Santa Fe in Bloom: Your Early Summer Guide to Wandering Like a Local
Early summer in Santa Fe is truly something special! The scent of piñon in the air, blossoms peeking through adobe courtyards, and sunshine warming the high desert - it’s not as crowded as the peak summer months, and it’s the perfect season to explore like a local. Today, we have a local’s guide to the perfect early summer day in Santa Fe!
Experience the Local Flavor
Start the day early at the Santa Fe Farmer's Market: Every Saturday year-round from 8am-1pm, and Tuesdays 8am-1pm from May through December, the Railyard comes alive with community, color, and farm-fresh flavors.
Shop from northern New Mexico farmers offering just-harvested produce like leafy greens, radishes, asparagus, and herbs. Pick up local honey, roasted chile, fragrant soaps, and handmade candles, and don’t leave without grabbing a baked treat or green chile breakfast burrito!
What makes this market especially fun this time of year? The abundance of plants. Local growers bring native wildflowers, herbs, veggie starts, and even fruit trees ready to plant to your heart’s content. Many vendors offer tips on how to care for your new leafy friends, so don’t be shy to ask questions and get to know the friendly locals!
Insider Tips:
- Arrive early (8–9am) for the best selection
- Bring a tote and cash for smaller vendors
Sunday Artisan Market
Didn’t get a chance to go to the Farmer’s Market on Tuesday or Saturday? You’re still in luck! Every Sunday, from 10am-3pm year-round, the Railyard Artisan Market is one of New Mexico’s oldest and best-loved art markets. This is the perfect place to purchase fine art and crafts directly from the artists, a gift for a special occasion, and souvenirs and mementos. It showcases a rotating selection of Santa Fe’s finest makers - think handwoven textiles, locally made jewelry, pottery, glass art, woodwork, and so much more.
It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts or simply chat with artists about their craft. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with live music and occasional art demonstrations that give a deeper look into Santa Fe’s vibrant creative community. Unlike the Tuesday & Saturday market, it’s dog friendly!
Breathe in the Beauty
Next up, get ready for the breathtaking beauty of the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. Just minutes away on Museum Hill, this open-air oasis is the perfect spot to slow down and reconnect with nature. This time of year, the gardens are bursting with color - think vivid poppies, penstemon, desert marigold, and more! Paths wind through native plant displays, flowering trees, and sculptural art pieces tucked among the blooms.
Take a quiet solo walk, bring your camera for a golden hour stroll, or join a guided tour to learn about the thriving yet delicate high desert ecosystem. You’ll also find bird walks, nature workshops, and occasional evening events beneath the stars like their seasonal concert series. It’s the perfect way to surround yourself with easygoing, natural beauty while getting grounded in our city. Their full event calendar can be found here!
Explore a World of Inspiration
Visit Santa Fe’s museums and wake up the artist within you! There’s a reason this city has drawn creative masterminds like Georgia O’Keeffe for generations. No matter your age, it’s easy to be inspired by the vibrant blend of history, art, and culture found throughout Santa Fe! With more than a dozen state and private museums to explore, there’s something for everyone - ancient traditions, contemporary exhibits, Indigenous art, and global collections to name a few.
One of our top picks? The Museum of International Folk Art, known for its colorful, joyful displays from around the world. Kids and adults alike will be enchanted by the whimsical pieces and handcrafted treasures inside. The museum is truly a multidimensional learning environment and an integral part of the Santa Fe community with workshops, lectures, and artist demonstrations happening regularly. And remember to look up every now and then - the Santa Fe sky, with its ever-shifting light and painting-like clouds, just might be the best canvas of all!
Savor the Flavors
Santa Fe’s dining scene is a must for foodies! With award-winning chefs, the freshest local ingredients, and bold regional flavors, dining out here is a full-blown sensory experience. A seasonal recommendation from AVD team member, talented jewelry artisan, and New Mexico native Ursula-Luchetti Jordan, is Escondido, the debut restaurant from Chef Fernando Ruiz, a three-time Food Network Champion (Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, and Guy’s Grocery Games). Escondido brings the bold, authentic flavors of Coastal, Central, and Northern Mexico to Santa Fe’s vibrant food scene.
Standout dishes include sushi-grade ceviches, grilled mahi mahi, slow-braised short ribs, and the unforgettable veal-stuffed Chiles en Nogada - the very dish that won Chef Ruiz his victory over Bobby Flay. Every bite is a celebration of Mexico’s cuisine, delivered with creativity and heart, and a treat to experience while you're in Santa Fe!
Explore our collection of Santa Fe Vacation Rentals
Where to Stay
After a full day of exploring, return to a cozy home base with A Vacation Different. Our handpicked vacation rentals are thoughtfully designed and locally managed, with everything you need to feel at home in Santa Fe.
Many homes are walking distance from the Railyard, Museum Hill, and Canyon Road, giving you easy access to the markets, gardens, galleries, and hiking trails that make Santa Fe shine this time of year. With fully equipped kitchens for cooking up farmers market finds, private patios for sunset watching, and all the Santa Fe charm you could ask for, our rentals are the perfect place to land on a warm, inviting summer day.
Why Choose Santa Fe for Your Next Getaway?
At A Vacation Different, we pride ourselves on offering more than just a place to stay - we deliver unforgettable local experiences. Our guests gain insider access to Santa Fe’s best-kept secrets, from must-visit restaurants and family-friendly activities to breathtaking outdoor excursions. Here, we’ve done the planning for you, so all you need to do is relax and create lifelong memories while immersing yourself in Santa Fe’s magic!
Ready to Plan Your Next Adventure?
Explore our stunning collection of properties and book your stay today!
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