Beat the Heat: Where to Eat, Drink, and Cool Off During June in Santa Fe
While July and August often see more visitors, June is a great time to visit Santa Fe! With the monsoon season still a few weeks away, however, northern New Mexico is often still warm, sunny, and dry. Despite the heat, Santa Fe still has a ton to offer. Here are our recommendations to stay cool and make the most of Santa Fe in June:
Summertime Eats
Santa Fe features a vast variety of different cuisines on offer, from traditional New Mexican fare to dishes from all over the world. When you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing on a hot day, these venues are sure to hit the spot!
La Lecheria
If you’re looking for a cool, sweet treat on a hot summer’s day, La Lecheria is the best spot in town. Founded by a local Santa Fean with years of experience in the restaurant business, La Lecheria boasts fifteen different flavors of craft ice cream, as well as a variety of soups, sandwiches, and baked goods. The shop prioritizes small, carefully crafted batches, local ingredients, and unique flavor combinations that are sure to surprise and delight. Aside from a few mainstays, the flavors change according to the season, so be sure to stop by and see what they’re scooping!
Cheesemongers
For lovers of fine foods, Santa Fe’s Cheesemongers carry an incredible selection of cheeses, cured meats, breads, spreads, sweets, and more. Cheese and meat are cut to order at the counter, and customers can sample different products before purchasing. They source specialty cheeses and other products from all over the world, with an eye toward craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. The Cheesemongers wares make the perfect ingredients for a picnic, but if you’re short on time you can even have them create a picnic basket for you to take on the go.
Tres Colores
One of downtown Santa Fe’s hidden gems, Tres Colores serves up authentic Southern Mexican food along with a casual New Mexican ambience and friendly, upbeat service. Owners Hugo, Larry, and Arturo bring a passion for food to this joint venture. The menu features hefty burritos, street tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and more, as well as a self-serve taco bar with salsas, chiles, and other toppings. The restaurant also serves breakfast and a selection of pasties, coffee, and tea. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal near downtown, Tres Colores can’t be beat!
Thirst-Quenching Drinks
When things heat up in Santa Fe, sometimes the only course of action is to cool down with an ice-cold drink. From local breweries to craft cocktails, Santa Fe has a little something to offer everyone!
Santa Fe Brewing
Founded in 1988, Santa Fe Brewing is a Santa Fe staple serving up excellent craft beer for over three decades, and holds the title of oldest brewery in New Mexico. In addition to an Albuquerque location, the brewery features three tasting rooms: one near downtown, one on the south side of the city, and one in the nearby neighborhood of Eldorado. While you can pick up Santa Fe Brewing’s creations in most grocery and liquor stores in the area, the taprooms are an excellent way to get the good stuff straight from the source. If you’re a dedicated fan, you can also buy six packs, BrewCo gear, and more.
Tonic
A cocktail bar with exceptional drinks, an elegant atmosphere, live music, and carefully curated fare, Tonic has it all. Founded in 2017, Tonic is a welcome addition to Santa Fe’s sometimes-sleepy nightlife scene. Owner Winston Greene serves up expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy, tucked-away spot with art deco decor and speakeasy vibes. The bar is open until 2am, and features a recurring selection of live jazz performances.
Herve
While Herve’s main lounge is indoors, its beautiful vaulted glass ceilings, abundant greenery, and breezy ambience evoke the atmosphere of a vineyard in the countryside. Originally from France, the Lescombes family settled in New Mexico in the 1980s, and began growing wine in the Land of Enchantment. Herve features wines grown locally in the state, as well as a variety of small plates and light fare. The airy, sunny interior is the perfect space to sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the finest vintages New Mexico has to offer.
Outdoor Adventures
While New Mexico may be known for its high deserts and austere mountain ranges, it’s also home to cool mountain glens, rushing rivers, and crystal clear lakes. If you’re looking to beat the heat, there are a wealth of outdoor options!
Santa Fe Ski Basin
Even at 7,000 feet, Santa Fe can still get pretty toasty. When you can’t stand the summer temperatures any longer, you can always head to the hills for a breath of fresh air. The Santa Fe Ski Basin is located only a few miles north of Santa Fe, but is several thousands miles higher in elevation. These tree-lined trails are often pleasantly cool even in the heart of summer, and offer a contrast to the high desert environment of Santa Fe proper. There are a variety of trails, ranging from beginner-friendly walking paths to intense hikes up and down summits. If you’re visiting Santa Fe, be sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen, and take it slow to account for the effects of elevation. While June is early for monsoon season, it’s also a good idea to check the weather beforehand, and to seek shelter in the event of afternoon storms.
Raft the Rio Grande
If you’re in the mood for adventure, there’s ample opportunity to explore the Rio Grande near Santa Fe. There are a variety of rafting tours, guided by experts, that let you experience white-water rafting, New Mexico style. You can also kayak or standup paddleboard. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling ride through rapids, a calmer adventure, or even an overnight trip, there are options for every skill level and inclination.
Swim in Lake Abiquiu
Located about an hour north of Santa Fe in the heart of O’Keefe Country, Lake Abiquiu features breathtaking geographic features and crystal clear blue waters. There’s a small beach designated for swimming, as well as hiking trails, picnic areas, and even a campground. If you’re dying to take a dip, Lake Abiquiu is one of the most popular bodies of water in the state. Pack a picnic, bring plenty of sunscreen, and enjoy a day at the beach!
Looking for More Santa Fe Activities? Join One of Our Walking Tours!
June is typically the warmest month of the year here in Santa Fe, with temperatures hovering in the seventies and eighties. While mornings and evenings stay cool thanks to the high elevation and crisp mountain air, Santa Fe has plenty of options to cool down with even in the heat of the day. Whether you’re looking for a light meal, an iced cold drink, or a quick swim, the City Different has a little bit of everything on offer!
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