Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe Plaza is a town square in the historic center with buildings surrounding one city block. It features flagstone pathways, benches, shade trees, shops, a Civil War monument, and markers that identify important historic trade routes that converged here.

Spanish settlers founded the plaza in 1609 as a military stronghold, and it later became the terminus of the Santa Fe Trail when Mexico gained independence. This made it a crucial point where different cultures and trade routes intersected over centuries.

The plaza serves as a gathering place for annual celebrations and markets where artists and craftspeople display their work. Visitors experience the region's cultural traditions firsthand through these community events.

The plaza is easy to walk around and centrally located so visitors can access all sides from the surrounding streets. Shaded spots are available for resting, and nearby shops and restaurants make it comfortable for a longer visit.

The plaza sits at an elevation of about 7,000 feet (2,130 meters), making it the highest central square in the United States. This altitude gives the location a different climate and air quality that visitors notice right away.

Location: Santa Fe

Location: Santa Fe County

Inception: January 1, 1612

Operator: City of Santa Fe

Address: Lincoln Avenue

Phone: +15059556200

Website: http://santafenm.gov

GPS coordinates: 35.68750,-105.93806

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02