Santa Fe

The capital of the state of New Mexico, and one of the most well-known cities in the state, Santa Fe is a complex mixture of colonial architecture, small-town atmosphere, scenic beauty, cultural diversity, and American history. Once the capital of a Spanish territory, then Mexican, and then American, Santa Fe boasts a rich tapestry of cultural and historical events over the years, and when combined with the beauty of the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains makes for an absolutely perfect New Mexico vacation. Santa Fe is a fairly small town, but public transportation isn’t up to European standards, and while most active travelers will have no problem walking around, some might find the town to be a bit daunting. Parking is a major issue in the summer months due to the tourist inflow, so the best way to prepare is just get ready to walk. A lot. However, this is also the best way to see the city, as most of the historic buildings, museums, and architecture can only be experienced up close and personal on foot. Whether you choose to explore the St. Francis Cathedral, the Scottish Rite Temple, or any of the structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Santa Fe is one of the few cities in America which features so much colonial architecture from the Spanish and Mexican days. The city is considered by many to be a year-round festival town, with festivities starting in February and running all the way through until late December. And if you find yourself getting tired of the city itself, there is the surrounding countryside to consider as well, with the mountains and parks offering a wide variety of hiking and biking opportunities, not to mention horseback riding if that’s your thing. Either way, Santa Fe is a unique town with a lot of different opportunities, perfect for any type of traveler any time of the year..