6-Day Scenic and Safe Winter Escape from Dallas under $3500

Day 1: Scenic Arrival Taos

Taos, New Mexico on January 10, 2026

8:00am

Flight to Albuquerque, NM

Depart from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), a convenient gateway to northern New Mexico's beautiful scenery, approximately 2.5 hours flight.
USD250, 2h30m

11:30am

Drive from Albuquerque to Taos

Pick up rental car and drive for about 1.5 hours north to Taos, known for its stunning desert landscapes and art culture.
USD60, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Lambert’s of Taos

Enjoy southwestern American cuisine in a cozy setting, perfect for your first taste of New Mexican flavors.
USD50, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Taos Pueblo

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Taos Pueblo, a remarkable living Native American community with adobe buildings, open 8am–5pm.
USD16, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in at accommodation

Settle into a charming local hotel or guesthouse within Taos village.
USD100, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Love Apple

Savor organic, farm-to-table cuisine in a relaxed, artistic atmosphere to complete your Taos evening.
USD70, 1.5h
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Day 2: Art & Culture Santa Fe

Santa Fe, New Mexico on January 11, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at The Teahouse

Start your day with a variety of teas and freshly baked pastries in a peaceful garden setting.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Santa Fe

A scenic 1.5-hour drive south to New Mexico’s capital Santa Fe, known for adobe architecture and vibrant arts scene.
Included in rental car, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Explore the works of this iconic American modernist painter. Open daily from 10am to 5pm.
USD20, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Casa Sena

Dine on New Mexican specialties in this charming historic adobe restaurant minutes from the plaza.
USD50, 1h

2:00pm

Santa Fe Plaza & Canyon Road

Stroll around the historic plaza shops, galleries, and then head to Canyon Road to view art galleries and studios.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Check into Santa Fe accommodation

Relax at a centrally located boutique hotel or inn.
USD120, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Shed

Experience classic red chile enchiladas and other regional dishes at this beloved spot near the plaza.
USD60, 1.5h
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Day 3: Albuquerque Adventure

Albuquerque, New Mexico on January 12, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Sweetwater Harvest Kitchen

Healthy organic breakfast focusing on fresh local ingredients in a casual environment.
USD30, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Albuquerque

An easy 1-hour drive south to Albuquerque with beautiful desert views.
Included in rental car, 1h

10:30am

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Discover the history and culture of New Mexico’s Native American Pueblos. Open 9am–5pm.
USD12, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Frontier Restaurant

Casual dining serving New Mexican comfort food popular with locals and students.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Albuquerque Old Town

Explore the historic adobe district filled with shops, museums, and charming streets.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Drive to Sedona, Arizona

About a 4-hour scenic drive west through beautiful desert and red rock formations to Sedona.
Included in rental car, 4h

8:30pm

Check into Sedona accommodation

Relax at a comfortable and scenic hotel or lodge with views of iconic red rocks.
USD130, Overnight

9:00pm

Dinner at hotel or relaxed local diner

After a long drive, enjoy a casual meal onsite or a nearby relaxed eatery featuring Southwestern cuisine.
USD40, 1h
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Day 4: Red Rock Exploration Sedona

Sedona, Arizona on January 13, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at The Coffee Pot Restaurant

Famous for its 101 omelets and hearty breakfasts with beautiful red rock views.
USD25, 1h

8:30am

Hiking Devil’s Bridge Trail

Experience one of Sedona’s most iconic natural sandstone arches on a moderate hike about 4 miles round trip, best early to avoid crowds.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Hideaway House

Enjoy Italian-inspired dishes in a cozy setting with spectacular red rock canyon views.
USD50, 1h

1:30pm

Sedona Chapel of the Holy Cross

Visit this iconic chapel built into red rock, offering spiritual ambiance and majestic views.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Sedona Uptown Shops and Galleries

Browse local art galleries, boutique shops, and enjoy some relaxing downtime.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Sunset at Airport Mesa Overlook

Catch a breathtaking Sedona sunset from a popular vantage point accessible by car.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill

Dine on upscale Latin-inspired cuisine with elegant views of the red rocks, a perfect end to your Sedona visit.
USD80, 1.5h
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Day 5: Flagstaff & Relax

Flagstaff, Arizona on January 14, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Tourist Home All Day Café

Enjoy locally roasted coffee and creative breakfast dishes in a cozy rustic ambiance.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Flagstaff

A short 45-minute drive north to Flagstaff, gateway to the Grand Canyon and home to beautiful mountain scenery.
Included in rental car, 45m

10:30am

Lowell Observatory Visit

Tour this historic astronomical observatory, learn about space, and view exhibits. Open 9am-5pm.
USD25, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Diablo Burger

Indulge in gourmet burgers made from local beef with creative sides in a casual setting.
USD40, 1h

2:00pm

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Explore this historic Arts and Crafts-style mansion showcasing early 20th-century architecture and history. Open 10am-4pm. Closed Mondays.
USD10, 1.5h

4:00pm

Leisure time or visit downtown Flagstaff shops & cafés

Explore Flagstaff’s vibrant downtown with its coffee shops, bookstores, and local shops.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Tinderbox Kitchen

Upscale dining with a farm-to-table menu featuring seasonal regional ingredients.
USD65, 1.5h

8:30pm

Overnight stay in Flagstaff

Stay in a comfortable hotel with mountain views and amenities for a restful night.
USD110, Overnight
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Day 6: Return to Dallas

Flagstaff, Arizona to Dallas, Texas on January 15, 2026

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel or local café

Grab a quick healthy breakfast to fuel your travel day.
USD20, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

About 2.5-hour drive south to Phoenix airport, allowing ample time for flight check-in.
Included in rental, 2h30m

11:00am

Return rental car and check-in for flight

Prepare for your flight back to Dallas from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Included, 1h30m

12:30pm

Flight from Phoenix to Dallas

Fly home to Dallas Fort Worth; flight takes approximately 2 hours.
USD260, 2h

3:00pm

Arrival in Dallas-Fort Worth

Complete your scenic, safe, and budget-friendly 6-day winter escape.
Free, End
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