The Best Time To Visit
Santa Fe New Mexico
A Most Enchanting Place to Vacation
Seven thousand feet at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with peaks extending upward to over 12,000 feet above sea level. Four distinctly beautiful seasons where colorful leaves fall during autumn, an abundance of winter snow creates world class ski conditions, wildflowers billow in spring and the rapids of the Rio Grande entice rafters and Kayakers in the summer. All this showcased by some of the most beautiful mountains in America.
Rich in Native American heritage where cultures and traditions have been handed-down for thousands of years. The influence of the Spanish who claim to have discovered Santa Fe in about 1607 permeates just about every aspect of Santa Fe.
Santa Fe is a place of interesting and invigorating contrasts. Everything seems to be artfully arranged to attract tourists with a synergistic flavor of rustic southwest. Santa Fe’s oldest inhabitants, the Pueblo Indian Tribes struggle to maintain historic traditions while at the same time the wealthiest and the indulging complain about the lack of space-age amenities.
Getting To Santa Fe
Most major air-carriers serve Albuquerque which is just over 50 miles southwest of Santa Fe. Although there is some flight service to Santa Fe, it’s typically more convenient to rent a car and enjoy the gorgeous scenery along the relatively short drive.
When To Go
Summer is the high season which seems to coincide with school vacations. Typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day is the Santa Fe vacation season when you can expect higher lodging prices. This is particularly true during the world popular Indian Market held on the third weekend in August. Most hotel rooms are booked well in advance during this period. Make your Santa Fe hotel reservations online now.
Many vacationers choose September as the best time to visit while it is still relatively warm and the peak vacation crowd has returned home. Snow-ski conditions are typically ideal during December and January. The summer months are perfect for rafting and kayaking the Rio Grande River. Consult our Santa Fe weather page for realtime temperatures and a chart of average monthly temperatures.
Popular Events
Santa Fe’s biggest and most attended event is The Indian Market held on the third weekend of August each year. Over a thousand Indian artists from all parts of the country display their works of art, jewelry, sculptures and crafts in the Santa Fe Plaza.
The Santa Fe Fiesta which celebrates the peaceful reoccupation of Santa Fe by the Spanish in 1692 happens on the first weekend following Labor Day in September. Many activities occur during the festive period including a parade and the Burning of Zozobra a 50-foot papier-mâché effigy which by myth and tradition takes away the people’s troubles. Food, dancing and lively music occurs well into the night. The Santa Fe Fiesta is a centuries-old celebration.
Things To Do & See
The bulk of local attractions center around Santa Fe’s Plaza including the St. Francis Cathedral originally constructed beginning in 1869 and the Palace of the Governors, originally Spain’s seat of the government in Santa Fe and is now New Mexico state’s historical museum. On Old Santa Fe Trail, visit the Loretto Chapel built for the sisters of Loretto which has become a popular wedding venue. Be sure to experience Museum Hill a complex of four museums including the popular Museum of International Folk Art.
See our Santa Fe Attractions page for more things to do and see. And of course some of the world’s tastiest cuisine can be found at Santa Fe restaurants including the hot, hot and hotter New Mexico style Mexican Food.
Where To Stay
Whether you’re seeking budget hotel accommodations or luxury resort amenities, make your Santa Fe Hotel reservations well in advance. You might even consider the at home conveniences of Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast Inns for more private and intimate accommodations. Many vacationers consider the multitude of Albuquerque Hotels since its proximity is but about 50 miles from Santa Fe. During the peak season, finding a hotel in Albuquerque may be the viable solution. |
