When you’re looking for a vacation destination that’s one-of-a-kind to enjoy year-round, summer in Santa Fe has it covered. “The City Different” is a vibrant and exciting place to spend time with family and friends, but if you head this way and enjoy a summer stay, there’s even more to look forward to! Summer is a fantastic season to explore Santa Fe whether you’re looking forward to a solo adventure, a group getaway, or a romantic escape for two. It’s a locale that’s loved by travelers from across the map for its amazing culinary scene, rich history, gorgeous aesthetics, intriguing culture, and terrific outdoor adventure as well.
Your summer trip to Santa Fe will put you within easy reach of a bustling downtown scene for city-center fun as well as extraordinary national forests to discover when you’re ready to get out and explore further. Cinema enthusiasts will find a summer trip to Santa Fe is a chance to dive into the destination’s deep film industry roots including a Netflix hub and five western sets to its name. For those who are planning on spending a great getaway in the summer in Santa Fe with a passion for architecture, the Peblo-Spanish style that’s seen throughout the city is a direct result of a city planning and beautification initiative dating back to 1912.
No matter how you spend your summer in Santa Fe, don’t be surprised when it becomes a place you find yourself longing to return to year after year.
Getting to Santa Fe This Summer Is Simple
If you’re heading to Santa Fe for a summer stay from out of town, flying in is often the preferred mode of transportation. Many guests to the city choose to fly into The Albuquerque International Sunport which is a primary hub for northern New Mexico. This particular airport is a popular choice because it hosts more than a dozen regional, national, and international carriers. Once you land at The Albuquerque International Sunport, you’re only about an hour’s drive from the summer fun that awaits in Santa Fe. It’s a clean, efficient, and welcoming airport that’s estimated to see around 6 million travelers pass through annually. The Santa Fe Municipal Airport is another great option for your summer travel plans. While this destination is definitely closer sitting just minutes from downtown Santa Fe, it currently only hosts daily commercial flights with United Express and American Eagle exclusively which can make tickets a bit trickier to book.
When you prefer to head into Santa Fe this summer without having to fly, but you want to be able to do some sightseeing too, taking the train in is always a fun option. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is a historic engine that runs daily between Chicago and Los Angeles with stops in Lamy, New Mexico which is just 18 miles from Santa Fe. You can also hop aboard the New Mexico Rail Runner Express which follows a route showcasing 14 stations between Belen and Santa Fe. If you were to take the entire route on your way in, you would enjoy access to 100 miles of the Rio Grande Corridor.
For summer travelers with their sights set on Santa Fe who are looking to drive toward the vacation of their dreams, the options are vast and varied. The distance between Albuquerque and Santa Fe is roughly 60 miles using I-25. If you’re up for a road trip, you can always fly into Denver and drive the 385 miles to Santa Fe with plenty of stunning views to enjoy along the way. Similarly, Santa Fe sits about 340 miles from Amarillo, Texas following I-40.
Getting Around Once You Arrive
If you want to make sure that your Santa Fe, New Mexico summer includes plenty of sightseeing at your own preferred pace, you’re going to want to make sure you have a car rented for the duration of your stay. Santa Fe hosts nearly all of the major car rental services within city limits including Budget, AVIS, Enterprise, Toyota of Santa Fe, and Hertz as well. If you prefer to leave a rental car out of the equation, there are options to book ride-sharing services in town such as Uber and Lyft as well. Santa Fe also has an efficient public bus system in place with the Santa Fe Trails Route M serving the greater downtown area. The RTD 255 Mountain Trail Route serves downtown and Hyde Park Road while the Santa Fe Pickup Shuttle is available upon demand by calling 505-955-2001.
While getting around by bus, shuttle, ride-share or rental car can be convenient, summer in Santa Fe is also a great season for walking or biking. Visitors are often thrilled to discover that Santa Fe is packed with unique neighborhoods and many are extremely walkable. Each neighborhood has its own charm from the craft breweries that dot the Railyard District to the art galleries waiting to be discovered in the Canyon Road neighborhood. If you happen to find yourself staying near the Historic District, you’ll be within walking distance of the iconic Plaza and amazing museums as well. Travelers who book their All Seasons Resort Lodgings vacation rental in any one of these areas and plan to stay relatively close will find walking is a wonderful way to see the local sights. There are also opportunities to rent a traditional bike or an e-bike for the duration of your stay so you can pick up the pace and make the most of the amazing summer weather.
Summer Santa Fe Weather Expectations
Heading to Santa Fe for a summer getaway means indulging in a lot of sunshine along the way! In fact, this is a city that hosts more than 320 days of sunshine annually so when warm-weather fun is calling, Santa Fe is certainly the place you want to be. The months of June, July, and August are considered peak travel times in the city for this reason with daily highs lingering around the 80s. While there’s a chance of afternoon showers this time of year, they typically don’t last long and nights cool off comfortably for visitors. This makes it worht your while to pack plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and light, breathable clothing so you can be comfortable whether you’re spending time indoors or outside.
Summer Events to Look Forward to Enjoying
A summer in Santa Fe also comes with opportunities for travelers to pack their itineraries with fun seasonal festivals and events everyone is sure to love. In July, ART Santa Fe will once again come to town providing participants and audiences with a dynamic experience to view incredible works of art from local and national artists across a multitude of galleries and exhibits. This three-day event is an experience where guests can enjoy performance pieces, listen to inspiring talks by artists, or explore the Discoveries Collection and purchase pieces that are one-of-a-kind. July also marks the arrival of several Northern Indian Pueblos Arts and Craft Shows to explore as well as the iconic area Spanish Market. If you’re a traveler with a heart for music, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival runs from July through August alongside the Santa Fe Opera Festival Season.
Day 1
When you have at least three days to spare in the name of summer fun, be sure to start your first day in Santa Fe discovering the rich Native history that exists here. When you want to learn more about the past and present on this front, the Native American Artisans Portal Program can be enjoyed at the Palace of the Governors on the Plaza daily between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. This is a one-stop resource for art from local vendors representing over 23 federally recognized nations and tribes. As you browse pottery, textiles, jewlery and other handcrafted goods across 1,500 vendors, you’ll have a chance to ask questions, speak with artists, and be a part of an important cultural experience.
Afterward, grab a quick lunch before setting out to enjoy some time discovering all of the other sites there are to see at Santa Fe Plaza. This has been a vital hub in the city since it’s founding all the way back in 1610. Today, it continues to be where you’ll find historic buildings, live musical performances throughout the year, and many Spanish markets. The plaza itself is a designated National Historic Landmark and a popular place for locals and visitors alike to gather in the evenings. There are many gallerie and souvenir shops in this area as well as eateries to curb just about any craving.
Tonight, make sure to book tickets to a performance at the Santa Fe Opera House located at 301 Opera Drive. This is a beautiful venue that has an impressive lineup of operas to enjoy each summer. The Opera House can hold around 2,100 guests at a time and is surrounded by the Jemez Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. When the performance comes to an end, head over for dinner at Geronimo and savor elk tenderloin or pan-seared foie gras in a warm and welcoming space topped with antler chandeliers overhead! They also have an impressive wine list on-site so you’ll have just the right red, white, or sparkling pairing for your plate no matter what you order up in good company.
Day 2
The beginning of the second day of your summer stay in Santa Fe focuses on fantastic local art and creativity. When you find yourself in a city that hosts over 250 galleries and 20 museums, you’ll find it’s simple to pick and choose from customized options along the way. Make sure to put the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum on Johnson Street at the top of your list followed up by time well-spent at the Museum of International Folk Art. Don’t be surprised if you end up lingering longer than you originally planned at both locations!
After lunch, it’s time to make your way to Canyon Road and spend time shopping and sightseeing in style. Located just a mile east of the Santa Fe Plaza, Canyon Road hosts 80 art galleries of its own as well as jewelry boutiques and historic adobe buildings covered in blooming flowers. During the summer, Canyon Road hosts a weekly Art Stroll on Fridays that’s sure to be fun for your entire traveling crew!
Follow up your Canyon Road adventures with a tour of the New Mexico State Capitol on day two which is located at 490 Old Santa Fe Trail. Formerly known as the Roundhouse, this state capitol building was designed by Robert E. McKee to resemble the Zia sun symbol which is also on the state flag. The Capitol is a true artistic testament to time as well as a gallery of its own hosting over 600 works of art on-site. In addition to the interior, you can tour the 6.5 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds that surround the building too, and host over 100 species of local plants.
To end the day in flavorful style, treat yourself to dinner at Tia Sophia’s for fantastic and authentic Mexican fare. Whether you go with the burritos, stuffed sopapillas, or chile rellenos, pair it up with an award-winning house margarita.
Day 3
The last day of your stay in Santa Fe, New Mexico this summer will take you into the great outdoors. Santa Fe is a city that boasts beautiful hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. In total, there are more than 300 miles of routes to pick from. For a trek that’s just over 1.25 miles, consider adding the Ancestral Sites Trail to your must-try list this morning. This will take you through the Pecos National Historic Park and provides only gentle elevation gains along the way. The Picacho Peak Trail is a must for more experienced hikers looking to tackle nearly 4 miles of terrain. The views are stunning on this route which is just a small taste of the 25-mile Dale Ball Trail network in town.
After a tasty lunch to recover post-hike, it’s time to make your way to The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Located at 131 Cathedral Place, this is a dream come true for history and architecture buffs alike. Dating back to construction in 1869, this cathedral is a testament to French Romanesque Revival style and is a truly breathtaking sight along the city’s skyline. Inside, your tour will take you up close to mesmerizing stained-glass windows whose colors are sure to captivate. Once your tour has come to an end, continue the sightseeing fun by booking your place on a bicycle tour of the city with the team over at Outfitter Routes Bicycle Tours. This 2-hour experience is led by a knowledgeable and friendly guide who will take you on a comprehensive outing that offers up insight into the city’s major landmarks, histories, and cultures. Tonight, enjoy dinner at The Shed downtown which is a top destination for traditional New Mexico dishes like enchiladads you won’t want to miss out on.
Book Your Santa Fe Summer Adventure Today
When you’re ready to turn your summer travel plans into a reality, All Seasons Resort Lodging is here to make sure your stay in Santa Fe includes the luxury and style you deserve. Reach out to learn more about our summer vacation rentals today and how we can help you make more of every single moment you’re here.
