Photo of AI-Livingstone
16 Mar 2025Updated last time
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

Weekend Getaway in New Mexico Itinerary

Weekend Getaway in New Mexico Itinerary Overview

Embark on an unforgettable weekend getaway in New Mexico, a region rich in culture, history, and stunning natural landscapes. Begin your journey at the heart of Santa Fe Plaza, where you can explore historic architecture and vibrant markets filled with local art and crafts. Next, head to Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a captivating glimpse into Native American history with its ancient, continuously inhabited dwellings.

Continue your adventure at White Sands National Park, where you'll be mesmerized by the surreal expanse of gypsum sand dunes, perfect for hiking and sand sledding. Then, immerse yourself in the past at Bandelier National Monument, known for its scenic beauty and ancient cliff dwellings that tell the story of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Finally, wrap up your trip with a visit to Albuquerque Old Town, where you can stroll through charming adobe streets, enjoy local cuisine, and admire historic landmarks like the San Felipe de Neri Church.

This weekend itinerary promises a delightful mix of cultural enlightenment, historical exploration, and breathtaking natural wonders, ensuring that your short escape to New Mexico is both enriching and memorable.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Santa Fe Plaza

    Santa Fe Plaza is the cultural heart of the city, offering historic architecture, vibrant markets, art galleries, and unique shops, encapsulating the spirit of New Mexico.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin2

    Taos Pueblo

    Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States, providing a unique insight into Native American history and culture.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin3

    White Sands National Park

    White Sands National Park features vast dune fields of gypsum sand, creating a surreal and breathtaking landscape that's perfect for hiking, photography, and sledding down the dunes.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin4

    Bandelier National Monument

    Bandelier National Monument offers stunning natural scenery and ancient cliff dwellings, providing an excellent opportunity for hiking, exploring archeological sites, and learning about the Ancestral Puebloan people.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    Albuquerque Old Town

    Albuquerque Old Town is rich in history and culture, featuring charming adobe buildings, quaint shops, excellent dining options, and landmarks like the San Felipe de Neri Church, offering a true taste of Southwestern heritage.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    The Hollar Restaurant

    The Hollar Restaurant

    Located in Madrid, a quirky town between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, The Hollar offers Southern comfort food with a unique twist, perfect for a pit stop during your trip.
    Picture for The Hollar Restaurant
  • Restaurant Icon

    Back Street Bistro

    4.5
    $$$$

    Back Street Bistro

    A hidden gem in Santa Fe, known for its eclectic soups and sandwiches, offering a cozy atmosphere perfect for a midday break.
    4.5
    $$$$
    Picture for Back Street Bistro
  • Restaurant Icon

    El Pinto

    4.2
    $$$$

    El Pinto

    Famous for its traditional New Mexican cuisine and expansive patio, El Pinto in Albuquerque offers a true taste of the Southwest in a vibrant setting.
    4.2
    $$$$
    Picture for El Pinto
  • Restaurant Icon

    Sugar Nymphs Bistro

    3.5
    $$$$

    Sugar Nymphs Bistro

    Located in the small town of Penasco, this charming bistro offers farm-to-table cuisine with an ever-changing menu that highlights local ingredients.
    3.5
    $$$$
    Picture for Sugar Nymphs Bistro
  • Restaurant Icon

    La Cueva Café

    4.6
    $$$$

    La Cueva Café

    Situated in Taos, this hidden gem serves delicious, authentic Mexican dishes in a cozy, laid-back environment, perfect for a casual dinner after exploring the pueblo.
    4.6
    $$$$
    Picture for La Cueva Café

Stay Recommendations

  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel Luna Mystica

    4.7

    Hotel Luna Mystica

    Located in Taos, this vintage trailer hotel offers a unique glamping experience with fully renovated, themed trailers and breathtaking views of the mountains.
    4.7
    Picture for Hotel Luna Mystica
  • Hotel Icon

    Starlight Llama Bed and Breakfast

    Starlight Llama Bed and Breakfast

    Nestled in the scenic outskirts of Santa Fe, this eco-friendly B&B offers a charming stay with a focus on sustainability, featuring llamas and panoramic desert views.
    Picture for Starlight Llama Bed and Breakfast
  • Hotel Icon

    The Blue Swallow Motel

    The Blue Swallow Motel

    A historic Route 66 motel in Tucumcari, it features retro-styled rooms and vintage neon signs, making it a nostalgic and quirky stop on your journey.
    Picture for The Blue Swallow Motel
  • Hotel Icon

    Earthship Biotecture

    4.3

    Earthship Biotecture

    In Taos, you can stay in unique, sustainable homes built from recycled materials, offering an off-the-grid experience with modern amenities and stunning desert landscapes.
    4.3
    Picture for Earthship Biotecture
  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel Parq Central

    3.9

    Hotel Parq Central

    A chic boutique hotel in Albuquerque housed in a renovated 1926 hospital, combining historic charm with modern luxury and a rooftop lounge offering spectacular city views.
    3.9
    Picture for Hotel Parq Central

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Kevin Hart

    Kevin Hart

    The event will take place at Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque.
    Map IconSandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque (20.62 mi)
    Calendar Icon24 Jun 2024
    Picture for Kevin Hart
  • Event Icon

    Stick Figure

    Stick Figure

    The event will take place at Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque.
    Map IconSandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque (20.62 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Jul 2024
    Picture for Stick Figure
  • Event Icon

    Mariachi Spectacular

    Mariachi Spectacular

    The event will take place at Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque.
    Map IconSandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque (20.62 mi)
    Calendar Icon14 Jul 2024
    Picture for Mariachi Spectacular
  • Event Icon

    Joe Bonamassa

    Joe Bonamassa

    The event will take place at Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque.
    Map IconSandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque (20.62 mi)
    Calendar Icon3 Aug 2024
    Picture for Joe Bonamassa
  • Event Icon

    Kane Brown

    Kane Brown

    The event will take place at Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque.
    Map IconSandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque (20.62 mi)
    Calendar Icon10 Aug 2024
    Picture for Kane Brown
  • Event Icon

    Tim McGraw

    Tim McGraw

    The event will take place at Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque.
    Map IconSandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque (20.62 mi)
    Calendar Icon25 Aug 2024
    Picture for Tim McGraw
  • Event Icon

    Lynyrd Skynyrd

    Lynyrd Skynyrd

    The event will take place at Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque.
    Map IconSandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque (20.62 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Sep 2024
    Picture for Lynyrd Skynyrd

Travel Gems from Reddit


Music for Your Journey