Route 66 from Gallup to Santa Fe, NMFind the ultimate road trip ride to the best of New Mexico’s Route 66. From Gallup, Albuquerque to Santa Fe, experience a wide variety of towns and cities that make up this special drive. Find retro hotels to roadside diners, shop for turquoise, and enjoy a relaxing day at the Hot Springs. Authorsbontraveler
DestinationsAlbuquerqueItinerary

Day 1 Gallup

Historic El Rancho Hotel
A historic roadside hotel right in the heart of Gallup, El Rancho is the place to stay. Find retro rooms with New Mexican decor and an on-site roadside diner restaurant that serves the best breakfast.
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Richardson Trading Co.
My favorite stop in Gallup was Richardson trading Co. for turquoise jewelry and native American art. You could spend a few hours here, perusing everything, don’t miss the back rug room.
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Red Rock Park
Just 20 minutes out of town, red rock Park has several hiking trails that lead through the red limestone and make sure to bring water and layers here as you are exposed to the sun.
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Jerry's Cafe
Jerry’s Café is the spot to get New Mexican cuisine, dry, sopapillas, and red and green chili here.
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Day 2 Albuquerque

El Rancho Restaurant
To start your day, have breakfast at El Rancho. No reservation is required. My favorite was the breakfast enchiladas.
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El Morro National Monument
As you make your way to Albuquerque, stop by El Morro national monument to walk the trail. Note that it is only open when the visitor center is.
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Laguna Burger
Home of the original chili burger, start your time in Albuquerque with a meal at Laguna burger.
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Sandia Peak Tramway
Sandia Peak Tramway was one of my favorite activities in Albuquerque, the 15 minute tram ride takes you to the top of Sandia Peak. At the very top there is a restaurant and you can hike several trails. You also can just ride the tram back down if you have limited time. You do need to pre-purchase a ticket.
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Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
One of my favorite hotels I’ve stayed at in New Mexico was Los Poblanos. Book ahead at this historic ranch, on site you have a spa, pool, restaurant, and beautiful grounds to explore.
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Campo at Los Poblanos
And your night with dinner at Campo at los poblanos, make sure to book an advance. The house pasta changes frequently, and that is what I ordered and absolutely loved.
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Day 3 Sante Fe

Sawmill Market
Before departing for Santa Fe, stop over at Sawmill Market for breakfast. This food hall has several restaurants and coffee shops inside.
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Petroglyph National Monument
If you’re looking for one more thing to do, petroglyph national Monument is home to dozens of trails that feature petroglyphs. The Mesa point Trail is a perfect spot if you’re short on time to see a few very easily.
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IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA)
When you arrive in Santa Fe, start at the IAIA museum, there are rotating exhibits that feature Native American arts.
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Shiprock Santa Fe
A campus store on the plaza is Shiprock, this high-end native American art store curates beautiful one of a kind pieces. You’ll find Navajo rugs to antique jewelry here.
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Cafe Pasqual's
A classic spot for lunch near the plaza is Café Pasquale’s for New Mexican cuisine. There are no reservations, but you can usually get a table during the day.
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Canyon Road District
To explore the arts district that makes up most of Santa Fe, head to Canyon Road. There are several galleries and boutiques all on the main street which makes for a great afternoon to explore here.
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Santa Fe Plaza
If you have more time, spend it at Santa Fe Plaza. There are several stores and boutiques, bars, and restaurants all along here to enjoy.
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El Rey Court
For your hotel, booking at El Rey Court. It is about 15 minutes outside of the plaza by car. This retro roadside hotel has cute rooms that have been renovated. There is also a small restaurant and bar on site and a pool to enjoy. It is definitely the hipster vibes here.
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The Shed
For dinner, reserve a table at the Shed. This is the most happening New Mexican restaurant on the plaza in Santa Fe. I’ve eaten here twice now and really love it
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Day 4 Santa Fe

Dolina Bakery & Cafe
To begin your day, head to Dana, bakery, and eastern European inspired bakery and Café. I get the French toast every time I go here. It is so good.
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Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
For a relaxing day, book a day pass for the Ojo Caliente mineral Springs. It is about an hour or so drive out of town and worth it if you want to be out in a more desert setting, they also have a location in Santa Fe if you don’t want to drive that far. There are several hot pools to enjoy and you can also book a massage and eat lunch right on site.
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Day 5 Departure

Tia Sophia's
Before departing, get one last breakfast on the plaza. Tia Sophia is an absolute classic.
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Tours to Explore

Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Rides at Sunrise
For an unforgettable morning, book a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque. You’ll head out early, but watching the balloons lift off with the mountains in the background is totally worth it. The views are wide open and peaceful, and the whole ride feels calm and a little surreal.
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The best of Santa Fe walking tour
For a great intro to the city, try the Best of Santa Fe walking tour. It’s an easy pace and covers a mix of history, architecture, and local spots. You’ll learn a lot without it feeling overwhelming. Wear comfy shoes and bring water.
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ABQ Trolley Co. | Best of ABQ City Tour
Walk through Old Town with a guide who knows the area well, with lots of stories, old buildings, and local insight. It’s a manageable walk and a nice mix of history and culture. This is a great way to understand the roots of the city in just a couple of hours.
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