Discover Placitas through its archaeological traces, art and gardens. Placitas Open Space has a high density of archaeological sites; the area is also a historic district and is listed in the State Cultural Properties Register. Studio tours, changing exhibitions and garden events offer other highlights. When planning, it’s worth deciding first whether the landscape and cultural heritage or a specific event date should be the deciding factor.
Archaeology and Landscape
The Las Placitas Association organizes free walks and activities in Placitas Open Space every year. Participants can learn about the natural and cultural heritage of this high-desert region. Specific programs may vary. The historic district and its archaeological sites give cultural heritage a distinct focus; the walks and activities on offer complement it with nature-related themes.
Sandoval County Open Space is a 560-acre area in Placitas. It includes a section of Las Huertas Creek; riparian and wetland habitats can be found along parts of the creek. The area has east and west entrances off Highway 165. As access arrangements may change, check which entrance is currently in use before setting out.
Gardens and Library
The gardens at Placitas Community Library consist mostly of native plants suited to most of Placitas and tolerant of drought, or xeric. East of the library parking lot is a labyrinth with seven circuits. It serves as a place to gather, celebrate, meditate and heal. The garden and labyrinth thus represent different aspects of local community life: adapted plant choices and a shared community space.
Exhibitions at Placitas Community Library also provide a recurring focus on art. They are scheduled monthly or every other month. Artists host a public reception in the gallery, usually on the second Friday of the exhibition from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The library’s arts program publishes dates and detailed information about upcoming exhibitions and artist receptions.
Art and Garden Events
During the Placitas Studio Tour, more than sixty artists open their studios. The free, self-guided event lasts two days and takes place annually; it supports the Placitas artist community. Dates, the number of participating artists and the duration may vary. For getting around, it’s also worth noting that most visitors drive between studios rather than walk.
At Wild Hearts Gallery, the Featured Artist changes each month, alongside new offerings from other gallery artists. The exhibition schedule may change. The annual, ticketed Placitas Garden Tour takes visitors through exceptional gardens in the Placitas community that are open to the public. If you’d like to plan your trip around this tour, check the date before booking.
The Placitas Holiday Market takes place on the traditional weekend before Thanksgiving and includes events at several locations on or near Highway 165. At Placitas Community Library, arts and crafts, baked goods, pre-owned jewelry and Talavera items are offered for sale. At the Spring Fling in April, plants and baked goods are available for purchase at the library. The events therefore have different focuses: the Studio Tour takes visitors to studios, the Garden Tour to gardens, while the library events include exhibitions and seasonal markets.
Plan Your Stay
If an event is the main reason for your trip, set your travel dates based on its specific date. This is especially helpful for studio and garden tours, as well as seasonal markets; library exhibitions, by contrast, follow a monthly or every-other-month schedule. Check the dates of your chosen event before booking, and search for a vacation rental in Placitas based on your travel dates.
Explore More Destinations
Explore more destinations: Santa Ana Pueblo, Bernalillo, Ponderosa, Algodones, Rio Rancho, Corrales.
Back to the main travel overview: Sandoval.
