Santa Fe Plaza Tours and Activities

Santa Fe Plaza showing heritage architecture, street scenes and religious elements
Santa Fe Plaza showing a square or plaza and a monument
Santa Fe Plaza which includes a statue or sculpture
Santa Fe Plaza featuring a church or cathedral and religious elements
Santa Fe Plaza


Home to many landmarks in the heart of the city, this spacious square evokes echoes of the Spanish colonial era with its markets, bandstand and live music.

Santa Fe Plaza is a spacious gathering point with markets, a bandstand and a park at the heart of the city. At the square’s center find an arts stage and a statue that acts as an American Indian War Memorial. Many musical performances and political events take place in the lively square. Around the plaza are restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Use the benches and tables in this tranquil, grassy haven for a picnic.

Watch the people walking by as you enjoy your picnic lunch. Relish the tranquil ambiance on the grass between the trees. The scenic park in the center of the plaza is a great spot from which to admire the adobe structures around the sides.

See the Palace of the Governors on the northern part of the square. The 17th-century structure dates back as far as the inception of the plaza itself. It is one of the oldest constantly occupied public buildings in the country. Explore the collections and exhibitions of local history and art.

Examine the obelisk-shaped American Indian War Memorial that stands in the center of the park. It was erected in the 1860s to pay tribute to those who died in the American Civil War.

Purchase traditional Native American jewelry at one of the stands or boutiques around the square. Dine at one of the restaurants and cafés or buy fajitas from a vendor. Attend musical performances at the bandstand.

The square was established around 1610 and has remained the political and social hub of the city since then. A defensive wall and fort once surrounded the plaza. It is also the terminus of the famous trade route from New Mexico to St. Louis.

Santa Fe Plaza sits in the center of the New Mexico city. Visit some of the many popular landmarks surrounding the site, such as the Loretto Chapel, Canyon Road and the Cathedral Basilicia of Saint Francis of Assisi. The city center is a 14-mile (22.5-kilometer) journey northeast from the Santa Fe Municipal Airport. It should take around 20 minutes by car.

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Best Lodging Options Near Santa Fe Plaza

The Sage Hotel

The Sage Hotel

3 out of 5
725 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM
The Sage Hotel
El Sendero Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection

El Sendero Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection

2.5 out of 5
311 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM
El Sendero Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
Inn and Spa at Loretto

Inn and Spa at Loretto

4 out of 5
211 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM
Inn and Spa at Loretto
La Fonda on the Plaza

La Fonda on the Plaza

4 out of 5
100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM
La Fonda on the Plaza
Eldorado Hotel & Spa

Eldorado Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
309 W San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM
Eldorado Hotel & Spa
Piñon Court By La Fonda

Piñon Court By La Fonda

3 out of 5
201 Montezuma Ave, Santa Fe, NM
Piñon Court By La Fonda
Hotel Santa Fe

Hotel Santa Fe

4 out of 5
1501 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM
Hotel Santa Fe
La Posada de Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa

La Posada de Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
330 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM
La Posada de Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa
Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe

Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe

3.5 out of 5
828 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM
Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe Plaza offers a vibrant mix of activities, including shopping, live music, and festive events. Visitors can enjoy complimentary tours, explore the Santa Fe Margarita Trail, or embark on photo and jeep tours to discover the area's stunning landscapes. With its rich cultural scene and numerous festivals, Santa Fe Plaza is a delightful destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant shopping at Canyon Road, just 1.3km from Santa Fe Plaza, known for its artsy boutiques and galleries. Don't miss the Santa Fe Farmers Market, only 1.1km away, offering local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, visit the Turquoise Trail Trading Post, 33.8km away, for unique gifts and entertainment.

Recreation

The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus offers an enchanting musical experience just 1.6km from Santa Fe Plaza, perfect for relaxing and enjoying live performances. For outdoor enthusiasts, Quail Run Golf Course and Las Campanas Santa Fe, located 3 and 8.0km away respectively, provide beautiful landscapes for a refreshing round of golf.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of climbing at Santa Fe Climbing Gym, located 1.6km from Santa Fe Plaza, where adventure awaits. For hiking enthusiasts, the scenic Winsor Trail, 6.4km away, offers breathtaking views, while the Dale Ball Dog Run, 4.8km from the plaza, provides a lovely outdoor experience.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Santa Fe Plaza is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy lady luck at Camel Rock Casino, just 4.8km away, or catch an indie film at the Centre for Contemporary Arts, only 1.6km away. For a cultural experience, the Greer Garson Theater Center offers a captivating performance scene, also 4.8km away.

Find the best attractions near Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe Plaza offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, featuring art museums, galleries, and historic churches. Visitors can explore the historic Santa Fe Plaza, which provides a blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures. With its vibrant atmosphere and numerous attractions, including reviews of nearby points of interest, Santa Fe Plaza is an ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture and history.

  • Loretto Chapel: This stunning chapel, located a mere 161m from Santa Fe Plaza, is renowned for its unique spiral staircase, which mystifies visitors with its architectural elegance. The chapel's intricate stained glass and serene ambiance create a deeply spiritual experience, reflecting the rich cultural history of the area.
  • Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi: Also just 161m away, this magnificent cathedral showcases beautiful Romanesque architecture and stunning artwork. Its serene atmosphere and historical significance make it a must-visit for those interested in culture and spirituality.
  • Georgia O'Keeffe Museum: Located 322m from the plaza, this art museum celebrates the life and works of one of America's most iconic artists. The exhibits offer a captivating glimpse into O'Keeffe's vibrant landscapes and unique perspectives, embodying the spirit of the Southwest.

Best time to go to Santa Fe Plaza

Visitor numbers around Santa Fe Plaza is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Santa Fe Plaza can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Santa Fe Plaza falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Santa Fe Plaza falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January28.2°F (-2.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February32.4°F (0.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.4°F (5.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
April49.3°F (9.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May57.9°F (14.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June68.9°F (20.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
July71.4°F (21.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September63.3°F (17.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
October51.1°F (10.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November39.0°F (3.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December29.5°F (-1.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Fe Plaza

When visiting Santa Fe Plaza, take advantage of the free entry to the plaza and nearby attractions like Loretto Chapel and the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. For budget-friendly accommodation, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February or November, with Tuesday being the least expensive day to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to find the best deals by filtering prices from lowest to highest, and consider booking a package deal that combines flights and hotel reservations for extra savings. Keep an eye out for promo codes and special offers to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Fe Plaza are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Fe Plaza is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Fe Plaza is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and best deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Santa Fe Plaza with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.