About Santa Fe
Santa Fe is known as The City Different and within one visit, you will know why. Santa Fe embodies a rich multicultural history, beginning with the Tewa Peoples, who occupied the present day downtown and Plaza as early as 1050 with settlements named O’Ga P’Ogeh (White Shell Water Place). Founded in 1610 by the Spanish, Santa Fe has been shaped by a variety of influences, apparent in everything from our architecture, our cuisine, and our visual and performing arts.
Santa Fe has long been a center for arts and culture and is now one of the country's largest art markets. Home to 250+ galleries, 20+ museums, and a handful of immersive art experiences, Santa Fe is not only a great destination for art, but carries the international honor of being a UNESCO Creative City, recognized for ”driving innovation, investment, and prosperity in a range of arts and creativity.” With a backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the world-class Santa Fe Opera as well as the Santa Fe Indian Market, the International Folk Art Market, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, and the Santa Fe International Literary Festival also make their home here.
Santa Fe has earned a stellar reputation with foodies. With our more than 400 restaurant choices, ranging from our Northern New Mexican flavors to creative Southwestern cuisine to authentic world cuisines, you will dine very well during your stay! When the server asks, “Red, green, or Christmas?” answer “Christmas” and you’ll get the chance to try both spicy chiles! Many establishments are honored with an esteemed James Beard Foundation Award win or nomination. And definitely consider looping in a trip to the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, a longstanding tradition—it’s where all of the local chefs shop for their restaurant’s ingredients!
Our accommodations are your home away from home! Choose from an array of resorts, hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, campgrounds, and RV parks for a spot to lay your head during your Santa Fe stay. There are plenty of options for the budget traveler in both the fun and contemporary motels along Cerrillos Road, a portion of the former Route 66. The visitor seeking luxury lodging may enjoy our boutique and historic hotels that ring the Plaza or the expansive resorts set on the edges of the city. And still others will gravitate toward the charming family-owned guesthouses and inns throughout The City Different.
If recreating in the natural world is what you crave, The City Different is your destination. At an elevation of 7,000 feet, Santa Fe has a lot of varied terrain to offer and 320+ sunny days per year to enjoy it. Just 16 miles from the downtown historic Plaza, Ski Santa Fe (with 1,725 vertical feet of terrain) features 86 trails ranging from beginner to expert, and invites snow enthusiasts to its slopes Thanksgiving through Easter. Beyond in the 1.6-million acre Santa Fe National Forest, you can also flyfish, horseback ride, hike, and bike. In the foothills, you raft and play golf. If indoor movement is more your focus, you can easily indulge in your favorite types of fitness classes, from yoga to dance to spinning and Pilates.
Treat yourself to a little rejuvenation. Don’t miss the chance to relax in a uniquely Santa Fe way. Beyond the array of exotic spa services and feel-good treatments, there are wonderful opportunities to soak in private high-altitude hot tubs and myriad spring-fed pools. Build a little time into your busy Santa Fe itinerary for some deep relaxation.
