Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM

Location:

Santa Fe, NM

Highlights:

If you’re staying in Albuquerque and craving a day filled with art, history, and flavor, Santa Fe is your perfect getaway. Just about an hour away via the scenic Turquoise Trail, this vibrant city feels like stepping into a living museum infused with creative energy.

We Recommend This For:

Culture lovers, foodies, art enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a colorful day trip packed with Southwestern charm.

What we Love:

Historic landmarks, world-class museums, unbeatable chile-infused cuisine, and galleries galore—all within walking distance downtown.

• Start your morning with a hearty Southwestern-inspired breakfast at Café Pasqual’s.
• Explore the heart of the city at Santa Fe Plaza and visit the Palace of the Governors and New Mexico History Museum for a deep dive into regional history.
• Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to admire iconic New Mexico landscapes through her modernist lens.
• Enjoy a flavorful lunch at The Shed, a local favorite for red and green chile dishes.
• Stroll through Canyon Road, packed with over 100 art galleries.
• Experience the unforgettable, interactive art of Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return.

Distance from Albuquerque:

Expect the drive to take around 1 hour via the scenic Turquoise Trail (State Highway 14).

How to Get to Santa Fe:

Take NM-14 North (Turquoise Trail) from Albuquerque. The scenic route winds through the high desert and charming towns before bringing you right into Santa Fe’s historic downtown.

Location:

Taos, NM

Highlights:

If you're up for a scenic drive and a full day of culture, art, and awe-inspiring views, Taos is totally worth the trip. Just over two hours from Albuquerque, this Northern New Mexico gem blends rich history with stunning natural beauty.

We Recommend This For:

Families, culture seekers, history buffs, art lovers, and those craving a high-desert adventure with authentic Southwest flair.

What we Love:

The magical mix of ancient pueblos, farm-fresh cuisine, distinctive art museums, and dramatic landscapes like the Rio Grande Gorge.

• Start with a hearty, organic breakfast at Manzanita Market, a local favorite in the heart of town.
• Explore Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a powerful glimpse into centuries-old living traditions.
• Lunch at The Love Apple, a romantic adobe chapel turned restaurant serving upscale New Mexican cuisine.
• Discover the Millicent Rogers Museum, where Native jewelry and regional art tell compelling Southwestern stories.
• Wrap up your day with a visit to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge for jaw-dropping canyon views.

Distance from Albuquerque:

Expect the drive to take about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

How to Get to Taos:

Take I-25 North to US-285 North in Santa Fe. Follow US-285 to NM-68 North, which leads directly into Taos through the scenic Río Grande corridor.

Location:

Chama, NM / Antonito, CO

Highlights:

If you're up for a truly unforgettable day trip, the Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway is a nostalgic journey through jaw-dropping mountain scenery. This vintage steam train climbs high into the Rockies along the New Mexico–Colorado border and feels like time travel in the best way.

We Recommend This For:

Train lovers, families, photographers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind high-altitude adventure.

What we Love:

Steam-powered engines, panoramic mountain views, a scenic mid-point lunch, and the feeling that you're riding through a living museum.

• Ride the rails between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO, traversing high passes, dramatic canyons, and alpine meadows.
• Experience daily departures with steam engines meeting halfway at Osier, where guests enjoy a hearty buffet lunch.
• Return to your original station in a comfortable luxury coach, included with your fare.
• Opt for shorter half-day trips that are ideal for families or tight schedules.
• Note: The journey is seasonal, generally running May–October. Tickets sell out fast, so book early!

Distance from Albuquerque:

Drive time to either Chama or Antonito is about 3.5 hours. Consider staying overnight for a more relaxed experience.

How to Get to Cumbres-Toltec:

From Albuquerque, head north on US-84 to reach Chama. For Antonito, take I-25 to US-285 North. Parking is available at both stations and luxury coach transportation ensures you return comfortably to your starting point.

Location:

Acoma Pueblo, NM

Highlights:

If you're curious about ancient cultures and want to step into living history, Acoma Pueblo is a must-see. Just a little over an hour from Albuquerque, it’s home to the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America—and the views alone are worth the trip.

We Recommend This For:

History enthusiasts, cultural travelers, photographers, and anyone seeking a powerful, authentic Native American experience.

What we Love:

Towering sandstone bluffs, immersive guided tours, exquisite handmade pottery, and the deep sense of history that resonates through every step.

• Travel about 70 minutes west of Albuquerque through striking desert landscapes to reach this breathtaking mesa-top community.
• Tour the ancient village on a guided walking tour to hear stories passed down through generations.
• Visit the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum to explore Acoma traditions, art, and resilience.
• Shop for authentic, hand-coiled Acoma pottery at the Market Plaza, supporting local artisans directly.
• Note: Photography restrictions may apply; respectful visitation is essential.

Distance from Albuquerque:

Expect the drive to take approximately 70 minutes west on I-40.

How to Get to Acoma Pueblo:

From Albuquerque, take I-40 West to Exit 102. Follow signs to the Acoma Sky City Cultural Center for parking, visitor check-in, and tour departures.

Location:

Los Alamos, NM

Highlights:

If you’re craving a mix of deep history and fresh air, Bandelier National Monument is one of New Mexico’s most fascinating escapes. Just under two hours from Albuquerque, this ancient site offers a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans—with cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and miles of incredible trails.

We Recommend This For:

Outdoor adventurers, families, history buffs, photographers, and anyone eager to hike through ancient landscapes rich with culture.

What we Love:

Cliffside homes carved into rock, sweeping mesa-top views, accessible trails, and the chance to camp under the stars in the same canyons inhabited 900 years ago.

• Explore the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who built homes from sandstone, farmed mesa tops, and crafted tools and pottery nearly nine centuries ago.
• Enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, interpretive ranger tours, picnicking, and even boating nearby.
• Hike everything from short family-friendly paths to backcountry trails—there are over 70 miles of hiking routes within the monument.
• Camp overnight in the park or stay in nearby towns like Los Alamos or White Rock.
• Note: Summer months may be hot, so bring water, wear sunscreen, and check for fire restrictions.

Distance from Albuquerque:

Expect the drive to take approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.

How to Get to Bandelier:

From Albuquerque, take I-25 North to NM-502 West toward Los Alamos. Follow signs for Bandelier National Monument. Parking is available at the visitor center, and during peak seasons, a shuttle service may be required.

Romantic Day Trips from Albuquerque:

Location:

San Antonio, NM

Highlights:

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with incredible birdwatching and scenic views, the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge is an easy and rewarding day trip from Albuquerque. It’s especially magical during migration season when thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese descend on the wetlands.

We Recommend This For:

Birdwatchers, nature photographers, families, cyclists, and anyone craving a quiet day immersed in nature.

What we Love:

The surreal sunrise scenes, abundant wildlife sightings, a peaceful auto tour loop, and the chance to bike or hike among riverine habitats.

• Drive just 90 minutes south of Albuquerque to this haven for birds, frogs, and wildlife lovers alike.
• Explore year-round, with special care during summer due to potential reduced hours—check the website before visiting.
• Hike along scenic nature trails or cycle the 11-mile gravel trail through the refuge’s diverse ecosystems.
• Relax on the auto trail loop for a slower-paced, easy wildlife viewing experience ideal for families.
• Seasonal activities include photography, fishing, hunting, and bull-frogging, especially in fall and spring.

Distance from Albuquerque:

About 1 hour and 30 minutes south via I-25.

How to Get to Bosque del Apache:

From Albuquerque, take I-25 South to Exit 139, then head east on US-380 and turn right on NM-1. Follow signs to the refuge entrance and visitor center.

Location:

Carlsbad, NM

Highlights:

If you're up for a truly surreal underground adventure, Carlsbad Caverns National Park delivers a jaw-dropping experience like no other. Nestled beneath the Chihuahuan Desert, this vast cave system is home to more than 100 stunning caverns—one of which is among the largest in North America.

We Recommend This For:

Adventurous travelers, geology fans, families with older kids, and anyone fascinated by the hidden wonders beneath our feet.

What we Love:

The epic scale of the Big Room, the spooky silence of the caves, customizable tour options, and the sense of awe you feel the moment you step inside.

• Explore more than 100 caves carved out over millions of years beneath the desert floor.
• Visit the Big Room, one of the largest underground chambers in North America, accessible by hiking trail or elevator.
• Choose between self-guided tours for flexibility or ranger-led experiences that range from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
• Walk the full Big Room trail in about 90 minutes, or take the shorter 45-minute circuit for a quicker look.
• Note: Parts of the Big Room trail are wheelchair accessible, and summer reservations are highly recommended.

Distance from Albuquerque:

The drive takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes—consider an overnight stay in Carlsbad for a relaxed trip.

How to Get to Carlsbad Caverns:

From Albuquerque, take I-25 South to US-285 South through Roswell, then follow signs to the park entrance on Carlsbad Caverns Highway. Visitor parking and the main entrance building are clearly marked.

Family Day Trips from Albuquerque:

Location:

Grants, NM

Highlights:

Just 80 miles west of Albuquerque, El Malpais National Conservation Area is where New Mexico’s wild volcanic past meets breathtaking natural beauty. This is a must-visit if you love rugged landscapes, dramatic rock formations, and outdoor adventure.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, geology lovers, road-trippers, photographers, and anyone looking for wide-open spaces and otherworldly scenery.

What we Love:

Lava fields, sandstone cliffs, the incredible La Ventana Arch, and a true feeling of getting off the beaten path.

• Visit the Ranger Station first to get trail maps, condition updates, and recommendations for hikes or scenic spots.
• See natural wonders like La Ventana Natural Arch, one of New Mexico’s most iconic geological features.
• Explore volcanic terrain and sandstone cliffs on hiking, biking, or equestrian trails suited to various skill levels.
• Watch for wildlife, walk through lava tubes, or just soak up the silence of the high desert landscape.
• Camp overnight with an RV at Joe Skeen Campground, which offers basic amenities and incredible night skies.

Distance from Albuquerque:

Around 1 hour and 30 minutes west via I-40.

How to Get to El Malpais:

From Albuquerque, take I-40 West to Exit 85 in Grants, then follow NM-117 south to the El Malpais Ranger Station and trailheads. Signage is clear, and most roads are paved or well-maintained gravel.

Location:

Jemez Springs, NM

Highlights:

If you're in Albuquerque and craving a mix of red rock views, ancient history, and hot springs bliss, Jemez Springs makes for the perfect day trip. Just a scenic 70-minute drive away, this charming mountain village is packed with surprises for hikers, history buffs, and soakers alike.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, road trippers, couples, photographers, wellness seekers, and anyone in need of a rejuvenating mountain escape.

What we Love:

The stunning Jemez Mountain Byway, natural hot springs, ancient ruins, red rock cliffs, and the easygoing pace of village life.

• Start with a hearty New Mexican breakfast at Los Ojos Restaurant & Saloon.
• Drive the breathtaking Jemez Mountain Scenic Byway (NM-4), framed by colorful canyons and forests.
• Explore the Jemez Historic Site, including the ruins of the San José de los Jémez Mission and ancient village remains.
• Soak in the peaceful mineral pools at Jemez Hot Springs (Giggling Springs), surrounded by mountain views.
• Lunch at Highway 4 Café, a favorite local stop.
• Optional: Hike 0.7 miles to Spence Hot Springs for a more natural soak tucked into the hillside.
• Finish your visit with quick stops at Soda Dam and Battleship Rock—two iconic geological wonders.

Distance from Albuquerque:

The drive takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes via NM-4.

How to Get to Jemez Springs:

From Albuquerque, head north on I-25, then take US-550 to San Ysidro. From there, follow NM-4 north through the Jemez Mountains—it's a scenic and well-signed route.