Feel like getting out of town for the day without losing that Santa Fe magic? From Santa Fe, I set out on day trips through high desert landscapes, ancient pueblos, and artsy mountain towns—each journey filled with the culture, color, and calm that make New Mexico so special. These day trips from Santa Fe offer stunning landscapes, rich culture, and peaceful getaways—all just a scenic drive away.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Unique Day Trips from Santa Fe:
1. Acoma Pueblo
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Location:
Acoma Pueblo, NMHighlights:
Got a couple hours to spare from Santa Fe? Trust us—you’ll want to use them to step 2,000 years back in time at Acoma Pueblo, one of the oldest living communities in North America.Recommended For:
History lovers, cultural travelers, photographers, and anyone interested in Indigenous heritage.What I Love: ♥
Walking through Sky City with Acoma guides, exploring centuries-old adobe dwellings, and experiencing the still-beating heart of an ancient Pueblo culture.- Tour Sky City with Indigenous Acoma guides who share deep insights into the Pueblo’s history, culture, and legacy.
- Explore the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum, featuring renowned Pueblo pottery and Native art exhibits.
- Discover the enduring homes of the 50 residents who still live within Sky City’s historic earthen structures, including the 1640 San Estévan del Rey Mission.
- Learn about Acoma’s four villages: Sky City, Anzac, Acomita, and McCartys—occupied by about 4,000 tribal members today.
Distance from Santa Fe:
About 2 hours (125.3 miles) via I-25 S and I-40 W.How to Get to Acoma Pueblo:
Take I-25 S from Santa Fe toward Albuquerque. Then head west on I-40 to Exit 102, following signs to Acoma Pueblo.2. Albuquerque
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Location:
Albuquerque, NMHighlights:
If you're in Santa Fe and craving a mix of culture, museums, and mountain views, Albuquerque is a no-brainer. It’s only an hour away and packed with history, nature, and one-of-a-kind festivals.Recommended For:
Families, art and history buffs, outdoor adventurers, festival-goers, and foodies.What I Love: ♥
The blend of ancient adobe charm and modern city life, especially when it all lifts off during the International Balloon Fiesta.- Discover the historic Old Town, where centuries-old adobe buildings and the iconic San Felipe de Neri Church transport you back in time.
- Explore family-friendly museums like the Albuquerque Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, with exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to space.
- Wander through the Albuquerque Biological Park, which includes a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden—great for all ages.
- Catch live music and events at the Isleta Amphitheater and Tingley Coliseum throughout the year.
- Don't Miss the International Balloon Fiesta each fall—the world’s largest hot-air balloon gathering with hundreds of colorful inflatables filling the sky.
Distance from Santa Fe:
About 1 hour (63 miles) via I-25 S.How to Get to Albuquerque:
Take I-25 S directly from Santa Fe to Albuquerque. It’s an easy drive with mountain views most of the way.3. Bandelier National Monument
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Location:
Los Alamos, NMHighlights:
If you’re looking for a scenic day trip that blends nature, archaeology, and Indigenous history, Bandelier is a must. It’s just a short drive from Santa Fe and feels like stepping into another world.Recommended For:
Hikers, history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, families, and nature photographers.What I Love: ♥
Climbing into ancient cliff dwellings, spotting centuries-old petroglyphs, and joining ranger-led night sky programs under New Mexico’s brilliant stars.- Explore over 33,000 acres of stunning mesas and canyons that once supported a thriving Ancestral Pueblo community.
- Visit archaeological sites in Frijoles Canyon and Tsankawi, complete with petroglyphs and carved dwellings along self-guided nature trails.
- Learn at the visitor center with cultural exhibits, educational documentaries, and ranger-led walk-and-talk or astronomy programs.
- Reflect on the region’s history—droughts in the 1500s led inhabitants to relocate to the Rio Grande Valley, where their descendants live today as the Cochiti Pueblo.
Distance from Santa Fe:
About 1 hour (44 miles) via NM-502 W and NM-4.How to Get to Bandelier:
Head north on US-84 W from Santa Fe, then take NM-502 W toward Los Alamos. Follow signs to NM-4 and the entrance to Bandelier National Monument.4. Jemez Springs
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Location:
Jemez Springs, NMHighlights:
If your soul’s craving a serene mountain escape with red rock views and natural hot springs, Jemez Springs is it. It’s a peaceful gem just a scenic drive from Santa Fe that blends nature, history, and deep relaxation.Recommended For:
Nature lovers, history buffs, artists, spa seekers, and anyone needing a rejuvenating getaway.What I Love: ♥
Soaking in natural hot springs, strolling canyon trails lined with red rock, and uncovering the village’s deep Indigenous and Spanish Colonial roots.- Relax in warm geothermal waters at Jemez Hot Springs or the historic Jemez Springs Bath House—perfect after a hike or winter ski day.
- Explore the Jemez State Monument, preserving the ancient culture of the Pueblo of Jemez and a 17th-century Spanish mission church.
- Hike dramatic canyon trails or fish along the scenic Jemez River, which winds through the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest.
- Support local artists through family-run shops and galleries offering Indigenous pottery and handmade crafts.
- Enjoy year-round activities—from sunny hikes in spring and fall to cross-country skiing in the winter woods.
Distance from Santa Fe:
About 1 hour and 45 minutes (77 miles) via NM-4 W and US-550 N.How to Get to Jemez Springs:
Take US-84 W to NM-502 W, then follow NM-4 through the mountains and into San Diego Canyon. The drive is as breathtaking as the destination.5. Las Vegas New Mexico
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Location:
Las Vegas, NMHighlights:
If you’ve never been to Las Vegas—New Mexico, that is—you’re in for a quiet, historic surprise. This under-the-radar gem is less than two hours from Santa Fe and filled with gorgeous architecture, antique shops, and charming cafés.Recommended For:
Architecture lovers, history buffs, bookworms, campers, and road trippers seeking small-town charm.What I Love: ♥
The town’s beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, its laid-back vibe, and nearby nature escapes like wildlife refuges and hot springs.- Stroll through the Old Town Historic District, home to adobe buildings, bookstores, antique shops, and cozy restaurants.
- Admire more than 900 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places—many tied to the Santa Fe Trail.
- Explore nature at Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge, Storrie Lake State Park, Lake McAllister, and Montezuma Hot Springs—all just minutes away.
- Camp along the peaceful Gallinas River or enjoy a relaxed afternoon in Plaza Park.
- Visit the City of Las Vegas Museum to dive into the area’s frontier and railroad history.
Distance from Santa Fe:
About 1 hour and 25 minutes (66 miles) via I-25 N.How to Get to Las Vegas, NM:
Take I-25 N directly from Santa Fe. The town is easy to reach and full of scenic roadside photo ops along the way.Romantic Day Trips from Santa Fe:
6. Madrid
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Location:
Madrid, NMHighlights:
If you're craving a quirky day trip with art, history, and a little ghost town flair, Madrid is the spot. Just a short drive down the scenic Turquoise Trail from Santa Fe, it’s got a creative soul and a colorful past.Recommended For:
Art lovers, ghost story fans, photographers, road trippers, and anyone who enjoys a little offbeat adventure.What I Love: ♥
Wandering past art-filled storefronts on Route 14, discovering remnants of mining history, and hearing whispers of haunted legends in the desert breeze.- Explore Madrid’s main street on NM State Road 14, lined with eclectic art galleries, shops, and cafes.
- Visit restored relics like the Miner’s Amusement Hall and the Coal Mining Museum for a glimpse into the town’s boomtown past.
- Drive the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, a stunning route that connects Santa Fe to Albuquerque with Madrid right in the heart of it.
- Discover spooky tales tied to the Mine Shaft Tavern and nearby ruins—said to be haunted by La Llorona herself.
- Celebrate the holiday season at the town’s magical Christmas lighting event with glowing displays and nativity scenes.
Distance from Santa Fe:
About 45 minutes (29 miles) via NM-14 S along the Turquoise Trail.How to Get to Madrid:
Take NM-14 S (Turquoise Trail) directly from Santa Fe. The scenic drive is part of the fun—rolling hills, open skies, and quirky roadside stops included.7. Ojo Caliente Springs
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Location:
Ojo Caliente, NMHighlights:
If you're dreaming of warm mineral pools, mountain air, and deep rest, Ojo Caliente is your sanctuary. Just over an hour from Santa Fe, this historic spa retreat is pure New Mexico magic.Recommended For:
Wellness seekers, couples, solo travelers, history buffs, and anyone who needs to hit the reset button.What I Love: ♥
Soaking under open skies in ancient hot springs, staying in historic adobe buildings, and savoring locally inspired meals at the on-site restaurant.- Soak in legendary mineral waters—iron, arsenic, soda, and lithia—each known for unique healing benefits.
- Relax with custom spa treatments, perfect for restoring balance and easing stress.
- Explore 1,100 acres of high desert beauty via hiking and biking trails that wind through cliffs and arroyos.
- Stay in historic accommodations like the 1868 Bathhouse, 1917 Hotel, and the rare 1924 Adobe Round Barn—all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Dine at the Artesian Restaurant, which serves up fresh, seasonal Southwestern dishes in a cozy, rustic setting.
Distance from Santa Fe:
About 1 hour and 15 minutes (50 miles) via US-285 N.How to Get to Ojo Caliente:
Take US-285 N from Santa Fe toward Española. Continue through scenic countryside until you reach the Ojo Caliente turnoff at Los Banos Drive.8. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
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Location:
Mountainair, NMHighlights:
If you love ancient ruins, quiet trails, and history etched in adobe and stone, the Salinas Pueblo Missions are an unforgettable detour. Just a couple of hours from Santa Fe, they feel like open-air cathedrals surrounded by silence and sky.Recommended For:
History lovers, spiritual travelers, photographers, hikers, and anyone fascinated by Spanish missions and Indigenous culture.What I Love: ♥
Wandering through three massive church ruins, imagining the cultural collisions of the 1600s, and enjoying serene hikes through sagebrush and ruins.- Visit three preserved 17th-century Spanish missions: Gran Quivira, San Gregorio de Abó, and Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Quarai.
- Tour self-guided interpretive trails at each mission site, offering historical insight and panoramic views of the high desert.
- Learn about the area's dual history of Puebloan culture and Spanish colonization through exhibits at visitor centers.
- Discover Gran Quivira—the largest Christian church ruin in the U.S.—set atop a grassy hill that once bustled with Indigenous trade and worship.
- Enjoy the peace and solitude of this lesser-visited monument—no crowds, just sky, ruins, and wind.
Distance from Santa Fe:
About 2 hours (116 miles) via I-25 S and NM-60 E through Mountainair.How to Get to Salinas Pueblo Missions:
Take I-25 S toward Albuquerque, exit onto US-60 E, and follow signs to Mountainair. Each mission site—Gran Quivira, Abó, and Quarai—is within 30 minutes of the town center.Family Day Trips from Santa Fe:
9. The Sandia Peak Tramway
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Location:
Albuquerque, NMHighlights:
If you're up for jaw-dropping views without the hike, the Sandia Peak Tramway is your ride. Just outside Albuquerque, it lifts you to over 10,000 feet for some of the best panoramas in the state.Recommended For:
Sightseers, photographers, families, hikers, and anyone chasing epic sunsets or snowy slopes.What I Love: ♥
Gliding above rugged canyons, spotting Albuquerque from a bird’s-eye view, and enjoying both high-altitude adventures and peaceful mountain air—all in one ride.- Ride the longest aerial tramway in the U.S. as it climbs over the crestline of the Sandia Mountains.
- Marvel at breathtaking views of the Cibola National Forest, the Rio Grande Valley, and a full 11,000 square miles of New Mexico beauty from the top.
- Experience epic sunset and fall foliage rides—favorites among photographers and romantics alike.
- Explore the observation deck, hiking trails, and seasonal ski area once you reach Sandia Peak at over 10,000 feet.
- Play year-round—whether skiing and snowboarding in winter or hiking and sightseeing in summer.
Distance from Santa Fe:
About 1 hour and 20 minutes (67 miles) via I-25 S.How to Get to Sandia Peak Tramway:
Take I-25 S from Santa Fe to Albuquerque. From there, head east on Tramway Road to reach the base terminal on the city’s edge.10. El Santuario de Chimayo
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Location:
Chimayó, NMHighlights:
If you’re seeking a place of deep peace, healing, and history, El Santuario de Chimayó is a spiritual journey worth taking. Just a short drive from Santa Fe, it’s one of the most sacred and moving sites in the American Southwest.Recommended For:
Spiritual travelers, history lovers, pilgrims, cultural explorers, and anyone seeking reflection and beauty.What I Love: ♥
The blend of faith, legend, and landscape—from the miraculous holy dirt to the quiet reverence of pilgrims walking barefoot along the high desert trails.- Visit a National Historic Landmark known as the most significant Catholic pilgrimage site in the U.S., welcoming over 300,000 visitors each year.
- Discover the revered Tierra Bendita (holy dirt), believed to possess healing powers for more than 200 years.
- Reflect on the legend of the Black Christ of Esquipulas, whose crucifix was said to mysteriously appear within the dirt in 1810.
- Experience the powerful devotion of pilgrims—especially during Holy Week—many of whom walk barefoot to the sanctuary in search of hope and miracles.
- Enjoy the tranquil adobe architecture, candlelit chapels, and surrounding beauty of Chimayó’s northern New Mexico setting.
Distance from Santa Fe:
About 45 minutes (34 miles) via US-84 W and NM-76 E.How to Get to El Santuario de Chimayó:
Take US-84/285 N from Santa Fe, then follow NM-76 E through Española to Chimayó. The route winds through peaceful high desert hills and old Spanish mission villages.📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Where is Santa Fe located?
- Santa Fe is New Mexico's lovely state capital, located within the gorgeous foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
- What makes Santa Fe a great destination?
- Though the town boasts wonderful Pueblo-style architecture and cultural opportunities to entertain visitors throughout the year, it also serves as a great launching-off spot for day trips to some of the state's most renowned natural areas.
Best Time for Day Trips from Santa Fe, New Mexico:
- March to May – Spring offers blooming desert landscapes, mild temps, and vibrant art and cultural scenes.
- June to August – Warm, dry weather perfect for mountain escapes, pueblos, and scenic high desert drives.
- September to October – Crisp air and golden aspens make fall ideal for festivals, hikes, and historic villages.
- November – Quiet charm and cooler temps great for museum visits, hot springs, and local markets.
- December to February – Winter brings snowy mountains, cozy adobe towns, and seasonal magic in the Southwest.
Map:
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