General Information

1. General Overview of New Mexico: Santa Fe, known as “the City Different,” is the capital of New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment.” Santa Fe is a world-renowned travel destination, rich with natural beauty and one of the leading art centers in the country. Santa Fe is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which continue into the Rockies. An average of 300 days of blue skies and sunshine are sure to brighten your day! Some of New Mexico’s most famous citizens include Conrad Hilton (hotel executive), Demi Moore (actress), Georgia O’Keeffe (artist), Ernie Pyle (journalist), Billy the Kid (outlaw), Al Unser (racecar driver), and John Denver (singer).
2. Population: 72,056
3. State Capitol: Santa Fe
4. Language: English
5. Currency: $ (US Dollar)
6. Elevation: The highest point is Wheeler Peak at 13,161 ft in Taos County. The lowest point is Red Bluff Reservoir at 2,842 ft in Eddy County.
7. Climate: The climate ranges from 14°F to 86°F. Always do an online weather check for where you are visiting for an idea of what clothing to bring, and then bring a few varied layers just to be sure.
8. Driving: Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers in a car. Helmets must be worn by those on motorcycles. The state of New Mexico does not have a state-wide cell-phone law, however the state does allow localities to enact their own cell-phone legislation. Two cities, Santa Fe and Albuquerque, have chosen to enact their own legislation regarding the use of cell phones while driving. The Santa Fe law falls under Ordinance Number 2006-34 and is part of their "Uniform Traffic Code". Cell-phone use while driving in Santa Fe falls under "Prohibited Activities" while operating a motor vehicle. There are no exceptions for hands-free-devices. It is also illegal to smoke when there are children younger than 18 in the car. Please be aware that traffic can be a nightmare around and within the bigger cities. Try to plan your driving at times other than commute times.
9. Getting There: Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) offers shuttle, taxi, and rental car services. For more information, please visit http://www.santafenm.gov/index.asp?NID=199.
10. Getting Around: The Santa Fe Trails Transit System can take you to work, home, school, museums, hotels, or out on the town! The buses not only reduce traffic and the quality of air, but also offer clean and efficient transit throughout Santa Fe. For more information, visit http://santafetrails.santafenm.gov/.
11. Important Telephone Numbers:
Emergency Services: Dial 911
Information: Dial 411
Traffic & Road Conditions: Dial 511
12. Hostels: For a directory of hostels please go to: http://www.hostels.com/en/us.nm.html.
13. State Parks & Sites: There are 73 state parks, historic parks, natural reserves, state beaches, etc. throughout the entire state. To locate a site of interest go to http://www.stateparks.com/nm.html. Many have campsites, and you can make reservations online. There are also a lot of KOA campgrounds throughout the state: http://www.koa.com/where/nm/index.htm.
14. Snow: If you like to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or throw snowballs at your friends, be sure to visit Ski Santa Fe, Enchanted Forest, or Angel Fire! To find a ski resort, go to: http://www.skinewmexico.com/.
15. Water: While New Mexico is unfortunately land-locked away from the beach, you are missing out if you don’t go whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande River, boating on the San Juan River, or scuba diving in the world-famous Santa Rosa Blue Hole.
16. Places to Go: The leading attractions in Santa Fe are: Barrio de Analco, Camino Lejo, Canyon Road, Chapel of San Miguel, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Palace of the Governors
17. Things To Do: Hot Air Balloon Flights Over Rio Grande Gorge from Taos, Trailride in the Pecos Wilderness near Santa Fe, Sketching & Painting Classes in Santa Fe, Scenic Day Train from Santa Fe, Racecourse Whitewater Rafting near Taos, High Desert Cocktail Train from Santa Fe, and much more!
18. Events: For a calendar of New Mexico’s events go to http://www.newmexico.org/enjoy/events/index.php.
19. Night Life: The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Catamount Bar and Grille, Center for Contemporary Arts and Cinematheque, Cowgirl Hall of Fame, Desert Corale, Eldorado Hotel, Santa Fe Opera, Santa Fe Concert Association, Santa Fe Playhouse, Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco, The Dragon Room, La Fiesta Lounge, and more. Additional information can be found at: http://www.10best.com/Santa_Fe,NM/Nightlife/Best_Nightlife/.
20. Offbeat Attractions: For offbeat tourist attractions, go to Round America.
21. Tours & Activities: For a variety of tours and activities, go to Santa Fe Tours.