Don’t Miss These Day Trips From Santa Fe, New Mexico

Our first time in Santa Fe we had tunnel vision. We didn’t want to stop window shopping in the Plaza or checking out all the little pockets of galleries. The architecture also is something that is easy to get lost in and then the food is…yum. But as we were able to come back to New Mexico, we wanted to make sure to check out other areas, but call Santa Fe home base. This state is quite unique and has a lot of history.

If you are looking for some day trips to get out and explore more of this beautiful state, here are some of our favorites that we have done multiple times.

The Best Day Trips from Santa Fe, New Mexico

Bandalier National Monument

Bandalier National Monument is only about 45 minutes northwest of Santa Fe. There are no reservations, but there is a fee to visit this area. Make sure to check out their website before you go to make sure that everything is open. We didn’t do this so we missed out on the most popular hike. It was still beautiful and a worthy adventure. There is a casual loop and a loop with steps and steeper walk ways and on a hot day it is exposed in most places. If you forgot lunch make sure to stop in White Rock at Pig & Fig Cafe!

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is an hour west of Santa Fe and one of the most beautiful places in New Mexico. There is a bit of planning to visiting this national monument. It is managed by BLM but it is on tribal Property. So aside from getting a reservation to Tent Rocks, Thursday-Monday, you will also have to get a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass when you enter. It is well worth it for everything you get to see and explore. We love slot canyons and the short canyon you get to hike through is amazing, especially when the lights hits just right. There is a short steep climb and so be prepared. It might seem a little more difficult than usual since it sits at 7,000′.

Madrid, New Mexico

Pernounced MAD-rid, not like the city in Spain. This is the closest day trip and it is a little pocket of art. On a busy day, parking can be a bit of a nightmare but the small town is getting keen to it. They created a public lot within walking distance of all the galleries, shops and restaurants. This funky town is about 35 minutes south of town. An easy trip, but I do suggest making sure to have a bite to eat there before you start going through all the shops. We had a root beer and a green chile burger at Mine Shaft Tavern, along with their deep fried artichoke dippers. It was delicious!

Abiquiú, New Mexico

This is where the famed Georgia O’Keeffe homes are. Plan a day because you can get a bite to eat and a hike in after your tour of her property and museum. It is quite expensive, so expect an expensive day. Around $65/person for their tour. Make this an entire day since the drive one way is 1 hour.

Taos, New Mexico

Taos is about an hour and a half from Santa Fe and probably more popular in the winter for skiing but during the summer you will find a cute town worth checking out for some shopping and dining. It is quite a bit smaller than Santa Fe so some like the more quaint feel it has and remote feeling.

Longer or Overnight Trips from Santa Fe

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

This might be a better stop coming and leaving Santa Fe from the West. It is very remote and 3 hours away from Santa Fe. However, you can stay in Farmington, New Mexico for the night if you want to make sure to have time. If you do decide to check out this place, you will see some of the coolest rock formations in the United States. Make sure to have a capable car and if you decide to take your RV, there is a parking lot where there is caution to go any farther and risk getting stuck. There is BLM land in the area if you want to camp instead of get a hotel.

White Sands National Park

The first time we visited White Sands National Park was when it was still a national monument. We were quite happy when we realized it was being changed to a National Park. It is one of the coolest places in New Mexico and probably the US. This area of New Mexico is very remote so make sure to know where your gas tank gauge is and if you have food and snacks. It is also an oddly fun drive in. New Mexico does have testing sites in it, so we didn’t stray from the main road. When you do get there your eyes are trying to tell your brain that it’s snow. It is that white! Also, as you can see from the below pictures it is dog friendly! Please remember to practice leave no trace. No one wants to run through sand dunes and step in dog poop.

At about 4 hours away from Santa Fe it is better to do this as an overnight. You can find a hotel in Alamogordo or RV Park in Alamogordo. There is no camping of any kind in the national park right now.

Truth or Consequences

This is a popular place to relax and soak in hot springs. It is worth a day trip or overnight to make sure that you get as much soaking time as you can. Take in the views and chill like a local. If you are still into checking out even more galleries, you will find many here. It’s known for being welcoming, so support the locals and enjoy your time.