VacationGrabs blog

Santa Fe Travel Guide: The Plaza, Canyon Road, and What to Pack

Santa Fe adobe architecture with church and desert mountains

Santa Fe is unlike anywhere else in America — the oldest state capital in the country, built around adobe architecture, a centuries-old Plaza, and one of the most concentrated art scenes in the Southwest. The high desert light and blend of Spanish, Puebloan, and Mexican influences give it a character all its own.

Top Things to Do in Santa Fe

The Santa Fe Plaza, the city's historic center since 1610, is ringed by adobe buildings including the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously used public building in the US, where Native American artisans sell jewelry and crafts under its portal every day. Canyon Road, a short walk away, is lined with over a hundred art galleries in converted adobe homes — a must for anyone interested in Southwestern art.

The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum is dedicated to the artist who made the New Mexico landscape famous, and Museum Hill hosts four excellent museums covering folk art, Native American culture, and international design. For a taste of the region, Santa Fe's green chile shows up on everything from enchiladas to breakfast burritos — trying it is practically mandatory.

What to Pack for Santa Fe

Santa Fe sits at over 7,000 feet, so sun protection and layers matter even though the desert air feels dry — evenings cool off fast. The VacationGrabs Leather Travel Backpack is a great companion for a day of gallery-hopping on Canyon Road, and the VacationGrabs Leather Backpack Briefcase suits a trip that mixes museums with nicer dinners out.

Book Santa Fe Tours and Experiences

Gallery and history walking tours, Native American art and culture tours, and day trips to nearby Bandelier National Monument are among the best ways to experience Santa Fe. Browse Santa Fe tours and experiences below to plan your trip.

0 comments

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.