Santa Fe has a reputation for great art, historic architecture, and beautiful scenery. It also has a reputation for being expensive. That part is not entirely wrong, but many of the best experiences here cost very little.
If you want to understand Santa Fe the way locals do, start with the places we actually spend time.
1. Spend Time on the Historic Plaza
The Santa Fe Plaza has been the center of city life for more than 400 years. It is still the easiest place to get a feel for the city.
Sit on a bench and watch what happens. You will hear street musicians, see artists working, and notice how people naturally gather here. The buildings surrounding the Plaza carry a lot of history, including the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States.
Under the Palace portal, Native artists from pueblos and tribes across the region sell jewelry and handcrafted pieces. When people ask me where to buy authentic turquoise or silver, this is where I send them. You meet the artist directly and you know the work is real.
If you need a quick lunch, walk into the Five & Dime and order a Frito Pie. Locals have been doing exactly that for decades. Grab a seat on a Plaza bench and enjoy it in the sunshine.
2. Walk Through the Santa Fe Railyard
The Railyard District is one of the most active parts of town. What used to be a working rail yard has become a gathering place for locals.
You will find art galleries, shops, and the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market. The market runs on Saturdays year round and Tuesdays during the growing season. It is one of the best places to see what local farmers and food producers are bringing into town.
Railyard Park sits right in the center of the district. Families spend a lot of time here because the playground is excellent and the open space is welcoming.
The Santa Fe Depot is also here. From this station you can catch the Rail Runner to Albuquerque and points south. It is an easy and inexpensive day trip if you want to explore beyond Santa Fe.
3. Step Inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Just a block from the Plaza stands one of the most recognizable buildings in Santa Fe.
Construction on the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi began in 1869 and finished in 1887. The church replaced earlier adobe structures that dated back to the early years of the city.
Inside you will see Romanesque Revival architecture that is unusual for the region, along with several historic artworks and religious pieces. Entry is by donation, which makes it an easy stop while you are downtown.
If you ever hear the cathedral bells ringing continuously, stay nearby for a few minutes. It often means a wedding just finished. It is not unusual to see the wedding party circle the Plaza afterward, sometimes with a mariachi band leading the way.
4. Hike in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
One of the advantages of Santa Fe is how quickly you can get into the mountains.
The Sangre de Cristo range sits right above town and offers a wide range of trails. One of the most popular is the Atalaya Mountain Trail. The climb is steady but manageable, and the views of Santa Fe from the top are worth the effort.
Another favorite is the Dale Ball Trail system. This network includes almost 25 miles of trails that wind through the foothills. The system is named after Santa Fe resident Dale Ball, who helped bring the trails to life.
The routes are clearly marked and well maintained thanks to local volunteers and the Santa Fe Conservation Trust.
Bring water, wear good shoes, and check the weather before heading out. Conditions can change quickly at this elevation.
5. Walk Canyon Road
Canyon Road is less than a mile long but contains more than 100 galleries and studios. It is one of the most concentrated art districts in the country.
You do not have to buy anything to enjoy it. Most galleries welcome visitors to walk through, and simply wandering the street is part of the experience.
Historic adobe buildings line the road, along with sculpture gardens and quiet courtyards. Even people who are not serious art collectors tend to enjoy spending an hour or two here.
Final Thought
Santa Fe offers plenty of high end dining and gallery experiences. At the same time, many of the things locals enjoy most are simple.
Sit on the Plaza. Walk Canyon Road. Spend time in the mountains. Visit the farmers market.
Those experiences tell you more about Santa Fe than any guidebook.
If you ever find yourself wondering what it would be like to live here, I am always happy to help people think that through.
Kelly Allen
REAL Santa Fe Real Estate
505.603.9161