11 Unforgettable Moments from a Summer Trip to Santa Fe
By local author Zoe Baillargeon, as featured on Matador Network.
Santa Fe earns its nickname, The City Different, with world-class art, exceptional cuisine, and unique architecture unlike anywhere else. This destination offers endless discoveries, perfect for crafting lifelong summer memories. Here are 11 iconic moments awaiting you.
1. Watching the summer sunset from your seat at the opera
Photo: Kate Russell for TOURISM Santa Fe
An evening at the renowned Santa Fe Opera transcends the performance. Its open-air adobe design frames stunning summer sunsets and starry skies as the backdrop for five seasonal productions. Elegance at its finest.
Arrive early for sophisticated tailgating in the parking lot, where attendees in evening attire enjoy champagne and hors d'oeuvres. White gloves optional.
2. Getting lost among the galleries on Canyon Road
Photo: Larry Lamsa
Santa Fe pulses with art, and Canyon Road is its vibrant heart—an international hub for collectors and enthusiasts. This mile-long stretch of adobe galleries, cafés, restaurants, and shops is ideal for an immersive afternoon.
Pro tip: Pause for bites at Milad Persian Bistro, Caffe Greco, or The Tea House.
3. Completing your Margarita Trail Passport
Photo: Kate Sevilla
Santa Fe's bartenders master the margarita, evidenced by the Santa Fe Margarita Trail. Sample 31 top spots via the app, which tracks stamps, recipes, and rewards like T-shirts, barware, and Margarita Society membership. Try the Chimayosa at Low N Slow or Tequila Mockingbird at Derailed at the Sage.
4. Biting into local Santa Fe flavors
Photo: Kakawa Chocolate House
Experience Aztec-style chile hot chocolate, piñon nut whiskey, and more at the Santa Fe Farmers Market. Savor sparkling wines at Gruet Tasting Room or apple brandies at Santa Fe Spirits.
Chocolate aficionados: Indulge in historic elixirs at Kakawa Chocolate House and gourmet bars with prickly pear or red chile at Cacao Santa Fe.
5. Keeping beat with a flamenco performance
Photo: Morgan Smith for El Flamenco Santa Fe
Spanish settlers brought flamenco to New Mexico, thriving at venues like El Farol and El Flamenco. Enjoy sultry dances and guitars in these historic spots, unmatched elsewhere in the US.
6. …and throwing down at the Santa Fe Bandstand
Photo: Stefano Fortunati for Santa Fe Bandstand
Santa Fe's eclectic music scene shines at the free Santa Fe Bandstand on the Plaza from June 21 to August 11, featuring opera to funk. This year includes inaugural Music Week (August 24–September 3) across town.
7. Soaking in Santa Fe’s healing powers
Photo: Ten Thousand Waves
Drawn to its spiritual vortex, visitors unwind at top spas. Ten Thousand Waves offers Japanese-style hot tubs, massages, and facials. The Spa at Loretto provides reiki and astrology. Nidah Spa features Puebloan-inspired "Spirit of Heritage" treatments.
8. Eating your first meal with red and green chile
Photo: TOURISM Santa Fe
New Mexico's chile defines cuisine—try green stew or "Christmas" (red and green) enchiladas. Learn at Santa Fe School of Cooking or Las Cosas Cooking School. Answer: "Red, green, or Christmas?"
9. Cruising adobe-lined streets on two wheels
Photo: Pilar Berguido
Santa Fe's compact size and bike paths make cycling ideal in summer. Rent from Mellow Velo or Broken Spoke to explore the Plaza, Railyard, Canyon Road, Museum Hill, and riverfront casitas.
10. Chatting with a blacksmith at El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Photo: The Turquoise Table
This living history museum on the Camino Real recreates 18th-19th century Southwestern life with demonstrations like blacksmithing. Summer festivals include Wine Festival, Renaissance Fair, and Harvest Festival.
11. Stepping out of this dimension at Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return
Photo: TOURISM Santa Fe
Enter an alternate dimension via washing machine at Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return, an immersive art experience blending Victorian home with psychedelic realms. Explore, then enjoy evening events.
Plan a weekend or week in Santa Fe for these experiences. Get inspired with the 2018 Santa Fe Travel Guide and check Deals and Specials.
Blog courtesy of Matador Network
