10 days in New Mexico Itinerary

Albuquerque remains one of the state's secret jewels, as its tourist attractions are often overshadowed by the more popular holiday destination of Santa Fe.

Albuquerque is known for historic sites, museums, and zoos & aquariums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: appreciate the extensive heritage of Albuquerque Old Town, examine the collection at New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society, take a memorable tour with Tours, and get curious at The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

To find ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Albuquerque route planner.

Houston to Albuquerque is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Houston to Albuquerque. Traveling from Houston in June, plan for slightly colder nights in Albuquerque, with lows around 64°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sun) so you can go by car to Santa Fe.

Santa Fe continuously ranks among the world's top holiday destinations, attracting visitors with its unusual combination of scenic beauty, rich history, cultural diversity, and high concentration of performing arts venues, fine restaurants, and interesting attractions.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Mon): contemplate the long history of Loretto Chapel, explore the world behind art at Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, then steep yourself in history at Santa Fe Plaza, and finally make a trip to Meow Wolf. On the next day, pause for some serene contemplation at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, appreciate the extensive heritage of Canyon Road, then see the interesting displays at Museum of International Folk Art, and finally view the masterpieces at True West Gallery.

For reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Santa Fe travel planning website.

Traveling by car from Albuquerque to Santa Fe takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Traveling from Albuquerque in June, expect a bit cooler with lows of 56°F in Santa Fe. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Taos.

Many residents have shunned fast-paced city living for Taos's laid-back vibe and blend of Spanish, Native American, and Anglo cultures.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Wed): explore the ancient world of Taos Pueblo, then take in the views from Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, then indulge your thirst for a good beer at Taos Mesa Brewing, and finally look for gifts at Enchanted Circle Pottery. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the galleries of Vietnam Veterans Memorial and then look for all kinds of wild species at Wild Rivers Recreation Area.

For reviews, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Taos online tour planner.

Drive from Santa Fe to Taos in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In June, Taos is a bit cooler than Santa Fe - with highs of 83°F and lows of 46°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu) early enough to travel to Carlsbad.

Carlsbad is a city in and the county seat of Eddy County, New Mexico, United States. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Carlsbad: Carlsbad Caverns National Park (Green Lake, Carlsbad Caverns Natural Entrance Tour, &more). The adventure continues: Head underground at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

To see reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Carlsbad online holiday planner.

Drive from Taos to Carlsbad in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Taos in July, with highs in Carlsbad at 97°F and lows at 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 5th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.