Spring Break From the Ordinary in Santa Fe

contributing author: Tamar Whittenberg

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Mark Twain wrote that travel is "fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” When we see new places and people, we gain a better understanding of how we see ourselves in the world. Santa Fe is New Mexico’s capital and the oldest capital in the United States. It’s no wonder that the city is a mecca for tourists seeking history, culture and “The City Different.” 

Imagine Spring Break in a place full of spiritual seekers, artists, cultural connoisseurs and outdoor explorers. For those who are enthusiastic about taking a trip outside the ordinary, we’ve got some pro moves and can’t-skip tips to make this the best Spring Break ever.

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Visit Meow Wolf Santa Fe’s House of Eternal Return

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Every good trip begins with a single step in one direction… Or does it? Start your Spring Break with interdimensional travel when you visit House of Eternal Return, the original Meow Wolf in Santa Fe. Since its beginning a decade ago, Meow Wolf has expanded beyond into five cities with another on the way in LA later this year.

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What to Expect: 

House of Eternal Return is an immersive art experience that tells the mysterious story of the Selig family, who disappeared after a physics experiment involving multi-dimensional anomalies. 

And when we say “immersive”, we mean it. Visitors are encouraged to engage with every inch of the Selig home. Open doors, look in drawers and turn the place over as you investigate the mystery. 

Exploring Meow Wolf takes time. There is so much to see, so give yourself several hours! 

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Insider Tips: 

Elevate your experience at House of Eternal Return with these great tips: 

• Download the Meow Wolf Mobile App: The Meow Wolf App takes your experience to the next level. The Psychic Sensor will unveil hidden elements of the story, so you can dive even deeper into the disappearance. 
• Get Anytime Admission: The Anytime Admission ticket allows you to visit, well, anytime! Pick a day without having to commit to a certain time, so you can keep your vacation plans loose. 
• Find the Meow Wolf Historian: He’s often lurking about. If you see him, ask him questions. He knows. 

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Don’t Miss: 

For your ultimate enjoyment, these are not to be missed: 

• Float Cafe & Bar: Adults 21+ should head to Float Cafe & Bar and try the famous Meow-garita, featured on the Santa Fe Margarita Trail. 
• Photobooth: Create your own digital art within the lighthouse and get your photo taken with it! Purchase tokens for the photobooth located in Fancy Town, Meow Wolf Santa Fe’s epic concert venue. 
• Live music: Speaking of Fancy Town, there’s always a new band in town. Check the show schedule so you can rock out on Spring Break in Santa Fe. 

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Ride the historic Sky Railway

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Not every city has a historic, 140+ year old railroad that was saved from the ravages of time and turned into a thrilling train excursion with live music and a full bar. In fact, we’re willing to bet Santa Fe is the only one that does.  

Back in 2020, Sky Railway came together when Bill Banowsky (owner of Violet Crown Cinemas and renowned filmmaker) and George RR Martin (novelist, Meow Wolf co-owner, and owner of the Jean Cocteau Theater) joined forces with several other prominent Santa Feans including author Douglas Preston and Gary Oakley to revive the historic railway. 

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What to Expect 

Whether you’re looking for a Santa Fe family activity or something for grown-ups only, Sky Railway has it all. Take a tour of desert landscapes and mountain views, with live performers and refreshments along the way. Book one of many themed rides with all-ages options like Jazz Under the Stars or Santa Fe Scenic, or spice it up with a speakeasy or burlesque-themed affair. 

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Insider Tips

All aboard! Take note of these tips before planning your Spring Break in Santa Fe:

• Book early: Book your train tickets well in advance since many of these excursions are extremely popular and sell out quickly! 
• Make a day of it: Head to the Railyard early in the day for shopping, eating and sightseeing. 
• Dress accordingly: For the sunset serenades and stargazing excursions, bring a jacket and wear close-toed shoes.

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Don’t Miss

Make the most of your Sky Railway experience by checking these out: 

• See the open car:Take a walk to the open car on Skyrail for an exciting 360° selfie! 
• Consider a booze cruise—er—ride: Adults 21+ who love margaritas, craft beer or wine should look at the calendar for these themed rides. It’s very easy to order from the onboard bar and enjoy drinks on the train. 
• Hear local music: The musicians on Skyrail are incredible! If you love and support local live music, you’re going to be thrilled.

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Go Museum-Hopping 

Santa Fe is known for its world-class art—and we’re not just talking about Meow Wolf. The city loves museums so much, it dedicated an entire cultural campus to them. We’re home to more than 15 different museums, covering topics from art to culture, history and more. 

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Where to Go

If you’re going to spend Spring Break in Santa Fe, you have to check out some museums. These are just a few of our favorites: 

• Georgia O’Keefe Museum: Georgia O’Keefe was all about New Mexico (and who can blame her)? She depicted the state’s unique landscapes in thousands of paintings over her lifetime. See some of her best at the Georgia O’Keefe Museum.
• Museum Hill: Museum Hill is home to four outstanding art museums: the Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum and Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. They are allAll conveniently located at the foot of Atalaya mountain. What a view! 
• Santa Fe Children’s Museum: When the kids just need to get their wiggles out, take them to the Santa Fe Children’s Museum. In addition to the museum, they offer tons of family-friendly activities in Santa Fe, from weekly programs to seasonal camps and more. 

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Insider Tips

• Book reservations whenever possible: Santa Fe’s museums fill up quickly, particularly during busy seasons like Spring Break. If you have must-visit spots, book your reservations in advance. 
• Don’t miss the Santa Fe Botanical Garden: Located at Museum Hill, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden features numerous gardens and an art trail. It’s a great place to take a break when you reach museum overload. 
• Pack a lunch: While some museums offer dining, it can get pricey. We recommend packing lunch and eating it in a gorgeous museum garden. 

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Don’t Miss

Santa Fe is a city full of gems. Don’t miss these unique museums and art exhibits: 

• SITE Santa Fe: SITE Santa Fe is 18,000-square feet and hosts notable international & contemporary art exhibits, lectures and discussions. 
• Canyon Road: Want to bring home a piece of museum-worthy art? Check out one of the many art galleries on Canyon Road. 
• Santa Fe Bug and Reptile Museum: For something truly out-of-the-box to do in Santa Fe, check out the Santa Fe Bug and Reptile Museum. It’s one of our favorite Santa Fe things to do with kids. Find fossils, artifacts, creatures and more.  
  

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Hit the Markets

Spring Break in Santa Fe requires a visit to the markets, and we’re not talking about the grocery store. Santa Fe is home to tons of unique shopping experiences, from farmers markets to artisan shops full of local goods. 

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Where to Go: 

Throw a rock in Santa Fe and you’ll hit a market selling one-of-a-kind goods. Or, you can use this list to plan your visit: 

• Santa Fe Farmers Market: Held every Saturday in the Railyard District, the Santa Fe Farmers Market features produce, plants, meat, eggs and baked goods, all from Northern New Mexico. ‘Sunset Magazine’ ranks it one of the top 10 farmers markets in the nation. 
• Railyard Artisan Market: Return to the Railyard District on Sunday for the Railyard Artisan Market. You’ll find handmade crafts, jewelry and art. 
• Santa Fe Plaza: Find Southwestern apparel, art and gifts in the Santa Fe Plaza.
• Canyon Road Spring Art Festival: This yearly festival in Santa Fe features artists working in every imaginable medium. Shop goods from sculptors, potters, painters and jewelers. 

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Insider Tips: 

Optimize your market days with these insider tips: 

• Shop seasonally: For the best tasting produce, buy according to the seasons. Spring in Santa Fe means leafy greens, root veggies and specialty items like garlic scapes and snap peas. 
• Don’t miss the performances: Markets like Santa Fe Plaza hold can’t-miss performances on the weekends. See music, dancing and storytelling by local performers. 

Whether you’re diving into Meow Wolf’s mind-bending universe, gazing at breathtaking landscapes from a vintage train or discovering the soul of Santa Fe’s art and culture, Spring Break in Santa Fe is anything but ordinary. It’s a journey through creativity, adventure and awe, where every moment invites you to explore beyond the expected. Pack your curiosity and get ready to make memories in a place where reality is just the beginning.