Santa Fe’s more than 400 years of recorded history have produced plenty of legends, unexplained stories, and places said to be haunted. Historic hotels, centuries-old adobe buildings, and the streets surrounding the Plaza all play a role in the city’s paranormal lore.
For travelers interested in history with a supernatural twist, exploring these landmarks and joining a guided ghost walk are memorable things to do in Santa Fe. Here are several places and tours to consider during your visit.
La Fonda on the Plaza
La Fonda on the Plaza occupies a site with centuries of hospitality history. City records indicate that an inn stood at this location near the Plaza as early as Santa Fe’s founding era, while the current hotel building dates to 1922.
With such a long history, it is no surprise that ghost stories have become part of La Fonda’s reputation. The hotel itself acknowledges its paranormal lore and currently offers a ghost-tour package. Visitors interested in Santa Fe’s supernatural stories can explore this history while spending time around the Plaza.
La Posada de Santa Fe
One of Santa Fe’s best-known ghost stories centers on Julia Staab. In 1882, merchant Abraham Staab built a grand mansion for his family on the property that is now La Posada de Santa Fe. According to local legend, Julia’s spirit never left her former home.
The historic Staab House remains part of the property today. La Posada openly shares Julia’s story, noting that her alleged spirit has appeared in ghost tours and television programs. Visitors can learn about the legend while seeing a surviving piece of 19th-century Santa Fe.
The Palace of the Governors
Dating to 1610, the Palace of the Governors is the oldest public building in continuous use constructed by European settlers in the continental United States. Over the centuries, it has served under Spanish, Pueblo, Mexican, and American control and witnessed major events in New Mexico history.
Stories of unexplained figures and sounds have also become associated with the Palace. The City of Santa Fe’s Sombras de Oscuridad project documents accounts from night watchmen and janitors who reported a dark figure and unexplained pleas for mercy.
The Oldest House in Santa Fe
The Oldest House on East De Vargas Street is another fascinating stop. Its exact construction date remains uncertain, although research into its wooden ceiling beams points to centuries of history. The building now serves as a museum, and the site itself may have connections to much earlier habitation.
The house also has its share of folklore. A City of Santa Fe document recounts an early-1600s legend involving soldier Juan Espizona and two women believed to be witches who lived at the property. Its location in the historic Barrio de Analco also makes it easy to combine with other historic sites before returning to your Santa Fe vacation rental.
Take a Santa Fe Ghost Tour
A guided tour is one of the easiest ways to connect Santa Fe’s ghost stories with the places where they originated. TOURISM Santa Fe recommends guided walking tours for visitors interested in the city’s history, architecture, and ghost stories. Because tours and schedules can change, check directly with the operator before making plans.
Historic Ghost Walks
Santa Fe Ghost and History Tours offers private excursions led by author, historian, and paranormal investigator Allan Pacheco. Tours can take place during the day or at night and visit historic locations connected to Santa Fe’s supernatural stories.
Tour information specifically references stops associated with La Posada, the Oldest House, the Palace of the Governors, and other historic areas.
After-Dark Tours and Haunted History
Exploring after sunset can give Santa Fe’s historic streets a completely different atmosphere. Current ghost-tour options include private nighttime walks, and La Fonda also promotes a tour centered on the city’s paranormal history.
Remember that many supernatural accounts are legends rather than documented historical events. A ghost tour can still offer an engaging way to hear local stories while learning about people and events that shaped Santa Fe.
Plan Your Visit
Plan a spooky Santa Fe getaway by booking directly today!
Final Thoughts
La Fonda, La Posada, the Palace of the Governors, and the Oldest House are among the best-known places connected to Santa Fe ghost lore. Pairing these landmarks with a guided ghost walk gives you additional historical context and a closer look at stories that have been passed down through generations.
Choosing vacation rentals in Santa Fe also gives you a comfortable home base for exploring the Plaza, museums, historic neighborhoods, restaurants, galleries, and evening tours at your own pace.
Book Your Santa Fe Vacation Rental with Casas de Santa Fe
At Casas de Santa Fe, we believe where you stay should add to your experience of the city. Our collection includes distinctive homes and condos that provide the privacy, space, and comfort travelers appreciate after a full day of exploring.
Our experienced team is also committed to attentive, personalized service throughout your stay. Book directly with Casas de Santa Fe and enjoy a thoughtfully selected home base for discovering the history, culture, dining, art, and legendary stories that make Santa Fe such a fascinating destination.
