Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe Plaza which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and street scenes
Santa Fe Plaza showing a monument and a square or plaza
Santa Fe Plaza featuring a statue or sculpture
Santa Fe Plaza featuring a church or cathedral and religious aspects
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 centre 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 centre 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 centre 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 jewellery 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 centre 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 centre is a 14-mile (22.5-kilometre) journey northeast from the Santa Fe Municipal Airport. It should take around 20 minutes by car.

Popular places to visit


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The Sage Hotel

The Sage Hotel

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Eldorado Hotel & Spa

Eldorado Hotel & Spa

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La Fonda on the Plaza

La Fonda on the Plaza

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Inn and Spa at Loretto

Inn and Spa at Loretto

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El Sendero Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel

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Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe

Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe

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Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

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Hotel St Francis

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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 is a vibrant hub offering a rich tapestry of activities, including fascinating museums and engaging history tours. Visitors can enjoy complimentary tours that delve into the area's cultural heritage, alongside a lively entertainment scene. The Plaza is also renowned for its art galleries and unique shopping opportunities, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and exploration.

Shopping

Discover the charming shops along Canyon Road, a mere 1.3km from Santa Fe Plaza, offering an artistic vibe. The Santa Fe Farmers Market, located 1.1km away, is perfect for local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, visit Rancho Viejo Village Center, 12.9km away, for a wider selection.

Recreation

The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus offers a captivating musical experience, just 1.6km from Santa Fe Plaza, perfect for relaxation and entertainment. For outdoor enthusiasts, Quail Run Golf Course and Las Campanas Santa Fe, both nearby, provide excellent golfing opportunities amidst stunning landscapes.

Adventure

At the Santa Fe Climbing Gym, located 1.6km from Santa Fe Plaza, you can challenge yourself on various climbing routes amidst a vibrant atmosphere. For hiking enthusiasts, the Dale Ball Dog Run offers scenic trails 4.8km away, while the Shellaberger Tennis Center, also 4.8km out, provides engaging tennis activities.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Santa Fe Plaza is vibrant and diverse. The Center for Contemporary Arts offers a romantic cinema experience just 1.6km away, while Theater Grottesco presents captivating performances with a cultural flair, also 1.6km from the plaza. For a family-friendly atmosphere, the Greer Garson Theater Center is 4.8km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe Plaza offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, with popular attractions including art museums, historic churches, and history museums. These points of interest cater to travellers seeking a blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures, ensuring a memorable visit filled with artistic and historical exploration.

  • Loretto Chapel: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, Loretto Chapel is renowned for its miraculous spiral staircase. This intimate chapel, located 161m from Santa Fe Plaza, invites visitors to explore its rich history and serene ambiance, making it a captivating cultural experience.
  • Santa Fe Railyard: A vibrant hub of arts and culture, the Santa Fe Railyard, situated 1.1km away, features galleries, farmers' markets, and a unique blend of historic and contemporary spaces. It's an ideal spot to soak in the local community spirit.
  • Georgia O'Keeffe Museum: Located 322m from Santa Fe Plaza, this museum is dedicated to the works of the iconic artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Experience her stunning landscapes and innovative forms that capture the essence of New Mexico's beauty.

Best time to go to Santa Fe Plaza

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January28.2°F (-2.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February32.4°F (0.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.4°F (5.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April49.3°F (9.6°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May57.9°F (14.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.9°F (20.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July71.4°F (21.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September63.3°F (17.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October51.1°F (10.6°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November39.0°F (3.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December29.5°F (-1.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Fe Plaza

To save money during your visit to Santa Fe Plaza, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February and November, when accommodation prices drop. Tuesdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Fridays are the priciest. Use Expedia to filter search results by budget and eco-friendly options. Additionally, look for package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for better savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the plaza to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at Santa Fe Plaza with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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