The Plaza

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Joined 10 years ago

Old meets new in this historic square where the oldest-occupied building in America shares real estate with the Gap.. The Scene
Located between Palace Avenue and San Francisco Street, the historic downtown Plaza sits in the heart of Santa Fe. The grassy square is flanked by adobe buildings that house a variety of shops, museums, galleries and cafes. The Palace of the Governors, built in 1610, makes up the square's northern border and offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of the area.

The Experience
Shops and boutiques make up the bulk of the Plaza, but the real draw lies on the sidewalk in front of the Palace, where Native Americans sell their wares on colorful blankets. Throngs of tourists search for the perfect souvenir among turquoise, silver and pottery treasures. In addition to the occasional chain store, the Plaza is chock-full of pricey Southwestern-themed shops that sell fur-lined coats and western wear for top dollar.