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Tourism

Tourism is a major aspect of the Santa Fe economy, with visitors attracted year-round by the climate and related outdoor activities, as well as the city's and region's cultural activities.

Most tourist activity takes place in the historic downtown district, especially on and around the Plaza, a one-block square adjacent to the Palace of the Governors, the original seat of New Mexico's territorial government from the time of Spanish colonization.

Santa Fe is popular with visitors in early autumn when the aspens in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains turn yellow and the skies are clear and blue.

This is also the time of the annual Fiestas de Santa Fe, celebrating the "reconquering" of Santa Fe by Don Diego de Vargas, a highlight of which is the burning Zozobra, a 50-foot marionette also called "Old Man Gloom."

Within easy driving distance for day-trips is the historic town of Taos, about 70 miles (113 km) North

The historic Bandelier National Monument about 30 miles (48 km) away.

Santa Fe's ski area, Ski Santa Fe, is about 16 miles (26 km) north of the city.