There is one adjective that most of the comments about our destination have in common: enchanting. And there is no more appropriate term to describe Santa Fe, a gem in northeastern New Mexico. The city has a charm all its own and, although it is the capital and the fourth-largest city in the state, it has little to do with modern architecture or skyscrapers. The city is also famous because the historic Route 66 passes through here.
Santa Fe certainly does not fit the classic stereotype of an American city. Rather, it is a quaint city that will charm you with its style, its cultural background, its warm pink-colored buildings, and its downtown area. We invite you to consider visiting this city in New Mexico.
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The Climate of Santa Fe
Founded in 1610, Santa Fe is located in the Rio Grande Valley and is crossed by the river of the same name and surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (it is thought that the name of the mountain chain refers to the pink hue of the mountains at dawn and dusk, even when they are covered by snow).
Santa Fe is at a high elevation, more than 6,500 ft above sea level, and because the temperature range is significant, it is best to dress in layers, and that way you are prepared for changes in temperature. In the summer the heat is not stifling, which is a great advantage.
Things to Do in Santa Fe
The city is nicknamed the “City Different” because of the presence of Native Americans, Hispanics, and Anglo-Saxons and the influence of this cultural fusion on architecture, food, and art. Are you ready to go for a ride?
Old Town
Downtown Santa Fe, the heart of the city, coincides with Old Town, the historic center where several events are held and where there are restaurants, cafes, shops, offices, hotels, government buildings, and points of interest. This is the most visited area. A unique characteristic of Santa Fe is that it has many adobe buildings, a mixture of sand, clay, and straw typically used in northern New Mexico.
The downtown area is very welcoming and you feel at ease as you walk along its streets where you can see evidence of the blend of cultures. Go inside the shops and browse the Far West and Native American clothing, art, jewelry, and souvenirs.
As you walk around, you will notice red chili peppers hanging from the arcades. You can savor the serene and lively city atmosphere and you may be tempted by the smell of the cart that churns out fajitas. There will be a long line, which is a good sign that tells you that the food is delicious.
Santa Fe Plaza
Santa Fe Plaza is the heart of the downtown area. This Spanish Colonial square serves as a meeting point and a place for entertainment. In the middle of the park of the square, there is a stage for performances. The American-Indian War Memorial emerges above trees, benches, and street lamps. It is an obelisk erected in memory of the war of the same name in 1862. All around Santa Fe Plaza there are shops, restaurants, and food vendors that prepare excellent street food, such as chili, tacos, tortillas, and fajitas. We confirm this because we tried the food ourselves! Around Christmastime, the plaza is illuminated and decorated and it is a beautiful sight.
The Palace of the Governors (105 W. Palace Ave), built in 1610 by the order of Governor Pedro De Peralta, faces the square. Before the State Capitol was erected, this adobe palace housed the government offices. Now it is the New Mexico History Museum. The building can be visited every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at a cost of $12 ($7 if yuand it is closed on Mondays from November to April. The portico of the Palace of Governors always features Native American artisans who sell their typical handicrafts, mainly jewelry. Many items are actually handmade, and you can even see some of them being made before your eyes, and if you want to bring home something local, this is a great place to find souvenirs.
The Churches of Santa Fe
Walking away from Santa Fe Plaza, but still in Old Town at the end of San Francisco Street, there is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. As you approach it, you will notice its Romanesque Revival architecture. It’s nice when you happen to hear the bells ring. In the square in front of the church, there are statues of St. Francis, the first Native American saint, and the first bishop.
The architecture is remarkable and there is harmony among its many elements, including the rose window, the organ, the imposing granite baptismal font, the Stations of the Cross, the paintings on the windows, and the Corinthian columns. You can also visit the two chapels and the sanctuary. This is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and the title of basilica was granted by Pope Benedict XVI.
We would also like to highlight the Loretto Chapel (207 Old Santa Fe Trail), a beautiful Gothic revival church known for a unique feature inside that is considered miraculous. It has a spiral staircase built in 1877 without nails or support that goes up to the choir loft located almost 23 ft above the ground. No one knows the identity of its builder, the type of wood used, or the method of construction.
Over time a railing and places to hold onto have been added to the staircase so that the nuns could use it safely, but there is a picture of how the staircase was originally, which surprises many visitors. Although the chapel is now a museum, many weddings are held here. Tickets to visit Loretto Chapel cost $3.
You can continue to discover the art and architecture of Santa Fe at the Santuario de Guadalupe (100 S Guadalupe St), erected in 1781 in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, just over 11.5 ft tall, is located in front of the church and is venerated by many Catholics. Now the chapel of the sanctuary is a museum of art and history that contains a collection of engravings depicting the saints of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe plus some Italian Renaissance and Mexican Baroque paintings. On the wall behind the altar, there is a large and valuable oil painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
State Capitol
The State Capitol (411 State Capitol) is the only circular capitol building in the United States (The Roundhouse) and blends New Mexican and Neoclassical influences. Above each entrance, you will see a stone carving of the New Mexico State Seal. The rotunda in the center of the building has a 50-ft diameter and is 60 ft tall. The second, third, and fourth floors face the atrium.
It is an impressive setting, with a travertine finish, inlaid turquoise, and brass mosaics. The skylight on the ceiling is particularly interesting; it was designed to resemble a woven Native American basket. The blue and pale pink glass of the skylight represents the sky and earth respectively. The flags of the 33 counties of New Mexico are displayed inside on the balcony on the fourth floor. It is truly a remarkable building.
Canyon Road
Looking beyond the downtown area, Canyon Road extends about 2,600 ft and is teeming with energy and creativity. It is a mecca of art and, in fact, there are several art workshops. It’s worth seeing even if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on this kind of thing because you can admire the different styles of the artists who display their works!
At the west end of the street, you will cross Paseo de Peralta and at 617 Canyon Road, there is a clearing on the high ground. From there, you can reach the Cross of the Martyrs in just a few minutes. This large 23-ft white cross commemorates the Spanish friars and settlers who died during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. You can admire a beautiful view of the city and clearly see the Roundhouse.
The Museum of International Folk Art (706 Camino Lejo) has created the exhibit of the world’s largest collection of folk art divided by geographical areas and also hosts other exhibits. It is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and closed on Mondays from November to April. Admission is $12. The Museum Hill Café is a good place to stop before or after your visit.
Barrio de Analco
The historic district known as Barrio de Analco, south of the Santa Fe River, is a predominantly residential area with some historic buildings. You can visit Saint Miguel Chapel (314 Delgado St), an adobe church built in the early 1600s under the direction of the Franciscan friars and is considered the oldest church in the continental United States. The statue of St. Michael is in the center of the altarpiece and above it, there is a painting depicting the Nazarene Christ.
Barrio de Analco was built on top of the ruins of an Indian settlement, and you can visit the alleged oldest house in the United States (215 E De Vargas St), but this claim poses a question: if in St. Augustine, the oldest city in America, the Gonzales-Alvarez house has a plaque that says it is the oldest house (Gonzales-Alvarez house), which one is actually the oldest house? The funny thing is that even some Internet searches have given conflicting answers and ask the same question we did. Perhaps the ranking is based on technicalities like “continuously inhabited” or “founded by Europeans rather than American Indians”. However, this distinction does not impede us from appreciating this building and its history, with or without primacy.
Events in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is a lively city that hosts many events. Since 1949, the Rodeo has been held in June at the Santa Fe Rodeo Grounds (3237 Rodeo Rd). The ticket entitles you to attend the various competitions for bull riding, gymkhana between the barrels, and individual or team lasso competition. There is also a themed shop and when we attended the rodeo we were enticed to go shopping there. We are impressed by the Stetson hats and the characteristic bolo, a sort of men’s decorative tie (we opted for the bolo since it is not as bulky). At the Rodeo, there are also several other stands.
Just like in the rest of the United States, there is a big 4th of July celebration in Santa Fe. It’s not just about history, because there is even the Pancakes on the Plaza organized by the Rotary Club of Santa Fe is a fun and delicious celebration! For $10, you can enjoy a car show, listen to live music, stroll through art and craft exhibitions, and on top of that you can eat great pancakes.
The International Folk Art Market (706 Camino Lejo) is a paid event that takes place in July and brings together artists from all over the world who come to exhibit their work. The name can be misleading because it is not only a market. Rather, it is a major event that brings together different activities. If you want to deepen your knowledge of Native American contemporary art and cultures, the Indian Market is the ideal opportunity. It takes place in August around the Santa Fe Plaza while other Native American cultural events take place contemporaneously in other locations in the city.
It is not surprising that Native Americans don’t celebrate Columbus Day. On that day, the second Monday in October, they celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a very popular holiday throughout Santa Fe County. On this day, you can experience rituals, dancing, singing, and music performed in the square. During our trip, we had the honor of attending the ceremony in which local and federal government authorities inaugurated Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We were excited to participate in the celebration with Native Americans.
During Christmas Eve Canyon Road, you can take a beautiful walk along the illuminated and festive Canyon Road. It begins at sunset and ends when all participants arrive at the end of the long road (the one with the artisan workshops). Some may stop in the courtyards on Canyon Road that are decorated in the most original ways.
Shopping options in Santa Fe certainly include the characteristic shops in Old Town, but also classic shopping malls like Santa Fe Place Mall (4250 Cerrillos Rd) and De Vargas Center (564 N Guadalupe St). Additionally, you will find many nice shops on Cerrillos Road.
Best Places to Eat in Santa Fe
You can’t leave Santa Fe without tasting local food. That would be a big mistake. We would like to mention some restaurants starting with La Plazuela (100 E San Francisco St), a nice casual-chic place with a Spanish Colonial setting at La Fonda, the beautiful downtown hotel, with stained glass windows, tiled fountain, and a quiet green and colorful environment. The menu offers mainly traditional New Mexico cuisine with a twist. This is one of the most popular historic restaurants in the city and the cost to have a meal in this beautiful atmosphere is not prohibitive.
The Rooftop Pizzeria (60 E San Francisco St- upper floor of the Santa Fe Arcade) is known for its patio overlooking the street and the plaza. Obviously, pizza is the specialty, but the menu also includes appetizers, pasta, salad, and good wines. Since 1974, Tia Sophia’s (210 W San Francisco St) has been serving typical New Mexico dishes such as chili, burritos, and tortillas. The food is popular and reasonably priced. Tia Sophia’s also provides take-out.
For excellent meat, go to Rio Chama Steakhouse (414 Old Santa Fe Trail), which serves American and New Mexico cuisine in the dining room or on the patio and in the courtyard. Your server may ask you if you want red, green, or Christmas? This refers to the choice of the typical salsa: red, green, or both.
If your time is limited and you prefer a food tour, you can rely on the Santa Fe ‘Sip and Savor’ Food Tour that will give you a general idea of the cuisine and special flavors of Santa Fe.
Where to Stay in Santa Fe
When looking at all the options for accommodations in the city, here are some suggestions for you to consider. In downtown Santa Fe, La Fonda on the Plaza (100 E San Francisco St) is a historic adobe hotel that displays both elegance and a Southwestern design. The rooms and suites have wifi and are decorated with artwork. The hotel has shops, restaurants, and lounges with music. Las Palomas (460 W San Francisco St) is a characteristic hotel in New Mexico. Each room has wi-fi, a fireplace, and is furnished in its own style and with artwork by local artists.
Inn of the Turquoise Bear (342 E Buona Vista St) is a B&B located in a historical property built in the late 19th century and is located close to the plaza. It is surrounded by a lush garden and offers wi-fi, concierge service, and afternoon tea. The rooms and suites have their own interior design. The Bobcat Inn (442 Old Las Vegas Highway), on the other hand, is an excellent B&B located outside the town center, in perfect ancient pueblo style.
Day trips from Santa Fe
Here are two ideas for day trips to places that are about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Santa Fe.
Taos Pueblo
Let’s start with the unmissable Taos Pueblo, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this large and extraordinary village entirely made of adobe, the Native American inhabitants open their doors to visitors so that they can experience firsthand a reality hitherto seen only in images. You can buy their local handicrafts, freshly baked bread, and some sweets. Admission costs $16. You can also find adobe buildings in the town also named Taos about ten minutes away by car, but the impact is not the same.
Its small city center is the relaxing Taos Plaza, a park with trees, benches, a gazebo, and the statue of a prominent local figure, Father Ramirez (priest, educator, politician, publisher, and farmer). Around the square, there are shops and the historic hotel La Fonda (the same name as the one in Santa Fe but not even “relative”). From 1843 until 1868, Kit Carson, the famous explorer, soldier, and hunter of the Far West, lived here. The street where he lived until his death now bears his name and at number 113 Kit Carson Rd, there is the popular Kit Carson Home & Museum.
There will also be time to travel along the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (also called Gorge Bridge), which is about 9 miles northwest of Taos. This steel bridge stands 564 ft above the Rio Grande River Gorge. You can enjoy the panoramic view from the walkways on the sides of the bridge.
If you want to visit the pueblo and Taos and leave your car parked for at least half a day, you can take advantage of an organized tour. In particular, you can refer to Taos walking tours that, in one hour, will allow you to discover the main attractions.
You can also learn about all the other Native American pueblos in New Mexico by reading this article.
Bandelier National Monument
About a 50-minute drive away from Santa Fe, there is the Bandelier National Monument where you can observe the remains of the ancient dwellings of the Anasazi dug into the cliffs of Frijoles Canyon. To reach Santa Fe, you can travel to its municipal Santa Fe Regional Airport (121 Aviation Dr) or the Albuquerque International Sunport (2200 Sunsport Blvd) one hour away. Another option is to fly to Denver International Airport (8500 Peña Blvd), located less than 6 hours away in Colorado.
