We are going to (a somewhat business trip combined vacation) Santa Fe New Mexico the end of May. Can anyone tell me what we should see and do while there? Do you recommend seeing Taos and how far is that from Santa Fe? Any advice appreciated

Lots of options depending on your interests. There are fantastic museums in Santa Fe. Lots of arts, history, good food, etc. About an hour east is Bandelier NP if you want to see ancient Native American Ruins or go for a hike.

If you scroll down to New Mexico in the view by stat box above your post you will find lots of threads on the area.

I loved Tents Rock National Monument (not too far away) for an awesome hike through Slot Canyon.

I think emalloy meant to say that Bandelier is west of Santa Fe.

You can visit Los Alamos and drive around the town (home to the famous national laboratory). The Bradbury Science Museum is there, but I can't tell you how worthy of a visit it is. http://www.lanl.gov/museum/

Taos is about 1.5 hours from Santa Fe. The High Road is a scenic drive and includes the Sanctuario de Chimayo along the way. The Rio Grande Gorge bridge near Taos is worth seeing as well, as is the church at Los Ranchos de Taos.

If you want to visit Toas Pueblo, make sure that it will be open to visitors before you set out.

What are your interests, schnookies?

Lee Ann

Yes Bandelier is west of SF. and If Taos is open it is a nice contrast to Bandelier.

Echoing what are your interests? There is so much to see and do depending on your activity level and interest.

Los Alamos was the only place I personally didn't enjoy. Taos is definitely a great and scenic day trip from Santa Fe. You may want to call ahead and see if the Pueblo will be open. Take the High Road up and the Low Road down or vice versa. Have fun! I leave for NM next weekend!

I agree that Los Alamos wasnt' that interesting but that was just me.

schnookies, how many days playtime will you have? The high road to/from Taos is beautiful. Late in the day gives you the light coming through the cottonwoods and aspens. But, any time is beautiful. Taking high road/HWY 68 will be a slower route plus you may find places to stop along the way - Rancho de Chimayo for lunch, Sanctuario de Chimayo or Nambé. It takes longer than an hour and a half if you take the high road - two-lane winding roads through the scenic small towns.

sandiegodeb, leave me a little green & red chile - we leave in two weeks!

On the east end of Albuquerque-Sandia Peak http://www.sandiapeak.com/
On the west end of Central Avenue (old Rt. 66) is Old Town, aquarium, zoo and botanic garden.
Also just west of Albuquerque is Petroglyph National Monument.

Eat at Tomasita's. There's a reason why the restaurant has a line to get in when it opens at 11.

You've all been so very helpful. I have to admit that I'm not one to be that interested in art but maybe visiting here will change my mind. I definitely would like to visit Taos. I read that Shirley McLaine lives in NM, does anyone know where exactly? I will make a note to eat at Tomasitas for sure

So do Julia Roberts and Cormac McCarthy and George R.R. Martin and Val Kilmer and Gene Hackman . . . Unlike MacLaine, they live in New Mexico now, not now and in the past and in the future simultaneously.

Coyote Cafe in SF is a good place for food and local flavor.

If you go to Taos, consider swinging by the Studio De Colores to see Ed Sandoval and his wife's artworks.

HA HA good one, BigRuss! The celebs like privacy and we give it to them. Won't find their homes listed in phone book. Plenty of natural beauty to see, you won't miss not seeing them. I do know Julia Roberts doctor, maybe I can get you an appointment.

I would not go to Los Alamos. I've been there on my way to Santa Fe from Jemez Springs and there is no reason to leave Santa Fe to go to Los Alamos, unless you have some specific interest in it.

It's my understanding McLaine's home is near Abiquiu, but I don't know for sure.