Have you made any exciting travel plans for the new year? If you’re still looking for places to visit this year and don’t want to travel too far from home, then you’re in luck! There’s actually one place here in New Mexico that Time Magazine named one of the top cities to visit in the United States for the new year. Let’s take a look.

It is a city you can’t ignore. It doesn’t take long to see its beauty. Just look!

Sam Cox/Flickr

Santa Fe was actually the first city mentioned in Time’s list of cities to visit in 2018, listing its incredible food and art scenes that make it a desirable destination. We have to agree!

Jpellgen/Flickr

The architecture, the old trees that tower overhead, deep blue skies, mountains in the distance, and the way the setting sun glows all call to Santa Fe’s magical atmosphere.

Kent Kanouse/Flickr

Santa Fe is a place of history. Founded in 1610, it is the oldest city in New Mexico and is the oldest capital in the country. You’ll find one of the oldest houses in the country sitting here!

jpellgen/Flickr De Vargas Street House is often called the oldest simply because part of the foundation is from an ancient pueblo that dates to about 1200 AD. It’s estimated the rest of the house actually dates to 1646.

And the oldest church in the continental U.S.

Jpellgen/Flickr The San Miguel Chapel was built around 1610 and much of the original adobe has been intact through all these centuries.

But Santa Fe’s fame isn’t just the history. It is a city steeped in art, where you’ll find it lining the streets.

Steve Corey/Flickr

Or even being sold on the streets.

Allen Sheffield/Flickr

You’ll even find an unforgettable opportunity to become immersed in art at the Meow Wolf art installation.

Sharat Ganapati/Flickr

Don’t forget to fuel up by visiting one of Santa Fe’s tasty restaurants. Find New Mexican dishes like stuffed sopapillas…

Greg Holland/Flickr

…gorge on a green chile cheeseburger…

C.C. Chapman/Flickr

…or just load up on chiles when they’re in season!

Jessica Wissel/Flickr

You’ll also find some beautiful places to rest your weary head after all the travel and adventure. Places like the Lodge at Santa Fe offer gorgeous rooms.

Heritage Hotels & Resorts/Flickr

Or choose a cozy bed and breakfast inn for more intimate accommodations.

El Farolito Bed & Breakfast Inn/Facebook

No matter what you find, we know you’re going to find some incredible adventures here!

Sam Cox/Flickr

Jpellgen/Flickr

Kent Kanouse/Flickr

jpellgen/Flickr

De Vargas Street House is often called the oldest simply because part of the foundation is from an ancient pueblo that dates to about 1200 AD. It’s estimated the rest of the house actually dates to 1646.

The San Miguel Chapel was built around 1610 and much of the original adobe has been intact through all these centuries.

Steve Corey/Flickr

Allen Sheffield/Flickr

Sharat Ganapati/Flickr

Greg Holland/Flickr

C.C. Chapman/Flickr

Jessica Wissel/Flickr

Heritage Hotels & Resorts/Flickr

El Farolito Bed & Breakfast Inn/Facebook

Most of us have probably been to Santa Fe at least once, so let us know what you like to do and where you like to eat when visiting! We just might feature the activity or restaurant in a future article!

If you want to visit another cool place in New Mexico for the new year, we recommend checking out Pecos. You can read more in The Small Town In New Mexico You’ve Never Heard Of But Will Fall In Love With.

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