There’s something magical about Santa Fe. Situated 7,000 feet above sea level at the foot of the Sangre de Christo Mountains, the city is stunningly beautiful with its winding streets, thick-walled adobe homes, mercurial skies and endless mountain views. The high-desert climate has four distinct seasons, each one offering its own glorious gifts. Spring features a burst of flowering fruit trees while summer showcases majestic late-afternoon thunderstorms. Fall is flavored with fresh-roasted green chiles and winter is scented with the sweet smell of burning pinon. We love every single day in Santa Fe.
Culture & History
The second-oldest city in the United States, Santa Fe’s culture is a vibrant blend of Pueblo Indian, Spanish Colonial, Mexican and Anglo influences. The Santa Fe Plaza is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Established in 1608, it features the oldest in-use public building in the U.S., the Palace of the Governors. Santa Fe honors its rich cultural history with a bounty of festivals and markets throughout the year, including the nearly 100-year-old Indian Market, the Burning of Zozobra, Santa Fe Opera and famed Wine & Chile Fiesta.
Food
New Mexico is the only state in the U.S. with an official question: “Red or green?” That’s how seriously we take our chile in the Land of Enchantment. Hint: if you can’t decide, answer “Christmas,” and you’ll receive a mixture of the two. Chile is a staple in New Mexican cuisine, which features a unique blend of Mexican, Spanish, Mediterranean and Pueblo Indian flavors, and Santa Fe’s renowned restaurants and farmers’ markets show it off in style. Don’t leave without trying posole, green chile stew, enchiladas and sopapillas with honey.
Nature
Santa Fe is a nature lover’s paradise. Surrounded by 1.6 million acres of unspoiled national forest, the city boasts 230 days of sunshine per year. That’s two of the best reasons to get outside to hike, ski, mountain bike, climb, picnic or bird watch. With elevations rising from 5,300 feet to 13,000 feet, the Santa Fe National Forest is home to a variety of habitats ranging from lush meadows to alpine tundra. In the fall, the Santa Fe Ski Basin glimmers with golden aspen trees. We have four breathtaking golf courses with spectacular mountain views and sought-after spas offering mineral baths, natural hot springs and treatments in the great outdoors.
Art
Santa Fe’s population of 70,000 contains the largest proportion of fine artists and writers of any city in the United States. The only city in the world with more than 250 art galleries within two square miles, Santa Fe is the place to find everything from traditional folk art to immersive art experiences. In 2005, we became the first metropolitan area in the country to be named a Creative City by UNESCO. Don’t miss a stroll down Canyon Road or a visit to the recently revamped Railyard District.
