Santa Fe Overview

Fine art, music and theater are brought together in this ancient city that glows in the golden light of the New Mexico sun and rests in the arms of the Southern Rocky Mountains. This is Santa Fe -- The City Different, The City of Holy Faith.

Districts

The city of Santa Fe has endured nearly four centuries of resplendent history. Recognized as the oldest capitol city in the United States, it has served as the seat of provincial government for the Northern Spanish Empire in the new world, the temporary headquarters of the Pueblo Tribes during the Pueblo Revolt, and the capitol of the northern territory of the Mexican Republic. When the United States obtained the lands that now make up the American Southwest, Santa Fe became the capitol of the New Mexico Territory, and now is the capitol of the State of New Mexico.

Despite its rich and sometimes turbulent past, Santa Fe’s population was slow to grow. Until 20 years ago, it was not a major city by any standard. Since then, the population has grown from around 40,000 to over 60,000. Zoning laws from the 1950s, written by visionary civic leaders, helped the growing city retain the enchanting charm that makes it one of the most fascinating and romantic cities in the Western Hemisphere.

Nowhere is this charm more evident than on the Santa Fe Plaza. Shaded by 150-year-old cottonwood trees, the grassy square is surrounded by historic buildings. The ancient adobe structures, with their gentle corners and irregular earth-tone walls, bake in the soft light of the New Mexico sun. The hustle of the modern city teems to the south, but on the Plaza life slows, and the locals affectionately call their home "the land of mañana."

Entertainment

The Santa Fe Opera: Some called it folly and others called it vision when a youthful John Crosby founded the Santa Fe Opera in 1957. History now recognizes it as genius. Santa Fe was just a fledgling tourist destination a half a century ago. But the demographic of visitors and transplants to this Northern New Mexico community was that of culture, money and more money. Crosby knew that this meant that there was a cultural niche to fill in the city’s entertainment offerings and if he built it, they would fill the seats and line his pockets. The opera has premiered dozens of now-popular shows. Each season offers old favorites and new, original productions.

Dining and Drinking

The city of Santa Fe sits at a cultural crossroads—a junction between Native Americans, Old World Hispanics and Anglo-Americans. As these cultures interacted through the centuries, a singular brand of cuisine evolved that combined the utilitarian simplicity of Native American food with zesty Hispanic seasonings. The essence of this fare can be captured at dozens of Santa Fe restaurants, in varying degrees of authenticity, style and price. Diversity reigns among Santa Fe’s restaurants and clubs, so if you cannot find something you like, keep looking—it is there.

Where To Stay

For nearly 400 years, travelers to "The City Different" have ended their journey at the Santa Fe Plaza. When the city was first laid out in 1607, the inn, or "la fonda" in Spanish, was built on the Southeast corner of the Plaza. Today, a historic palace of accommodation stands on this same corner. Built in 1922, La Fonda is a monument to the city’s colorful and profound past. Immense adobe walls, some as thick as six feet, support massive wood beams that enfold an ambiance in which you can actually feel the history of the city. The only hotel located directly on the Plaza, La Fonda is an extremely popular destination and pre-booking is just about the only way to obtain a room.

Did You Know?

Santa Fe is short for the original Spanish name "La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis" meaning "The Royal City of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi."

Orientation/Geography

Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico and located in the north central part of the state. Denver lies 289 miles to the north, Oklahoma City 473 miles to the east, Phoenix 379 miles to the southwest and Salt Lake City 476 miles to the northwest.


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