Kick off your summer in Santa Fe County with epic adventures, scenic wonders, a sublime spa resort, and so much more to do. Hike and mountain bike spectacular trails beneath brilliant skies of robin’s egg blue. Take a day trip to an historic 17th-century village renowned for its red chile and its revered Spanish Colonial church. At vibrant summer festivals, meet Indigenous artists, Spanish Colonial craftsmen, and artisans from over 50 countries who’ve traveled across continents to sell their work and share their stories. When it’s time to dine, rub elbows with the locals at two beloved restaurants, known for lively ambiance as much as fantastic food. Head to Santa Fe County this summer for your best trip ever.
Day Trippin’ in Chimayó
Take a drive on the dramatically beautiful High Road to Taos to Chimayó, a small village of plazas and placitas, orchards and chile fields settled by the Spanish in the 17th century. In the Tewa language, Chimayó means “superior flaking red stone,” aptly describing the stunning landscape surrounding this pastoral village. For eight generations, the Ortega family has produced exquisite Chimayó weavings, from gorgeous coats and vests to handsome blankets and other items. These stunning pieces by master weavers are for sale at Ortega's Weaving Shop, where artists showcase their craft, creating unique treasures on a traditional loom. Take home a personalized coat, vest or other piece that you’ll always treasure.
In this small village, El Santuarió de Chimayó, a 19th-century adobe chapel draws thousands of visitors and pilgrims who come to experience its serene beauty and healing energy. Nestled in the beautiful foothills of northern New Mexico, this beloved National Historical Landmark is world-renowned for its breathtaking surroundings and rich cultural heritage. Inside the church, admire the Spanish Colonial religious art made in the region for centuries. El Potrero Trading Post sells similar work, including carved wooden statues (santos) and paintings on wood of saints (bultos), tin crosses and other treasures. In the village fields, some 500 acres of Chimayó red chile are harvested each year. Visit local shops to buy and take home some Chimayó chile, prized for its unique combination of sweetness and spice.
Tesuque Dining Treasures
Housed in a former 1920s roadhouse, El Nido is steeped in history. Colorful murals, modern art, original tin chandeliers and fireplaces fill the rambling interior. The romantic patio portal transports diners to Old World Santa Fe. The food, however, is mouth-wateringly modern—grilled steaks and seafood cooked over a fire in an open kitchen and wood-fired pizza. Old-timers come back for the restaurant’s longtime tradition of serving grilled oysters on the half shell with butter, garlic, parsley and a white balsamic vinegar glaze. This iconic restaurant—also a former dance hall—is the keeper of riveting stories: secrets from the Manhattan Project reportedly were shared on the dance floor during World II, and world-renowned flamenco dancer Maria Benitez started performing here in the 1970s. Today, El Nido is a contemporary classic, known for grilled filet mignon, salmon, wagyu burgers and green chile pepperoni pizza. You can also order quality sushi, like the Santa Fe roll with shrimp and green chile tempura, from Su, a separate restaurant within El Nido.
A funky roadhouse with eclectic food, Tesuque Village Market (TVM) has been the heart of the village since 1989, a place where locals and visitors swap stories over salads, burgers and other fare. Movie stars who live in the area often stop in to savor excellent New Mexican food like the signature tortilla soup and hearty chicken enchiladas, or to pick up a loaf of green chile cheese bread from the on-site bakery. Deli sandwiches include an authentic Reuben and the Tesuque Club, piled high with turkey, ham, bacon and green chile. Whether you dine on the rustic, shaded patio or inside, among a maze of tables, you’ll likely have a lively conversation with your neighbors, and perhaps learn about some great hiking trails in the area. TVM is also a general store loaded with TVM hats, bags, jars of red and green chile and loads of other fun stuff. Don’t leave without trying a slice of the legendary key lime pie.
Sizzling Summer Art Fests
Journey around the world at the International Folk Art Market in the Santa Fe Railyard Park, where more than 150 artists from 53 countries gather to sell their handcrafted treasures. Some 20,000 people travel from all around the country to shop this vibrant market for handcrafted jewelry, clothing, textiles and other one-of-a-kind folk art, and to meet the artists and learn about their work and where they live. The market also offers world music, dance, and other performances and food from around the globe.
Thursday, July 10 through Sunday, July 13, 2025
Celebrate the region’s rich Spanish Colonial history during the 73rd Annual Traditional Spanish Market on the Santa Fe Plaza. Hundreds of Hispanic artists sell their intricately carved wooden saints, elaborate tinwork, handcrafted jewelry and many other traditional arts and crafts. Enjoy art demos, festive music and regional food, all of which bring to life the culture that flourished in the region starting in the 17th century. Browse modern paintings, jewelry and other works at the Contemporary Hispanic Market, which takes place simultaneously.
Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, 2025
Santa Fe Indian Market, the world’s largest Native American art market, draws more than 1,000 artists from over 200 tribes to the Santa Fe Plaza to sell their dazzling jewelry, pottery, basketry, textiles and other unique handcrafted treasures. The city’s biggest event of the year also includes a Native Fashion Show, a Native American Regalia Showcase, music, dance and plenty of mouth-watering Native American food, from fry bread and Pueblo stews to roasted corn and Navajo tacos.
Galisteo’s Paradise
Re-connect with yourself by connecting with nature in the glorious Galisteo Basin Preserve, with nearly 10,000 acres of winding arroyos, sandstone formations, savannah grasslands and other untouched wilderness to explore. With more than 40 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horse riders, the preserve is a great place to unplug from the world and plug into the wild. Walk through fragrant piñon and juniper trees, meander through meadows, amble in sandy arroyos, and climb hills that reward you with sweeping views at the top. Just a few hours in the Galisteo Basin Preserve will restore your serenity.
Find Your Bliss at Thousand Waves
A short drive into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains leads to Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-inspired mountain hot springs resort that welcomes you with a signature kimono. Put it on and leave your street clothes behind, along with all your worldly cares. Your Waves experience begins with a serene soak in a private outdoor hot tub, with the soothing sounds of flowing water. Now you’re ready for a deep stone massage or the signature Japanese Shiatsu massage. Utterly relaxed and still wearing your kimono, take a short walk from your massage room to Izanami for a fantastic meal of Japanese-style small plates, such as house-made gyoza or wagyu short ribs, paired with premium sake. Fully sated and ready for sleep, you head to your Zen-inspired lodging at Houses of the Moon, styled after a Japanese roykan, or inn. Chances are you’ve never slept so well.
El Rancho de las Golondrinas Living History Museum 2025 Season
El Rancho de las Golondrinas, "the Ranch of the Swallows," is the premier living history museum of the Southwest with 500 acres to explore, 34 historic buildings, and hands-on experiences for all ages.
Living History Museum 2025 Season
Jun 2, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
Santa Fe Spring Festival at El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Welcome to the 20th Annual Santa Fe Spring Festival!
Join El Rancho de Las Golondrinas Living History Musuem as they kick off their 2025 season and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico. From sheep shearing to horno bread baking, activities and demonstrations abound, showcasing age-old traditions passed down through generations.
Children can unleash their creativity with crafts tailored just for them, while adults can peruse the artisan vendors, offering unique handmade treasures.
Come experience the magic of the Southwest at the Santa Fe Spring Festival, where tradition meets excitement in every corner!
Jun 7, 2025 - Jun 8, 2025
Wild West Frontier Festival
Wild West Nature Park is the host of Jamestown, Headlining Country Artist Jake Gill and some locals too. Kick up the dust at the Saturday Night Barn Dance.
Note: Zoo is Closed During Festival.
Jun 7, 2025 - Jun 8, 2025
25th Annual Butterfly Run
The Pojoaque Wellness Center Invites you to the 25th Annual Butterfly Run! This race is a celebration of mankind, as an expression of humanity and the culture of wellness.
Jun 15, 2025
76th Annual Santa Fe Rodeo
Let’s Rodeo! This year’s 76th Annual Rodeo de Santa Fe will be held June 18-21st!
Bringing the Top Cowboys and Cowgirls, Stock Contractor, Specialty Acts, Barrel men, and more!
The Rodeo de Santa Fe began in 1949 when Roy Butler, Austin “Slim” Green, Gene Petchesky, Paul Ragle, Paul Rutledge and few others had a dream and determination to organize a professional rodeo in Santa Fe, NM. This dream exceeded their ambitious expectations and today remains one of the top 60 PRCA Rodeos in the nation.
Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025