Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a magical, exuberant, colorful journey at any time of year. Its legendary history and culture will fascinate and inspire you. Its art galleries and diverse visual arts span ancient traditional art to the most contemporary, making it one of the largest and most important art markets in the country. Settle yourself into the world-class accommodations, partake in the sumptuous, world-renowned cuisine, and treat yourself to the colorful markets to experience why Santa Fe has been considered a legendary trading center for hundreds of years.
Getting To and Around Santa Fe
The New Mexico Rail Runner makes its final stop at the Santa Fe Railyard.
The Santa Fe Regional Airport features daily flights from Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix. The Albuquerque International Sunport is about a one-hour drive from Santa Fe and offers more flight and airline options. There is shuttle service running hourly, or you can take the Rail Runner Express commuter rail system from Albuquerque.
Downtown Santa Fe is an extremely walkable area, but if you are looking to explore beyond, additional transportation is necessary. A free shuttle service, the Santa Fe Pick-up, circulates between the Plaza area, Railyard District, Canyon Road, and Museum Hill. Uber and Lyft are available for taxi-style service. Visit this guide on getting around Santa Fe for more information on all public transportation options.
History and Culture
For more than 400 years, Santa Fe has continued to improve with age. The nation’s oldest capital city experienced waves of migrations along the three trails that led here — and more recently via the rails, Route 66, and the interstate. Artists, chefs, wellness experts, and other creative dreamers all bring their culture, talents, and experience with them, and when they meet Santa Fe’s unique blend of Anglo, Spanish, and Native cultures against a backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains’ majesty and the spectacular sunsets over the Jemez range — nothing short of magic transpires.
Take in the history of the area at Museum Hill, home to four world-class museums, as well as the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens. This Insider’s Guide will give you all the tips you need for a successful day on the hill, while this guide of Santa Fe’s historic sites will take you to the most significant locations in the city’s long history.
Cuisine
The City Different has more than 400 restaurants that range from fine dining to super casual, and the scene continues to blossom, with eateries embracing artisan and farm-to-table craft foods and beverages. Santa Fe has an award-winning, year-round farmers market and superb cooking classes, in which travelers can learn the secrets from local chefs. These are just a few of many assets that will dazzle any palate.
While visiting, you can check out “the Best Margaritas in the World.” If you are the type of person who wants to eat and drink their way through a city, try this perfectly curated itinerary. If you’re just looking for a little dinner inspiration, these 15 culinary experiences will excite your taste buds.
Arts
Santa Fe brings art to life with live music, premier films, and cultural dance. There is no more beautiful way to experience opera for the first or 50th time than at the Santa Fe Opera. Wander the halls of the New Mexico Museum of Art, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, or check out the more than 250 galleries concentrated on Canyon Road, downtown Lincoln Avenue, and the Railyard District. If you are an art enthusiast or collector, you will find an unparalleled diversity of fine art, ranging from traditional to contemporary, including painting, sculpture, mixed media, graphic art, and textiles.
If you really want to see the future of mixed media and performance, check out these seven art experiences found only in Santa Fe.
Outdoor Adventures
Santa Fe is famous for its clean, mountain air, amazing blue skies, and 1.6 million acres of public land. It is, in fact, a high-elevation piñon-juniper woodland. Winter brings downhill and cross-country skiers from all over to test their skills on the snow-packed terrain. In spring, summer, and fall, the surrounding mountain trails provide an endless amusement park for climbers, hikers, and bicyclists. And the magnificent quality of the light has inspired artists for generations.
If you are looking to get out for a quick hike, check out this guide to nearby hiking trails for inspiration. If you are planning a winter visit, here are a few winter adventures that might surprise you.
Shopping
In the mid-19th century, traders used the Santa Fe Trail to bring essential and luxury goods to the Southwest. Santa Fe continues to give shoppers access to Native American artwork and unique handmade items of delight in small boutiques, trading posts, and large open-air markets.
Summer is the ideal time for shopaholics to visit. The International Folk Art Market, Spanish Market, and SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market all take place within a six-week period. You can also find local Native artisans selling authentic works of art every day, all year round at the Palace of the Governor Portal.
There is no better time than the present to plan your trip to The City Different. Order your copy of the Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide to begin planning today!
