With everything in flux and the pandemic causing limitations, it’s important to remember to enjoy life. So, here are a few COVID-safe things to do in and around Santa Fe. And some activities that can be done from the comfort of your own home (wherever you may be) that will help you to tap into some fun. (Each link takes you to contact information, so you can reach each establishment directly for more details, and know their specific COVID safety protocols and requirements before booking).
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
We are fortunate to be in New Mexico where there are some wonderful areas to explore. It’s a great way to feel connected to nature, and remember simpler times, and relieve some stress.
Santa Fe Mountain Adventures are experts on all the great hiking, biking, off-road trails in and around Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico. They are offering tours and outings for small private groups in their fun Pinzgauer 6 x 6 vehicles. They also offer hikes, and biking outings.
Horseback riding has automatic social distancing included, and you can discover the great Lone Butte Ranch area along the Turquoise Trail with Santa Fe Western Adventures. Meet Russ, well known for his roles in many movies and popular television shows filmed in this area. And get to know his stable of fine horses.
High Desert Angler offers half day and full day fly-fishing outings year-round. Enjoy the peace and quiet of some beautiful fishing spots.
An historic walking tour is always fun for small private groups. Contact Tom Gallegos of True New Mexico Tours to find out the latest offerings available.
Take a day or half a day and hit the golf course for 9 or 18 holes, or simply spend time practicing your swing at Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe.
The winter season will gear up on Thanksgiving when Ski Santa Fe opens its operations. Limited access, and advance purchase tickets are required.
When the season permits, March through August, New Mexico River Adventures has a wide variety of outings from half-day to multi-day adventures on the Rio Grande, and the Chama Rivers.
MOVING INDOORS
Head indoors and keep your creativity alive with culinary arts and art classes in-person or via zoom with the experts.
Santa Fe School of Cooking have done an amazing job of keeping private in-person classes safe and healthy for individuals and small parties. And they’re offering fun virtual classes to individuals, families, office groups, and corporate parties of all sizes. Their market store full of tasty ingredients, and unique culinary gifts can also be accessed online and they’ll ship to your door. REMINDER: For the holidays they’re shipping out their delicious tamales too. Sign up for a class and gain great insights into Southwestern, Native American, and a variety of popular dishes from around the globe with their expert chefs. And they will be offering special Holiday Season virtual classes for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Paseo Pottery has an ideal safe space to allow for distanced in-person studio classes taught by professional pottery artists. And, when the weather permits, they’ll set you up outside on their patio. Throw some clay and create something fun as a memento of your time in Santa Fe. Or make hand-made gifts for the holidays.
Lauren Mantecon Studio offers fun Art Alchemy Classes online. You can connect and create with a professional artist, from the comfort of your own home. No experience necessary. She has a variety of classes to choose from to accommodate all levels from novice to pro.
UNIQUE SHOPPING
If you’re visiting the area, many of our unique stores and world-class art galleries are operating with safety protocols in place, so spending some time walking in the New Mexico sunshine, and browsing some high-end art, or shopping for gifts, is a must-do. For those who are out-of-state, you can shop online and still have that something special for the holidays, or any time of year. Here are our lists of Unique Shops, and Art Galleries for you to browse.
MUSEUMS
Loretto Chapel remains open with safety protocols in place. Many of our state and private museums are currently closed to the public, but they are offering online events. Here is a list of Museums where you can access the websites of each and find their respective calendars of events that you can zoom into from home.
RESTAURANTS
Enjoy a variety of flavors at any of our favorite restaurants. Our restauranteurs are taking extra safety precautions very seriously to ensure your dining experience is a healthy one. From Italian to BBQ, there’s something for every palate in our Restaurants category.
I hope this gives you and your family some fun ideas of things to do in and around Santa Fe, and from home, while keeping us all safe in our efforts to combat the COVID invasion.
For more information and ideas on where to eat, shop and play, go to SantaFeSelection.com Travel Guide.
IMPORTANT REMINDER – Our state COVID safety mandates continue to be in place and are updated regularly at this website https://cv.nmhealth.org/. Keeping the 6-10 feet distance, and wearing a mask are required. Please protect yourself and others whenever you’re in public areas, and even when on hiking trails when others are nearby. Thank you!