What to do in Santa Fe? (Albuquerque, Los Alamos: casino, restaurants, shops)

[Towanda]

ash80753:

I am really sorry you got talked out of driving down from Denver to Santa Fe. It is a wonderful chance to see a lot of the scenery in southern CO and northern NM -- and no matter which route you take, it's spectacular. (I am not really sure how anyone could refer to it as "boring" ... ) I personally like the "back way" from Denver to Santa Fe -- through Alamosa, etc. Is it Hwy. 160? Wonderful wonderful scenery.

In flying into ABQ you are going to miss so much of the scenery that we are famous for -- especially since you have never been out here before and want to see the country.

I agree with mortimer's assessment of the trip. That's my opinion too ....

[ash80753]

I think we are going to take a road trip or two while we're there because I really do want to see the scenery. I was thinking Taos one day and I'm not too sure about the other.

[Santa Fe]

You can see plenty of beautiful scenery with your day trips. For Taos, I'd recommend the High Road driving up 84/285 (St. Francis) to the Nambe turn on 503 and following the signs. The web site also gives you the route and sites to see.
The High Road to Taos (http://www.newmexico.org/explore/scenic_byways/highroad.php - broken link)
My recommendations would include Sanctuario de Chimayo -- rub on some of the healing dirt -- the weavers at Chimayo and the church at Truchas. The mountains to your right are the Sangres and the highest are the multiple peaks of the Truchas wich include two of the three highest independent peaks in New Mexico. Truchas is famous as the place where Redford filmed the Milagro Beanfield War.

Rancho de Taos is kind of a sprawling mess, but the church there is very fine. Mostly the pueblos are not that much to see, but Taos is the exception if you want to see an authentic old pueblo.

If you want more mountain scenery consider the Enchanted Circle while you are up there. My advice is take it to the east -- go about half-way and turn around and come back but others may disagree.
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway (http://www.newmexico.org/explore/scenic_byways/enchanted_circle.php - broken link)

On the way come back down the low road which is mostly State Route 68 down the Rio Grande.
Travel the River Road to Taos, New Mexico Southwest scenic byway, with Photos and History of Nearby Pueblos

However -- avoid Espanola unless you are given to sight seeing at Walmarts. Look around at Embudo Station and then cut back a little to 75 and drive east and pick up the Low Road and come back to Santa Fe that way. Personally I love the BBQ at Sugars in Embudo. There is a great little waterfront restaurant across the river, but I think it is closed in late November.

Other possible day trips -- drive up to Abuiqui and Ghost Ranch. Or down to Madrid. Another day trip nobody thinks about -- Los Alamos. Take 502 up that mesa -- fantastic scenery. Then one possibility is simply turn around and come back -- the views look different driving down. Or go ahead on Trinity and then take the Truck Route down. If you are interested you can combine it to a trip to Bandelier.

Good luck.

[jenhoss1]

Hello! My Husband and I are going to be visiting Santa Fe for a couple of days next week. What do you think is a must see/do while on a short visit to Santa Fe?

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by jenhoss1

Hello! My Husband and I are going to be visiting Santa Fe for a couple of days next week. What do you think is a must see/do while on a short visit to Santa Fe?

Maybe take the Rail Runner to Albuquerque? (My wife has been taking it, the other way to Santa Fe)
Rio Metro Regional Transit District Official Site - Home

New Mexico State Capitol (Roundhouse)
Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau New Mexico State Capitol

Santa Fe Plaza
Santa Fe Plaza : Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau

Canyon Road
Canyon Road Santa Fe
If you take the free shuttle, get off at the top of Canyon Road, walk down to a shuttle stop. It is steep.

Santa Fe Pick-Up shuttle service
http://www.santafenm.gov/santa_fe_pickup_shuttle

The Santa Fe website has a lot of ideas depending on your likes/dislikes: http://santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe..._Do/index.html

[beezle1]

In addition to the great ideas that Poncho has listed above, here are some more:
1) Museums (probably a half dozen in town)
2) Drive up to the ski area and stop for a short hike while up there
3) Go to La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs.
4) And the best for last..... Eat some New Mexican food!

[globe9]

My GF and I will be visiting Santa Fe in early November for a week.
We've got reservations at the La Qunita at 4298 Cerrillos Rd. Is this an OK area? We're mainly staying here b/c of their pet policy and price.

This will be our first trip to Santa Fe. What suggestions do y'all have for cool places to visit etc. We're definitely going to the cathedral and the Georgia O'Keefe museum.

We'll have a car so can drive an hour or two out of town to sightsee.
Was maybe considering going to Taos for the day. Is this a good idea?
Any good scenic non strenuous hikes? Like 4 miles RT?
What about pueblos?
Any good markets with native american crafts/pottery/jewelry etc?
Also any good souveneir shops for the touristy stuff like t-shirts, hoodies etc?

Thanks BTW, really looking forward to visiting your city.

[joqua]

For starters, you might do a web search (Google, etc.) on: "Things to do in Santa Fe, NM" and similar wording.

That should give you a good starting point.

There are quite a few national chain motels located on Cerrillos road, which is a very long boulevard. Lots of traffic too.

[globe9]

I did do that, but thought maybe the locals had good ideas on different things to do that might not come up on the first few pages of a Google search.
Thanks though, I see why this forum is so busy

[funkymonkey]

What are your interests?

What kinds of things do you want to do?