Location: Santa Fe
Top Things to do in Santa Fe
The 7 Best Historic Sites in Santa Fe, New Mexico (NM)
Venture into the unspoiled beauty of 7,000-foot Rocky Mountain vistas, marvel at the contrast of ancient native culture mixed with modern arts, feast on legendary cuisine and relax in rustic sophistication. A visit to Santa Fe, Travel & Leisure's #1 Cultural Getaway, feels a lot like a visit to Europe. The Spanish Colonial charm of this historic destination has been enchanting travelers for over 400 years. And Santa Fe shows no signs of slowing down.
Restaurants in Santa Fe
1. Santa Fe Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,097 reviews
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Plaza is the heart and soul of the city. The gathering spot for residents and tourists alike is surrounded by city landmarks, shops and restaurants.
Reviewed By jh453
My 20-something daughters and I spent an enjoyable hour in and around the charming Plaza on a gorgeous Spring day. There is something there for every budget and many time constraints and tastes. You can sit on one of the plentiful benches, on the grass, or at one of the metal tables and relax and people watch for free. You can spend a little or a lot of money at the stores that flank the Plaza or at the sidewalk vendors who sell mostly silver jewelry (most of it, apoarently, made by local Native Americans in tribal styles). You can eat in one of the nearby restaurants. The day we were there, there was just one food truck in one corner of the Plaza, selling only fajitas and tamales. I wish I knew the name, because their food was excellent- smoky, delicious, generous, and a great bargain, with fajitas at $5 and tamales at $2 or $2.50 each. I hope that truck is a regular and that my description is enough to let you find it and enjoy a tasty (and economical) lunch. I noticed that all the tables were wheelchair-accessible.
2. El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
This living history museum, located just south of Santa Fe, recreates 18th-century ranch life. Guides, dressed in period clothing, show how people lived in early New Mexico.
Reviewed By Preraphaelite11
Walk into El Rancho de las Golondrinas and you'll open a door and step back 300 years to experience authentic Southwest history. See first-hand how people lived, the buildings they constructed and their purpose, how they made their clothes, cooked their food and worshipped. You'll get a unique taste of everyday life in a community in the 1700s, learn about the inhabitants' hardships, their hopes and fears while exploring this exceptionally, well-maintained and preserved historic ranch. I spent 4 hours walking the grounds and talking with the knowledgeable and friendly staff. I'm a historian and learned more about New Mexico's fascinating history when visiting El Rancho de las Golondrinas.
3. Loretto Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,035 reviews
This chapel contains a mysterious spiral staircase built without nails, dowels or any visible support.
Reviewed By StevenP3559 - Pueblo, United States
This small chapel is known by people world round for its "miraculous stairway" that winds to the choir loft above the church's nave. It is a beautiful little chapel and well worth a visit while in downtown Santa Fe.
4. New Mexico History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,435 reviews
The New Mexico History Museum is a statewide educational resource, local landmark, and destination for anyone who wants to understand the diverse experiences of the people of New Mexico, the dynamics that have shaped our state, and the relationships that connect our region with the rest of the world. The New Mexico History Museum offers a welcoming place for exploration of multifaceted views on history, dialog that bridges social and cultural divides, and reflection on the conditions needed for a more resilient, just, and sustainable future. The New Mexico History Museum highlights include the historic Palace of the Governors built in 1610, the Fray Angelico Chavez Library (1907), the Palace of the Governors Photo Archives and the Pete V. Domenici Building (2009) which houses three levels of gallery exhibits .
5. La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By RetiredTravelerTN - Nashville, United States
La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs, a BLM site, is near the Santa Fe airport, an easy drive from downtown. On a warm and sunny fall weekday, we found only three other vehicles parked in the gravel lot. Soon after starting up the trail, the path splits right and left; I don't know what was to the right -- we arbitrarily chose to go left, and we encountered only one other group. We spent a happy time climbing among the volcanic rocks on the hillside. La Cieneguilla was a great opportunity for finding and photographing petroglyphs.
6. The Oldest House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 479 reviews
800-year old Adobe house; considered the oldest house in the United States.
Reviewed By kitzg
Last time in SF I went inside. This time I was able to find a quick parking spot and show my wife. Small space with interesting artifacts! Is it the oldest house? Historic SantaFe suggests it is old and tradition calls is that but who cares! Clearly it is a very old structure and very nice to see! I would not want to miss it!
7. First Presbyterian Church
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
