Though there are plenty of extraordinary things to do in Santa Fe, one of the most popular is to explore the Santa Fe Historic District. At the heart of the Santa Fe Historic District is the Santa Fe Plaza, an excellent jumping-off point for any adventure in the City Different.
Though the Plaza, one at the heart of Santa Fe’s history as a trading depot, is always considered a “must” for shopping, dining, and more in Santa Fe, it’s truly just the beginning of what you’ll see in the Santa Fe Historic District. Though you can certainly explore this area on your own, we love to send our guests on an interesting and informative walking tour of the Santa Fe Historic Tour.
Of course, however you decide to see the city and whatever else you do in northern New Mexico, there’s no better place to stay than our top-rated Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast. We’re within easy walking distance of the Santa Fe Historic District and would love to help you make the most of your time here. Book your room at our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast today!
What to See in the Santa Fe Historic District
The entire city of Santa Fe is historic, and there’s a strong emphasis on cultural and historic preservation in all of Santa Fe’s major landmark districts. However, when most people refer to the Santa Fe Historic District, they refer to the downtown area surrounding the Santa Fe Plaza.
Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the nation. It was first founded in 1610. The original buildings in the settlement consisted of Santa Fe’s defining architectural feature of low-lying adobe buildings. These buildings, which are still intact today, created a defensive wall around the main plaza and formed the heart of the city.
Today, the Santa Fe Historic District features various buildings from this 19th-century architectural style. The Friends of History offer several great historic tours of Santa Fe, including walking tours of the Santa Fe Historic District. We highly recommend one of these walking tours, which will include the following highlights:
- The Santa Fe Plaza is the bustling heart of downtown Santa Fe. It’s the city’s hub for entertainment, shopping, culture, museums, restaurants, and more.
- The Palace of the Governors is located at the end of the Santa Fe Plaza. It was constructed in 1610 and is the oldest government building still in existence. The Palace has a long and complicated history, just like Santa Fe, and stands today as a beautiful National Historic Landmark. The Palace is open daily.
- It’s hard to visit Santa Fe without visiting the city’s many historic churches, including the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. It’s one of the more recognizable landmarks in the Santa Fe Historic District. It was built between 1869 – 1886 in the French Romanesque Revival style and sharply contrasts the low-lying adobe-style buildings in most of the Santa Fe Historic District. Next to the church is a small adobe chapel, the remnants of a church destroyed during the 1680 Pueblo Revolt.
- Another stunning church in the Santa Fe Historic District and a “must-see” during any visit to The City Different is the Loretto Chapel, most famous for its “miraculous staircase.” The chapel’s interior, completed in 1878, is beautiful and special to all who come here, but perhaps the most stunning aspect of this church is the staircase, a marvel of modern engineering. It features two 360-degree turns and no visible means of support.
While these sights should be on every itinerary when visiting Santa Fe, there are many more aspects of this fantastic city worth discovering. There are also several other great tours worth taking in Santa Fe that will help you do just that.
The Best Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast Near the Plaza
Discovering the unique history and people behind the Santa Fe Historic District is just the beginning of all the great things to do in Santa Fe this year, and we’d love nothing more than to be your home base for all your adventures. Our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast goes far beyond other lodging properties in town to offer an incomparable stay in the heart of the city.
Our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast is the perfect home away from home. We’re well located within walking distance of top attractions like the Santa Fe Historic District and the New Mexico State Capital. Yet, we are far enough away to feel rested and away from the busy crowds of larger properties. We offer just six guest rooms, too, ensuring a level of privacy and personalized service you won’t find anywhere else.
Each morning of your stay, we’ll prepare a delicious multi-course breakfast. Our breakfasts start with freshly roasted coffee, a selection of teas and juices, freshly baked bread, pastries, and fruit. We also serve a daily entreë, which varies daily and with the seasons. Whatever you need throughout your Santa Fe getaway, we’re here to help, including guiding you to a collection of hidden treasures or off-the-beaten-path finds unique to Santa Fe. Book your room at our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast today!
