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Why Visit Santa Fe
Santa Fe, founded in 1610, is the nation's oldest capital city. Its distinctive Pueblo-Spanish Colonial architecture is a legal requirement, preserving the adobe look. Landmarks like the Palace of the Governors and San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the U.S., showcase this style. This historical preservation is what is Santa Fe famous for.
Sitting at 7,199 feet, Santa Fe's high-desert landscape offers unique outdoor activities. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide miles of hiking and skiing trails. In fall, the aspens create a golden canopy, ideal for photographers. Birding is also popular, with over 300 species found in the nearby Randall Davey Audubon Center.
New Mexican cuisine is central to the culture when visiting Santa Fe. The local question is "Red or Green?" referring to our famous chile. Try it "Christmas" style (both) on sopaipillas or enchiladas. The Santa Fe Farmers' Market offers local ingredients like piñon nuts, and you can find unique margaritas on the Margarita Trail.
- Santa FeUnited States
- Santa FeUnited States
- Santa FeUnited States
- Santa FeUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octpleasant weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot and busy
- Wintermild, occasional snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightLayeringClothes
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #LocalMap
- #HikingGear
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 5-7 for side trips and extended exploration
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #SantaFePlaza
- #GeorgiaOKeeffeMuseum
- #CanyonRoad
- #LorettoChapel
- #BandelierNationalMonument
- #PalaceofGovernors
- Visit art galleries on Canyon Road
- Explore the Santa Fe Farmers' Market
- Enjoy a Pueblo-style adobe architecture tour
- Take a scenic hike at Bandelier
- Sample green chili dishes
- Attend a local art festival
Recommended Hotels in Santa Fe by Experience
Things to do in Santa Fe
Discover
Explore what to see in Santa Fe, from the historic Santa Fe Plaza and Palace of the Governors to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. The city's core showcases unique Pueblo-style architecture, while the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains offer vistas.
Experience
Browse Canyon Road art galleries, shop at the Santa Fe Farmers' Market, or attend the annual Spanish Market. Enjoy hiking in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, or experience world-class performances at the Santa Fe Opera during its summer season.
Santa Fe Plaza
Historic central square, the heart of downtown Santa Fe.
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
Museum dedicated to the iconic American modernist artist.
Canyon Road
A half-mile stretch of art galleries and artist studios.
Palace of the Governors
Historic adobe structure, a national historic landmark.
Loretto Chapel
Gothic-Revival chapel with its famous 'miraculous' staircase.
Santa Fe Farmers' Market
Year-round market featuring local growers and artisans.
Santa Fe Opera House
Open-air theater known for its world-class productions.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) or Albuquerque Sunport (ABQ). From ABQ, a Santa Fe shuttle bus like Groome Transportation takes 75 min. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is an option for the train to Santa Fe from Albuquerque's metro area.
Getting Around
The historic core is very walkable. For public transport in Santa Fe, use the Santa Fe Trails bus system or the free Santa Fe Pickup shuttle downtown. A car rental in Santa Fe is best for exploring areas like the High Road to Taos or Bandelier.
Local Essentials
One of the best Santa Fe travel tips for first-timers is to acclimate to the 7,000-ft altitude; drink extra water. Driving in Santa Fe's historic center involves narrow streets. Plan a trip to Santa Fe by noting that many shops have limited Sunday hours.
Where to Stay in Santa Fe
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Santa Fe's flavor. Taste dishes with red or green chile, served "Christmas" style, and rich posole stew. Locals often enjoy a leisurely lunch as their main meal. Finish with sweet biscochitos, the official state cookie.
Enjoy
Eat at The Shed for classic New Mexican in a festive hacienda, expect queues. Visit Coyote Cantina for rooftop margaritas, book ahead. Hit Cafe Pasqual's for a vibrant brunch and a great spot for where to eat in Santa Fe, go early.
Geronimo
Elegant global fusion cuisine in a historic adobe home.
The Shed
Famous for its red chile and classic New Mexican fare.
Sazon
Upscale, modern Mexican cuisine with an artistic flair.
La Choza
Sister to The Shed, beloved for its green chile dishes.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Santa Fe's heritage through the Fiestas de Santa Fe, a tradition since 1712 with religious processions and parades. The annual burning of Zozobra (Old Man Gloom) is a must-see kickoff to the main Fiesta events.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary Santa Fe cultural activities, from the world-renowned Santa Fe Opera's summer season to the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival. Enjoy a variety of performances, including classical concerts and indie films.
Fiestas de Santa Fe
Oldest US civic celebration, with parades & the burning of Zozobra.
Traditional Spanish Market
July juried market of Spanish Colonial art on the Plaza.
Santa Fe Indian Market
Largest Native American art market in the world, held in August.
International Folk Art Market
Global artists convene in July to show and sell handmade crafts.
Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta
September food fest with winery dinners and cooking demos.
Santa Fe Opera Season
World-class open-air opera performances from June to August.
Canyon Road Farolito Walk
Christmas Eve tradition with paper lanterns and carolers.
A Truly Unique City
Santa Fe is such a unique city. The adobe architecture everywhere gives it a special feel you don't find elsewhere. Walking down Canyon Road and popping into galleries was the highlight. It felt so relaxing and inspiring.
Great Ski Getaway
Perfect for a ski trip without the huge resort crowds. The slopes at Ski Santa Fe had great snow. It was awesome to ski all day and then head back into town for a bowl of green chile stew. The city is so close to the mountain.
So Much History
The history here is really apparent. I loved walking around The Plaza and seeing all the artisans selling their work. It's a very walkable city center, full of old buildings and interesting little museums to explore. So much character.
Incredible Art Scene
Santa Fe has a really impressive art scene. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum was a must-see for me. It's easy to spend days just soaking in all the creativity. The quality of the art everywhere you look is just so high.
A Very Calm Place
A wonderfully walkable city with a very calm pace. We spent our time just strolling through the downtown streets and found the Loretto Chapel to be quite beautiful. The air is so clear and the light is different. A very peaceful place.
Great Food and Shopping
Such a great place for browsing unique shops, not the usual chain stores. The food was a revelation, especially the fresh sopapillas with honey after a meal. It's a city where everything feels local and has its own distinct style.