Santa Fe Plaza Tours

Santa Fe Plaza which includes religious elements, a church or cathedral and street scenes
Santa Fe Plaza showing a monument and a square or plaza
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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Reviews of Santa Fe Plaza

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1053
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
549
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
74
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Two breakfast burritos cost $38.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Tia Sophia restaurant was wonderful. We visited following a family funeral, everyone tired & hungry. The staff was exceptional & food great! Many thanks!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Park area next to Cathedral restorative (birds, green space, commemorative sculpture, plaques. Cafes, restaurants, many shops nearby as well as hotels, government buildings.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is a total must. Do everything!!! I would recommend going in the summer months when they have an abundance of live music right in the plaza. Buy jewelry from the vendors.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Native American Festival thumbs up

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Make sure to go Plenty early. Finding parking was horrendous

Popular places to visit


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
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
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
El Sendero Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel

El Sendero Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel

2.5 out of 5
311 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM
El Sendero Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe

Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe

3.5 out of 5
125 Washington Avenue, Santa Fe, NM
Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe
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
Hotel Santa Fe

Hotel Santa Fe

4 out of 5
1501 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM
Hotel Santa Fe
Hotel St Francis

Hotel St Francis

4 out of 5
210 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM
Hotel St Francis
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

At Santa Fe Plaza, immerse yourself in a vibrant mix of art, shopping, and culture. Don't miss the annual balloon festival and film festival, which showcase the city's creative spirit. Explore numerous art galleries featuring local talent, and take advantage of complimentary tours to discover the area's rich history. With its lively atmosphere, Santa Fe Plaza is the perfect destination for a memorable vacation experience.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience, head to Canyon Road, only 0.8 miles from Santa Fe Plaza, where art galleries and unique boutiques await. The Santa Fe Farmers Market, just 0.7 miles away, offers fresh produce and local crafts. If you're up for a drive, visit El Potrero Trading Post, 21 miles away.

Recreation

Experience the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus for a captivating musical evening, just a mile from the Plaza. Enjoy the fresh air and scenic landscapes at Quail Run Golf Course, three miles away, or challenge yourself at Las Campanas Golf Course, five miles from Santa Fe Plaza.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of climbing at the Santa Fe Climbing Gym, located 1 mile from Santa Fe Plaza. For hiking enthusiasts, the Dale Ball Dog Run offers scenic trails 3 miles away. You can also enjoy some energetic matches at the Shellaberger Tennis Center, located 3 miles from the plaza.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Center for Contemporary Arts, just 1 mile from Santa Fe Plaza, where you can enjoy engaging films in a romantic atmosphere. For a cultural treat, visit Theater Grottesco, also 1 mile away, offering captivating performances for families and couples alike.

*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 array of cultural experiences, featuring art museums, historic churches, and history museums that appeal to travelers seeking family-friendly and outdoor activities. Explore the iconic historic plaza and its surroundings, while also considering nearby attractions and rental options to enhance your visit. Whether you're immersed in local art or discovering the area's history, Santa Fe Plaza promises a memorable experience for all.

  • Loretto Chapel: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, Loretto Chapel is famous for its miraculous spiral staircase that defies engineering logic. Visitors can admire the intricate stained glass windows and the serene atmosphere that embodies the chapel's spiritual significance, all located just 0.1 mile from Santa Fe Plaza.
  • Santa Fe Railyard: This vibrant cultural hub, located 0.7 miles from Santa Fe Plaza, features art galleries, shops, and a farmer's market. The historic site celebrates the city's rich railroad heritage while offering a lively space for community events and artistic expression.
  • Georgia O'Keefe Museum: Situated 0.2 miles from Santa Fe Plaza, this museum showcases the iconic works of Georgia O'Keeffe, an influential American artist. Visitors can explore her stunning paintings inspired by the New Mexico landscape, along with an extensive collection of her personal items.

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 traveling in the off-peak months of January, February, or November when prices drop. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to book your stay, while Fridays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates, filter for eco-friendly options, and take advantage of package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities. Joining the One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and earn you cash for future bookings. Additionally, explore free local attractions to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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 lets you customize your travel preferences by setting your budget and choosing your desired location, among other options. You can easily sort the results to display the lowest prices first, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, ready for your booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Santa Fe Plaza with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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