Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe is the nation's highest capital with access to the Georgia O'Keeffe sites, 10,000 foot Sangre de Cristo views, and Pueblo architecture.
The Canyon Road galleries and the Plaza offer world-class art and heritage.
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or browse all12 destinations near Santa Fe
Laberinto del Bosque
NM, Paseo del Bosque Trl
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.8 stars) · 1 hr 5 min from Santa Fe · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Tinkertown Museum
Sandia Park, NM 87047
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.8 by 1.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 6 min from Santa Fe · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque
Albuquerque, NM 87104
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.8 by 4.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 4 min from Santa Fe · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Bandelier National Monument
USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 3.4k+ visitors) · 49 min from Santa Fe · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 4.6k+ visitors) · 1 hr 28 min from Santa Fe · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Cochiti Pueblo, NM 87072
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 2.2k+ visitors) · 50 min from Santa Fe · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Blue Hole
Santa Rosa, NM 88435
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 2.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 46 min from Santa Fe · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Sandia Peak Tramway
Albuquerque, NM 87122
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 12.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr from Santa Fe · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Piedras Marcadas Canyon
Albuquerque, NM 87114
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 1 min from Santa Fe · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Río Grande del Norte National Monument
Embudo, NM 87531
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 22 min from Santa Fe · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Albuquerque, NM 87104
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 5.0k+ visitors) · 1 hr 3 min from Santa Fe · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory
Tucumcari, NM 88401
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.9k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 35 min from Santa Fe · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Santa Fe, NM?
The best day trips from Santa Fe include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Santa Fe?
Most great day trips from Santa Fe are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Santa Fe?
Many of the best day trips near Santa Fe are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Santa Fe?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Santa Fe, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Santa Fe?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Santa Fe make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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