🏜️ Santa Fe Travel Guide: Hidden Gems, Historic Churches & Southwest Charm You Can’t Miss!

July 13, 2025

Looking for the best things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico? From haunted historic homes to world-class art, breathtaking architecture, and authentic chocolate elixirs, Santa Fe is a cultural gem you’ll want to experience firsthand.

In this blog post, we take you on a walking tour of Santa Fe, sharing our favorite stops, history-rich sites, and the perfect boondocking spot just outside the city. Whether you’re a fan of art, architecture, or spiritual history—this post has something for you.

🚐 Boondocking in Santa Fe: Quiet Desert Camp Near the City

We found a sweet boondocking site just minutes from downtown Santa Fe—situated in high desert terrain at over 7,200 feet elevation, surrounded by peaceful pinyon pine. It's spacious, quiet, and free!

👉 GPS Coordinates: 35.69544° N, 106.08720° W

🧭 Start Here: Santa Fe Visitor Center Tips

Our first stop was the Santa Fe Visitor Center—always a great place to start. While the parking signs can be confusing, the friendly staff invited us to use the larger lot, making it easy to explore downtown on foot.

🏠 Step Into the Past: Oldest House in the USA?

Believed to date back to circa 1646, the Oldest House in the U.S. is built over Pueblo ruins possibly dating back to the 1200s. Look for:

• Original adobe walls

• A historic colonial coffin display

• Stories of hauntings and spiritual lore

💰 Admission: FREE (Donations welcomed)

⛪ San Miguel Chapel: America’s Oldest Church?

Right next door is the San Miguel Mission, said to be the oldest church in the continental U.S.:

• Originally built in 1610

• Rebuilt after the Pueblo Revolt of 1680

• Features a 1356 San Jose bell, one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere

• Donations Suggested

🎓 Since 1859, it’s been owned by St. Michael’s High School and now even features solar panels—hidden to preserve the historical appearance!

🏛️ The Only Round Capitol in the U.S. 🎨

Next stop: the New Mexico State Capitol—also known as the Roundhouse. This is not just a government building:

• It reflects the Zia Sun Symbol

• Houses 600+ works of New Mexican art

• Free to visit & photo-worthy inside and out

Pro tip: Visit January–March to see the state legislature in action.

🔁 Canyon Road: An Artist’s Paradise

With over 80 art galleries, Canyon Road blends historic Pueblo architecture with modern creativity. Once a path for early settlers, it’s now a visual feast of:

• Paintings 🎨

• Sculptures 🗿

• Ceramics 🏺

• Textiles 🧵

It’s totally walkable and absolutely stunning.

🍽️ Best Meal in Santa Fe: Joe’s Tequila Bar 🌶️

We finally found that meal we’ll remember for years:👉 Joe’s Tequila Bar, attached to Inn on the Alameda.

• Great service

• Cozy atmosphere

• The enchiladas were 🔥 🔥 🔥

Seriously, don’t miss this one!

✝️ Loretto Chapel & the Miraculous Staircase

One of Santa Fe’s most iconic sites, the Loretto Chapel, built in Gothic Revival style (rare in Santa Fe!), has:

• A mysterious spiral staircase with no visible support

• Built by an unknown carpenter who vanished after completion

• Now privately owned & open as a museum and wedding venue

🎧 Enjoy the peaceful audio tour as you explore.

⛪ Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

This Romanesque Revival church was completed in the late 1800s and features:

• Stunning French stained glass

• A peaceful atmosphere for reflection

• Active parish life and historical context

We were fascinated by the Stations of the Cross and asked our viewers: why doesn’t it include the Resurrection?

🎖️ Cross of the Martyrs & Fort Marcy Viewpoint

Drive (or hike) up to see:

• The Cross of the Martyrs, honoring 21 priests killed during the Pueblo Revolt

• Remnants of Fort Marcy, built during the Mexican-American War

• One of the best panoramic views of Santa Fe

🚉 Santa Fe Railyard District: Art, Markets & Community

The revitalized Railyard District is a must-visit:

• Farmers markets 🌽

• Local art 🖼️

• Dining options 🍷

• Outdoor space perfect for relaxing or people-watching

It’s also home to commuter trains—we wanted to ride, but ran out of time!

🍫 Kakawa Chocolate House: A 3,000-Year Chocolate Journey

We love a good food experience, and Kakawa Chocolate House blew us away:

• Offers ancient chocolate elixirs—no dairy, no sugar

• Based on historic recipes from Olmec to Colonial Europe

• Tiny cup, huge flavor 😲

👉 Not everyone will love it (the Hubs didn’t), but it’s a must-try cultural stop.

🏛️ The Historic Plaza & Palace of the Governors

The Santa Fe Plaza is the heartbeat of the city:

• Built in 1610 as the endpoint of the Santa Fe Trail

• Surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and local art

• Native artists still sell authentic crafts under the Palace of the Governors

📸 Look for the stone obelisk and its evolving history, a symbol of changing perspectives and cultural healing.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Why Santa Fe Surprised Us

We don’t usually love larger cities—but Santa Fe feels different:

• Walkable and welcoming 🚶‍♂️

• Rich in art, architecture, and heritage

• Upscale but not snobby

• One of the most beautiful towns in the U.S.

🧭 Additional Tips and Resources for Exploring Santa Fe 🏜️

Planning your visit to Santa Fe? Below are our top insider tips for each site and experience we covered. From parking advice to must-see hidden details, use this as your go-to checklist while exploring The City Different.

🚐 Boondocking in Santa Fe

• 📍 Tip: Look for public lands or dispersed camping just outside the city off Highway 285 or near Caja del Rio. Use apps like Campendium or iOverlander to find verified locations.

• 🕐 Arrive before sunset—many sites aren’t well-lit and can be tricky to navigate in the dark.

• 🧼 No hookups—so bring water, solar or battery power, and be prepared to pack out your trash.

🧭 Santa Fe Visitor Center

• 🚘 Tip: The 30-minute parking out front is enforced, but ask inside—they may allow longer stays in nearby lots.

• 📚 Pick up maps and self-guided walking tours—they often include lesser-known historical tidbits and seasonal event info.

• Visit Santa Fe: https://www.santafe.org/visiting-santa-fe/

  
  

🏠 Oldest House in the U.S.

• 📸 Tip: Lighting is dim inside—bring a camera that handles low light well if you want clear shots.

• 👻 Ask about the ghost stories—staff are happy to share spooky legends.

• 💵 Bring cash for donations—there’s no admission fee, but a small donation goes a long way.

• https://www.oldesthousesantafe.com/

  
  

⛪ San Miguel Chapel

• 🔔 Tip: Don’t miss the San Jose bell—We did, but it's suppose to be displayed at the Chapel - ask

• 🧑‍🏫 Ask about tours—you might catch a docent or school group tour that adds extra insight.

• ☀️ Visit in morning or late afternoon—the adobe glows beautifully in golden hour lighting.

• https://sanmiguelchapel.org/

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🏛️ New Mexico State Capitol (The Roundhouse)

• 🖼️ Tip: Use the self-guided art tour brochure at the entrance to appreciate the diverse art collection.

• 🗓️ Visit during session (Jan–Mar) to see government in action; it’s open to the public!

• 🛂 No ID or ticket needed—just walk in and start exploring.

• https://www.nmlegis.gov/visitors

  
  

🔁 Canyon Road Art District

• 🚶 Tip: Free public parking is limited—arrive early or use a rideshare to avoid a hike.

• 📅 Best times to visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds; First Fridays often feature evening gallery walks and artist meet-and-greets.

• 👟 Wear comfortable shoes—the full walk is about ½ mile but feels longer if you stop often.

• https://www.visitcanyonroad.com/

  
  

🍽️ Joe’s Tequila Bar

• 🌮 Tip: Try the enchiladas or comfort bowl—those are the menu stars!

• 🪑 Indoor and patio seating available—perfect for people-watching near the historic district.

✝️ Loretto Chapel

• 🌀 Tip: Ask staff about the engineering of the staircase—the lack of nails is part of the mystery.

• 🕯️ Visit early for quiet reflection; crowds pick up by late morning.

• 🎧 Don’t skip the audio narration—it’s brief but full of fascinating details.

• https://www.lorettochapel.com/visit-us

  
  

⛪ Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

• 🎨 Tip: Look for stained glass from France and intricate wood carvings—bring binoculars or zoom lenses for detail.

• 💒 Yes, it’s active—check the Mass schedule if you want to attend or avoid crowds.

• 🔎 Take time to walk the labyrinth in the front courtyard, often missed by visitors.

• https://www.cbsfa.org/

  
  

🎖️ Cross of the Martyrs & Fort Marcy

• 🚗 Tip: Driving is easiest—walking up involves a moderate climb with 20 historical plaques.

• 🌄 Best time for views: Sunset! The golden hour provides stunning cityscape photos.

• 📷 Don’t forget your camera—it’s one of the best panoramic photo ops in Santa Fe.

🚉 Santa Fe Railyard District

• 📅 Tip: Visit on Saturdays for the Farmers Market, open year-round and full of local flavor.

• 🚶‍♀️ Walkable from downtown, or park in the Railyard lot.

• 🚂 Interested in trains? Check the schedule for Rail Runner Express or Sky Railway excursions.

• https://shorturl.at/HJdIl

  
  

🍫 Kakawa Chocolate House

• 🥄 Tip: Ask for free tastings before you buy—the flavors are bold and not everyone’s cup of cocoa.

• 📚 Staff are full of knowledge—ask about the history behind each elixir blend.

• 🍫 Can’t decide? Split one cup between two people—it’s rich enough!

• https://kakawachocolates.com/

  
  

🏛️ Santa Fe Plaza & Palace of the Governors

• 🛍️ Tip: Support Native American artisans directly—look for the Native American Vendors Program under the portal.

• 🎶 Weekends often feature live music or public events in the plaza.

• 🗿 Curious about the obelisk? Ask locals for their take—it's a live discussion about public memory and respect.

• https://shorturl.at/HBGfn

  
  

✅ Bonus Travel Tips for Santa Fe

• 🏞️ Altitude Awareness: Santa Fe sits at over 7,000 feet. Hydrate often and take it slow, especially on your first day.

• ☀️ Weather Ready: Bring layers—temperatures shift drastically from day to night.

• 📶 Stay Connected: Some older areas of the city have spotty cell service, especially around thick adobe buildings.

• 🧭 Explore Beyond: If you have extra time, consider day trips to Taos, Bandelier National Monument, or Abiquiú.

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