You're Going to Love Santa Fe
Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico but has a population of only 70,000. At 7,000 feet, it is the highest state capital in the US and, having been founded in 1607, it is also the oldest. It is renowned as a center for art, music, and food, and has a long, fascinating history and wonderful scenic beauty.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Santa Fe
1. Museums
Santa Fe's history and culture is celebrated in a host of excellent museums. These include the New Mexico History Museum, New Mexico Museum of Art, and the Institute of American Indian Arts Museum.
2. The Architecture
Santa Fe has many fine buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available to guide you through the many attractions.
3. Festivals
Santa Fe has a year-round program of festivals, from the Fiesta de Santa Fe to the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta.
4. The Great Outdoors
Santa Fe is surrounded by mountains and deserts and is a great center for hiking, climbing, cycling, and horse riding.
5. Opera
The Santa Fe Opera House offers a unique experience; it is partially open air with spectacular views of the Jemez Mountains.
When to Visit Santa Fe
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Santa Fe has a pleasant year-round climate with mild winters and warm summers. The rainy season is in July and August.
How to Get to Santa Fe
Plane
Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) has daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix, and Denver. A shuttle bus service will take you into town for around $16, while a taxi will cost around $36.
Train
Santa Fe is connected to Albuquerque by the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. A single fare is from $9. The Amtrak Southwest Chief stops at Lamy, 15 miles to the south of Santa Fe.
Car
Santa Fe is connected to the rest of New Mexico by the I-25. Road conditions can be impacted by snow in winter.
Bus
Sante Fe has limited bus services to other cities in the southwest. A bus from Lamy costs from $15.
Airlines serving Santa Fe
Where to stay in popular areas of Santa Fe
Most booked hotels in Santa Fe
How to Get Around Santa Fe
Public Transportation
Santa Fe has good bus services, with the North Central Regional Transit District offering free local buses from Monday to Friday.
Taxi
Taxis cost $3 to hail and then around $2.50 per mile.
Car
Parking can be an issue during summer but roads are generally free from congestion. Car rental is available from $50.
The Cost of Living in Santa Fe
Shopping Streets
Downtown has specialty stores offering books, toys, crafts, and art, while Cerrillos Road and Zafarano Road have larger, big-box stores and malls.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk in Santa Fe will cost $0.76 and a loaf of white bread is $2.44.
Where to Eat in Santa Fe
Five and Dime General Store on E San Francisco Street serves southwestern classics such as Frito Pie from $10. Tomasita's on S Guadalupe Street is renowned for its traditional New Mexican food, with entrees at around $11.