Santa Fe, NM—The City Different
Santa Fe is an old city. It’s also a different city.
That’s at least what the city’s official nickname, “the City Different,” claims. For once, the tagline thought up by the local tourism authority isn’t an empty promise. Motorcyclists looking for a wholly unique city would do well to rev the engine and motor to Santa Fe.
But what is it that makes Santa Fe so different? It comes down to four things: the city’s long history, the surrounding rugged nature, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its vibrant culture and arts scene.
Before the white man came, the area that would become Santa Fe was settled for hundreds of years by various Native American groups. The Spanish got here in 1598 and, by 1610, they had established the city as the capital of the province of Santa Fe de Nuevo México.
In the aftermath of the Mexican-American War, the city (alongside with the huge swath of land that would become the U.S. Southwest and California) was transferred into American hands. Today, Santa Fe remains the capital of the state of New Mexico.
The city’s long history ties directly into its unique architectural style. The Spanish settlers took construction lessons from the area’s Pueblo natives, as they knew best how to build houses that could withstand the arid climate.
These types of buildings are displayed best in the Santa Fe Historic District. It includes both the Santa Fe Plaza, the historical center of the city, and the Palace of the Governors, built as Nuevo México’s administrative center in 1610.
Yet, perhaps the most impressive buildings in town are its religious institutions. Prime among them is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, which is impressive both inside and out. You should also go see the San Miguel Chapel (also called San Miguel Mission), which—having also been built in 1610—is the oldest church in the continental U.S.
A good way to complete (or start) your history tour is to visit the New Mexico History Museum. Housed in a 17th-century governor’s palace, its exhibits detail the area’s Native and settler history.
Santa Fe is located at 7,199 feet above sea level, making it the highest state capital in the country. As such, the surrounding area is packed with trails, tracks, and paths that take you to the midst of the region’s rough-and-tough mountain nature.
This area is an ADV rider’s playground, with many excellent off-road trails that at times start right outside the city. A more beginner-friendly among them (relatively speaking, it probably shouldn’t be your first off-road excursion) is the Elk Mountain track that takes you up 4,600 feet in elevation. More advanced riders will enjoy the Caja del Río loop that takes you on a 20-mile jaunt through the trees and grasses of the Santa Fe National Forest.
If you prefer exploring the great outdoors by foot, you still have plenty of options. I recommend checking out the Bandelier National Monument, whose trails take you by the ruins of ancient Puebloan sites that provide amazing views all around.
And as to the art? You can’t escape it. Wherever you turn, you will find an art museum, gallery, or a street painter.
That said, if you prefer organized artistic experiences, you could visit the New Mexico Museum of Art, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum… Look, there’s a museum on more or less every other block.
You also shouldn’t miss the galleries and art boutiques of Canyon Road and the Railyard Arts District. They’re ideal places to find a unique souvenir to pack into your panniers before heading home from the City Different.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Santa Fe Plaza
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
- ADV trails
- Bandelier National Monument
- New Mexico Museum of Art
- Canyon Road
Nearby Roads
The High Road to Taos begins north of Santa Fe. This 77-mile route takes you high into the mountains, climbing 2,000 feet in roughly 10 miles. Along the way, you get to enjoy expansive vistas while also having a chance to visit Native American pueblos.
Another option north of the city is to head westward from Pojoaque on SR 502 and then divert onto SR 4. This twisty-turny road over the mountains offers sharp hairpins to test your technical riding skills. It also takes you by the aforementioned Bandelier National Monument, so you can go stretch your legs, too.
Riders looking for a longer ride on straighter pavement might consider hopping onto US 285, which passes through Santa Fe, and heading south. Remember to ride carefully, though, as this road is nicknamed the Death Highway for a reason. The long highway stretches on at times poorly maintained road will test your (and the road’s many truck drivers’) long-distance riding ability.
Of course, Santa Fe also lies on Route 66.
Recommended Lodging: The Pecos Trail Inn
The Pecos Trail Inn is a family-run motel that has been accommodating travelers in Santa Fe since 1955. While it is comfy and down-to-earth like your average motel, a few things lift it above the crowd.
Unusually for a motel so close to everything Santa Fe offers, the Pecos Trail Inn has complimentary parking. You can leave your bike right in front of your door without worrying about fees.
Additionally, you have on-site dining. The adjoining Pecos Trail Cafe feeds you lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, and breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays.
As the Pecos Trail Inn itself states, it ain’t fancy. But it’s comfortable, clean, cozy, and lets you easily jump into any adventure you find in Santa Fe.
Food & Dining
If you’re in New Mexico, you have to try the state’s famous green chiles—them’s the rules. The Palacio Restaurant in downtown Santa Fe knows how to cook them right. This family-owned eatery serves delicious Mexican and Tex-Mex meals at the right price. Find it at 209 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM (and note that the place is closed on Tuesdays).
For more upscale (and much pricier) eats, consider visiting Geronimo. This Asian/Mexican/American restaurant prepares eclectic fusion cuisine dishes, like lobster-poblano bisque and tellicherry-rubbed elk tenderloin. You also get to enjoy your meal in a 1756 adobe home. Find it at 724 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM.
Best Time to Travel
You should ride to Santa Fe either in spring or fall. The temperatures will be milder, allowing you to enjoy the roads and outdoor activities in comfort. Additionally, there are fewer tourists clogging the roads.
Summer is not a bad time to visit, but you should refresh yourself on the best heat management practices before you brave the sky-high temps. That said, there are a lot of events in the summer.
Winter is great for skiing in Santa Fe, but less so for motorcycling, with many of the mountain roads closed or snowed in.