Santa Fe Attractions

The Barrio de Analco is one of the oldest European settlements in Santa Fe. This district houses the state capitol, the famous Pink Adobe Restaurant, and the San Miguel Chapel. Barrio Analco, a National Historic Landmark, is along the Santa Fe Trail. It is located between East De Vargas Street and Old Santa Fe Trail.

The Jemez Mountains, together with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, stretch out across nearly 40 miles of the Rio Grande Valley. The area contains forests with rocky peaks, meadows, streams, lakes, and waterfalls. The Jemez Springs, which were formed from volcanic activity, rests deep in the forest. There is a state monument with the ruins of a 17th century Spanish mission, and a 13th century American Indian pueblo at the springs. The Jemez Mountains are located in the Santa Fe National Forest at 1474 Rodeo Road. Admission fees and operation hours vary.

Nambe Pueblo, which rests on more than 30 square miles, is the home of more than 600 people. The site is surrounded by piñon and juniper trees. Guests can hike in the Nambe Falls Recreational Site and fish and boat in the Nambe Reservoir. Nambe Pueblo, on Highway 503, is 18 miles east of Española. It is open from dawn to dusk. Entrance fees vary.

Pecos National Historical Park is in Pecos, New Mexico - about 25 miles southeast of Santa Fe. The park contains the ruins of 15th century Pueblo of Pecos and two Spanish missions. It also has the history of the Forked Lightning Ranch and Glorieta Pass, the site of a Civil War Battle. Pecos National Park is a landmark on the Santa Fe Trail. Call the Visitor Information Center at (505) 757-6414 to schedule a tour. Admission is $3.

Architecture is Saint Francis Cathedral's major attraction. The cathedral, which has a French Romanesque style, was built in 1869. The church houses a wooden statue called Our Lady of Peace that was brought to Santa Fe in 1625. Mass and other services are still offered at Saint Francis. Its side doors are open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. It is located at 131 Cathedral Place.

This is where you can find some of the freshest fruits and vegetables in Santa Fe.The Santa Fe Farmers Market, voted one of the top ten markets in America by USA Today, is located on West Manhattan Street. You can also purchase handcrafted products and other foods at the market. It is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday during the winter. The market is open from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday and Tuesday, and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday during the summer.

The Santa Fe National Forest, located at 1474 Rodeo Road, is divided into two parts and has more than 1 million acres of forestland. The Pecos Division includes the Sangre de Cristo Mountains' southern range and the 13,101-foot-tall Truchas Peak. The Jemez Mountains make up the western side of the Santa Fe National Forest. Guests can hike, fish, horseback ride, ski, and snowshoe in this area. Visitors can call the park at (505) 438-7840 for operation hours. Fees vary depending on the park area.

This trail connected Santa Fe with Missouri between 1821 and 1880. Mexican and American traders also used what is now called the Santa Fe National Historical Trail as a commercial highway. The trail has several landmarks, including parts of the Santa Fe National Forest and Barrio de Analco. Visitors can call (505) 988-6888 for tour information.

Santa Fe Premium Outlets is the only outlet center in New Mexico. Visitors can save between 25 to 65 percent off of designer brands, including Donna Karan and Brooks Brothers. The outlet mall is located on Cerrillos Road. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday during the winter (January 2 through March 31); it is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday the rest of the year.

Guests can learn how to make some of the most famous Southwestern dishes at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. The school is open year-round, and it has great chefs on its staff. Visitors can also order cooking tools, ingredients, and gift baskets from the school. Groups of six or more will receive a 10 percent discount on classes, which cost $25 to $70 per class. The school, located at 116 W. San Francisco St., also offers tours. You can call the school at (505) 983-4511 for more details.

Sena Plaza, one of the most secluded spots in Santa Fe, is more than just a historic site. The plaza offers relaxation at its intimate gardens. The building was constructed as a 33-room hacienda, but was remodeled for modern use. Sena Plaza, at 125 E. Palace Ave., is north of the Santa Fe Plaza.

The Tesuque people were a major force during the 1680 Pueblo Revolt against the Spanish. Today, the Tesuque Pueblo is a 17,000-acre reservation that is part of the Santa Fe National Forest. Guests can fish and camp here, but they must purchase a permit to do so. The San Diego Feast Day is celebrated on November 12 at Tesuque Pueblo. The event features American Indian dancing, but photography is not allowed. The reservation is nine miles north of Santa Fe on Highway 285/84. Admission prices and hours vary.