Santa Fe was founded in 1610 and is the oldest state capital in the country. At one time, all lands west of the Mississippi were governed from the Palace of the Governors on the Santa Fe Plaza. Santa Fe is a beautiful town nestled in the foothills, at the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains at an altitude of 7,000 feet. Thousands of acres of National Forest and wilderness surround the city. The town is known best for its southwestern style (Santa Fe style) architecture, great food, and great shopping. Best Western Santa Fe New Mexico.
Things to do in Santa Fe
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
A long living-history museum highlights the Spanish Colonial Period. Former El Camino Real stop, morada, mill, frontier schoolhouse and other different period structures are available to see. Open April - October with self-guided or guided tours. Located 15 miles south of Santa Fe. Call 505-471-2261 for more information.
El Zaguan
A territorial hacienda, home of the Historic Santa Fe Foundation, with gardens named for the archaeologist Adolph Bandelier. Call 505-983-2567 for more information.
Institute of American Indian Arts
Museum of contemporary American Indian art. Call 505-424-2300 for more information.
Loretto Chapel
Gothic chapel with a miraculous staircase built by a mysterious carpenter believed by the Loretto nuns to be St. Joseph. Call 505-982-0092 for more information.
Museum of Fine Arts
Contemporary and historic art as portrayed by Southwest artists. St. Francis Auditorium hosts musical events year round. Call 505-476-5072 for more information.
Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
New Mexico Indian arts, crafts and artifacts can be found here. Demonstrations and workshops are given by basketmakers, potters, jewelers, weavers, drum makers and painters. Call 505-476-1250 for more information.
Museum of International Folk Art
The Girard Collection of 106,000 objects from more than 100 countries are featured here. View miniature scenes of worldwide village life. Hispanic Heritage Wing with nation's most important collection of Spanish Colonial/Hispanic folk art. The Neutrogena Collection of textiles and folk art can be seen here. Hands-on exhibits are also available for children. Call 505-476-1200 for more information.
Palace of the Governors
Built in the 17th century. Larger in the past, still dominates this historic Plaza. The oldest public building in the nation, served Spain, Mexico and Confederacy. It survived the 1680 Pueblo Indian Revolt, Mexican War, and Confederate occupation. Call 505-476-5100 for more information.
Santa Fe Children's Museum
Enjoy hands on art, science and humanities exhibits. Call 505-989-8359 for more information.
Sante Fe RR
Enjoy a 36-mile round trip between Santa Fe and Lamy. These restored vintage passenger cars can be booked for sunset dinner trips. Call 505-989-8600 for more information.
Santuario de Guadalupe
This 18th century mission museum hosts the oldest shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the United States. Stroll through the botanical gardens and Spanish Colonial arts. Call 505-988-2027 for more information.
Shakespeare in Santa Fe
July and August feature performances at St. John's College. Grass and ground seating is free, seats can be purchased by calling. Call 505-982-2910 for more information.
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
Southwest Indian arts are on display for viewing. Call 505-982-4636 for more information.