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 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.

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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
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
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, 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
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 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
Hotel St Francis

Hotel St Francis

4 out of 5
210 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM
Hotel St Francis
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
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 art, shopping, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the historic plaza, which is surrounded by galleries showcasing local artists, unique shops, and the renowned Santa Fe Opera. This lively area invites you to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and artistic spirit of New Mexico, making it a must-visit destination for a memorable holiday.

Shopping

Canyon Road, just 1.3km from Santa Fe Plaza, offers a vibrant mix of art galleries and unique shops. The Santa Fe Farmers Market, located 1.1km away, features local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, Rancho Viejo Village Center is 12.9km away with more shopping options.

Recreation

Enjoy a captivating performance at the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, just 1.6km from Santa Fe Plaza, where the vibrant atmosphere enhances the musical experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, Quail Run Golf Course and Las Campanas Santa Fe, both a few miles away, offer stunning landscapes and excellent golfing opportunities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Santa Fe Climbing Gym, a mere 1.6km from Santa Fe Plaza, where you can tackle various climbing routes. For a scenic hike, head to Dale Ball Dog Run, located 4.8km away, offering stunning views amidst nature. Alternatively, enjoy a game at Shellaberger Tennis Center, also 4.8km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Center for Contemporary Arts, just 1.6km from Santa Fe Plaza, where entertainment meets romance. For a cultural and family-friendly vibe, catch a show at Theatre Grottesco, also 1.6km away, or visit the Greer Garson Theater Center, 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 offers a vibrant blend of culture and history, making it a must-visit for travellers. You can explore art museums, historic churches, and the fascinating history museum. The area is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with attractions like the historic plaza and Site Santa Fe. Don't miss the unique shopping experiences around the historic Santa Fe Plaza, where you can immerse yourself in local art and culture.

  • Loretto Chapel: This stunning chapel, renowned for its spiral staircase, offers a serene atmosphere and rich history. Its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows make it a must-visit for those seeking a unique cultural experience.
  • Santa Fe Railyard: A vibrant hub of art and culture, the Railyard features galleries, shops, and a farmers' market. Strolling through this historic site, you'll discover a blend of contemporary creativity and traditional New Mexican charm.
  • Georgia O'Keefe Museum: Dedicated to the iconic artist, this museum showcases her captivating works and offers insights into her life and inspiration. It's a perfect spot for art lovers to immerse themselves in O'Keefe's unique perspective of the American Southwest.

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. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 on your trip to Santa Fe Plaza, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February and November, avoiding the pricier July to September period. Tuesdays offer the best hotel rates, while Fridays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find affordable accommodation by sorting prices and selecting sustainable options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to significant savings. Don’t forget to check for flexible booking options and instant savings to maximise your budget.

  • 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 set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily find the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Santa Fe Plaza hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.