Santa Fe County is the capital of New Mexico and is a popular tourist destination known for its warm and welcoming environment.The influence of indigenous art and culture is very prevalent in the colorful murals, sculptures, and art festivals found at almost every corner. The natural beauty is magnificent as well, making the city a must-visit for artists and nature lovers alike!Located at the end of the Santa Fe trail, the city of Santa Fe has much to offer from breathtaking trails to beautiful works of art at the many museums and the huge art and culture festivals. The food is worth mentioning as well, with the spicy chile kicking the delicious dishes up a notch! So get ready to take a tour of this unique city with our interesting facts!If you enjoyed this article, do check our pages on how is holy water made? And Bible facts.Travel: Santa Fe factsThe oldest state capital in the US, the city of Santa Fe has been nicknamed ‘The City Different’, which is quite appropriate for this hustling and bustling center of art and culture! With its native American and Pueblo roots, the city has been influenced by the colorful cultures and lifestyles of the indigenous people who occupy the city till today. The full name of this beautiful city is actually La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asís–the Royal Town of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi.The historic background of the city is quite rich, as it has always been a center of commerce and trade. Though the earliest settlement in downtown Santa Fe was as early as in the year 900 CE, trading with other settlements like Spanish Texas, Mexico city, and New Orleans in later years really helped to develop the city and improve infrastructure. It opened up in 1821 when it declared independence from Spain, with the Spanish colonists capturing it along with many other parts of New Mexico in 1610. However, this independence was short-lived, as it was captured by United States Army General Stephen W. Kearny for the United States during the Mexican–American War in 1846.The city is full of sights, foods, and experiences which make for an unforgettable trip. The natural landscape of the city makes it perfect for people with an adventurous spirit, with many camping, skiing, biking, and hiking trips taking place at different times of the year. The city has a semi-arid climate and has tropical, desert-like weather for most of the year with freezing cold winters.Santa Fe’s elevation is at 7,199 ft (2,194 m) above sea level, which is where it gets its arid steppe climate from. It’s the highest altitude capital in the United States because of this!The creative environment of Santa Fe is like no other, and the influence of the local artists can be seen in almost each and every district and neighborhood. There are many contemporary art museums and parks as well, which showcase the work of the city’s best artists, as well as encourage city residents as well as tourists to dabble with their creative side. Many art galleries are located in close proximity to each other on Museum hill, which is a place not to leave off of your travel list!The art festivals and markets during the summer are a must-visit and feature the history and work of many Native American, Hispanic, Anglo, and international artists as well! Some of the most famous exhibitions cum markets are the International Folk Art Market, Contemporary Hispanic Market, Traditional Spanish Market, Santa Fe Art Week, and the Santa Fe Indian Market, all of which showcase a unique blend of art to treat your senses.Some historical tourist attractions include the Palace of the Governors, the central Plaza square, and the St. Francis Cathedral. The San Miguel Chapel is the oldest catholic church in the United States, though only part of it remains standing, with a large portion of it being damaged during the Pueblo revolt in 1610 AD.Santa Fe does not lack in natural beauty either; the rolling hillsides and mountains, sprawling vineyards, and numerous waterfalls, nature reserves, and gardens make it an ideal vacation spot for nature lovers. Ski at the picnic Ski Santa Fe resort or Windsor trail, or take a hike up Atalaya mountain trails and relax near the beautiful Nambe falls- this city has it all!The nightlife of the city, fueled by the rich and diverse music scene, can be found in the various restaurants, breweries, and clubs dotting the city, each with its own unique vibe and menu. The Santa Fe Opera house is nothing short of magnificent, with the open-air venue providing beautiful views of the mountains and the sunset. The Santa Fe Opera is highly regarded as the best opera company in the country - so a summer night spent here is sure to be magical.And if you come to Santa Fe for the culture, you’ll definitely stay for the food, which is out of this world! Indulge in some classic Mexican dishes and Native American as well as fusion food like enchiladas, breakfast burritos, indulgent fry bread, Frito pie, and Chile cheeseburgers! Do be aware that the use of the New Mexican staple - red and green chiles in the food add a level of spiciness which may only be for the adventurous!Expenditure: Santa Fe factsSanta Fe cannot be explored overnight - it is advised to spend at least a week here to indulge yourself into the true Santa Fe experience. It is quite affordable for solo travelers, who will need to spend around $1800-2500 for a seven-day trip depending on their accommodation and experiences.Taking your car or renting one is a good idea, as the public transport system in Santa Fe is limited to buses, with trails and other attractions which are farther away being a bit difficult to access otherwise. The downtown area is all in very close proximity and walking through the colorful streets and around the Santa Fe plaza makes for a very enjoyable stay.Lodging: Santa Fe factsHotel rooms vary from around $74-$302 per night, which are relatively better for couples compared to higher-end vacation rentals which go for around $290-$680 per night - usually covering an entire house, perfect for families or groups.For people looking for a cheaper stay, the closeby city of Albuquerque is a good recommendation. Being only an hour’s drive away from Santa Fe, booking a hotel on the outskirts of this city will help you travel on a budget.Safety & Security: Santa Fe factsSolo travelers may find security in learning as the crime rate of this city is pretty low for travelers. Property crime is prominent in the more dangerous areas of the city, however, the tourist areas like the main plaza and the museums are always well lit with adequate security. If you are staying in a well-known inn or hotel, then you do not need to fear much about safety as it is all accounted for.Worrying about carrying enough sunscreen during the summer, and layers during the winter are regarded as more important safety measures, as the extreme climate of the city can wreak havoc with the bodies of tourists who are not acclimatized to their surroundings!Overall, do keep your guard up as the usual dangers of any large city do exist, however, the crime rate should not be too worrying for short-term visitors. So make the best of your time here and take in all the wonderful sights of the city!Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Santa Fe facts then why not take a look at butterfly meaning in the Bible or Aaron in the Bible facts.
Santa Fe County is the capital of New Mexico and is a popular tourist destination known for its warm and welcoming environment.
