New Mexico Trip at a Glance

The vibe: If you love Arizona’s road-trip vibes and headlining national parks, New Mexico offers similar landscapes and even more historical and cultural stops, all with

smaller crowds and a more relaxed energy. 

 

Best for: Outdoorsy travelers who don’t mind long distances (New Mexico is big!) and who have an appreciation for history and kitsch


Don't miss:

  • The jaw-dropping cliff dwellings of Bandelier National Monument
  • Santa Fe’s diverse contemporary arts scene
  • Sunset over White Sands National Park
  • The vestiges of Tucumcari’s neon past

Best seasons: The shoulder seasons of late spring and fall are the best time to visit the parts of New Mexico with higher traffic. Elevation plays a role here, too — in winter, mountain destinations will experience snow while desert destinations will be pleasant. In summer, high-elevation stops are ideal for camping, though low-elevation areas will be scorching hot.

Your New Mexico Road Trip Playlist

Packing for New Mexico means preparing for sweeping deserts, ancient mesas, and a landscape rich with history and mystery—and your playlist should echo that magic. This mix weaves together local legends, songs inspired by the state’s iconic landmarks, and haunting melodies that mirror the vast, open skies. Whether you’re wandering through Santa Fe’s vibrant art scene, standing in awe of White Sands’ glowing dunes or uncovering the stories of Bandelier’s cliff dwellings, let this be your soundtrack for your drive through the Land of Enchantment.

A Local's Day Off

A ten-time James Beard Award nominee, Chef Martin Rios is the owner and executive chef serving innovative progressive American cuisine in his accessible fine dining restaurant, Restaurant Martin, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

 

Perfect day off: My perfect day off would start off slowly with coffee and a pastry at either Clafoutis or Mille, followed by a walk around the plaza and then up Canyon Road with my wife and maybe one of our dogs. Since Santa Fe is known for having 300 sunny days out of 365, we like to maximize our outdoor time, regardless of the season. After running some errands, we might stop for a craft cocktail and an early dinner at any one of a number of Santa Fe's great restaurants before heading home to Tesuque, just north of Santa Fe, to enjoy our peaceful property and perhaps a visit to our outdoor hot tub where we can enjoy one of Santa Fe's signature starry nights.


Best people-watching: One of the Iconik coffee shop locations if I'm watching locals, the Santa Fe Plaza if I'm watching tourists! 


Favorite coffee shop: I like Ohori's; they are local and very close to my restaurant, so it's a great place if I'm looking to meet up with someone quickly. It is easy, delicious, and not pretentious! 


Best lunch spots: For New Mexican cuisine, La Choza; for Indian cuisine, it's hard to beat India House. 


Best spot to take visitors: I usually drive them up Hyde Park Road toward the ski basin for the views and foliage at the right time of year. I like to take visitors on the high road to Taos, making stops along the way, and the Rio Grande River Gorge once you get up to Taos. 


Best spot for a fun night out: Home. Honestly, when you work nights all of the time, going home and just being with my wife and our pets is as good as it gets. A cocktail and catching the sunset at The Bell Tower at the top of La Fonda Hotel is a nice early evening stop. 


Top three things every visitor should do: 1. Catch a sunset. 2. Take a hike. 3. Eat some excellent food!

Pro Tips for Your New Mexico Road Trip

From high-desert highways to hidden cultural treasures, our expert guides share everything you need to transform your New Mexico adventure into an unforgettable journey—filled with local secrets, iconic landmarks, and the mystical allure of the Land of Enchantment. Plus get tips for driving with an RV and more road-trip inspiration.

Let us plan your next great adventure! Hit the road with Rand McNally's Road Atlas.