The Land of Enchantment is blessed with 320 days of sunshine per year. We have all four seasons, but it’s always a good time for a picnic! Breathe in the fresh air, savor the vast blue skies, and indulge in a deluxe picnic at one of our many parks. From panoramic mountain tops to downtown gardens abloom with colorful buds, these are the five best picnic spots in Santa Fe!
How To Picnic Santa Fe Style
Grab a bottle of wine from one of the best places to drink in Santa Fe, get yourself a deluxe picnic package from Inn of the Turquoise Bear, and spend a romantic afternoon en plein air. That’s how we picnic Santa Fe style.
5 Best Picnic Spots In Santa Fe
For the best picnic in Santa Fe, you’ll want somewhere quaint and not too crowded. Luckily, there are plenty of spots to choose from. Some of our favorite picnic spots are within downtown Santa Fe.
1. FEDERAL COURTHOUSE BUILDING PARK
6 minutes from the Inn
The beautiful park next to the Santiago E. Campos United States Courthouse, known as “the park with no name,” is a go-to picnic spot.
2. HARVEY CORNELL PARK
4 minutes from the Inn
Harvey Cornell Park is lovingly known as “Rose Park” because of its well-tended pink and red rose bushes. This is the perfect place for a picnic with picnic tables, BBQ grills, and willowy grass.
3. RAILYARD PARK
6 minutes from the Inn
With 10 acres of gardens and play areas, Railyard Park is great for large picnics. (Permits are required for groups over 20.) There’s plenty of seating and grills for a July BBQ! The Santa Fe Farmers Market is held here every Saturday from 8 am – 1 pm.
4. SANTA FE RIVER PARK + WALK
7 minutes from the Inn
Condé Nast rated Santa Fe River Park + Walk as one of the Top 10 Great American River Walks. Just minutes from the Santa Fe Plaza, this is a fabulous place to explore Santa Fe without a car. The trail follows the Santa Fe River for 10 miles, so there’s plenty of room to find a secluded spot for a picnic.
5. AMELIA E. WHITE PARK
2-minute drive, 14-minute walk from the Inn
Amelia E. White Park is a romantic oasis just minutes from downtown Santa Fe. It’s only half a mile from our Inn, and it’s one of the most intimate public parks in Santa Fe. The picturesque arbor is a scenic spot for a picnic.
Best Picnic Spots Outside Of Downtown
A short drive will take you to one of our many great parks and hiking trails outside the city. For a secluded picnic, these are our five favorite spots for a picnic outside of downtown Santa Fe.
1. LAS GOLONDRINAS
22 minutes from the Inn
You’ll find a sweet little meadow under the willow trees next to the water wheel at the Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve (managed by Las Golondrinas). The museum can get crowded in the summer, so plan your visit accordingly.
2. THE RANDALL DAVEY AUDUBON CENTER & SANCTUARY
13 minutes from the Inn
The Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary is open to the public for free but is rarely crowded. Enjoy 135 acres of striking landscapes and wildlife (with over 190 species of birds!) while you savor your Santa Fe picnic.
3. ASPEN VISTA PICNIC GROUND
30 minutes from the Inn
Aspen Vista Picnic Ground is a small picnic site just below Aspen Ski Basin. With all its Aspen trees, this is the best place to see fall foliage on an autumn Santa Fe picnic.
4. WHITE ROCK OVERLOOK
45 minutes from the Inn
White Rock Overlook features a panoramic 270º view of the beautiful Rio Grande River along the Jemez Mountains. With picnic tables, restrooms, and a dog park, this is an excellent place for a scenic picnic without a long hike.
5. HIKING TRAILS
If you pack light, a hiking trail could offer the perfect picnic in Santa Fe. Here are all the best hikes in or near Santa Fe!
Deluxe Picnic Package In Santa Fe
Looking for the best picnic packages near me in Santa Fe?! Our deluxe picnic basket is perfect for day-tripping to explore our Land of Enchantment or simply dining al fresco on the mountain!
Picnic baskets are filled with artisan & house-prepared lunch foods, including sandwiches, salads, fruit, sparkling water, and house-baked goodies.
Book your stay at Inn of the Turquoise Bear and savor an unforgettable Santa Fe picnic!
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- © Starzzz Studios via canva.com
- © JacobH via canva.com
