a flavorful selection of sweet or savory dishes. These healthy and hearty meals include Southwestern favorites, as well as your classic morning choices. The options change daily and we try to accommodate dietary restrictions to the best of our ability. This level of hospitality will extend into your stay, as our knowledgable and warm innkeepers are always happy to offer advice, itineraries, or assist with reservations.

Those heading to Santa Fe with a visit to Canyon Road in mind, you’ll especially love our personal art collection throughout our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast.

We can’t wait to host you in Santa Fe; book your next getaway today!