Nestled within the Sangre de Cristo foothills lies Santa Fe, New Mexico, the capital of the state, with a population of approximately 84,000 people living within its borders. This captivating city marked by a dry, desert climate is located over 7,000 feet above sea level, making it the state capital with the highest elevation in the country. Santa Fe is also the oldest state capital in the country, founded in 1608, and becoming the capital two years later in 1610.

In addition to its long-running history as a state capital and its exceedingly high elevation is Santa Fe’s continued celebration of its southwestern culture and arts. Santa Fe is known for its numerous art galleries, art fairs, and homes to artists. Whether through paintings, Native American artifacts or through its preserved pueblo architecture, Santa Fe is a must-see city for those looking for a truly unique cultural experience.

One local attraction and must-see during your time in Santa Fe is the Botanical Gardens at Museum Hill. Located in the southern region of Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens at Museum Hill boasts 14 acres of sprawling garden grounds to explore. The Gardens draw in thousands of visitors each year and offer both self-guided and group tour experiences. Designed by architect W. Gary Smith, the Gardens are broken up into four different sections - The Orchard Gardens, The Courtyard Gardens, Ojos y Manos: Eyes and Hands, and the Arroyo Trails. Each section is unique and offers a different perspective, or look, at the various landscapes found within New Mexico.

During the spring, summer and fall months, the Gardens are open everyday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, with the exception of major holidays such as New Year’s, Thanksgiving or Christmas. During the winter months, the Gardens are open Sunday through Thursday each week from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. For group tours, reservations must be made two weeks ahead of time with at least 10 people in the group. For those who call ahead to schedule a group tour, the ticket prices are discounted to $8 per person. General admission is $10 per adult for non-New Mexico residents and $9 for adult residents during the summer months and is reduced to $7 for all adults (both resident and non-resident) during the winter months. The Gardens also offer New Mexico residents free admission for community days once a month as well as unlimited visits for one individual for $40 annually if you decide to become a member. To start planning your trip to the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens and for a more detailed listing of hours, admission prices, and types of memberships, click here.

The Museum of International Folk Art is another must-see when visiting Santa Fe. Founded in 1953, the museum’s collection has grown to include over 100,000 artifacts from around the world, making it the biggest collection of folk art in the world. The museum’s collection is arranged into different sections based on geography, grouping artifacts based on the different regions of the world they have come from.

The museum is open each day May through October from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Starting in November through the beginning of May, the museum is closed on Monday’s during the winter months. Like the Botanical Gardens, admission prices are based on age and state of residency. An in-state New Mexico resident is $7 per adult and $12 if you are not a New Mexico resident. The museum offers discounts and free admission to residents on the first Sunday of every month. Individuals can also purchase an annual membership for $30. To find more information on the museum, click here.

Whether you are looking to take a stroll through serene botanical gardens or learn more about folk art pieces, Santa Fe is the place to visit! Stay tuned for future postings on things to do in and around Santa Fe.

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