Santa Fe brings together historic sites and art events with cycling routes in the city and surrounding area. When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between the different highlights: exhibitions and buildings tell stories of different eras, while markets and events offer a glimpse into the city’s cultural life. Cycling options also vary considerably by location and use.

History at Specific Sites

Santa Fe was permanently settled by Don Pedro de Peralta in 1609–1610. The Palace of the Governors was built in 1610 as the Spanish government building. Today, it houses seven exhibitions open to the public. These include Palace Seen and Unseen, an exhibition featuring archaeological finds from the Palace. Check which exhibitions are currently on view before your visit.

The Santa Fe National Historic Trail also places the city in a broader historical context: it connects western Missouri with Santa Fe and passes through five states. In the city, San Miguel Chapel recalls another period of history. The adobe chapel is a landmark of the Santa Fe Trail; it was partially destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and rebuilt in 1710. A gallery at the chapel features artifacts and archival photographs.

The Old Santa Fe Trail Building is a masterpiece of Spanish Pueblo Revival architecture, listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark. The building is currently closed to the public. If you’re exploring architecture in Santa Fe, it’s important for planning to distinguish between a site’s historical significance and whether you can visit it.

Art, Markets and Public Spaces

In 1712, a fiesta was established in Santa Fe as a community celebration commemorating the Spanish reconquest of New Mexico in the summer of 1692. The Santa Fe Plaza hosts Indian and Spanish Markets, other annual events, community gatherings and concerts. The city’s long-running annual art markets also include the Santa Fe Indian Market, the International Folk Art Market and the Traditional Spanish Market. Since event dates are important for planning, check the dates of each event before your trip.

Santa Fe’s art history has a home of its own: the New Mexico Museum of Art was built in 1917 as the state’s first building specifically dedicated to art. The New Mexico State Capitol, known as the Roundhouse, offers an architectural contrast: it is the only round capitol building in the country. Visitors can explore it on a self-guided tour Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Check the latest visitor information in advance.

Cycling Routes and Other Activities

There are several cycling routes within Santa Fe itself. The surrounding mountains and public lands have trails for different experience levels, and bike shops offer rentals. La Tierra Trails is a 25-mile multi-use trail system northwest of the city for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. The Buckman Track area, by contrast, is designated for motorcycles and ATVs. These different options help you distinguish between city routes and trails in the surrounding area. For your specific plans, check information on individual trails and bike rentals, as availability may change.

Planning Your Arrival and Accommodation

For arrival and travel between different areas, the free public shuttle to Santa Fe Plaza is one detail to consider. It connects the Rail Runner station, several downtown hotels and Museum Hill, home to the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art. If you want to visit these places during your stay, check the current route and schedule in advance; both may change. This connection is useful information when planning your accommodation, but it is no substitute for choosing a location that suits your daily plans.

A Culinary Highlight

On the Santa Fe Margarita Trail, participants can get discounts on margaritas at participating restaurants and bars, earn rewards and discover recipes. An app or passport is available for this purpose. Offers depend on participating venues, and participation may change. You can plan this program as a culinary highlight in its own right, rather than conflating it with historic attractions or cycling routes.

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