Despite its rich and sometimes turbulent past, Santa Fe was slow to grow. Until 20 years ago, it was not a major city by any standard. Since then, the population has grown from around 40,000 to over 60,000. Zoning laws from the 1950s, written by visionary civic leaders, helped the growing city retain the enchanting charm that makes it one of the most fascinating in the country.

Plaza

Nowhere is this charm more evident than on Santa Fe Plaza. Shaded by 150 year-old cottonwood trees, this grassy square is surrounded by historic buildings. The ancient adobe structures, with their gentle corners and irregular earth-tone walls, bake in the soft light of the New Mexico sun. The hustle of the modern city teems to the south, but on the Plaza life slows, and the locals affectionately call their home "the Land of Mañana."

On the north side of the Plaza is the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the country. Across from this grand structure, Pueblo artisans sell the fruits of their labors on colorful blankets at the Santa Fe Indian Market. The remaining three sides of the Plaza are lined with boutiques, galleries, restaurants and jewelry stores that cater to tourists.

Canyon Road

Carrying snowmelt down from the 12,000-foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Rio Santa Fe splashes and dances over granite boulders on its way south and west to the Rio Grande. Walled compounds hide historic haciendas along this narrow winding road. Many of the old properties have been converted into galleries like Thirteen Moons Gallery, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants like Geronimo and El Farol.

Greater Santa Fe

Like spokes of a wheel, three major arteries spear their way northward from Interstate 25 toward the Plaza. On the western fringe of the city, Cerrillos Road is Santa Fe's busiest boulevard and boasts the largest concentration of modern hotels and retail outlets in the city. Villa Linda Mall, Santa Fe's largest indoor shopping mall, is located on the far southern reaches of Cerrillos Road. Be prepared to deal with heavy traffic congestion along this road in the summer months and during ski season.

To the east is Old Pecos Trail. This two-lane route to downtown is void of the high-density commercial zones that line Cerrillos Road, but a sharp eye will spot a number of stylish lodging options, like La Quinta Inn Santa Fe, and shops, like Jackalope, peeking out from behind the piñon trees.

North

Rolling hills carpeted with piñon and juniper bracket the city to the north and create a setting for the world-famous Santa Fe Opera. This outdoor theater is famous for its acoustics and offers the very finest in operatic entertainment. Nearby you'll also find Camel Rock Casino and the Ten Thousand Waves spa.