How to Have THE Best Roadtrip in New MexicoYour 72 hour itinerary for New Mexico! From exploring Albuquerque to Santa Fe, I completely fell in love with New Mexico's charm! Between scenic drives of the Turquoise Trail, colorful adobe buildings, incredible food, local art, and landscape, every corner felt like a hidden gem!🌵🏜️🌞Authorstexaseatsfirst
DestinationsNew MexicoItinerary

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Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town was the perfect place to stay while exploring the city. I loved waking up surrounded by Southwestern architecture and being within walking distance of so many of Albuquerque's historic sites at Old Town! Plus super close to a food hall (Sawmill Market).
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Hotel Glorieta
Hotel Glorieta was our favorite Santa Fe home base. Between the beautiful mountain views and peaceful atmosphere, it was such an ideal stay.✨🏜️🏔️
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Day 1

The Grove Cafe & Market
A cozy Albuquerque café known for its locally sourced ingredients, incredible coffee, and the best outdoor patio! ✨🥹☕️🥞
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A Taste of Old Town Walking Tours
Old Town Albuquerque felt like stepping back in time, with historic adobe buildings, charming plazas, and so many little shops and hidden corners
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Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
One of the most meaningful stops in Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center offers a fascinating look into the history, art, and living traditions of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblo communities, making it the perfect introduction to the culture behind the state. ♥️
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Indian Pueblo Kitchen
The Fried Kool-Aid Pickles at Indian Pueblo Kitchen might just be one of the most unique bites I had in New Mexico. 😲
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Albuquerque Museum
The Albuquerque Museum is worth a stop for its beautiful Southwestern art, fascinating local history, and exhibits that helped me better understand how Albuquerque became the city it is today. ✨🏜️
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Sawmill Market
I could've spent hours at Sawmill Market, wandering between local food stalls, grabbing a bite here and a drink there, and getting a taste of so many different flavors all under one roof. If you can't decide what to eat, this is a perfect stop for you!
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Sandia Peak Tramway
The Sandia Peak Tramway gave me some of the most incredible views I saw in New Mexico! Watching the desert landscape stretch for miles beneath us as we climbed into the mountains was an experience I'll never forget. 🏔️🥹✨
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NM Route 66 Association
We took a drive down historic Route 66, soaking in the vintage neon signs and old-school roadside charm. Fun fact: New Mexico is home to the longest continuous stretch of the original Route 66, making it one of the best places in the country to experience this legendary road! ✨🏜️🚗🏁
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66 Diner
You will feel like you’ve been transported straight back to the 1950s with checkerboard floors, classic milkshakes, and all the retro Route 66 nostalgia you could ask for! 🥹✨🏁🥤
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New Mexico Beef Jerky
You know I couldn't leave New Mexico empty-handed, so I made a stop at New Mexico Beef Jerky Company for a souvenir. ✨😂
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Tin Can Alley ABQ
Part food hall, part gathering place, Tin Can Alley is one of Albuquerque's coolest hangouts, with local restaurants, rooftop views, and plenty of spots to relax while taking in the Sandia Mountains. 🥹🏔️✨
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Day 2

Cafe Pasqual's
One of Santa Fe’s most iconic restaurants, serving fresh, organic New Mexican cuisine in a colorful adobe space that’s been a local favorite since 1979. Pro tip: make a reservation!! ✨
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New Mexico 14
We traded the interstate for New Mexico's Turquoise Trail (about 1 hour scenic drive) and discovered charming small towns, mountain views, and the roadside stops for photos. SO WORTH IT! 📸🚗
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Santa Fe Railyard
The Santa Fe Farmers' Market was one of my favorite Saturday morning stops. 🥹🪴🫜Between the rows of local farmers, fresh produce, handmade goods, flowers, and friendly vendors, it felt like such an authentic way to experience the community and city!
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Iconik Coffee Roasters, Lena
Perfect spot for a midday pick me up plus their outdoor patio was such A VIBE! ✨☕️📚
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Canyon Road District
This district is lined with beautiful galleries, hidden courtyards, colorful adobe buildings, and so many little spots that make you want to stop every few steps. 🥹
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The Shed
Tucked inside a historic adobe building near the Plaza, it's famous for its classic New Mexican dishes, beautiful colorful patio, and the BEST VIBES!!! ✨ Pro tip: make a reservation!
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Ten Thousand Waves
As someone who grew up spending time in Japan, Ten Thousand Waves felt incredibly special. The Japanese-inspired hot springs, quiet mountain setting, and relaxing atmosphere made it one of my favorite experiences of the trip. 🥹🇯🇵
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Kakawa Chocolate House
A must-visit if you have a sweet tooth like me! It’s famous for its rich, drinking chocolate elixir inspired by Ancient Maya, Aztec and European recipes! 🍫
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Santa Fe Plaza
Founded in 1610, the Santa Fe Plaza is the historic heart of the city, surrounded by adobe architecture, local artisan vendors, galleries, and centuries of New Mexico history, all within one walkable square! 🛍️
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Day 3

Santa Fe Farmers Market
If you're in Santa Fe on a Saturday, don't miss the Santa Fe Farmers' Market 🪴 one of the largest and most celebrated farmers' markets in the country, filled with local produce, handmade goods, fresh-baked treats, and plenty of New Mexico charm. 🥹
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Tia Sophia's
One of my favorite bites of the entire trip 🌯Santa Fe institution famous for its hearty New Mexican breakfasts. Their breakfast burrito absolutely lived up to the hype and was the perfect way to start the day.
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Bandelier National Monument
Walking through Bandelier National Monument felt like stepping back in time, with ancient cliff dwellings, towering canyon walls, and centuries of history carved directly into the landscape.
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Pig & Fig Cafe
A super charming local spot serving up fresh, flavorful food. Great spot to carb load after walking miles at Bandelier National Monument. 😂
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New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
I explored everything from towering dinosaur fossils to the volcanic forces that helped shape New Mexico. 🦖🦕🌋
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