Spring and summer are magical seasons in Santa Fe. Of course, there are plenty of restaurants, art galleries, attractions to check out, and free activities such as hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. But when the blooming season has arrived, the bursting pinks, yellows, and vibrant greens of the seasonal flowers and fauna will take your breath away. These are all the best places to see & shop for flowers in Santa Fe this spring and summer, from lush outdoor gardens to popular flower shops to scenic hikes surrounding the city.
Here at Inn of the Turquoise Bear, we lovingly tend a gardenful of gorgeous flowers throughout the property. You’ll see luscious lilac bushes, heirloom roses, and more from March to November, with a peak season being May to June.
11 Native Flowers That Grow in New Mexico
New Mexico isn’t all juniper and sagebrush. The entire Southwest is home to many stunning native flowers with intricate shapes and vibrant colors. These are some of the most well-known:
- Purple poppy mallow
- Texas hummingbird mint
- Golden columbine
- Blanket flower
- Desert honeysuckle
- Devil’s trumpet
- Indian paintbrush
- Lyreleaf jewel flower
- Prickly pear
- Rough-fruit fairy bell
- Yucca
Where To See Flowers In Santa Fe, NM
Wondering where to see flowers in Santa Fe today? There’s no shortage of choices, from nearby hiking trails to garden tours and beyond.
Hiking Trails
Santa Fe is surrounded by nature, and wildflowers abound during peak season (June to October). These are some of the best wildflower hikes in Santa Fe, NM:
- Stewart Lake (11-mile loop trail, peak season is June to mid-October)
- Cave Creek Trail (5-mile trail, peak season is July to August)
- Hamilton Mesa (12-mile trail, peak season is June to October)
Santa Fe Botanical Garden
Located along Museum Hill, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden is an amazing place to see flowers in Santa Fe. They grow an abundance of native plants and ones that have been cultivated in the area for 400+ years.
Plus, you can enjoy yoga, Tai Chi, live performances and concerts, walking tours, and art exhibits throughout the gardens. See their events calendar for more details.
They’re open daily from 9 am to 5 pm during peak season (April to October).
The Randall Davey Audubon Center
Located 15 minutes east of Santa Fe, the Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary houses 135 acres of varied landscapes from rivers to meadows to woodlands. Enjoy birdwatching (with over 190 bird species), hiking, and flower peeping galore.
They’re open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm.
Railyard Park
With over 11 acres of cultivated gardens and landscapes, Railyard Park is a spectacular place to see flowers in Santa Fe. This gorgeous park lives in the heart of the city and is only a 7-minute drive (20-minute walk) from the Inn.
The highly-rated Santa Fe Farmers Market is held here every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm.
Where To Buy Flowers In Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe has some amazing flower shops dotted around the city. Whether you need a beautiful bouquet for a wedding, anniversary, holiday, or any other special event, there’s a flower shop nearby. These are some of the best:
Discover the Luscious Gardens at Inn of the Turquoise Bear
Inn of the Turquoise Bear is a gorgeously historical Inn with lush property. Take a peek at the show-stopping gardens surrounding our Inn with the photo gallery. With a gourmet breakfast, excellent amenities, and charming private rooms, we have everything you need to relax & restore in between all your flower-peeping adventures. Book your stay today!