Facts, Figures & Tips for Visiting
Did you know. . .
- Among the many desirable tourist destinations, Santa Fe was rated second in the nation by Conde Nast magazine in 2006.
- In 2005, Travel and Leisure awarded Santa Fe third place for their most popular North American travel city.
- In 2004, Santa Fe earned the number 2 spot in Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s "Reader’s Choice Awards" among America’s top travel destinations—this was the thirteenth straight year Santa Fe ranked in the top 10!
- Santa Fe was rated number 10 on the World’s Best Cities list by the readers of Travel and Leisure magazine in August 2003.
As a Matter of Fact…
Santa Fe’s nickname: The City Different
Santa Fe founded: 1608
Santa Fe is the state capital
New Mexico achieved statehood: 1912
Other major cities: Albuquerque, Las Cruses, Los Alamos, Taos, Roswell, Rio Rancho
Population (2005 Census): Santa Fe City - 66,453; Santa Fe County – 137,758
State Song: O, Fair New Mexico
State Flower: Yucca
State Tree: Piñon
State Bird: Roadrunner
State Fish: Cutthroat Trout
State Animal: Smokey the Bear
State Vegetable: Pinto Beans (and the chile, although it’s not a vegetable)
State Gem: Turquoise
State Cookie: Bizcochito
State Slogan: ‘Everybody is somebody in New Mexico’
Christmas all year?!
Well, yes, if you're referring to chili: this spicy, official state "vegetable" is served with many of our traditional New Mexican dishes. When your server asks if you'd prefer red or green—e.g., red or green chili—the choice comes down to a question of how much heat your palate will tolerate. Many diners ask for "Christmas," which is both red and green … and until you have a chance to sample the goods, it's advisable to ask for it "on the side"!
If the devil wears Prada, Santa Feans must be angels…
"Casual" is the fashion code word around town. Here you'll see more denim per capita than any other city; suits are reserved for the State Legislature and weddings. Of course, we love to dress up as much as anyone, and Santa Feans revel at any number of formal balls, events, and openings that allow us to strut our stuff.
Speaking of movies…
Santa Fe has a thriving—and growing—movie industry, dating back to 1914. Contrary to what you might think, it's not all cowboys and Indians; films as diverse as Wild Hogs, In the Valley of Elah, The Longest Yard, and Independence Day have all been shot here.
Still, be wary of High Noon in the High Desert…
No, you won't need your pistols, but you will need your ten-gallon hat (or other broad-rimmed hat). Because Santa Fe is located more than 7,000 feet above sea level, the sun is closer and sunburn occurs more rapidly. Use your sunscreen liberally. The high altitude may, in some individuals, trigger "altitude sickness," with symptoms such as headache, nausea, sluggishness, or nosebleed. Most people acclimate easily, simply by limiting alcohol intake and drinking plenty of water, so take it easy in the saloons until you can gauge how the alcohol will affect you! A good rule of thumb: 1 alcoholic drink at 7,000 feet is equivalent to 3 drinks at sea level.
Gesundheit!
Floating unseen through our clear skies are those pesky pollen particles from juniper, sage, cottonwood, and elm. If you have a sensitive nose for such things, be sure to include allergy remedies when you pack. On a sunnier note, Santa Fe is home to numerous alternative and mainstream doctors who offer a range of cures and aids.
Weather, Geography & Topography
Area of Santa Fe: 37.7 square miles
Santa Fe’s average highs 'n lows: July: 91/57, January: 40/19
Average rainfall: 14 inches
Average snowfall: 32 inches
Average number of sunny days: 300
By definition, Santa Fe is a desert because of its low precipitation and high evaporation rates. Our topography is shaped by the winds and, paradoxically, by water: the rains, when they do come, erode the soil and create canyons and amazing rock formations. The winds sandblast the rocks and also build up dunes in some areas of the state.
But Santa Fe is "high desert" – not the barren, furnace-like sands found at sea level. Warm, sun-filled days and cool, breezy evenings are the norm here. But at 7,000 feet above sea level, it can reach freezing. Remember, the Santa Fe Ski Basin is just 16 miles from the center of town. There, the altitude is nearly 13,000 feet above sea level.
Plants and animals have adapted well to our low precipitation, evolving root and leaf systems that conserve water. You will see many splendid varieties of flower, shrub, and tree all around the city, and each season has its different colors and textures.
Spring in Santa Fe is second-to-none, with displays of wisteria, forsythia, lilacs, tulips, crocuses, and daffodils. Summer heralds in a riot of wild flowers in every color of the rainbow. This is also Santa Fe's most active time, teeming with tourists, festivals, fiestas, and markets. Late summer typically hosts our "monsoon season," but don't be misled by that characterization: instead of a deluge, we typically experience late-afternoon showers that produce rainbows and unparalleled sunsets. The colors of fall rival those of the northeast, with golden aspens, the "purple majesty" of our several mountain ranges, and the silvering of the sage brush and the olive trees. Fall is also the best-smelling season, as residents and hotels fire up their kivas and release the scent of piñon wood into the air. Finally, in winter, though the city rarely has to contend with hampering ice and snowfall, the mountains are typically capped in white and it's a skiers delight!
Transportation
By air: Santa Fe is served by Albuquerque International Sunport and more locally by the Santa Fe Municipal Airport at the southwest corner of the city, providing commuter connections as well as private aircraft traffic. In June 2007, the airport was upgraded to allow regional jet service, targeting connections with Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City.
By car: Our major north-south artery is Interstate 25; state and country roads service east-west travel. While downtown Santa Fe is enjoyably "walk-able," you can rent a car, if you prefer, from a number of downtown agencies to journey farther afield.
By bus: Santa Fe's comprehensive city bus line is Santa Fe Trails, 505.955.2001; Greyhound Bus Lines also connect Santa Fe to Taos, Albuquerque, and other major cities. Convenient shuttles are available between Albuquerque Sunport and Santa Fe hotels.
By rail: Railroads have always been an essential part of New Mexico's infrastructure for businesses and individuals. Today, Amtrak provides passenger service to Albuquerque, as well as to California and Colorado. The Rail Runner, a new commuter rail project, currently runs in central New Mexico and will culminate in 2008 with service to Santa Fe.
Media
Newspapers: Read all about it in one of our award-winning papers: The Santa Fe Reporter; The Santa Fe New Mexican and its Friday arts supplement Pasatiempo; Albuquerque Journal's Journal North edition for the Santa Fe area; and a number of smaller publications for specialized markets, such as Tumbleweeds for kids and GreenMoney Journal offering tips from the stock market to the supermarket.
Radio: Like markets in every city, the air waves in Santa Fe stay current with news, trends, and local happenings. Spin the dial for everything from classical music to the hottest new Indie bands, or for public radio programs to satellite radio.
Television: Let's just say there are more channels than any one person could ever want or need!
