Get to Know Santa Fe’s Historic District: Touring The Plaza
After living in Santa Fe for years, we’re still in awe at the incredible tapestry of art, cultures, and traditions that’s as colorful as mesmerizing sunsets. When folks around here talk about the Santa Fe Historic District, we’re usually referring to the lively Santa Fe Plaza. As you walk the adobe-lined streets, you’ll tread the same path as Spanish conquistadors, Native American traders, and pioneering artists, who all play a role in Santa Fe’s rich history.
From ancient chapels to cutting-edge art galleries, every corner of our Historic District has a tale to share. It’s like a living, breathing museum. Come explore downtown Santa Fe with us, and you’ll see why our charming city truly is timeless. The history, the culture, the beauty – it’s all here, waiting for you to discover!
Santa Fe Historic Sites that Send You Back in Time
Loretto Chapel
The Loretto Chapel is a bonafide Santa Fe mystery. Built in 1878, this gothic style beauty contains a miraculous staircase that makes two complete 360 degree turns with no central support. Legend has it that a mysterious carpenter showed up and began working without giving his name. With a few simple tools, he built the spiral staircase and left without a trace. While you can’t climb the staircase anymore, you can still marvel at the mystery during your trip.
The Palace of the Governors
This old adobe beauty has been holding court on the north side of the Plaza since 1610. As the oldest continuously occupied public building in the US, visitors light up once they realize they’re walking the same halls that historic Spanish governors walked centuries ago!
San Miguel Chapel
This is the oldest Catholic church in the US that has stood the test of time since the early 1600s. The chapel was partially destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, and ultimately rebuilt in 1710 . If you look closely at the church, you can actually see evidence of its long history. The original adobe walls are still there, just hidden under layers of more recent adobe and plaster.
Santa Fe Plaza
The Plaza is where history meets modern day magic. You’ll find a mix of shops like Malouf on the Plaza and The Rainbow Man, offering everything from turquoise jewelry to authentic Native American art. To quell your hunger, stop at La Plazuela at La Fonda for classic New Mexican cuisine or try the oldest restaurant on the block, Plaza Cafe, for cherished local favorites. There are many flavors waiting to be discovered, so check out other restaurants in the Santa Fe Historic District.
Outside of shopping and dining, you might catch a concert, stumble upon a fiesta, or find the perfect place to buy crafts from local artisans. The central bandstand has seen it all, from political rallies to mariachi performances. Whether you’re people-watching on a sunny afternoon or marveling at the holiday lights in winter, the Plaza offers a true taste of Santa Fe’s vibrant culture and warm hospitality.
Celebrate Culture With these Downtown Santa Fe Events
As Santa Fe locals, we don’t mean to brag when we say Santa Fe is jam packed with culture. In the Santa Fe Historic District, culture spills onto the street, fills the Plaza, and brings tourists and locals together to celebrate. You don’t need to be an expert or history buff to jump right in, so let’s find your next adventure while you’re planning your Santa Fe vacation!
International Folk Art Market
The International Folk Art Market started in 2004 and has grown into the largest folk art market in the world! Every July during this three-day extravaganza, Museum Hill transforms into a colorful bazaar with over 150 artists from over 50 countries! From textiles and woodwork to ceramics and jewelry, you’ll enjoy the intricate artwork while supporting artisans and preserving traditions. This year, the market will take place from July 11 – July 14, 2024 with over 20,00 people in attendance.
Traditional Spanish Market
Every year in late July, you can expect to see woodcarvings, tin work, hide paint and more to the Historic District. Thousands of visitors come to explore Hispanic culture. Enjoy food, live entertainment, culture, and more during this exciting event. This year, the Traditional Spanish Market returns July 27 – July 28, 2024 to continue promoting and preserving New Mexico’s Spanish art traditions.
Santa Fe Indian Market
ThisAugust, the Santa Fe Indian Market returns to transform downtown Santa Fe into an open-air gallery for indigenous art. From traditional pottery to contemporary paintings, it’s all here. There will be everything from fashion talks to live entertainment, and even a chance to shop from over 1000 artists of over 200 various Native American tribes. Check out the schedule of events and join us to celebrate the art and culture of indigenous tribes!
Burning of Zozobra
Now, here’s an only-in-Santa-Fe tradition that kicks off our Fiestas every year, the burning of Zozobra or “Old Man Gloom”. Picture this: a 50-foot tall marionette, stuffed with people’s written-down glooms and doom, set ablaze in front of a cheering crowd.
This quirky tradition started in 1924 when artist Will Shuster created it as a counterpoint to the Fiesta de Santa Fe. Every year on the Friday before Labor Day, we gather at Fort Marcy Park to watch Zozobra go up in flames, taking our worries with him. It’s part ghost story, part community catharsis, and 100% Santa Fe. Last year, over 60,000 people showed up to shout “Burn him!”, and trust us, there’s nothing quite like it!
Interesting Santa Fe Historic District Walking Tours
The perfect way to get acquainted with downtown Santa Fe is to lace up your walking shoes and hit the streets! When it comes to walking tours in Santa Fe, you have a slew of options to choose from to keep you occupied during your vacation.
Friends of History Walking Tours
Run by the New Mexico History Museum, these tours are a fan favorite giving you a rundown of everything from Native American history to the Spanish colonial period. Dive into over 400 years of history with museum trained experts, you can even add more excitement by participating in a scavenger hunt along the way! Book your walking tour online today.
Total Duration: 2 hours
Price Range: $25 for adults; $15 for children 8-17
Santa Fe Discovery Walking Tours
If you’re a real history buff, you’ll have to check out the tours offered by the Santa Fe Discovery crew. This passionate crew offers tours that cover different aspects of Santa Fe’s history. From ghost tours to spy walks, you’ll learn about Santa Fe’s incredible architecture and the characters that shaped the history of our vibrant city. Check out all the walking tour options and call to book yours today.
Tour Duration: 2-3 hours
Price Range: $30 – $70
Visit Museums in the Santa Fe Plaza for a Unique History Lesson
Right off the Plaza, you’ve got the New Mexico History Museum, where you can time-travel through 400 years of local history. Housed in a stunning Pueblo Revival building, the NMHM showcases the best of Southwestern art. For a truly unique experience, the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts is the only museum worldwide dedicated to displaying progressive work by contemporary Native artists.
If you’re up for a short drive, head to Museum Hill for the Museum of International Folk Art. It’s the largest folk art museum in the world, with over 130,000 objects from more than 100 countries. Whether you’re into art, history, or just curious about our unique culture, Santa Fe’s museums have got you covered, all within easy reach of our historic downtown.
Keep the Adventure Going with a Downtown Santa Fe Vacation Rental
There’s nothing like experiencing Santa Fe Historic District firsthand. When you’re planning your New Mexico vacation, you could choose to stay in a cookie-cutter hotel, but why would you when you could live like a local in beautiful and cozy vacation homes near the Santa Fe Plaza? Picture this: You wake up in a charming adobe home, sunlight streaming through the windows. You step outside, and boom – you’re right in the heart of it all.
Many of these homes are pieces of Santa Fe history themselves, with authentic Southwestern architecture, beautiful courtyards, and maybe even a kiva fireplace to curl up next to on those cool desert nights. Book a vacation rental near the Plaza, and get ready to fall in love with our enchanting city. Who knows? You might just find yourself coming back year after year. After all, Santa Fe has a way of capturing hearts. Hope to see you soon in the City Different!