First Time Visitor? Start Here!

Visiting for the first time? Santa Fe is consistently rated one of the world’s top travel destinations for its combination of scenic beauty, climate, long history, cultural diversity, wide variety of outdoor activities and extraordinary concentration of arts, music and fine dining. Founded in 1607, Santa Fe is New Mexico’s state capital, and is located in the United States. With an elevation of 7,000 feet, it is not only the United States’ oldest state capital, but its highest as well. With a population of approximately 70,000, Santa Fe offers all of the services and businesses you need, including a regional airport served by a few of the largest airlines in the country, but is still small enough to retain its charm.

World class art, shopping and dining are all within walking distance in the downtown area, as well as interesting neighborhoods and unique spots for food, shopping and activities located throughout the city which are easily accessed via public transportation or car, since the city is not exceedingly large.  Beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails can be found literally a five minutes drive from the downtown plaza, and our ski basin boasts a summit over 12,000 ft. For a bit more adventure, sign-up for a photography tour with Woody Galloway, or connect with High Desert Angler for a half-day or full-day trout fishing trip at nearby rivers and streams.  You won’t be disappointed.

The average day for a visitor could start with a leisurely gourmet coffee and fresh pastry at a sidewalk cafe, then off on rented bicycles from Mellow Velo for sightseeing in town, or mountain biking in the foothills, back in time for lunch to enjoy a green or red chile New Mexico-style enchilada (our chile is addictive), then a leisurely stroll starting from the plaza to take in world class galleries, museums and shopping to round out the afternoon.  Dinner is wide open.  Anything from food trucks to high-end dining at nationally and internationally recognized restaurants. You will find it in Santa Fe.

As for hotels and bed & breakfast inns, room rates go up as you get closer to the plaza (downtown).  However, there are a wide variety of places to stay in and around downtown, including boutique hotels and B&Bs that are high quality and oftentimes offer reduced or discounted lodging packages and rates.  Most hotels in Santa Fe are located along Cerrillos Road ( part of the original Route 66 ), where you will find charming small motels providing a glimpse into old-time Santa Fe to brand new hotels with complete modern amenities – and all come with friendly service.

Don’t forget to look up at the night sky.  Even from downtown the stars shine bright above you.

For more detail, click FAQs, or YOUR TRAVEL KIT to make the most of your visit to Santa Fe.