Located at the southernmost end of the Rockies, Santa Fe is the highest capital city in the country. It is known for its beautiful scenery, for its arts and culture, and for its restaurants which serve up true southwestern cuisine. Those who come to the small city do so expecting to find both outdoor adventure and metropolitan fun. As far as the cultural vibe, this is most definitely an artist’s town. Home to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum as well as the Loretto Chapel which houses the “miracle staircase”—truly an architectural site to behold—tourists to the Santa Fe area can certainly keep themselves busy when it comes to exploring the art scene here.
The city is a haven for culture vultures. Santa Fe literally has an art style of its own.
While the city covers only 33 square miles, they still managed to pack over 400 restaurants into it. There are numerous award-winning chefs and highly acclaimed eateries scattered throughout. You can find just about any style food imaginable, though their specialty is of course southwestern. Authentic chili dishes as well as Mexican favorites are featured on multiple menus throughout the city.
There are a ton of trails in and around the region. The Nature Conservancy Loop, The Black Canyon Trail and the Santa Fe National Forest provide incredibly scenic lookout points. Visitors also look forward to exploring the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos in the region. Their traditions and culture certainly run deep.
Year-round people can find a festival or recreational event that truly embodies the spirit of Santa Fe. The New Mexico Jazz Festival is hugely popular, while 4th of July in Santa Fe is a massive event to which many look forward. The Santa Fe Farmers Market features over 150 farmers and their homegrown goods; it was recently voted one of the country’s top ten farmer’s markets.
Santa Fe is a great place for some serious skiing. Ski Santa Fe offers access to 36 runs. There are also 83 trails running through here for summer fun. With over 200 inches of snowfall annually, the slopes are worth the trip.
Santa Fe is a year-round destination with varying activities through the seasons. Winter gets pretty cool, with average highs in the low-40s. It is a good time to visit for skiing.
Late spring can be a good time to go if you want to beat the crowds. By May, highs are in the mid-70s.
Summer gets the most crowds. The high elevation means summers are cooler than many other cities in New Mexico. Highs are in the mid-80s. Indian Market is a popular event in August.
Most locals suggest that fall is the best time to visit. The weather is mild with plenty of sunshine. Plus, the nearby mountains show off the changing of the colors.