8 Prestigious Awards That Place Santa Fe at the Top of Every Travel List
Santa Fe, known as "The City Different," is a world-renowned destination blending four centuries of history, diverse cultures, outdoor adventures, thriving arts scenes, exceptional cuisine, rejuvenating spas, and unique shopping. This year, it garnered top honors from leading global publications across these categories. Here are eight standout accolades:
#1 World's Best Places to Photograph: Popular Photography Magazine 2015 Readers' Poll
Santa Fe topped the readers' poll as the ultimate photography destination. Capture stunning Southwest landscapes and mountain vistas. "The color is what strikes you first about Santa Fe," reader Caprice Nuss shared. "The deep blue sky, the earth-tone adobe, then—bam!"
Santa Fe is a photographer's paradise.
Santa Fe Ranks in Top 3 Cities on MovieMaker Magazine List
The Santa Fe Independent Film Festival earned a spot among the top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee for the second consecutive year in MovieMaker Magazine.
Actress Shirley MacLaine addresses the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival crowd. Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Independent Film Festival.
Railyard Arts District Voted Top 10 U.S. Art Districts by USA Today 10Best
A short walk from Santa Fe Plaza, the Railyard Arts District boasts premier galleries, art walks, and events like free Fridays at SITE. With Santa Fe's artistic legacy, it's no surprise it ranked among the nation's best.
Sculptures adorn the sidewalk outside the William Siegal Gallery. Photo courtesy of MarkKane.net.
National Geographic Names Santa Fe a Top 10 High-Altitude City Worldwide
Featured in The World's Best Cities, Santa Fe is the highest (7,206 feet) and oldest U.S. state capital, founded in 1610.
With the snowcapped Sangre de Cristo Mountains as a backdrop, this artsy city blends Spanish, Native American, and Anglo cultures.
#7 Best Food City in America: Condé Nast Traveler 2014 Readers' Choice
New Mexican cuisine debates green or red chile—try both at James Beard Award-winning The Shed. Beyond tradition, enjoy fusion at The Compound (Southwestern-Mediterranean) and Restaurant Martín (progressive American with Southwestern-Asian-French flair).
Santa Fe's food scene embraces innovative fusion fare.
One of the World's 30 Friendliest Cities: Travel + Leisure Readers' Choice
Readers praise Santa Fe's welcoming locals and safety. Condé Nast Traveler ranked it #6 Friendliest U.S. City in 2015. Artisans thrive amid Native American crafts, silverwork, and turquoise.
Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images.
#2 Best Small City in the U.S.: Condé Nast Traveler Readers
Over 128,000 readers rated U.S. cities under 150,000 population. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Santa Fe inspires with adobe streets, San Miguel Mission, and diverse dining like Jambo Café or The Shed. It also ranked sixth worldwide in 2015.
Photo courtesy of Condé Nast Traveler.
#4 Best City in the U.S. and Canada: Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards
Readers voted Santa Fe for its vibrant character beyond clichés.
2015 was a stellar year for Santa Fe. Explore more on our Awards and Accolades page and request your 2016 Santa Fe travel guide to plan your visit.
