Driving from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Taos is a memorable road trip. Driving anywhere near the two is worth the time, but plan extra. You’ll need it. Stopping cannot be avoided.
There aren’t too many places on this Earth with such unique, powerful and pleasant energy. But Santa Fe and Tao have it. The vibrations are good. I would say it’s in the water, but clearly, it’s the dirt.
I approached Santa Fe from the southeast. There were a few businesses and homes lining the side of the highway. Once I passed through the small towns of Vaughn and Encino, the landscape began to open up. The Earth turned a deeper shade of red. After New Mexico rain, I was gifted the brightest, fullest rainbow I’ve ever seen.
Santa Fe Adobe-style Architecture
Santa Fe is known for its Pueblo-style adobe architecture. You’ll notice it as soon as you get close. If you like architecture, one of the best things to do in downtown Santa Fe is to walk around. You can best admire the history, culture and Pueblo-style architecture this way.
Small restaurants, bookstores, boutiques, and art galleries with hand-crafted goods lined the streets. I’m rarely interested in material goods. However, the small, obviously bespoke shops lured me in, and I delighted in exploring the authentic art and crafts. If ever you need an original, hand-crafted gift for yourself or another, this is your place.
I’ve been to Spain, and I have been deep in the southwest. Still, Santa Fe somehow combines these aspects into a unique place. It was founded as a Spanish colony over 400 years ago and it still retains much of that original character. Many of the restaurants and businesses are Mexican/Spanish-themed. I hope you like Mexican food, because that’s about 90% of what you’ll get. Yum.
Art and Culture in Sante Fe Abounds
Art and creativity seem to permeate the very air in Sante Fe.
Life downtown centers around the plaza, a National Historic Landmark. The city flows out from there through its crooked streets. I strolled past many adobe landmarks, including the beautiful adobe New Mexico History Museum, formerly the governor’s Palace. Loretto Chapel, whose church bells ring hourly throughout the plaza.
Canyon Road and Arts District
If you appreciate art, ensure you walk down the famous Canyon Road. There are over 100 art galleries, boutiques and restaurants within just half a mile. Even if you’re not in the art market, it is a great street to walk down. It’s somewhat steep, so you’ll get good exercise for your body and creative inspiration for your mind.
Aside from shopping, there are also nearly a dozen museums in and around the downtown area.
At just over 7,000 feet of elevation, the air is crisp and temperatures are moderate. It’s perfect for walking around and exploring.
Museums in Sante Fe
El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and the Meow Wolf art installation museum are three worth seeing. That latter is partly owned by famous Santa Fe resident and author George R. Martin.
The O’Keefe Museum is especially significant for lovers of modern art.
Driving from Sante Fe to Taos, New Mexico: The high road or the low road?
I traveled to Taos via the High Road, which begins in Santa Fe. The High Road is a picturesque, winding route through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that connects Santa Fe and Taos. While the entire road is 105 miles long, only half of that distance separates the two cities.
It’s the “High Road,” because the elevation is as if you’re driving along the treetops. There is also a “Low Road” that runs through the valleys along the Rio Grande. If nothing else, it makes for a wonderful, scenic drive. This route is known for its mountain scenery. Along the way, plan to stop at the historic Spanish colonial villages.
Along the high road, you’ll see historic Chimayó, the Iglesia de la Santa Cruz de la Cañada adobe church. There are also a few wineries and the small towns of Embudo, Dixon, and Pilar.
Shopping on the High Road
There are a few small shops and sometimes a little restaurant in the towns. Near Chimayo, I stopped at a weaver shop with many large looms on display and original textiles for sale. Here you can watch the weaving process, learn about the craft and purchase beautiful rugs, wraps, bags and more.
Most of the small towns between Santa Fe and Taos are so little you barely notice you’ve passed through them. Pay attention and drive slowly, enjoy the view, and be prepared to stop. Most towns have at least a small gallery or local art shop.
The low road is more direct than the high road to Taos. It has fewer stops, river views and takes about 1.5 hours.
Ultimately, the best route for you will depend on your priorities. If you are interested in mountain scenery and historic villages, the High Road may be a better option. The Low Road may be a better choice if you prefer a more direct route.
Approaching Taos New Mexico
As you approach Taos, you immediately know you’re entering a different part of the state. The air is thinner and the hills turn to mountains.
Taos is famous for its pueblo architecture, snow skiing, and hipster art scene. Indeed, the type of people in Taos seems a little less reserved, less touristy, and artsier.
Taos Artists and Culture
Many creatives have called the city home, including Kit Carson, Georgia O’Keeffe, D.H. Lawrence, and many more recent well-known names. They come for beauty, solitude, and, I believe, the feeling surrounding you when art is cherished.
The entire city is filled with galleries and life revolves around art.
With many shops, restaurants and galleries, Taos Plaza is the center of the Taos Historic District and the Heart of Taos.
The plaza serves as the town square. It’s where residents and visitors shop and gather, including the Saturday farmer’s markets.
I spent several afternoons strolling, peeking inside the unique shops and sampling the various sweets from the many coffee shops and bakeries. You can do this happily for weeks.
Find Taos Plaza at 400 Camino de la Placita Taos, NM 87571.
So, are you ready to take a road trip and experience the magic of Santa Fe and Taos for yourself?
Read more stories about New Mexico here.
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