Albuquerque to Santa Fe, NM: A 4-day Itinerary with Day Trip to Taos

Albuquerque → Santa Fe

If you're flying, touch down at Albuquerque International Sunport and catch the shuttle to the Rental Car terminal. Once you have your ride secured, take the 10-minute drive over to Sawmill Market for lunch. With global offerings from a multitude of restaurants, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss the pickle shots, and grab a fresh churro on the way out.

After fueling up, take a fun detour on your way to Santa Fe. Exit the interstate to New Mexico State Road 14, and drive north on the Turquoise Trail through Madrid (pronounced MAA-drid) and then to Cerillos. Make sure to download your maps ahead of time, there isn’t great cell service out there.

Once a historic coal mining town, Madrid is now a creative community with jewelry shops, eateries and more. Gypsy Plaza has some great, colorful shops with artists selling jewelry, paintings, clay statues and more. One artist even has a coloring station for you to create your own art!

Continue further north down the road and you will come across the sleepy town of Cerrillos. It was once considered the capital of New Mexico, but today it is a reminder of the Old West, with dirt streets and its original buildings.

Keep an eye out for all the cool roadside art as you make your way north. Don’t panic if you still aren’t getting reception, you can’t get lost since the road continues north until you start seeing signs for Santa Fe.

Once you reach your hotel, check in and change before heading back out for Meow Wolf, House of Eternal Return, 70+ rooms of immersive art experiences created by local artists. Prepare yourself for psychedelic colors, funky art installations and surprises at every turn, or in places you wouldn’t expect. Let your imagination loose as you go through this unique experience.

When you’ve had enough art, wind down with an exquisite dining experience at Zacatlán, Chef Eduardo Rodriguez’s delicious restaurant serving dishes with a fusion of Southwestern and Mexican influence. A perfect meal to cap off to your first day.

Santa Fe → Taos

Stop by Dutch Bros for a delicious, caffeinated beverage before driving an hour north to Ojo Caliente Mineral Spas. Get there early to secure your day pass to luxurious relaxation at the oldest operating spa in the United States, dating back to 1868. After changing into your bathing attire, start your 'pool-hopping', or enjoy one of the sauna rooms. There are 9 public pools, with temperatures between 98°F - 105°F. The water is pumped in from nearby hot springs and is naturally enriched with minerals, each offering its own list of benefits. Lose track of time and let your stress melt away as you enjoy the stunning views and quiet relaxation. When you decide to head out, check out the gift shop to inevitably purchase the delicious-smelling signature body wash.

Next, take US HWY 64 West, and stop off at the visitor center before crossing the jaw-dropping Gorge Bridge. Park and wander over to the fence line to check out the views from 600 feet above the Rio Grande River. You might also come across a herd of wild rams or local vendors that set up tables to sell their crafts; in our case, we experienced both. Once you’ve seen the sites, saddle up and continue on to Taos.

Taos Pueblo closes early, so try to get there first. The pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, one of the oldest communities in the U.S.

About 1 mile south is the modern city of Taos, NM. A funky, small, mountain town. Find some parking and walk through the cozy downtown area to find something to eat. I recommend the Alley Cantina for classic New Mexican dishes, like a green chile burger or christmas enchiladas. There are so many unique stops in Taos, between quirky shops and eateries. My favorite stop, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, was Muerte Tattoo for a permanent memory of the trip. We decided on matching chili peppers.

Take the road less traveled and chase the sunset through the mountains as you take 'the high road' NM-518 to NM-76 on your way back to Santa Fe.

Alternate Itinerary

If you aren’t much into day trips, there's a local Santa Fe location of Ojo as well. Instead of exploring Taos, you can book a ride on the Sky Railway. They have themed tours that show you the beautiful views the region has to offer from the comfort of a train car.

Downtown Santa Fe

Start off with a big breakfast at Cafe Pasqual’s in the city center this morning, considered Santa Fe’s most popular breakfast spot, and there’s no doubt with the constant line out the front door. Don’t skip out on one of the giant cappuccinos.

Walk off your breakfast and stroll around the Plaza, the heart of Santa Fe. The Plaza has been designated a National Historic Landmark due to the unique terracotta adobe architecture. If you visit during the chillier months, you’ll notice the distinct smell of piñon. When the temperatures drop over the fall and winter, the home and businesses around the city light their fireplaces and burn piñon wood. This smell of piñon spreads throughout Santa Fe and you will notice how wonderful the city smells.

Spend the rest of the day exploring. There are numerous museums to check out, in addition to the shops and galleries downtown. There are so many unique stores selling everything from agate stone lighting to jewelry made from local gemstones. If you enjoy handmade crafts, visit the Native American vendors that set up stalls on blankets outside of the Palace of Governors.

Once you start to get hungry again, stop by La Fonda Inn. Grab dinner at La Plazuela Restaurant, which offers a beautiful environment and serves delicious New Mexican specialties. Definitely opt in to the tableside guacamole. Finish off the night with drinks at Bell Tower Bar to watch the sunset.

Santa Fe → Albuquerque

One last stop in Santa Fe before you hit the road — the French Pastry Shop and Restaurant inside the La Fonda on the Plaza offers fresh bakery treats and coffee. They open their doors at 6:30AM, so even the early birds can enjoy a fresh-baked treat. The coffee is good, but the crepes and pastries are the stars of the show.

Say "adios" to Santa Fe as you drive 1 hour south to Albuquerque. Spend a few hours checking out some of the shops in the old town, or experience something rarer like the Rattlesnake Museum. There are so many great souvenirs and gifts to find.

Grab some food before your flight. We went back to Sawmill Market for a second round, but there are so many other good places to explore in Albuquerque. Once you are ready to head out, route back to the rental car terminal before your final stop at the Sunport. We were already discussing our trip back to NM before our flight even took off.