Sheryl

My husband and I are thinking of going to NM next month and will have approx. 5 and 1/2 days there. Since we have a limited amount of time, we only plan on staying in northern NM, so how much time should we spend in each of following cities: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos? Could we get away without seeing one of these cities and spending more time in another? Thanks in advance!

stragic

Sheryl,
I would skip Albuquerque on this short trip (although if you get bored in Santa Fe-which you won't-Alb. is only an hour away). I think Taos and Santa Fe have much more personality than Alb. Just make sure to stick to the historic district in Santa Fe for a more local feeling. There is a beautiful scenic drive from Taos to Eagle's Nest in the east. I would spend 3 days in Taos and 2 in Santa Fe if you want more relaxation or 2 days Taos and 3 Santa Fe if you want to do more shopping.

Sheryl

I think we may split it up by staying in Santa Fe for three or four nights (visiting Santa Fe and Taos) and staying in Albuquerque for two nights (visiting that area), though we're still reviewing what we want to do. Has anyone stayed at the Marriott or Hilton, including the Courtyards and Garden Inns, in both of these areas? (My husband is a member of both chains.)

JackOneill

Frankly, I'd spend the whole time in Santa fe. Maybe make a day trip to Taos.
I've commented on this subject before and if you do a search, you'll probably run across some of my old posts which explain my reasonings.

E

I agree with Stragic--skip ABQ for now, or do one night there. It's not that there isn't anything interesting in ABQ, it's just that there are so many more interesting sights and activities in SF and Taos. Enjoy!

dixie

sheryl, it totally depends on the type of people you and your husband are. on your first trip, i would plan to get a taste of all three. so i think your plan is definitely a good one. i personally love the charm of sf and the pueblos in that area (incl. taos) but we love the night life of albuquerque. both sf and albu have good restaurants but i like the variety found in albu. and after a while we get tired of the higher than needed prices of sf. that is not to say it's outrageously expense but you do get more for your money is albu. if you like massages, you must go to 10,000 waves.

Strive

Sheryl,

I'm afraid that I, too, would agree with the consensus here that says to skip AB on this trip. Personally, I'm with Jack on this one, in that I would most likely spend the whole time in Santa Fe with maybe a day trip to Taos. I don't know what your tastes are but we find Santa Fe thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable and have no problem spending 4-5 days in that area.

The other thing I would suggest is skipping the Hilton and Marriot for this trip. One of the charming things about Santa Fe is that it offers some wonderful hotels and inns that beautifully capture the architecture and spirit of the southwest and really add to the whole feeling/experience.

Go to santafeliving.com and check out some of the places near the Plaza.

Have fun,

Strive

Deborah

I'm with Jack & Strive. Day trip only to Taos. Santa Fe is lovely.

LaurenCat

Visited NM for 6 days in April. We combined hiking with towns, and that's the way to go! Santa Fe is cute, but very touristy. If you enjoy art galleries, you could squeeze two days worth. Taos is just one main road, so a day there should suffice. We fould Albuqurque pretty dull. If you do like hiking, go see Tent Rocks. Not a very difficult hike, but very cool scenery!

Veronica

I too would stay the whole time in Santa Fe (not in a Hilton or Marriott) and take a day trip to Taos. Albuquerque I would skip.

BayArea

I grew up in Santa Fe. Taos is now, the way Santa Fe was when it got *discovered* by the traveling masses.

Both are quite touristy. I would plan on one night in Taos. You don't have to do more than one, but I would definitely suggest one.

Ahhh 10,000 Waves, how I miss it! It's way way way better than the Kabuki Hot Springs in San Francisco. They have private outdoor hot tubs. It's marvellous to sit in hot water under the stars.

Albuquerque is a sprawling, smoggy hole, ridden with strip malls and little else. I hate it. Its best use is for the airport.

jet519

My husband and I have been to New Mexico twice in the last three years and plan to go back this August. So far I agree with most of the posters that Santa Fe is the best. We have not really spent any time in ABQ but were thinking about a day or two there this time. We have been to Riudoso, Taos and like Santa Fe much better. We fell in love with it the first night we got there several years ago and hit the Ore House on the Plaza for cocktails and guacamole! We have taken several day trips, including Bandelier, O'Keefe country, driving up to the ski basin from Santa Fe and taking a hike. We would like to go to Pecos National Park area but sometimes it has been closed due to dryness. Last time we went to the Hacienda Parade of Homes which is for 3 weekends in Aug. It was so much fun to see the beautiful homes and you also get out into the neighborhoods and get to know the area better. We have walked all over the historic district, shopping, museums, Canyon Rd. etc. We did stay at the Courtyard on Cerrillos Rd. but I would definitely stay around the plaza area if you can afford the rates. The hotels there are charming and beautiful. You could stay one or two nights near the plaza, and the rest of the time at the less expensive Courtyard which is still a nice hotel, it is just in the very commercial area where all of the chains and malls, etc. are. The drive from ABQ to Santa Fe (not interstate), I think it is the turquiose trail, is beautiful and also the high road to Taos is as well. The railyard district is another area that is worth a couple of hours. We enjoy all of the art galleries and have bought a couple of nice pieces. Santa Fe is very charming and has a wonderful atmosphere.