Santa Fe Historic District

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As I entered the Santa Fe Historic District, the historic heart of Santa Fe, I felt as though I had stepped back in time. I had visited this place when I was a little girl with my parents and sister. I remember vividly how Native Americans would sell their jewelry, laid out on blankets, along the sidewalk. Across the street, there was an open area that resembled a park. My parents bought me a puppet from a small store. I also recall purchasing a sopapilla from a street vendor nearby, near where the Native Americans set up their displays.

Ultimately, work brought me back to this historic town after more than 40 years. I was really looking forward to seeing it with adult eyes. Traveling is part of who I am, thanks to all the trips my parents took me on when I was a kid. Honestly, I’ve never seen a city like this one in the US. You can feel the Native American and Spanish influences everywhere. It’s a gorgeous place packed with history.

Museums, History, Cocktails, Dinner

Strolling through the very walkable streets felt like taking a trip back in time. I got totally caught up in the beauty and stories all around me. The first story I wanted to hear about was at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, built in its current form beginning in 1869. But the church was actually founded in 1610. The oldest part of the church is a small adobe chapel dating back to 1714. It features a statue of Our Lady La Conquistadora, the oldest Virgin Mary statue in the United States. With relics of saints on display, some dating back to the 1100s, a crypt containing the remains of eight archbishops, and stained glass windows from France installed in 1884 by the first Archbishop; this cathedral is full of history and beauty.

Directly across the street from the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is approximately five blocks away. I also discovered the New Mexico History Museum, but I didn’t find it until my last morning there—more on that later.

After experiencing some history, I then set out to find a rooftop. Finding the Bell Tower at La Fonda on the Plaza, oddly enough, a hotel with more history. It is a member of Historic Hotels of America. I was excited to explore the hotel, which I have on my list of places to stay. The views were stunning, with mountains visible in the distance, but it was pretty windy. The staff offered blankets for those who wanted them. Fortunately, I wore a hat and a ponytail and was able to enjoy the spectacular view.

On my way to dinner, I passed by the Inn & Spa at Loretto, which I was eager to explore. I decided to take a quick detour to visit this premier luxury resort in Santa Fe. While exploring the lobby, I became distracted by the patio at Luminaria Restaurant. I ended up enjoying a glass of wine there. It turned out to be a lovely little happy hour before dinner. The patio had an incredible view of the Loretto Chapel next door, which is famous for its “miraculous staircase.”

The Pink Adobe & The Dragon Room has been serving New Mexican Cajun since 1944. Sit in the main dining room, which is the oldest part of the restaurant. My server told me the structure I was sitting in was 400 years old and used to be stables! You can’t go anywhere in this part of town without being surrounded by history. This restaurant sits in the oldest neighborhood of Santa Fe. It is also across the street from the oldest church in the US, San Miquel Mission.

The Dragon Room is located in the building next to The Pink Adobe, offering a compact menu and a bar-like atmosphere enhanced by its unique history. The Dragon Room has a more relaxed vibe and features a tree growing through the floor and out through the ceiling! And it has its own stories of famous folks who made it their hangout.

Finishing up at my hotel, Hotel St. Francis, I decided to check out Secreto Bar, the excellent craft cocktail bar inside Hotel St. Francis. I couldn’t resist trying the drink called “I Stay Up Late.” Especially with that fun description: “I Can’t Sleep But I’m Not Sour About It.” I can’t name all the ingredients, but I do remember that it had Mezcal, and honestly, it was hands down the most beautiful cocktail I’ve ever had! It was the perfect way to wrap up my night!

The next morning, I set out to find breakfast and discovered The French Pastry Shop and Creperie. In addition to pastries, they offer a selection of “Sweet Crepes” and “Savory Crepes.” I opted for a savory crepe filled with eggs, bacon, and cheese, and it was delicious! A sign on the wall read, “All pastries made with pure butter and pride, fresh daily.”

Stay

I stayed at Hotel St. Francis, named after the patron saint of Santa Fe. It’s the oldest hotel in Santa Fe, having opened in 1889. The vibe is small and cozy. It features handmade wooden furniture and flameless candles in the lobby, along with classic adobe architecture. One of the most notable features is the original fireplace, which remains intact.

I loved this hotel. The hospitality was terrific, and it felt way more personal than those big hotels with shops and endless hallways. It had a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere, rich in history and stories. Each floor had cool historical pictures of the hotel and the town.

The rooms had rustic wood floors and were small, but they were spotless, with comfortable luxury bedding.

Other Hotel Options to Try in the Santa Fe Historic District

Inn & Spa at Loretto is the most sought-after hotel in historic Santa Fe. From what I observed, it was very nice, and the patio at Luminaria Restaurant was excellent.

La Fonda at the Plaza is another hotel worth checking out. It was definitely on my list. They have a fabulous open-air rooftop bar called Bell Tower.

I haven’t mentioned the Inn of the Five Graces yet. I also considered staying there because it’s part of the same group as The Pink Adobe. They let us check out the lobby and courtyard, and I’d definitely consider it for next time. Coffee out on that patio sounds amazing!

My Final Tale

As I walked back to the hotel to check out and head to my final stop in Albuquerque, I decided to take a different route. That’s when I saw it—the place that brought back memories from my childhood. It was the spot where Native Americans used to sell their jewelry, the building where my parents bought me a puppet, the park where I played, and the food cart where I enjoyed my first sopapilla. In an instant, I found myself transported to another time in my history, intersecting with this historic town. This location was in the Historic Plaza, adjacent to the Palace of the Governors at the New Mexico History Museum. Built in 1610, the Palace of the Governors is the oldest public building in continuous use in the United States.

The Santa Fe Historic District is a unique and charming area that I would love to revisit and spend more time exploring. Outside of town, I’d like to visit sites like Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, known for its cone-shaped rock formations. There is also Bandelier National Monument, where you can see the dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

I initially thought that one day would be enough to visit the Santa Fe Historic District. I was traveling here on business, after all. Ultimately, I realized it would join my list of places where I spent too little time, leaving me with a sense of regret for not being able to explore more. I wished I had more time to appreciate the area thoroughly. I left feeling eager to return. The Santa Fe Historic District is unlike any I’ve ever been to; it is rich in culture, beauty, and history. I will definitely be back.

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