Top 5 Neighborhoods of Santa Fe

TOP 5 NEIGHBORHOODS of Santa Fe

Explore historic architecture along quaint alleyways, contemporary retail and progressive public spaces, and emerging pockets for art, cuisine, and culture.

Plaza and Downtown

Spend some time in the original city center! From the 413-year-old Plaza to the oldest church in the United States to the Palace of the Governors, downtown Santa Fe is full of stories and classic architecture, much of which is now inhabited by eclectic restaurants, galleries, boutiques, bookstores, museums, and world-class hotels. Walk along the Santa Fe River, peek in on the unique New Mexico State Capital—the only circular state capitol building in the United States—known as the Roundhouse, visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, a testament to the 20th century artist’s enchantment with Northern New Mexico, and Santa Fe’s with her.

DON’T MISS!

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. If you like jazz, check out Club Legato.

Santa Fe Plaza

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.

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

The 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 pedestrian-only 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

Santa Fe River from Patrick Smith Park

Leah Gibbons

Canyon Road

Here you will find the highest density of galleries in the US (100+) and the heart of Santa Fe’s gallery scene along a half-mile, tree-lined pedestrianfriendly stretch. Once all private homes, the charming adobe buildings now host pieces ranging from contemporary to traditional, Western to Native American to abstract, created by artists from all over the world. Explore small eateries, cafes, and award-winning, fine-dining restaurants or time your visit with artist-led events and outdoor festivals, including the annual Christmas Eve Farolito Walk.

DON’T MISS!

The Historic Santa Fe Foundation: Preserves, protects, and promotes 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 for a passage or hallway). Thumb through images and archives, and meander the colorful garden, dating back to the 1890s.

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. You can worship here, tour the meetinghouse and garden.

Gormley Lane: For a nice and historic jaunt, take this narrow calle 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, tree-lined park features a playground, basketball courts, a picnic area, access 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.

Contemporary lofts, galleries, and museums mark the neighboring Railyard, Baca, and Guadalupe districts, home to the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, Violet Crown Cinema, and many of Santa Fe’s most popular restaurants and pubs. Railyard Artisan Market, Santa Fe Artists Market, El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe, and several small shops make this an optimal neighborhood for shopping as well. Visit the 10-acre Railyard Park for community gardens and two outdoor performance spaces. Get visitor info at the historic Santa Fe Depot—the northern terminus of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter line and once the end of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line.

DON’T MISS!

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. Free admission.

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!

Sky Railway: Hop aboard the artfully refurbished rail cars entertaining passengers with curated astronomic, theatrical, playful, musical adventures between the Lamy and Santa Fe stations.

New Mexico School for the Arts: Celebrating its years in double digits now, NMSA is the only four-year, statewide public high school serving students from across the state with an arts training and academic program. The sprawling campus is on the site of the former Sanbusco Market Center, a busy building supply warehouse from the 1800s at the end of the Atchison,

Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.

Baca District: Reach this renewed, former industrial area via the charming and urban Acequia Trail, 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 District—shops, contemporary retail outlets, artist live-work spaces, glassblowing studios, and restaurants, including Cafecito, featuring the culture and foods from Argentina, Armenia, and Italy.

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

Santa Fe Depot

Jean Cocteau Cinema

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

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

Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return

Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts

Tomas Moore

Frenchy’s Field Park

Midtown and Siler Rufina Nexus

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 neighborhood is dynamic, always changing. Check out the casual restaurants and Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return. In Midtown, explore the wider variety of brewpubs, coffee shops, performance spaces and galleries, nestled within the bustling area between St. Michael’s Drive and Cerrillos Road.

DON’T MISS!

The Coe Center: The legacy of Ralph T. Coe, an exceptional curator and collector, as well as museum director, this organization showcases a diverse and eclectic collection of 2,500 objects of Indigenous Art that supports community narratives. Visit on the First Friday of each month or by appointment.

Rockin’ Rollers Event Arenas: As if the fad never ended, roller-skating enthusiasts and other playful folk love this destination for its quirky alienfocused decor, great music, and light display. Renting rollers for public skates, private parties, and gatherings for more than 20 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.

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 theater.

Find pockets of residential neighborhoods and grassy community parks amid outlet stores, national chains, lodging, and family-friendly restaurants. 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.

DON’T MISS!

SWAN Park: Relish in a lot of green space, a paved walking trail, a baseball field, basketball courts, and a playground. SWAN Park 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.

Nadine M.

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 lots of expertise here!

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! Don’t miss Prairie Dog Glass, where you can create your very own glass art.

Jackalope

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.

SWAN Park

El Paisano Supermarkets: This is an edible museum, offering a variety of Latin American groceries, a full service carniceria, fresh, onsitemade tortillas and homestyle tamales. During the fall, this is the spot to go for your roasted green chile.