Santa Fe Plaza Tours and Activities

Santa Fe Plaza showing a church or cathedral, religious aspects and street scenes
Santa Fe Plaza which includes a monument and a square or plaza
Santa Fe Plaza featuring a statue or sculpture
Santa Fe Plaza showing religious elements and a church or cathedral
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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Popular places to visit


Top Santa Fe Plaza Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
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
Eldorado Hotel & Spa

Eldorado Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
309 W San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM
Eldorado Hotel & Spa
Hotel Santa Fe

Hotel Santa Fe

4 out of 5
1501 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM
Hotel Santa Fe
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 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
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 art galleries, shopping venues, and live opera performances. For adventure seekers, Ski Santa Fe provides thrilling slopes just a short drive away. Visitors can explore the entertainment area and enjoy complimentary tours to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. Whether you're after art, retail therapy, or outdoor fun, Santa Fe Plaza has something for everyone.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, explore Canyon Road (1.3km) for art galleries and unique gifts, or visit the Santa Fe Farmers Market (1.1km) for fresh produce and local crafts. If you're up for a drive, the Entrada Contena Center (11.3km) offers a range of family-friendly shops.

Recreation

Experience the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus for a captivating evening of music, just a short mile from the Plaza. For outdoor enthusiasts, both Las Campanas and Quail Run Golf Courses offer beautiful landscapes and invigorating play, only 5 and 4.8km away respectively.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Santa Fe Climbing Gym, a mile from Santa Fe Plaza, offering outdoor climbing adventures. For a scenic hike, explore Dale Ball Dog Run, located 4.8km away, surrounded by stunning views. Alternatively, enjoy a game at Shellaberger Tennis Center, also 4.8km distant, perfect for sports enthusiasts.

Nightlife

In Santa Fe Plaza, the nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a film at the Center for Contemporary Arts, just 1.6km away, or immerse yourself in culture at Theater Grottesco, also 1.6km away. For a more expansive experience, Greer Garson Theater Center awaits 4.8km from the plaza.

*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 is a vibrant hub offering a blend of cultural experiences with art museums, galleries, and historic churches. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, it invites you to explore its rich heritage and local sights. Consider staying near Santa Fe Plaza to fully embrace the renowned atmosphere and attractions that this iconic destination has to offer.

  • Loretto Chapel: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, this charming chapel is renowned for its miraculous spiral staircase. Just 161m from Santa Fe Plaza, it offers a serene atmosphere where visitors can appreciate its historical significance and artistic beauty.
  • Palace of the Governors: Located right at Santa Fe Plaza, this historic museum serves as the oldest continuously occupied public building in the U.S. With its rich collection of Native American artefacts and cultural exhibitions, you’ll gain deep insights into New Mexico's heritage.
  • New Mexico State Capitol: Situated 644m from the plaza, this unique civic building features contemporary architecture and vibrant local art. The friendly atmosphere invites visitors to explore its galleries and learn about New Mexico's legislative process.

Best time to go to Santa Fe Plaza

The best time to visit Santa Fe Plaza is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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

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 cheapest days to stay, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare rates and filter for eco-friendly options. Look for package deals that combine flights and accommodation for further savings. Additionally, take advantage of Santa Fe's public transport or explore the area on foot to keep transport costs low, while enjoying the many free activities available in the plaza.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by combining your Santa Fe Plaza accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.