Santa Fe: Discover Culture, History, and Trails

Santa Fe combines a long history with museums, markets, and trails for active days. The city was permanently settled by Don Pedro de Peralta in 1609–1610. Those planning a trip with cultural discoveries, physical activity, and regional experiences will find various ways to shape their stay here. When looking for a vacation rental in Santa Fe, you can therefore first consider whether historic sites, art, cycling, or culinary experiences should be the focus of your trip.

Culture and History in Santa Fe

A central point of interest for history and exhibitions is the Palace of the Governors. The building was constructed by the Spanish in 1610 as a government building and today houses seven exhibitions open to the public. These include Palace Seen and Unseen, featuring archaeological finds from the Palace. The Old Santa Fe Trail Building also tells the story of the city's distinctive architectural culture: it is a masterpiece of Spanish Pueblo Revival architecture, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and designated a National Historic Landmark.

San Miguel Chapel is an adobe landmark of the Santa Fe Trail. It was partially destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and rebuilt in 1710. A gallery with artifacts and archival photographs provides an additional way to explore this site. For another insight into the city's history, the New Mexico State Capitol, also known as the Roundhouse, offers a self-guided tour Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The building is known as the only round capitol building in the country. The New Mexico Museum of Art was built in 1917 as the first building in the state expressly dedicated to art.

Plaza, Markets, and Culinary Discoveries

The Santa Fe Plaza is associated with Indian and Spanish Markets, other annual events, community gatherings, and concerts. Santa Fe has long hosted annual art markets, including the Santa Fe Indian Market, the International Folk Art Market, and the Traditional Spanish Market. This variety makes the city particularly interesting if you want to experience art and local traditions not only in museums but also through events.

The culinary side can also be combined with a dedicated activity. On the Santa Fe Margarita Trail, participants can receive Margarita discounts at participating restaurants and bars, collect rewards, and learn recipes. An app or passport is available for this purpose. Membership in the Margarita Society also provides exclusive access to events, seminars, and tastings. When planning your accommodation, it may be useful to incorporate your desired cultural and culinary offerings into your personal itinerary early on.

Cycling and Trails Around the City

Santa Fe offers several urban and cycling trails for active vacation days. The surrounding mountains and public lands feature bike trails for different experience levels, and bicycle shops offer rentals. The La Tierra Trails system is located northwest of the city, stretches for 25 miles, and is used by hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. It also includes the separate Buckman Track area for motorcycles and ATVs. These different options make it possible to alternate between cultural days and outings on the trails when planning your trip, without losing sight of the city's character.

A free public shuttle to Santa Fe Plaza is also available for getting around locally. It connects the Rail Runner station, several hotels downtown, and Museum Hill. The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art are located there. When choosing a vacation rental, you can take your preferred daily schedule and the transportation options that matter to you into account during planning.

A Suitable Starting Point for Your Trip

Santa Fe is well suited to a trip where history, art, markets, food, and physical activity all have a place alongside one another. Families and other travel groups can organize their stay in different ways: one day can be devoted to the Palace of the Governors, the Capitol, and the Plaza, and another to the bike trails or the offerings along the Margarita Trail. The Santa Fe Fiesta was established in 1712 as a community celebration commemorating the Spanish reconquest of New Mexico in the summer of 1692, adding to the image of a city whose traditions extend into the present day. When looking for accommodation, it is advisable to use your desired mix of city activities, trails, and cultural sightseeing as the starting point.

More Destinations for Your Planning

If you would like to continue planning your trip beyond Santa Fe, you can also visit the pages for Española, Agua Fria, Los Cerrillos, Jaconita, and Cañada de los Alamos.

To the higher-level travel overview: Santa Fe.