Do You Know the Way to Santa Fe?

Your Route 66 road trip is not complete without a stop in Santa Fe! When Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, the original alignment in New Mexico did not bypass the city—it brought travelers straight into Santa Fe before continuing south toward Albuquerque and west across the state. From Santa Rosa, the road climbed northwest through Romeroville and Pecos to Santa Fe, then descended by La Bajada toward Santo Domingo, Bernalillo, Albuquerque, Los Lunas, and Laguna. For today’s travelers, that means Santa Fe is not just a side trip from Route 66 history—it was part of the original journey.

Route 66 helped shape Santa Fe’s role as one of New Mexico’s most memorable visitor destinations. In the 1920s and 1930s, the highway became part of a broader push to promote the “Land of Enchantment,” drawing motorists with a mix of dramatic landscapes, historic communities, and rich Native and Hispanic cultural traditions. The road also connected travelers with Pueblo communities and long-established trade routes, making New Mexico’s stretch of Route 66 about far more than miles on a map. That deeper story is part of what makes Santa Fe such a rewarding stop for a 1- or 2-day itinerary today. In 1937, Route 66 was realigned onto a more direct east-west course, bypassing Santa Fe in favor of a faster route through Moriarty and Albuquerque; at the time, the new alignment was celebrated for saving drivers about four hours across the state. But while the official highway moved on, Santa Fe’s place in Route 66 history never disappeared. Instead, it remains one of the most fascinating chapters of the Mother Road—a place where travelers can still experience the original Santa Fe Loop and explore the culture, architecture, and historic atmosphere that made this detour worth taking in the first place.

24-hour Itinerary :

Plan on arriving in the early afternoon if you can. Coming from the East, you’ll take exit 256, 16 miles west of Santa Rosa to US 84, at junction with I-25, take south towards Santa Fe and take exit 284 at Old Pecos Trail towards Downtown Historic Santa Fe. Follow Old Pecos Trail until it turns into Old Santa Fe Trail all the way to the Plaza area and La Fonda hotel. Coming from the west, take I-25 north from Albuquerque to Old Pecos Trail exit and follow same route. La Fonda is one of the most storied hotels in rt 66 history and is our top recommendation for rt 66 travelers. Book through Santa Fe Selection for discounted best rates that includes a full breakfast at their La Plazuela restaurant! Other great options nearby include Inn of the Governors or Las Palomas.

Depending on the time you get in, spend some time in the afternoon exploring some of the historic buildings and sites in and around the Plaza. Definitely check out the iconic St Francis Cathedral right across from La Fonda and nearby Loretto Chapel and its historic spiral staircase. Across the historic Plaza you will find the Palace of the Governors and nearby, The New Mexico Museum of Art offers a glimpse into Rt 66 Americana with its “Roadside Attractions” exhibit showing now through October 4th, 2026. See our Unique Shopping category to explore some of our favorite shops and retailers on the Plaza. For dinner, go to The Shed for the best authentic New Mexican food right off the Plaza - it is worth the wait! If you have already been to The Shed, try Palace for an elevated experience in a beautiful historic setting - reservations recommended.

After breakfast in the morning, check out the oldest church in the US - San Miguel Chapel, then spend an hour or two at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture - up on Museum Hill. Check out their “Route 66 is Indian Country” exhibit - it runs through March 2027. For lunch, Midtown Bistro or The Ranch House are great options and are convenient before you head out of town.

48 hours Itinerary - Day 2 add-on:

There is so much to do and see in Santa Fe, of course we recommend spending as much time here as you can! To supplement everything in the 1 day itinerary, consider a day trip to nearby attractions in northern New Mexico. For adventure seekers, consider a white water rafting excursion with New Mexico River Adventures. You’ll discover more, go deeper, and experience northern New Mexico in a way you never could on your own with one of our trusted guided tour partners - take a day trip to Bandelier National Monument with Great Southwest Adventures, or a wine tour with New Mexico Wine Tours. See our Day Trips category for even more great suggestions. Tonight, check our Restaurant guide to pick one of our recommendations for dinner. Some of our favorites include La Choza or Bella’s Casa Chimayo for New Mexican flavors, Cowgirl or Boxcar if you are looking from some live music, or Joe’s Tequila Bar and Dr Field Goods for a more relaxed casual vibe.

For breakfast the next morning, if not staying at La Fonda, check out Iconik Coffee on Guadalupe- they have a surprisingly extensive and eclectic breakfast menu and of course great coffee!

Santa Fe has a way of turning a quick stop into the highlight of the trip. Whether you’re here for 24 hours or stretching your stay to 48 or longer, we hope this guide helps you experience the history, flavor, and unforgettable charm of the original Route 66 Santa Fe Loop. Plan ahead and request your FREE Santa Fe Selection Mini-Guide Map and we’ll send you one before your trip begins, or request one at your hotel front desk-concierge when you check in!

© Santa Fe Selection. All images and content are copyright protected and owned by Santa Fe Selection unless otherwise noted.

For information on historical content, we referenced the New Mexico Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration report, Route 66 and Native Americans in New Mexico, which details the original 1926 alignment through Santa Fe, its 1937 realignment, and the highway’s connection to Pueblo communities, trade, tourism, and travel across New Mexico. Read the full NMDOT PDF here: Route 66 and Native Americans