Getting There
Visitors to Santa Fe can fly directly into Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) or into the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ).
Arriving at Albuquerque International Airport, Santa Fe is ~60-90 minutes by either rental car or shuttle service.
By car:
Take I-25 north to Santa Fe and turn off at the St. Francis exit (#282.)
Continue North to Cerrillos Road.
Turn Right on Cerrillos Road.
Get into the left lane, and follow the left split which turns into Sandoval Street.
Stay on Sandoval Street for .5 miles.
The Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza will be on the Left after crossing West Alameda.
For shuttle service contact Sandia Shuttle Express at 1-888-775-5696 or +1-505-474-5696.
History
Santa Fe gained its popularity as an art center at the turn of the century when artists discovered its beauty and culture. In the years between its founding and New Mexico statehood in 1912, Santa Fe has been under the rule of Spain, Mexico, the Indians, the Confederacy and the United States. The Spaniards established the City of Santa Fe as their colonial capital in 1610, a decade before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.
The Palace of the Governors, constructed at that time, is the oldest public building in the United Sates still in use. At one point following a revolt, it was occupied by Pueblo Indians, then served as the official seat of government for Spanish and later for Mexican administrators. Today, the Palace houses the History Museum and serves as part of the State Museum System.
Things To Do
Swimming, tennis and golf are enjoyed throughout most of the year as well as hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping and fishing in the 15 State and National forests to be found within a 60 mile radius of Santa Fe. While touring the area, be sure to visit the oldest cities in America, the Indian Pueblos. Experience first-hand rituals and dances unchanged through the generations. Now inhabited by descendants of the Anasazi, the early settlers to this region, each Pueblo is a sovereign entity with its own distinctive way of life.
At the heart of Santa Fe lies the Historic Downtown Plaza, site of more major historical, cultural and social events than anywhere else in the Southwest. Just a few short blocks away is the Palace of Governors and the Museum of Fine Arts. Other Museums on the southeastern edge of Santa Fe include the Museum of International Folk Art, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Center for Contemporary Arts. For more information on any New Mexico Museum, contact the State Museum System at (505) 827-6463.
Santa Fe provides a wealth of cultural, historical and recreational opportunities. Passport New Mexico, Santa Fe's full service destination management company, is located onsite at the Eldorado Hotel and can assist you in planning tours and other recreational activities. They can be reached via email at arlene@passportnewmexico.com and at their website www.passportnewmexico.com
