Route 66 in Santa Fe: Centennial Guide & Itinerary

Santa Fe was on the original Route 66 from 1926 until the 1937 realignment. Add a Santa Fe stop to a modern road trip to explore that history, with time for the Plaza, museums and a regional outing. Use current public-road routing; historic alignments are not necessarily suitable for an ordinary passenger car.

Was Santa Fe on Route 66?

Yes. When Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, the original alignment through New Mexico brought travelers straight into Santa Fe. 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. In 1937 the highway was realigned onto a faster east-west course through Moriarty and Albuquerque — celebrated at the time for saving drivers about four hours — bypassing Santa Fe. But the city's place in Route 66 history never disappeared.

In the 1920s and '30s, the highway helped promote the "Land of Enchantment," drawing motorists with dramatic landscapes, historic communities, and the Native and Hispanic cultures of northern New Mexico. The road 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 — and it's part of what still makes Santa Fe such a rewarding stop.

What is the Santa Fe Loop?

The early Santa Fe Loop connected Santa Rosa, Romeroville, Pecos and Santa Fe before continuing toward Albuquerque. Plan today's drive using current public roads and access information. The National Park Service describes La Bajada Mesa as remote and rugged, with a rutted road requiring a high-clearance SUV and preparation. Treat a visit there as a separate outing, not a routine shortcut through Santa Fe. Check with the land manager before exploring historic road traces.

What's happening in Santa Fe for the Route 66 centennial (2026)?

The 2026 centennial included two museum exhibitions. The New Mexico Museum of Art presented Roadside Attractions from March 7 through October 4, 2026; that exhibition has ended. At the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Route 66 is Indian Country is scheduled through March 7, 2027, following its May 17, 2026 opening. Check the museum’s current visitor information and our events calendar for your travel dates.

24 hours in Santa Fe on Route 66

Plan to arrive in the early afternoon. Spend it around the Plaza: the iconic St. Francis Cathedral across from La Fonda, nearby Loretto Chapel with its spiral staircase, the Palace of the Governors, and The New Mexico Museum of Art. Browse our unique shops around the Plaza. For dinner, The Shed serves the best authentic New Mexican food right off the Plaza — worth the wait; if you've already been, Palace is an elevated experience in a historic setting (reservations recommended).

The next morning, see San Miguel Chapel — often called the oldest church in the U.S. — then spend an hour or two at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture on Museum Hill. For lunch before you head out, Midtown Bistro or The Ranch House are convenient.

48 hours: the day-2 Northern New Mexico add-on

Have more time? Add a day trip into northern New Mexico. For adventure, raft with New Mexico River Adventures; for history and landscape, take a guided day trip to Bandelier with Great Southwest Adventures or a wine tour with New Mexico Wine Tours. Two of our favorite drives are the Taos day trip and the High Road through Chimayó. See our day trips for more. For dinner, our restaurant guide has the full list — favorites include La Choza and Bella's Casa Chimayo for New Mexican flavors, Cowgirl or Boxcar for live music, or Joe's Tequila Bar and Dr. Field Goods for a casual vibe.

For breakfast, if you're not staying at La Fonda, Iconik Coffee on Guadalupe has a surprisingly eclectic menu and great coffee. Staying longer? Our three-day Santa Fe itinerary picks up from here.

Where to stay on the old Route 66

La Fonda on the Plaza is one of the most storied hotels in Route 66 history and our top pick for Route 66 travelers — book through our partner booking link. Review the rate conditions, breakfast inclusions and cancellation terms for your dates before reserving. Nearby, Inn of the Governors , Hotel Santa Fe, and Las Palomas are great downtown options. Driving with an RV or tent? Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground sits along the old pre-1937 alignment on the east side of town.

Santa Fe has a way of turning a quick stop into the highlight of a Route 66 trip. Twenty-four hours or forty-eight, we hope this guide helps you experience the history, food, and character of the original Santa Fe Loop. Request your free Santa Fe Mini Guide Map for mailing to a U.S. address. Allow time for delivery; arrival before a particular trip date is not guaranteed. You can also ask at your Santa Fe hotel front desk for a copy.

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

For the 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.