Don’t Worry About Big Airports? Fly to Santa Fe, NM!
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Landmarks and the Technical part
The Santa Fe Municipal Airport, (IATA: SAF, ICAO: KSAF, FAA LID: SAF) is a towered public airport located 9 miles SW of the city center of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The airport is a public-private partnership anchored by TOURISM Santa Fe. It has three runways and one of the highest elevations in the U. S. at 6348.7 ft. Elevation does differ slightly between runways.
| 02/20 | 8,366 ft x 150 ft | Asphalt |
| 15/33 | 6,316 ft x 75 ft | Asphalt |
| 10/28 | 6,301 ft x 75 ft | Asphalt |
There are two FBO’s listed. One is the Jet Center at Santa Fe with award-winning customer service and a full line of aviation services. The other is Signature Aviation with a list of features that includes everything from ramp side access to showers and locked storage rooms. Both AVGas and Jet-A (-/+) are present here. Also, both major airframe and powerplant services are available. There is both bottled and bulk oxygen on this field.
This airport has 3 consistent commercial destinations to Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix. In addition to the Santa Fe area it also serves the Los Alamos region.
Although this is now rated a commercial airport it is still a non-hub airport and very popular with private jets from NetJets, Paramount Business Jets, Flexjet, Mercury Jets, and evoJets. Private charters are also available from Uber Jets, Monarch Air Group, Silver Air, and numerous other private jet services. Please do your own research as to what type of service you would like because while some are by the hour others are the Jet.com type that are open only to jet card members.
Transportation
Taxi and car service are generally available. However, for late night arrivals, it’s a good idea to make a reservation. There are two rental car companies inside the terminal, Hertz and Avis. There are also numerous rental car agencies available nearby including Enterprise and Budget. Additionally, many local hotels offer free shuttle service to and from the airport as well as Roadrunner Shuttle Service.
There are several Limo services to include: Bernard’s Transportation Service, Devine Limo, Private Car Service, Santa Fe Valet & Limousine, and New Mexico Black Car Service. There is also a public bus service in Santa Fe but currently it does not extend to the airport.
Things To Do
Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States, is known as The City Different. You might need more than one trip to discover all of it. From the colorful Santa Fe Market to the history and art tours, to visiting northern pueblos, it’s all here! Most recommended on the Viator travel sight is the Ultimate Santa Fe Walking Tour.
Streets lined with adobe buildings are connected to the earth here like no where else. Additionally, in the Canyon Road arts district and the city plazas, you will find 100s of galleries and the splendor of the native people spreading their crafts out on vividly colored blankets.
The portal of the Palace of Governors or “El Palacio Real” is the oldest continually used European built public building in the country. In addition, the Santa Fe Plaza, right in the heart of the city, is some of the best people watching and shopping you can find.
Attractions
Georgia O’Keeffe lived in Santa Fe for many years and both her home and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum are located here. Plans for a bigger space are in the works but it will not be finished until 2027. Other top attraction are the New Mexico History Museum, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Loretto Chapel with it’s famous staircase, the St. Francis Cathedral, and the open air theater of the Santa Fe Opera. The Santa Fe Opera has a beautiful background with the Sangre De Christo Mountains.
Finally, If you like getting out, the Bandelier National Monument is located just outside of the city and is home to some of the most well-preserved ancient ruins in North America. You could also grab a ride on the Sky Railway, raft the Rio Grande, or go skiing if the season is right.
Where to Stay in Santa Fe!
A few blocks from downtown is the Inn and Spa at Loretto in the authentic southwestern style. The Loretto Chapel is the home of the famous spiral staircase that was built without nails and had no visible means of support when it was originally built. They have since added two metal braces that did not fare well because they had no give.
Two other relaxing and pampering favorite are the Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort and the Hotel Santa Fe, Hacienda & Spa. These last two are both located on the same grounds but are two different levels of service. To clarify, Hotel Santa Fe is a nice hotel but the Hotel Santa Fe Hacienda & Spa is an entire experience. Nearby is the always buzzing Railyard District known for a lively art scene, local breweries, and coffee houses. It is also where you will find the local Farmer’s Market.
Unique lodging in the area if you are splurging include: The Inn of the Five Graces, Bishop’s Lodge, the Four Season Resort, and the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi.
Of coarse, the usual assortment is here also. Best Western, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Marriott and Home Stay. If your plans are not solid Orbitz with free cancellations is always a good choice for the best deals.
Dining in Santa Fe!
So much to choose from! Try Geronimo, The Shed, or the Santa Fe Cattle Company. For the spicier side of life the Jambo Cafe, Tia Sophia’s, or the Paloma are great choices.
Topping the list for fine dining is Geronimo or Sazon but you would also love the outdoor dining experience of the Santacafe, or the Asian cuisine of Alkeme. People who love steaks brag about The Bull Ring, Palace Prime, and the Rio Chama Prime Steakhouse.
If you’re looking for live music and fine Spanish sherry look no further than the great atmosphere of La Boca. Something a little more private? Try Estevan, tucked away inside the Hotel Chimayo with a cozy little fireplace and known for excellent service!
In a town filled with great food there is no shortage of choices to suit anyone’s palate. If you want a little bit of culture while dining try the Wander New Mexico Tour. It’s a downtown Sip & Savor tour available on Thursdays or Saturdays.
Santa Fe Pubs and Wineries!
Just a short walk from the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is Paxton’s Taphouse featuring 30 local beers. Also close is the winery, Herve Wine Bar (one block west of the Santa Fe Plaza) with a gorgeous glass roof and great wine selection.
Looking for upscale? It’s back to the Palace Prime for excellent service in a beautiful setting.
As for wineries, there’s an impressive line up here: Santa Fe Vineyards, Gruet Winery-Santa Fe, Casa Abril Vineyards & Winery, Vara-Santa Fe, Black Mesa Winery, Vivac Winery, and El Alamo Winery plus many more.
For pubs, the top of the crop seems to be Second Street Brewery at the Railyard, Desert Dogs Brewery and Cidery, Rowley Farmhouse Ales, Boxcar Bar and Grill, and Hidden Mountain Brewing. However, they are too numerous to mention and there’s probably a nice place either in your hotel or very near. One of the best ways to explore the artsy Railway District is with a Sip, Savor, & History walking tour. It will take 3-4 hours but it’s well worth your time.
Have a great time exploring Santa Fe, New Mexico and as always, we’d love to share our latest destination research with you! Sign up at Jettreks.com.
Safe flight and smooth landings,
jo@jettreks.com