It’s been the place to hang out for four hundred years! The plaza was established as a seat of government by the Spanish, and then later, the first place weary traders and exhausted homesteaders could find sanctuary, at the end of the Santa Fe Trail. Much of the activity that creates “The City Different” vibe occurs here. Events such as the Spanish Market, Indian Market, Fiesta and holiday celebrations draw crowds from all over the world. Winter months, every inch is wreathed in garland, lit by luminaries, with Mother Nature adding snow and ice, the smell of many wood burning hearths warming homes, shops and restaurants fills the crisp air. Summer days and evenings you can groove to a cool variety of local musicians playing in the bandstand. Hundreds of shops, restaurants and museums are within easy walking distance. And if all you really want to do is kick back, you could either find a place on one of the many benches strewn beneath shady trees or spread out on the grass. Since the time of the conquistador, the plaza remains the place to party in Santa Fe!
