Neighborhoods

From historic architecture along quaint, narrow alleyways to modern retail and progressive public spaces, Santa Fe proves again and again why it is The City Different. These unique attributes are on full display in the neighborhoods of Santa Fe.

THE PLAZA AND DOWNTOWN

As the oldest capital city in North America, Santa Fe holds a trove of history. But no part of town is as permeated with Santa Fe’s past as the 412-year-old Plaza and surrounding downtown area, the original city center. From the oldest church in the United States to the Palace of the Governors—America’s oldest continuously occupied public building— downtown is full of classic architecture, much of which is now inhabited by eclectic restaurants, galleries, boutiques, hotels, and bookstores. Amble along the river under the shade of cottonwoods and pop into a shop or cafe. Be sure to take some extra time to see the unique New Mexico State Capital— the only circular state capitol building in the United States—known as the Roundhouse. No visit is complete without some time at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, a testament to the 20th century artist’s enchantment with Northern New Mexico, and Santa Fe’s with her. Make this neighborhood your home for the duration of your visit, and you will be very well taken care of as there are an abundance of world-class hotels.

The Plaza

SEE & DO

Sena Plaza: Named after the original owners, this historic courtyard still features its enchanting hacienda, now a restaurant called La Casa Sena, as well as shops and a beautiful garden.

New Mexico Museum of Art: Opened in 1917, the state’s first building dedicated to art. Marvel at the Pueblo-Revival style and wander the many exhibitions.

The Loretto Chapel and The Staircase: Dating back to 1873, this gothic-style building remains a draw for the religious, the spiritual, and the curious with a mysterious spiral staircase.

Cathedral Park: Amble down the leafy walk amid vendors selling local goods on the cool green grass. Or enjoy some solitude.

Lensic Performing Arts Center: A cornerstone of downtown Santa Fe since 1931. Catch a performance or a show in this beloved, renovated historic space.

Burro Alley: A nod to the beasts that bore the city’s wood on their backs, this pedestrianonly street features a selfie-worthy mascot at the West San Francisco entrance, where once the fuel was sold. These days, eateries and a gallery modernize the historic street.

CANYON ROAD

The Canyon Road neighborhood is the heart of Santa Fe’s gallery scene, boasting the highest density of galleries (100+) in the country along a half-mile, tree-lined pedestrian-friendly stretch. Once all private homes, the charming adobe buildings now host pieces ranging from contemporary to traditional, Western to Native American, traditional to abstract, created by artists from all over the world. Artist-led events and outdoor festivals, including the annual Christmas Eve Farolito Walk, add to the magic of this historic neighborhood, while small eateries, cafes, and award-winning, fine-dining restaurants ensure that visitors of Canyon Road stay nourished and lively as they peruse the widest variety of art Santa Fe has to offer.

SEE & DO

The Historic Santa Fe Foundation: The mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the historic properties and diverse cultural heritage of the Santa Fe area. In 1854, James Johnson connected building upon building here to house his large family. A new owner in the 20th century dubbed this property El Zaguan (Spanish term for a passage or hallway). Visit for the long view on Santa Fe through images and archives, and for a meander in the colorful, storied garden, with history and green thumb attention dating back to the 1890s (historicsantafe.org).

Santa Fe Friends Quaker Meetinghouse: The Santa Fe Friends Meeting began their worship here in 1966 in the former home of a Quaker artist named Olive Rush. Check for worship times, touring the meetinghouse and garden, and the rental apartment (santafefriends.org).

Gormley Lane: For a nice and historic jaunt, take this narrow street over to the beautiful neighborhood along Acequia Madre. In 1903, Frank Gormley opened his general store here, and the warehouses are still extant.

Johnnie’s Cash Store: In business since 1946 on 420 Camino Don Miguel, this brick-by-brick adobe store is a must-visit for refreshing drinks and snacks, a bit of lore, and tamales, too.

Patrick Smith Park: Access via Canyon Road or Alameda Street this quiet, treelined park for a playground, basketball courts, a picnic area, proximity to the Santa Fe River, and acres of green grass. Named after Monsignor Patrick Smith, a pastor of the adjacent Cristo Rey Church for many years.

Project Tibet: A spiritual and cultural hub for the region’s Tibetan community. Tour the gardens and peruse the store.

RAILYARD AND GUADALUPE DISTRICTS Contemporary lofts, galleries, and museums mark the neighboring Railyard and Guadalupe districts, home to the Santa Fe Farmers' Market, Violet Crown Cinema, and many of Santa Fe’s most popular restaurants and pubs. The Railyard Artisan Market and Santa Fe Artists Market, along with El Museo Mercado and a spread of small local shops, make this an optimal neighborhood for shopping as well. The 10-acre Railyard Park offers community gardens and two outdoor performance spaces (one with sumptuous green grass), both the perfect setting for a family picnic. Adjacent to the Santa Fe Depot—the northern terminus of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter line and once the end of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway line—is the New Mexico School for the Arts, a state-chartered high school. Take a look at how its architecture has incorporated the former Sanbusco Market Center, a busy building supply warehouse from the late 1800s.

Santa Fe’s Railyard Arts District was voted the #9 “Best Arts District” in the USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.

SEE & DO SITE

Santa Fe: A tall order, but its goal is to present “the most innovative visual art of our time in new and engaging ways.” Carve out a few hours for an exhibition, a lecture, or a show (sitesantafe.org).

Jean Cocteau Cinema: Established in 1976, the eclectic movie house is now owned by the renowned George R.R. Martin of the Games of Thrones series. Expect films you might not otherwise find. The full bar and popcorn/snack counter are a welcome touch (jeancocteaucinema.com)!

Sky Railway: Also owned by George R.R. Martin are the artfully refurbished rail cars entertaining passengers to and from the Lamy station. Hop aboard (skyrailway.com)!

Baca Street District: Reach this renewed, former industrial area via the charming and urban Acequia Trail, which is lined by the flowing Acequia Madre and old-growth elms to the west and New Mexico School for the Deaf to the east. Start at the end of Railyard Park through the blue underpass that runs below busy St. Francis Road. In a short mile, you’ll find the bustling Baca Street District—shops, restaurants, contemporary retail outlets, and artist live-work spaces.

Santa Fe Rail Trail: This 18-mile trail follows the historic Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway line to Lamy. The first 3.5 miles are asphalt. Be prepared with the proper bike for the rolling, rocky remainder.

SILER RUFINA NEXUS AND MIDTOWN

From industrial roots still visible today, the Siler Rufina Nexus has grown into a hub of art, theater, tech, and design. Burgeoning as a place to play night and day, this ‘hood is dynamic, always changing. Check out the casual restaurants and Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return for great places to hang out and catch live music. Great for families, too! Midtown Santa Fe provides a wider variety of brewpubs, coffee shops, performance spaces, and galleries, nestled within the bustling area between St. Michael’s Drive and Cerrillos Road.

Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return was voted as the #6 "Best Immersive Art Experience" in the USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.

SEE & DO

Rockin’ Rollers Event Arena: As if the fad never ended, roller skating enthusiasts and other playful folk love this destination for its quirky alien-focused decor, great music, and light display. Renting rollers for public skates, private parties, and gatherings for 23 years.

Teatro Paraguas: This 55-seat theater is on a mission to support community performing and literary arts with bilingual productions for and by adults and children. Find out what’s happening here while you’re in The City Different (teatroparaguas.org).

Santa Fe River Trail: From Patrick Smith Park on the Eastside to Siler Road on the Southside, you can bike or walk this very well-maintained and beautiful trail. Stop at Frenchy’s Field Park along the way to use the play equipment or walk the maze. Soon the trail will stretch 10 miles, connecting the city to Highway 599.

Wise Fool New Mexico: This community arts program has only grown and become more beloved. Visit wisefoolnewmexico.org for performances and hands-on experiences in the arts of circus, puppetry, and theatre.

SOUTHSIDE

Santa Fe’s Southside meets many local residents’ dining, shopping, and daily living needs. Outlet stores, national chains, and family-friendly restaurants, and lodging are balanced with pockets of residential neighborhoods and grassy community parks, complete with playgrounds and other recreational options. The Southside is also home to Santa Fe Regional Airport. The neighborhood’s main artery, Cerrillos Road, connects downtown Santa Fe to the Southside and beyond, linking the city to the artist communities of Cerrillos and Madrid on the Turquoise Trail. This makes for the perfect scenic route to Albuquerque as well.

SEE & DO

SWAN Park: This is Santa Fe’s newest park! A bit of shoptalk for you—the elegant name is an acronym hailing from its planning days (Southwest Area Nodule). There is a lot of green space, a paved walking trail, a baseball field, basketball courts, and a playground. And it features a special addition only 10 other cities nationwide have received—a Keith Haring Outdoor Fitness Court. An 18-hole disc golf course is coming soon.

Artisan: Even if you would not call yourself an artist, this chock-full-of-materials shop may inspire you to be one. Supplies, classes, and a resident Burmese python—really (artisansantafe.com)! Jackalope: Established in 1976, and one of only two like it, this vast open-air marketplace of eclectic rugs, home decor, pottery, fountains, novelties, and more is worth a visit, particularly if you reached Santa Fe by car because you may easily find yourself “needing” a bit of everything! Don’t miss Prairie Dog Glass, where you can create your very own glass art (jackalope.com). Santa Fe Climbing Center: Come one, come all to Northern New Mexico’s only indoor rock climbing gym. Handy to know a thing or two, but not necessary. Rent shoes or wear your own closed-toe ones (climbsantafe.com).