Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., and its history can be explored through its many landmarks and preserved sites. The San Miguel Mission, dating back to the early 1600s, is thought to be the oldest church in the country. Nearby, the Loretto Chapel is famed for its mysterious, spiral staircase that seems to defy the laws of physics.

For history buffs, the Palace of the Governors offers an incredible look into New Mexico’s colonial past. This adobe structure, situated in the Plaza, is the oldest continuously occupied public building in the U.S. Inside, you’ll find exhibits that chronicle centuries of Santa Fe’s history, from its early Native American inhabitants to its role in the Santa Fe Trail.

For those seeking a deeper connection with the region’s Native American history, a visit to Bandelier National Monument offers ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.