Hubby and I plan a 5 day trip to ABQ, SF and Taos in mid-August. Interested in historical sites, scenery, foods and local crafts (not pricey). How many days should we stay in each town? OR Should we stay in SF and travel down to ABQ and up to Taos for day trips? Open to suggestions. We'll be renting a car in ABQ. Thanks!

Depending on what time you arrive in Albuquerque, you could pick up your car and head to Old Town. Check out the Plaza and the Native American artists, look in the shops, and spend the night somewhere in Albuquerque.

The next day, drive up to Santa Fe, which I would use as a base. It's about an hour on I-25, or you can go east on I-40, take the Tijeras/Cedar Crest exit, and head north on the Turquoise Trail through Golden, Madrid (pronounced MAD-rid), and Cerrillos to Santa Fe.

If you're really set on Taos (it's a nice town with museums and beautiful scenery, plus Taos Pueblo), I'd make it a day trip from Santa Fe. Start early, take the high road to Taos, and the low road going back.

Lee Ann

Good job on the repost misscriss


Deb

I agree with Elendil.

I was there for 6 days at Christmas. I flew into ABQ and picked up my car and headed for Santa Fe that same night. ( or you could spend the first day in ABQ or the last day).

I would stay in Santa Fe 4 nights, and ABQ the last night , allowing a full day for ABQ before heading for Sedona.

My first day in Santa Fe, I headed up to Museum Hill and visited the museums. Excellent!
The second day, I visited the galleries on Canyon Road ( I parked there) and then walked to the Plaza area and spent the rest of the day there.

I'd suggest on your 3rd day to take a day trip to Taos. I left at 8 in the morning ( Christmas day) and took the scenic high road. I stopped in Santuario de Chimayo. Worth the stop.
Later stopped at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, past Taos, but worth the few extra miles. Then a couple of miles further to the earthships.
Then we cirled back adn went to Taos Pueblo.
And finally to the town of Taos. Lots of shops on the square.
We ate dinner at Ogilvies right on the square.
Then took the low road back to Santa Fe.

If you had a full day, you could head out to Los Alamos, and take the scenic drive down through the Jemez Mountains and back out onto I-25 to ABQ.

book marking

I've always enjoyed The Apple Tree in Taos for lunch or dinner.

Good ideas for my spring break trip as well.

ST