I'll be in Santa Fe for a conference in April. I have one free day. I am very interested in Native history - there's so much to choose from. I've read reviews about the pueblos and it is clear that Taos is the best. I won't have time to go to Taos and I might not have a car.
Is there a pueblo near Santa Fe that's worth seeing if I do rent a car for the day? If I don't have a car is it possible to get to a pueblo?
What is the public transportation like there? Taxis, shuttles, etc?
Other suggestions?

I'll also be in Albuquerque after Santa Fe to visit a friend so I will have a chance to tour a bit there with long time residents.
Thanks!

My favorite pueblo is Acoma, not Taos. It's not far from Albuquerque to the west, off I-40, so I'd wait and have your friends take you there. There are tours of the mesa and old city given by resident guides on buses from the tribal cultural center. Use your day in Santa Fe to enjoy Santa Fe. It's one of the best places I know to hang out for a day or more.

http://www.acomaskycity.org/home.html

MmePerdu, thanks for your input. I've heard that Santa Fe is a wonderful town! Is there anything not to miss in Santa Fe? What about the Palace of the Governors?

I lived in southern Arizona for a long time and got up to Santa Fe occasionally. I enjoyed just walking around and eating and I never managed to see any formal sights, ridiculous I know. But I love galleries and bookstores most of all and that's what I did.

I suggest you get a city guide so you can "not miss" the things you love. For a few dollars it would be so worth it.

MmePerdu, I just spent an hour looking at all the amazing restaurants in the area and I think I could just try different restaurants all day!

I agree that Acoma is where you'll want to go to see what I consider to be the best pueblo to gain insight into the culture of the Native Americans.

It is actually over an hour west od ABQ but well worth the drive. Be sure to get there early enough in the day to get a tour as you can't go without being on one.

Lots to see and do in ABQ as well as Santa Fe. You can take a bus toMuseum Hill to see some great exhibits.

It is tricky without a car to get to too many places, but lots to do. Do a search on here, lots of info.

There are a few of us that are rather local, so ask away!

Opps...A few of us ON FODORS...

thanks, DebitNM. While in SF I'll be staying downtown at LaFonda. Looks like there's a lot in walking distance. Correct?

La Fonda is right on the Plaza, the heart of the beast. You could not be more in the center of the action. Good job!

I agree that you should go to Acoma.

If you're interested in Native American history and culture, you might enjoy the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture http://www.indianartsandculture.org/ or the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts http://www.iaia.edu/museum/ in Santa Fe, or maybe the Wheelwright Museum. http://wheelwright.org/

I haven't yet been to any of these, but they may fit what you're looking for.

Lee Ann

Watch out for Happy Hour @ La fonda..Unless it has changed you get 2 Margs at a time..not knowing this we ordered (almost at the last bell)) 3 delicious Marg!!! total 6 each LOL..Later,, Found the car ok but couldn't get the key in the lock. good thing too as it would have been a very dangerous drive to Rosswell. Sat on the curb and laughed and laughed until those sheaky and abundant breverages wore off. BTW the key hole was right were we left it LOL..Santa fe is awesome and the colors are more awesome!!!

Thanks ElendilPickle. I'll check out the museum sites. And amber_can, glad you sat on the curb for awhile before driving!!! Good to know about the margaritas!

amer_can, thank you for not driving drunk. Our DUI problem has gotten a little better, but there are still way too many drunk drivers on our roads.

Lee Ann

If you are at La Fonda on Saturday night, there's usually some great dancing to be seen on the dance floor of the lounge. All of the Mexican dishes on the hotel restaurant's menu are also available in the lounge, and it's fun to eat there while enjoying the live music.

Thank you for the ideas everyone! Really looking forward to exploring Santa Fe and ABQ