Santa Fe is an enchanting city where art, cuisine, culture, history, and nature all come together. There’s no reason to leave, but if you have the time and inclination, Santa Fe makes a great base point for exploring surrounding areas. Here are our five must-visit day trips to take whether you are spending a month or just a week in Santa Fe.
Abiquiu
Abiquiu is a charming village just an hour outside of Santa Fe, it is best known for its stunning scenery, Georgia O’Keeffe’s Home & Studio, and the Ghost Ranch. With so many options for things to do. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and more for outdoor activities, or check out one of the multiple museums or tours and learn about some of Georgia O’Keeffe’s works, dinosaurs, or the history of the area.
Getting there: Follow US-84 W to Abiquiu for 48.4 miles
Albuquerque
What a fun and unique city, only an hour south of Santa Fe. While you’re there, you can check out Old Town, the Petroglyph National Monument, so many amazing options for museums, the Sandia Peak Tramway, and hot air balloon rides!
Getting there: Get on I-25 S from Old Santa Fe Trail, Old Pecos Trail and NM-466 S for 4.0 miles
Follow I-25 S to Locust St NE in Albuquerque. Take exit 224B from I-25 S for 58.9 miles
Bandelier National Monument
About an hour from Santa Fe, travel back in time while learning and exploring the intricate and ancient cave dwellings of the indigenous Pueblo people. Bandelier National Monument is over 33,000 acres of designated wilderness, there are options for self-guided hikes, ranger-led walks, and scavenger hunts for the kids.
Getting there: Follow US-84 W, NM-502 and NM-4 W to Entrance Rd in Los Alamos County for 40.4 miles. Then turn left onto Entrance Rd
The High Road To Taos & The Low Road To Santa Fe
About 2.5 hours from Santa Fe, with awe-inspiring scenery, charming mountain villages, and incredible historic architecture on the High Road. Once you’ve arrived, explore historic adobe buildings, shops, art galleries, and museums. Or you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or skiing, depending on the weather.
Getting there: Follow US-84 W and NM-503 to High Road to Taos/Juan Medina Rd for 24.2 miles
Turn left onto High Road to Taos/Juan Medina Rd for 3.6 miles
Drive to NM-76 N/High Rd to Taos for 14.5 miles
High Road to Taos approximately 16 miles to Ranchos de Taos, then turn right onto NM Route 68 for 3 miles to Taos
When it’s time to return to your home base in Santa Fe, take the Low Road. You’ll follow the Rio Grande back for whole new views, then you’ll have experienced Taos and can check out wineries, tasting rooms, and roadside stands.
Getting back: Follow NM-68 S/Paseo Del Pueblo Sur for 44.4 miles. Continue onto US-84 E/S Riverside Dr/Sandia Dr/US Hwy 285 S for 22.9 miles to Santa Fe
Jemez Springs
Just under two hours from Santa Fe, Jemez Springs offers breathtaking scenery, art galleries, historic sites, and monuments and has attracted travelers for centuries to enjoy the natural healing mineral hot springs.
Getting there: Take US-84 W and NM-502 to E Jemez Rd for 29.2 miles
Turn right onto E Jemez Rd for 5.6 miles
Drive to NM-4 W in Jemez Springs for 36.7 miles
