Summer is a feast for all the senses in Santa Fe County, with exciting outdoor adventures, extraordinary art markets, delectable cuisine and inviting lodgings that make it hard to leave. Located at the foot of the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe County and all its treasures have long enchanted locals and visitors. Now, travelers are sharing their love for our captivating Southwestern destination: readers of Travel + Leisure have voted Santa Fe, New Mexico as the #1 City in the United States for the second consecutive year. Those readers also selected Santa Fe as the #19th City in the World. So spend time with us this summer. You’ll quickly see why Santa Fe County is so special as you enjoy endless summer fun.
Road Trippin’ to Paradise
An idyllic summer getaway lies just 18 miles north of Santa Fe. Spend the day cooling off in the spray of a stunning double-drop waterfall at Nambé Falls and Lake Recreation Area. The 120-foot multi-tiered waterfall is accessed by two 1/4-mile trails—one climbs a hill to overlook the falls from above and the other leads through a river to a beach area at the fall’s lowest pool. Plenty of other water fun is on tap at this scenic area, which is operated seasonally by Nambé Pueblo on Pueblo lands. It’s a prime spot for hiking, picnicking, camping and fishing. Drop a line and catch rainbow trout, or rent a kayak and paddle the serene lake waters. In the heat of summer, there’s no cooler place to be. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Open Thursday through Sunday (and Mondays through Labor Day), 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hiking Through History
Travel back in time at Bandelier National Monument to when the ancestral Puebloan people lived here in a bustling city more than 11,000 years ago. Bandelier offers several hikes, and the most popular trails lead through archaeological sites— the 1.4-mile loop Pueblo Loop Trail and the Alcove House Trail, which continues on from the Pueblo Loop Trail for another 1-mile loop. You’ll see cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and a ceremonial kiva set in a cave 140 feet above Frijoles Canyon, accessed by ladders.
Tsankawi, (pronounced san-KAH-wee) part of Bandelier, is located about 12 miles from Bandelier’s Visitors Center. The ancestral Tewa people settled in this area around 1200 AD, carving cave dwellings into soft volcanic stone next to a cliff base. Tsankawi’s 1.5-mile loop trail is an ancient pathway worn into rock by those who once lived here, part of a network of trails that passed from the mesa top to the canyons. You’ll pass through narrow passageways and scramble up and down ladders to visit cave rooms and unexcavated ruins. You’ll also see spectacular petroglyphs and astounding vistas of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges.
Culinary Artistry
Bring your appetite to El Nido/Su, a historic restaurant in the village of Tesuque, where you can order from dual concept menus —one devoted to grilled steaks, seafood and wood-fired pizza; the other specializing in sushi. Housed in a former 1920s roadhouse, El Nido is steeped in the charm of Old World Santa Fe, with colorful murals, original tin chandeliers and a romantic patio portal. El Nido’s wide-ranging menu includes black cod with grilled apricots, pinon-grilled filet mignon, and chicken schnitzel. Su selections include sashimi, nigiri a chef’s sushi sampler and hand-cut rolls like the Santa Fe, filled with shrimp tempura, green chile tempura, cucumber and avocado.
Nothing says summer like scoops of ice cream stacked on a sugar or waffle cone. Hello Sweet Cream elevates the experience with small-batch, artisanal ice cream. Handcrafted seasonal flavors include basil berry cheesecake crumble, key lime pie and blue ribbon chocolate. Locals voted Hello Sweet Cream into 1st Place for Best Frozen Treat in the Santa Fe Reporter’s 2026 Best of Santa Fe awards. Tucked away in the La Tienda mall in Eldorado, the shop sells its treats by the scoop and in grab-and-go pints in both dairy and non-dairy options.
A World of Native Art
Be dazzled by the 104th Santa Fe Indian Market, where more than 1,000 artists from over 200 tribes across North America sell their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, basketry, textiles and other one-of-a-kind treasures. The city’s biggest event of the year also features a Native Fashion Show, a Native American Regalia Showcase, an Indigenous Film Festival, music, dance, and Native American food, from fry bread and Pueblo stews to roasted corn and Navajo tacos. Presented by SWAIA (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts), the market is free and open to the public, though some events are ticketed.
The Historic Santa Fe Plaza.
Thursday Saturday, August 13 through Sunday, August 16, 2026
A Country Retreat
It won’t take long to relax and unwind once you’ve settled into Rancho de Chimayó Hacienda/Country Inn in historic Chimayó. With old-world hospitality and the beauty and traditions of northern New Mexico, this restored century-old hacienda will spark your spirit. Victorian-style guest rooms are outfitted in antique furnishings, each room opening onto an enclosed garden. Start your day with a continental breakfast then set off to explore the world-renowned church, El Santuario de Chimayó, as well as art galleries and the Chimayó Museum. Savor hand rolled tamales, blue corn enchiladas, carne adovada and other traditional New Mexican dishes prepared from family recipes at Rancho de Chimayó restaurante, winner of the James Beard Foundation America’s Classic award.
Exciting Events
Voices of the Acequia
New Mexico’s communal acequia traditions, and the generations who have fought to protect them, will be celebrated in the youth-led performance of El Agua es Vida (Water is Life). The evening at The Lensic Performing Arts Center will blend theater, dance, live music and visual art created and performed by students of Moving Arts Española, which provides creative learning programs to New Mexico children and youth. Together with a cast of intergenerational performers, the students will pay tribute to the acequia, which connects New Mexico’s land, culture, and community as it flows.
Sunday, August 9, 5 p.m.
Artisan Ale
Discover the long history of brewing in New Mexico and sample craft beer made by contemporary brewers around the state at the annual Beer Festival at El Rancho de las Golondrinas. Learn about hops grown on the grounds of this living history museum. Artisan vendors, food trucks, local bands and dancers join in the fun. Buy tickets early as they tend to sell out.
Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026, 12 to 6 p.m.
(Drink responsibly and choose a designated driver.)
Old Man Gloom
This year, when Zozobra meets his fiery fate during the 102nd Burning of Zozobra, he will be dressed in King George III’s stolen royal robes to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Since 1924, the burning of Zozobra, or “Old Man Gloom”—a 50-foot tall marionette dressed in attire that changes based on each year’s theme—represents the burning of our gloom, darkness and despair. This year’s theme is “The Tyranny of Gloom vs. the Spirit of ’76” and some 50,000 people will cheer his demise then celebrate with fireworks and good cheer. It’s wise to buy tickets early before they sell out. The ticket sales to this unique cultural event, produced annually by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe, provide educational programming support to hundreds of New Mexico students.
Friday, September 4, 2026, gates open at 4 p.m.; at Fort Marcy Field
Festive Fiestas
Zozobra’s fiery end launches the celebration of the 314th Fiesta de Santa Fe, nine days of pageantry, art markets, parades, music and dance, and Fiesta fare such a chicharrón burrito and fried bread with honey.
September 5 through September 13, 2026 on and around the historic Santa Fe Plaza
Timeless Musical Traditions
This year’s Mariachi Extravaganza celebrates one of the world’s most treasured musical traditions with Mariachi Herencia de Las Vegas, a popular ensemble from Las Vegas, Nevada. Held at the spectacular Santa Fe Opera, the event blends music with timeless storytelling, culture and heritage. Come early for a festive tailgate in the Opera’s parking lot and marvel at stunning mountain views.
Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 7:30 pm (Tailgating at 5:30 pm)
Dress in your best medieval finery for the beloved annual Renaissance Faire at the “Kingdom of Golondrinas” (aka the living history museum El Rancho de las Golondrinas), where jousting, juggling, medieval music, a Fairy Village, and other magic and merriment will delight people of all ages. Find treasures from artisan vendors, feast on turkey legs and meat pies, and greet knights and trolls along the way. This family-fun event is New Mexico’s longest-running Renaissance Faire.
Plan ahead and purchase your tickets early before they sell out for this popular event.
Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2026 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A Toast to Wine & Chile
What started in a parking lot as a one-day celebration of wine and New Mexico’s unique chile has grown into a six-day autumn festival featuring some 70 Santa Fe restaurants and 90 world-class wineries. This year marks the 35th Annual Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta and the schedule is filled with a feast of events from winery dinners hosted by top restaurants to guest chef luncheons, wine auctions, the Gruet Golf Classic, and the Grand Tasting, a chance to sample creative food from local chefs and wines from New Mexico and around the world.
Tuesday, September 22 through Sunday September 27, 2026
(Drink responsibly and choose a designated driver.)
A Fantastical Faire
We’re looking forward to celebrating our endless summer with you! For more information, and to plan your next getaway, visit SantaFeNMTrue.com and be sure to follow us on social media.