We have traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the surrounding area for thirty years. It is one of our favorite cities in the United States to visit. The cooler temperatures, the dry weather, and the beautiful, natural landscape make for a great getaway from our home in Oklahoma City. Typically, we make the 9-hour drive by car, but occasionally we fly into Albuquerque (ABQ). While it was hard to narrow down our favorite day trips from Santa Fe, we think the 5 must-sees below will get you started creating your own unforgettable adventures.
For more information on the city of Santa Fe, check out our Curated Santa Fe Digital Travel Guide. This guide will cut your research time in half (or more). It offers hotel accommodations for several budgets, a list of recommended restaurants because we know firsthand they are good, and a list of things to do and see that is sure to please everyone!
Santa Fe is located about 45 minutes northeast of Albuquerque. It is an easy drive on the Interstate or by taking the backroads. If you have only a short time to spend in Santa Fe, you may not want to venture very far out of town. On the other hand, if you find yourself itching to take a drive, you will find these must-see day trips a great place to start.
1. Madrid, New Mexico
We traveled to Santa Fe numerous times before we learned about Madrid. This crazy, funky artist town is located along the scenic Turquoise Trail between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Turns out this is one of the best day trips from Santa Fe! A visit to Madrid could be a standalone day trip from Santa Fe (it’s only 30 miles) or a stop on your way to or from Albuquerque. This route between Albuquerque and Santa Fe takes a little longer than the Interstate but is much more scenic and interesting.
Madrid was once a coal mining town but has evolved into an artist community with over 40 shops and galleries and several restaurants. The town itself is easily walkable from one end to the other – a total of about 5 or 6 blocks. You will need a half day to explore the town and enjoy a bite of lunch. Our favorite place for lunch is the Hollar. You can’t go wrong with their burgers, fries, and fried green tomatoes!
The shops and galleries are fun to wander through. One of our favorite artists is Jill Shwaiko, who owns the Indigo Gallery. We first saw her work in Santa Fe and were excited to learn she had a studio in Madrid. It’s easy to spend an hour soaking in her collection of fun and whimsical paintings, prints, and bronze statues.
2. Taos, New Mexico
Taos is about 90 minutes northeast of Santa Fe, nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This is a place we have visited often for its small-town charm and beautiful views. The air feels crisp and clean – a place that helps you reconnect with nature. Taos is worth a couple of nights’ stay, but if you don’t have the time, it’s worth a day trip from Santa Fe. Just ask Julia Roberts who has a home near Taos. You might be lucky and find her having coffee at a local hangout. Taos is definitely one of the best day trips from Santa Fe.
Wilderness Adventures
This small community has something for everyone, especially if you love the great outdoors. The area is home to several national parks, including the Rio Grande National Monument and the Carson National Forest. Each of these parks offers breathtaking views, as well as opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. While it would take an additional 3 hours from Taos, the enchanted circle drive is well worth your time while visiting this area.
Whitewater Rafting
One of our most fun Taos experiences is whitewater rafting or kayaking the Rio Grande River. For the best water flow levels you will want to plan this day trip for the end of May or early June. Other times are possible as well depending on the weather and water levels. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out New Mexico River Adventures for more information on guided tours.
Taos Pueblo Indian Reservation
In addition to its natural beauty, Taos is also home to an array of cultural and historical attractions. The Taos Pueblo Indian Reservation is home to the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States, and visitors can take a tour of the traditional adobe homes.
Taos Plaza
We enjoy a day trip to Taos just to visit the Taos Plaza. It’s not as large as the one in Santa Fe, but it’s a great place to explore the local culture, with its shops, restaurants, and galleries. I find it to be a little quainter than Santa Fe. The pace is slow and relaxed.
After you finish shopping, enjoy a cup of hot drinking chocolate. Our favorite place on the plaza is Chockola. And if you are looking for a souvenir to take home, buy the made in New Mexico Mayan Spiced Hot Chocolate. Delicious!
3. Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument is approximately 45 miles from Santa Fe in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and the drive is beautiful. Again, it’s another easy day trip from Santa Fe. The park offers more than 70 miles of hiking trails from easy to very difficult. If you arrive before 9 am you can drive into the park; otherwise, you will need to shuttle in. Bandelier is an amazing place to view cliff dwellings. It is more intimate and less crowded than Mesa Verde in Colorado.
Bring your own food, water, and snacks. Plan to hike early, then stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. The park is located in a rural area, and food options are limited. There is a small park store within the visitor center which has limited supplies. Bring more water than you think you will need!
Here is a list of short trails: Main (Pueblo) Loop Trail, Alcove House, Tsankawi, Falls Trail, Frey Trail, Frijolito Loop Trail, Tyuonyi Overlook Trail, Burnt Mesa Trail, Cerro Grande Route, Alamo Boundary Trail from the website. Be sure to check the website in advance for “need to know” issues such as parking, trails that may be closed, etc.
4. Ojo Caliente Springs
After a hike in Bandolier, you may want to consider driving North for about 1 hour to soak in the Ojo Caliente Springs. Alternatively, you can make the drive to Ojo Caliente from Santa Fe in about the same amount of time. Travelers have sought out these hot springs and their legendary healing properties for nearly 200 years.
Unfortunately, the historic bathhouse burned to the ground in August 2020, but the resort has rebuilt and updated its facilities. There are guest rooms available, if that interests you; otherwise, purchase a day pass to soak in the hot springs, lather yourself up in the mud pool, and schedule a massage. You will leave feeling relaxed and renewed! Oja is probably one of the longest day trips from Santa Fe, but definitely worth the effort.
5. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Although Tent Rocks remains closed to the public due to COVID, our hope is that it will reopen soon. Only 36 miles outside Santa Fe, it makes for an easy excursion and one that you will remember.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Tent Rocks is known for its scenic cone-shaped formations, composed of pumice, ash, and tuff deposits from volcanic eruptions 6–7 million years ago. There are 3 recreational trails for hiking. The Cave Loop trail is 1.2 miles and rated easy. We’ve hiked this one several times and certainly recommend it. The Canyon Trail is 1.5 miles but is a more difficult one-way trail that leads you through a narrow slot canyon. We have also hiked this trail several times but never made it through the most challenging part which is the 630-foot climb to the top of the mesa. There is also a 1-mile Veterans Memorial Trail which is easy and wheelchair accessible. All in all a great way to spend a morning and one of the easiest day trips to make from Santa Fe.
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