Leave midday to avoid rush-hour departures; the drive to Santa Fe is about 5–6 hours depending on stops. This keeps travel on major highways and arrives before dinner.
Choose a mid-range hotel with complimentary hot breakfast and an evening reception to make the trip effectively all-inclusive for many meals; centrally located near the Plaza.
Canyon Road is a compact mile of world-class galleries and studios; most galleries open around 10:00am — arrive early for quieter browsing. Check gallery hours as times vary.
Tent Rocks is a distinctive slot-canyon and cone formation with a 1–3 hour hike; arrive early because parking/permit limits can apply during busy season. (Open dawn–dusk; check permit rules.)
If you packed sandwiches from Santa Fe or picked up supplies at the Railyard Market, enjoy a picnic; otherwise stop at a small café en route for affordable New Mexican fare.
See the miraculous curved staircase at Loretto Chapel (generally open 9:00am–5:00pm) and wander more shops at the Plaza; museums can have variable hours on Sundays — check before you go.
Choose an easy outdoor option for a last photo op: the Plaza is quick and central, Randall Davey offers short nature trails; both are open during daylight hours.