12 days in New Mexico, Sedona & Scottsdale Itinerary

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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Santa Fe: Taos (La Chiripada Tasting Room, Taos Pueblo, &more). There's much more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, take in nature's colorful creations at Absolute Nirvana Spa & Gardens, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Loretto Chapel, and make a trip to Meow Wolf Santa Fe.

For reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Santa Fe tour builder app.

South Bend to Santa Fe is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and car. You'll gain 2 hours traveling from South Bend to Santa Fe due to the time zone difference. Traveling from South Bend in January, you will find days in Santa Fe are a bit warmer (44°F), and nights are about the same (20°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sat) so you can drive to Albuquerque.

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 trip includes some of its best attractions: soar above the sights with a balloon tour, get curious at The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, get a new perspective on nature at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and explore the world behind art at Albuquerque Museum.

For traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Albuquerque trip planner.

Traveling by car from Santa Fe to Albuquerque takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Santa Fe in January since evenings lows in Albuquerque dip to 26°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Mon) so you can catch the flight to Sedona.

Despite its relatively small size, Sedona overflows with tourist appeal.

Kick off your visit on the 9th (Tue): look for gifts at Kachina House, take in breathtaking views at Oak Creek Canyon, then trek along Airport Mesa, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. Keep things going the next day: see Off-Road Tours, then take in the dramatic natural features at Cathedral Rock, and then take a memorable drive along Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179).

Use Inspirock's suggestions to plan your Sedona trip and find the best activities and attractions for your vacation.

Fly from Albuquerque to Sedona in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Albuquerque in January, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Sedona, with lows around 37°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) so you can drive to Scottsdale.

Scottsdale is a city in the eastern part of Maricopa County, Arizona, adjacent to the Greater Phoenix Area. Start off your visit on the 11th (Thu): admire the landmark architecture of Taliesin West, then examine the collection at Musical Instrument Museum, and then take in nature's colorful creations at Desert Botanical Garden. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 12th (Fri): head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, then see Off-Road Tours, and then see the world from above with a helicopter tour.

For ratings, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Scottsdale travel route site.

You can drive from Sedona to Scottsdale in 2.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a bus. Traveling from Sedona in January, things will get somewhat warmer in Scottsdale: highs are around 68°F and lows about 46°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Fri) early enough to catch the flight back home.