One Day in Santa Fe: Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

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Got just one day to explore Santa Fe?

In this post, I’m sharing a jam-packed one-day adventure in Santa Fe, pulling from my own experiences when I swung by the city during an unheard-of deep freeze during a road trip through the entire Southwest.

Santa Fe might seem small at first glance, but I quickly realized that even a single day in the city can be incredibly fulfilling, even though I was stuck there for five. This city is an enchanting mix of art, culture, history, and the incredible Meowwolf installation.

We’re going to squeeze every drop out of your visit, starting with a stroll down Canyon Road, brimming with art galleries, and wrapping up with an evening under the stars at one of the city’s renowned eateries in the Railyard District. And if somehow you find yourself with extra time on your hands, I’ve got a few more suggestions up my sleeve, along with some handy travel tips to ensure your trip is smooth sailing.

Sample One Day in Santa Fe Itinerary

So you have everything in one scroll, here is a very jam-packed day trip itinerary.

Morning

  • Hike in the nearby Atalaya Mountain Trail
  • Breakfast Stop: Iconik Coffee Roasters
  • Canyon Road Art Galleries
  • Relaxing Break at The Plaza
  • Take a quick visit to this historic chapel, San Miguel Chapel

Afternoon

  • Santa Fe Farmers Market at the Railyard
  • Adventure at Meow Wolf
  • Dinner: Food Market Mill

Quick Facts to Visiting Santa Fe

Heading to Santa Fe? You’re in for a treat with its chill vibe, where you can snag a coffee from a cafรฉ that could double as an art gallery, and where the local chile sauce is pretty much a way of life โ€“ slather it on everything! Plus, did you know Santa Fe is the highest capital city in the US? Yeah, it’s not just the food that’ll take your breath away.

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Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

โœˆ๏ธ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time!

๐Ÿ˜๏ธ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance.

๐Ÿงพ Rent a carย with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.