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21 fun things to do in new mexico.

From one-of-a-kind attractions to desert landscapes to historic sites, the Land of Enchantment has much to explore.

Fun Things to Do in New Mexico

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From distinguished art galleries and intriguing museums to significant archaeological and cultural sites, New Mexico offers a bounty of places to explore. The fifth largest state by size, it's also one of the most sparsely populated. Scenic and unspoiled views lie around nearly every bend in the road, inspiring artists and travelers alike. In addition, New Mexico's strong ties to the area's Native American tribes and pueblos and its Spanish heritage influence its art markets, one-of-a-kind regional cuisine and community traditions.

Whether you're ready to plan your trip or you simply want to daydream about the state's stunning natural wonders, keep reading for a list of the top things to do in New Mexico.

Albuquerque

The many attractions in Albuquerque beckon culture hounds and outdoor enthusiasts to this city about 65 miles southwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico's capital. Visitors can spend their time hiking the nearby Sandia Mountains, or save their feet by riding the 2.7-mile-long scenic Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the 10,378-foot summit. For a unique view of the area, book a sunrise hot air balloon ride on Viator .

Meanwhile, travelers looking to explore Albuquerque's history and culture can browse the diverse collections at the Albuquerque Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. For a glimpse into Albuquerque's past, head to Old Town, where Spanish- and Pueblo Revival-style adobe buildings now house numerous art galleries, restaurants and shops. The neighborhood's 300-year history even includes some ghost stories, which can be heard in detail if you book a guided ghost tour .

Although Albuquerque offers moderate temperatures and picturesque surroundings year-round, travelers recommend visiting in October when more than 500 colorful hot air balloons take to the skies during the nine-day Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, one of the world's top balloon festivals . This photogenic event offers morning mass ascensions, flying competitions, hot air balloon rides, fireworks, drone shows and evening balloon glows, where hundreds of grounded balloons fire their burners simultaneously, creating a magical nighttime light display. Hotels in Albuquerque sell out early for this popular week for visitors.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is one of the most mesmerizing and unusual natural wonders in New Mexico – and possibly the world. This national park sits within the Tularosa Basin and is home to the Earth's largest gypsum dune field. More than 275 square miles of brilliant white sand stretch out as far as the eye can see, a sight recent travelers say is breathtaking. In fact, this magnificent dune field is so large, it can even be seen from space.

Visitors can explore the park by car along Dunes Drive, an 8-mile-long thoroughfare that stretches from the White Sands Visitor Center into the heart of the gypsum dune field. Off the well-driven path, go for a hike to explore the park's unique ecology and pristine dunes with fewer visitors. The park offers several ranger-led programs, including full moon hikes and visits to Lake Lucero, the birthplace of the dunes. The park is also home to the world's most expansive collection of Ice Age fossilized footprints.

However, the activity most travelers can't wait to try is sledding. This popular activity is allowed in the loop portion of Dunes Drive, where there is little vegetation and no cars nearby to pose a danger. The best way to sled is on a waxed, plastic saucer, which visitors can purchase at the park's gift shop.

New Mexico's capital is brimming with traveler-friendly activities . The first stop on your itinerary should be Santa Fe Plaza, a National Historic Landmark that serves as the center of downtown Santa Fe. Here, visitors can enjoy the scenic adobe architecture and lively atmosphere; the plaza often buzzes with live music and summer markets, including the acclaimed Santa Fe Indian Market, which is more than a century old. The plaza is also a hub for many top Santa Fe restaurants, attracting visitors to savor the state's classic chile-laden cuisine, local wine and craft beer. To experience the flavors of the city, consider a guided food tour that begins in the plaza .

Meanwhile, the renowned Santa Fe Opera, whose season runs from late June to August, appeals to both opera aficionados and newcomers with shows set in a remarkable open-air theater. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum also can't be missed, along with other traveler favorites such as the New Mexico History Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Art, the Museum of International Folk Art and Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return, featuring more than 70 rooms of immersive art.

And if that isn't enough, Santa Fe's Canyon Road is lined with more than 80 galleries showcasing top artists from New Mexico and across the country. The plaza and the Santa Fe Railyard are also popular art-browsing districts thanks to their rosters of museums, galleries and other venues. Plan your visit to the city for September – when temperatures and prices for Santa Fe hotels cool – to watch the city mark the Fiesta de Santa Fe, an annual celebration for more than 300 years that includes parades, music, arts and crafts booths, and more.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

An extensive labyrinth of limestone caves lies deep below the Chihuahuan Desert – and Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to more than 100 of them. These caves formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone, leaving behind a complex network of underground passages and rock formations. Explore these caves at your own pace along two underground trails: the Natural Entrance Trail and the Big Room Trail.

The Natural Entrance Trail descends from ground level 750 feet into the caverns past formations such as Whale's Mouth and Iceberg Rock. Keep in mind, this trail is very steep and is best suited for experienced hikers. The Natural Entrance Trail connects to the popular, underground Big Room Trail, which is also accessible via an elevator. It wends through one of the largest cave chambers in North America. Most visitors return via the elevator.

Above ground, there are several hiking trails through the Guadalupe Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert. Popular hikes include the short half-mile Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail and the 100-mile Guadalupe Ridge Trail, which starts at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. If you visit in summer, you'll have the chance to see as many as 500,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats exit Carlsbad Cavern in search of food every evening. This mass exodus is a spectacular sight to behold and best seen from the Bat Flight Amphitheater, where rangers offer free educational presentations from late May through October.

The city of Roswell's name recognition comes from its connection to a now-infamous 1947 alleged UFO crash, in which wreckage from a "flying disc" was recovered on the property of a local rancher. While Air Force officials said the debris was from a crashed weather balloon, the event sparked widespread speculation. Still today, many believe that this event is proof of the existence of extraterrestrial beings. Whether or not you consider yourself a believer, Roswell is a must-see destination for any first-time visitor to New Mexico.

If you want to learn more about the town's alien reputation, head to the International UFO Museum and Research Center. The exhibits on display are not designed to convince visitors of anything, but rather to inform the public about the 1947 Roswell Incident and other unexplained phenomena surrounding UFO research.

However, this small city in southeastern New Mexico is about more than just aliens. Roswell is also home to top-tier art museums such as the Roswell Museum and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, along with noteworthy outdoor attractions. For fun-filled activities like swimming, kayaking and scuba diving, head to Bottomless Lakes State Park; the blue-green color of the large sinkholes here gives the illusion of great depth.

Bandelier National Monument

Spread across more than 33,000 acres of rugged wilderness about 40 miles northwest of Santa Fe, Bandelier National Monument is a testament to New Mexico's long and fascinating history. Once inhabited by the Ancestral Pueblo people, this monument protects thousands of archaeological and cultural sites, including cave dwellings, villages and petroglyphs.

These sites are accessible via the park's 70-plus miles of hiking trails. Along the Pueblo Loop Trail, visitors can check out cavates – alcoves that have been hand-carved out of rock – by using the wooden ladders in place. Other trails lead to waterfalls and mesa tops. For more information about Bandelier and its history, check out the visitor center, which includes a cultural demonstration where visitors watch Native American artists practice their art. Across the parking lot from the visitor center, you'll find the Western National Parks Association Store, which sells a wide variety of books, maps and souvenirs.

Taos is home to art galleries, hot springs, spellbinding scenery, and excellent hiking and skiing opportunities. In Taos, visitors can browse highlights such as the galleries around historic Taos Plaza and several fascinating museums: The Millicent Rogers Museum, the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House and the Kit Carson House & Museum are a few traveler favorites. You can even take a guided cultural tour of Taos .

After perusing the exhibits, explore Taos Pueblo, a living Native American community. People have dwelled in the multistory adobe village for more than 1,000 years. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Call ahead to ensure the pueblo is open to the public; it closes periodically for cultural observances.)

You can also jump in your car to cruise along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. On your drive, you'll be treated to views of Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in the state. For an exhilarating experience, drive across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the United States, or walk along the rim of the 800-foot-deep gorge to see picturesque views of the flowing Rio Grande below.

Come winter, Taos is busy with skiers looking to hit the slopes; Taos Ski Valley is around 20 miles from town and known for its high peaks and steep-and-deep slopes, and Red River Ski & Summer Area is another of the area's most popular skiing destinations .

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, located about 150 miles northwest of Albuquerque, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that's also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Between 850 and 1250 A.D., this region was a major center of Ancestral Puebloan culture. Civilization flourished here, which is evident today in the park's approximately 4,000 archaeological and cultural sites that bear significance to today's Native Americans. Many of these are Chacoan great houses: massive stone buildings constructed using masonry techniques (which were unusual at the time). These houses are thought to be some of the largest, most complex and best-preserved prehistoric structures in North America.

Many of the best examples of these dwellings are accessible via a self-guided driving tour along the 9-mile-long Canyon Loop Drive, which leads to six major cultural sites: Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, Una Vida, Hungo Pavi, Pueblo del Arroyo and Casa Rinconada. Of these, Pueblo Bonito is undoubtedly the most famous – and for good reason. A spectacular example of Ancestral Puebloan engineering feats, Pueblo Bonito was once the epicenter of Chacoan society. Today, visitors can hike the short gravel trail (less than a mile) through the site – the only one in the canyon where visitors can walk through the rooms – and admire what is left of this stunning architectural wonder.

For more awe-inspiring views, plan to stay overnight to stargaze at this International Dark Sky Park. Keep in mind, the drive here is long and requires traveling over miles of very bumpy and uneven roads, which may not be suitable for vehicles without all-wheel or four-wheel drive.

Address: 1808 County Road 7950, Nageezi, NM 87037

Scuba dive in the Blue Hole

Landlocked New Mexico is not generally known for its scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. However, Santa Rosa's Blue Hole, about 120 miles east of Albuquerque, may just be one of the most interesting diving destinations in the United States. Amid the state's vast desert landscape, this unexpected gem was once used by Native American tribes and cowboys to cool off from the summer heat. Now, visitors come from all over to cliff jump, scuba dive or swim in its crystal-clear waters.

With water that refills 3,000 gallons every minute and stays at a cool 62 degrees year-round, the Blue Hole of Santa Rosa is one of New Mexico's most unique tourist attractions. Nearby, there is a small fishing pond with an inflatable obstacle course that is popular with families. Note that scuba divers must purchase a permit to dive here.

Address: 1085 Blue Hole Road, Santa Rosa, NM 88435

Petroglyph National Monument

Native Americans and Spanish settlers created the petroglyphs – rock carvings made from a chisel and hammerstone – at Albuquerque's Petroglyph National Park 400 to 700 years ago. The monument protects nearly 24,000 images of cultural expression and spiritual meaning, most of which are believed to have been made by Ancestral Pueblo people. While the exact meaning behind many of these petroglyphs is unknown to people outside the communities who made them, one thing is for sure: These ancient carvings are integral to New Mexico's spiritual and cultural landscape.

The monument offers three areas where visitors can see petroglyphs, with hiking trails that range in distance and difficulty level. Boca Negra Canyon is the only fully developed area in the park, offering restrooms and a drinking fountain, which makes it the most popular trail area for visitors. The other two viewing areas – Rinconada Canyon and Piedras Marcadas Canyon – offer fewer facilities than Boca Negra, but they are no less beautiful. Just remember to keep your eyes peeled while visiting; the monument is home to western diamondback and prairie rattlesnakes.

Address: 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

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Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center

Ghost Ranch, whose landscape was made famous by legendary artist Georgia O'Keeffe, encompasses 21,000 acres of dramatic desert landscape in northern New Mexico. While the views are incredible, there is more to this scenic getaway than just beauty. The region is one of New Mexico's most important geological and paleontological resources. Here, visitors can hike, get a massage, kayak on Abiquiu Lake or even learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed these lands millions of years ago. In fact, the property is home to a quarry with some 1,000 Coelophysis (a small and slender carnivorous dinosaur) fossils.

There are two museums and a library on-site for research and educational purposes. Numerous tours are available as well, whether you're looking for a Georgia O'Keeffe art tour by foot or horseback (she once lived on the property), a paleontology tour, or an evening ghost tour. Visitors can purchase a day pass or stay overnight at the retreat's campground or in one of the rustic housing accommodations.

Address: 280 Private Drive 1708, Abiquiu, NM 87510

Pecos National Historical Park

Located less than 30 miles southeast of Santa Fe in northern New Mexico, Pecos National Historical Park tells the story of the ancient civilizations that came before it, dating as far back as 11,500 B.C. Hunters, traders, soldiers, ranchers and travelers on the Santa Fe Trail once passed through these lands, and Pecos National Historical Park protects the legacies left behind. Start at the visitor center, which offers a short introductory film and a museum detailing the region's history and archaeological significance.

You can also pick up a brochure or purchase an interpretive guide to take with you as you explore the popular Ancestral Sites Trail. Along this 1.25-mile-long trail, visitors will find the remains of Pecos Pueblo and the 1717 Spanish mission church, the park's two top sights. Meanwhile, Civil War buffs won't want to miss the 2.25-mile Glorieta Battlefield Trail, which takes visitors through the harrowing story of the 1862 Battle at Glorieta Pass. For the best experience, explore these sites on a free ranger-led walking tour. While admission to this historical park is free, keep in mind that camping is not permitted anywhere in the park.

Address: 1 Peach Drive, Pecos, NM 87552

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Travel to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, about 45 miles north of Silver City in southern New Mexico, if you're interested in soaking up more of New Mexico's important cultural history. In the late 1200s, Mogollon people (Southern Ancestral Puebloans) began living and working here, building their homes and raising their children in cliff dwellings. By 1300, they had moved on.

To learn about their fascinating culture, check out the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center, which features a small museum with Mogollon artifacts, a short park film and an exhibit on the Chiricahua Apache. The highlight is a walk along the mile-long Cliff Dwellings Trail that rises to five caves housing around 40 rooms. Visitors can also explore the surrounding Gila National Forest, which is a popular destination for camping, hiking and fishing.

Address: 26 Jim Bradford Trail, Mimbres, NM 88049

Relax in a natural hot spring

As a state that is rich in geothermal activity, New Mexico is home to several natural hot springs. Ranging from small off-the-beaten-path soaking options in the wilderness to lavish spa resorts , these springs are revered for their healing properties. Travelers looking to relax in nature can head to local favorites such as Black Rock Hot Springs outside Taos or clothing-optional Spence Hot Springs outside Jemez Springs. If you're seeking a more luxurious experience, book a soak at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa outside Abiquiu or Ojo Santa Fe outside the capital city.

Explore a ghost town

With more than 400 ghost towns peppered throughout the state, New Mexico is a haven for history buffs and fans of the Old West. Many of these now-abandoned settlements were once flourishing mining towns that vanished when demand fell and the area's natural resources dried up. Today, travelers can visit these abandoned sites , which range from tiny villages with a handful of dilapidated buildings to resurrected towns with hundreds of year-round residents.

If you want to feel like you've stepped back into the Wild West, head to the town of Chloride, where 27 original buildings are still standing. This includes the Pioneer Store, which has been restored and turned into a museum featuring historic artifacts from the town's past. The town has about a dozen residents, so make sure to respect private property.

Shakespeare, a former silver mining town that is now privately owned, is another notable ghost town. Travelers can book a guided tour of the property for a fee – the only way to visit. Tours include interior access to several buildings.

Go stargazing

Thanks to the state's low population density, high altitudes and clear night skies, stargazing opportunities abound in the Land of Enchantment. Boasting eight DarkSky International-certified sites, the New Mexico True Dark Skies Trail includes Clayton Lake State Park, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Capulin Volcano National Monument and the Cosmic Campground – the Northern Hemisphere's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Located in Gila National Forest with no city lights for nearly 40 miles in any direction, the Cosmic Campground is the perfect place to lay back and ponder the universe under a blanket of stars. Whether you're looking for a place to practice night photography or you simply want to bask in the beauty of the Milky Way, stargazing at a dark sky park in New Mexico is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Four Corners Monument

Have you ever wanted to be in two places at once? How about four? The Four Corners Monument is the only place in the United States where four states intersect at one point. Here, visitors can stand in New Mexico, Arizona , Utah and Colorado simultaneously. The location is marked by a simple granite and brass plaque and surrounded by flags representing the tribal nations and states that share the region. At the site, which is part of the Navajo Nation, you'll find Native American vendors selling homemade jewelry, pottery, crafts and artwork.

There is a fee to visit this site; payment is only accepted via credit card. Services and facilities surrounding the monument are extremely limited, so come prepared with a full tank of gas and enough food and water to sustain you throughout the day. Although many recent visitors loved the novelty of being in four places at once, others called the attraction a tourist trap. Because this site is on Navajo Nation tribal land, please be respectful of tribal regulations when visiting the area.

Address: 597 State Road 597, Teec Nos Pos, AZ 86514

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

One of the most beautiful ways to take in the scenery of New Mexico's diverse landscape is aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Shared jointly by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, this railroad is the longest and highest steam railroad in the United States. As the train zig-zags across the Colorado and New Mexico border, travelers will be treated to unparalleled views of the Rocky Mountains, rolling past verdant meadows, grassy hills and impressive aspen groves. Fall trips to leaf peep are particularly picturesque.

During the ascent to Cumbres Pass, travelers may spot deer, elk and even bears from the train, as wildlife is plentiful in this area. The scenic train ride also includes a lunch stop in the small mountain town of Osier, Colorado. Leaving from Chama, New Mexico, and ending in Antonito, Colorado, this full excursion stretches on for 64 miles. Passengers wishing to ride round-trip may purchase two one-way train tickets, but the entire process cannot be completed in one day, so plan on finding lodging for the night.

Most trips depart from Antonito or Chama, traverse the pass, and return to the point of origin via bus. However, those who would like to experience this historic railroad for the entirety of their journey should consider choosing the half-limited trip, which travels from the Chama or Antonito station to the midway point of Osier Station and back. Express short trips are also available for families or anyone limited on time.

Address: 500 Terrace Ave., Chama, NM 87520

Acoma Sky City

Set around 60 miles west of Albuquerque, Acoma Sky City is one of the longest continually inhabited settlements in North America. Travelers to Acoma Pueblo arrive at the Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum, where exhibits set the stage for visits to the living Native American village perched on a nearly 360-foot-tall butte nearby. Guided tours − the only way to visit − explore the more than 1,000-year-old village now filled with adobe homes.

The National Historic Landmark is also home to the San Esteban del Rey Mission Church, which dates to the early 1600s. The village is known for intricately decorated black-and-white pottery. Artists sell vessels at the cultural center and at Sky City; most prefer cash. This living community closes for cultural observances throughout the year, so it's best to check for closures before you depart for a visit.

Acoma Pueblo also welcomes the public for feast day celebrations at various points throughout the year. These rites dedicated to various Catholic saints include family meals and both public and private rituals. Regardless of when you visit, keep in mind that you are visiting a neighborhood of private homes and be sure to conduct yourself respectfully.

Address: Haak'u Rd, Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034

Spaceport America

Courtesy of Spaceport America

The world's first purpose-built spaceport lies 40 miles southeast of Truth or Consequences in southern New Mexico. Spaceport welcomes visitors on guided tours through its tour provider. Tourgoers can experience the rigors of spaceflight through a g-force simulator, get views of Virgin Galactic's hangar where it stores its fleet of spacecraft, and explore the work of other research and development tenants at the spaceport. In June 2023, Virgin Galactic also began inviting the public to view its flights from the spaceport's public viewing lot.

Address: County Road A021, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1939, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge has provided a vital stopover point for migrating waterfowl. It's located about 95 miles south of Albuquerque in the Rio Grande wetlands. Snow geese, Ross's geese and sandhill cranes are particularly plentiful here from mid-November through late January. Bird enthusiasts especially delight in December's Festival of the Cranes, organized by the Friends of Bosque del Apache. The annual event offers a week's worth of photography and art workshops, ranger-led talks and walks, and magnificent morning flyouts where hundreds of thousands of birds take flight at sunrise.

Throughout the year flycatchers, warblers, black-chinned hummingbirds, quail and red-winged blackbirds frequent the refuge. The threatened yellow-billed cuckoo and endangered southwestern willow flycatcher have also been spotted here.

But there's more to the refuge than birdwatching. A dozen trails wind through the Chihuahuan Desert lands of this 57,331-acre preserve, which includes 30,000 acres of designated wilderness. Check out the 0.13-mile Desert Arboretum Trail to observe desert-adapted plants, or traverse the 0.25-mile Boardwalk Trail through semipermanent wetlands to spot birds, turtles and more. The more than 11-mile Bike Trail circles the preserve and allows ample time to observe the wildlife. Brochures available in the visitor center offer more details, and field guides are available in the Nature Store.

Address: 1001 State Road 1, San Antonio, NM 87832

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Ashley M. Biggers is an award-winning freelance journalist and editor based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and AFAR. She has authored three books about her home state and town: "Eco-Travel New Mexico," "100 Things to Do in Albuquerque Before You Die," and "Secret Albuquerque." Biggers earned her master's degree in mass communication from Arizona State University.

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41 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In New Mexico

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: October 15, 2020  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

With more than 35 million visitors per year, New Mexico is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.

It has a little bit of everything, so whether you’re interested in sweeping desert landscapes or crowded marketplaces in lively tourist towns, you can have the experience of a lifetime here.

Here are just a few of the coolest things to do in New Mexico!

Table of Contents

1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Doug Meek / Shutterstock

Best known for its twisting, winding passages of underground caves, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is one of the most fun things to do in New Mexico.

The caves are filled with dark tunnels that stretch for miles.

You can explore on your own or take a ranger-led tour through bat holes, mud pits, calcite formations, limestone chambers and outlandish displays of stalactites.

If you visit at the right time of the year, you can even watch bat migrations with thousands and thousands of the critters taking flight in the night sky at the same moment.

Above ground, you can go hiking, biking or driving through the beautiful scenery of New Mexico.

The most challenging trails have steep climbs through rocky terrain; the most relaxing spots have picnic areas surrounded by flowers and fresh springs.

There’s a reason why Carlsbad Caverns National Park always tops the list of must see attractions in New Mexico.

With so many activities to choose from, you could easily spend your entire vacation here!

Address:  727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

2. International UFO Museum and Research Center

turtix / Shutterstock

Roswell , New Mexico is one of the country’s most popular tourist spots for aliens, spaceships and other crazy things from the skies above.

Not only was it ground zero for the infamous Roswell UFO Incident of 1947, but it’s also been used as a shooting location for everything from Roswell to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine .

The International UFO Museum and Research Center is a fun and kitschy place that celebrates the unique calling card of the city.

There are displays for alien dissections and meteorites stuck in the sand; there are little green men on mugs, posters and t-shirts.

For people who are more serious about their UFOs, you’ll have fun stuff to do, too.

The museum is pretty much the best place on Earth for records, archives, photos, videos, artifacts and eyewitness accounts of unexplained phenomenon in the night sky.

Some tales have been debunked; others are ongoing mysteries.

If you’re looking for unique vacation ideas in New Mexico, consider the International UFO Museum and Research Center.

It’s so cool that you could even say it’s… out of this world.

Address:  114 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88203, United States

3. White Sands National Monument

Galyna Andrushko / Shutterstock

What colors come to mind when you think about New Mexico?

Since it’s a desert state, most people would probably answer with variations of brown, red, orange and beige.

However, one of the biggest points of interest in the state is actually white : the White Sands National Monument .

Comprised of a rare form of white gypsum sand, this stunning landscape stretches both tall and wide.

It covers about 275 miles in total, and since the wind is constantly shifting it, dunes can range from 6 – 60 feet high.

Trees and bushes are dotted here and there.

Wildlife includes everything from small, quick-moving scorpions to gigantic horned antelopes.

There were dire wolves and saber-toothed cats once upon a time, and their fossils are still being uncovered today.

Only part of the White Sands National Monument is open to tourists for conservation reasons, but you’ll have plenty to things to see and do while you’re there.

You can walk, hike, backpack, horseback ride and even camp on the sands under the stars.

You should definitely give it a visit if you’re looking for the best things to do in New Mexico!

Address: U.S. Route 70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, United States

4. Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

Dennis W Donohue / Shutterstock

If you’ve always wanted to take a scenic train ride through rolling hills and gentle, mist-filled mountains, hop aboard the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad .

Its track stretches from New Mexico to Colorado, so not only will you enjoy sweeping views of some of the best, most beautiful places in the southwest, but you’ll also be able to utilize it for the next leg of your cross-country trip!

The train itself is cute and cozy.

It’s one of the oldest steam locomotives in the world, and it runs along a “heritage” railroad with lots of vintage charm.

Food and drink is sold from concession carts.

VIP coaches are available for high rollers who want to ride in luxury, but there are also discount coaches for backpackers and budgeters.

Additionally, there are several glass gondolas that serve as observation decks for travelers of every ticket type.

For amazing views of New Mexico, grab your bags and stow away on the Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway.

It offers a cool and unusual method of travel, and it’ll make for some incredible photos for your vacation scrapbook!

Address:  500 Terrace Ave, Chama, NM 87520, United States

5. High Noon Restaurant and Saloon

High Noon Restaurant & Saloon

The corn is served with red peppers.

The crispy onions are piled high on the plate with salsa and guacamole.

The meat comes from wild game that’s been seasoned and sizzled to perfection.

Welcome to the cuisine of New Mexico!

The High Noon Restaurant and Saloon isn’t the only restaurant within the state that specializes in southwestern staples, but it’s one of the best.

It offers a wide range of dishes with Spanish, Mexican and Native American influences, and they’re as diverse as they’re delicious.

Another fun thing about the restaurant is that it embraces an Old West theme.

From the vine-covered walls to the statues of old Catholic saints posed along the ledges and inset alcoves, it’ll give you a taste of turn-of-the-century New Mexico as you chow down.

Is your stomach rumbling during your vacation?

Stop by the High Noon Restaurant and Saloon.

Your belt might not fit afterwards, but your spurs will be right at home.

Address:  425 San Felipe St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States

6. TinkerTown

txkimmers / flickr

If you’re looking for places of interest in New Mexico that aren’t on your everyday travel guide, you’ll want to swing by the little-known city of Sandia Park and visit TinkerTown .

Built by a single man over the course of four decades, TinkerTown is part museum and part art installation.

Its walls are made of glass bottles; its hedges are guarded by gnomes, totem poles and taxidermy animals.

Wooden wheels act like wind catchers whenever a breeze floats by.

Every shelf is crowded with bits and baubles, and some spill onto the floor below, creating a maze-like labyrinth for visitors to pick their way through.

Would it surprise you to learn that the builder used to design sets for the circus?

TinkerTown is one of the more unusual places to go in New Mexico, but if you’re a fan of the strange and funky, it’ll certainly make for some interesting photos to take back home.

You can also tell your friends that you visited a genuine roadside attraction!

Address:  121 Sandia Crest Rd, Sandia Park, NM 87047, United States

7. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

Located in Albuquerque, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science offers a fun and interactive experience that takes everything you thought you knew about museums and throws it out of the window.

For starters, there are no dry and boring exhibits.

If the life-sized dinosaur skeletons don’t excite you, try the fossil displays, volcano replicas, gemstone collections or paper mache bird models.

Other cool places in the museum include a “learning garden” where you can play in the dirt and a “hallway of stars” where the constellations are mapped on long, glowing walls.

For animal lovers, there are places where you can touch and feed wildlife.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is a must do when you’re near Albuquerque.

It offers family-friendly fun for visitors of all ages, and it’ll make you rethink what it means to visit a museum!

Address:  1801 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States

8. Bandelier National Monument

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Dating back to 1150 CE, the Bandelier National Monument is another broad, beautiful landscape that showcases New Mexico’s rugged natural wilderness.

It’s also one of the best places to see historical relics from the ancestral Pueblo tribes that lived, hunted and built structures in the area for thousands of years.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking and camping.

An amphitheater hosts outdoor concerts; a museum offers tours, classes and nature walks.

There are also ample opportunities for sightseeing on high ridges and within rocky caverns.

If you’re interested in Native American history, check out the masonry dwellings with their petroglyphs etched into the walls.

You’ll never feel closer to the Pueblo people than when you’re standing on the same stones and touching the same carvings.

Consider a trip to Bandelier National Monument if you’re looking for fun things to do in New Mexico that will get you out of the hotel and into the fresh air.

It’s an absolutely gorgeous destination, and it has cultural and historical value to boot.

Address:  15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544, United States

9. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

FloridaStock / Shutterstock

With its beauty and history, Albuquerque is one of the best vacation spots in the state, and it’s definitely worth sticking around for awhile and checking out everything that the city has to offer.

If you only have time for one event, however, you won’t want to miss the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta .

Held every fall, it’s a large, lively gathering for hot air balloon enthusiasts, and events include everything from coordinated shows to amateur races and showmanship competitions.

Aside from the balloons, you can enjoy all kinds of food, drink, music, games and crafts.

There are even educational moments to be had when you visit stalls or watch performances dedicated to the state’s indigenous populations.

Drawing almost a million visitors every day, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is one of the top things to do in New Mexico.

If you enjoy cheap eats, colorful balloons, festive atmospheres and unique travel ideas, you’ll definitely want to make some time in your schedule this October!

Address:  4401 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, United States

10. Trinity Atomic Bomb Site

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The Trinity Atomic Bomb Site offers a rare and fleeting glimpse into a darker part of New Mexico’s history.

It’s only open to the public once per year, so you’ll have to time your trip correctly if you want to see it, but it’s worth the effort.

As you might have guessed, the Trinity Atomic Bomb Site is the location of a nuclear test performed by the U.S. government in 1945.

In fact, it was the very first nuclear test.

New Mexico would go on to become one of their favorite places for these early, initial experiments since the deserts were so remote.

All of this and more is explained on the guided tour of the bomb site.

You’ll walk the grounds, marvel at the remnants of the atomic blast and have the chance to view other tools and artifacts from the time period.

Some things to see in New Mexico aren’t pretty.

However, they’re vitally important to remember, and they might be quite interesting to history buffs.

Try to catch a tour of the Trinity Atomic Bomb Site if you’ll be in the state at the right time.

Address: Albuquerque, NM, United States

11. Taos Ski Valley

Roschetzky Photography / Shutterstock

Though it’s best known for its dry, rugged deserts, there are fun places to visit in New Mexico every season of the year, and the winter belongs to the Taos Ski Valley .

Nestled deep in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Taos Ski Valley offers gleaming white slopes for skiing, snowboarding and more.

There are trails for every skill level, and its lift rises to record-breaking heights of almost 12,500 feet.

When you’re done with the outdoors, a cozy little village has everything from sauna rooms to gourmet restaurants with open fireplaces and wood tables.

There are also places for shopping, working out, getting a massage or grabbing a doughnut and a cup of coffee on a cold morning.

You can visit Taos Ski Valley at other times of the year, too.

There’s hiking, biking, fishing, rafting and rock climbing in the summer; there’s horseback riding and llama trekking in the fall.

You can even arrange for a hot air balloon ride over the mountains!

New Mexico has a lot more to offer than just deserts, so if you’re wondering what to do after you’ve already seen the tumbleweeds, book a room at the Taos Ski Valley this weekend.

Its views really are the best in the state.

Address: 116 Sutton Pl, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, United States

12. Eldora Craft Chocolate

Eldora Chocolate

Who needs Willy Wonka when you have Eldora Craft Chocolate ?

Its factory will take you behind the scenes of chocolate creation, and its shop will offer rows upon rows of sweet, smooth and sugary treats.

The facility is what’s known as a “bean to bar” location.

This means that it receives raw, unprocessed cocoa beans and turns them into decadent desserts with the power of their own machines.

Of course, imagination plays a role as well.

Eldora is known for its fun, colorful confections that include everything from “Kabow” energy bars to adults-only truffles that have been infused with various types of alcohol.

There are also nibs, drops, crunchers, creamers and chocolate balls as far as the eye can see.

For the yummiest of New Mexico attractions, take a trip to Eldora Craft Chocolate.

Your waistline will probably regret it, but your taste buds will rejoice!

Address:  8114 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, United States

13. House of Eternal Return

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The House of Eternal Return is one of the most interesting places in New Mexico.

Combining elements of an escape room, scavenger hunt, haunted house and modern art gallery, it’s a thoroughly entertaining way to spend a few hours when you’re in Santa Fe.

The “premise” of the experience is that something unusual happened to the family that once lived in the house, and it’s your job to explore it and figure out their story.

It sounds simple, but since the house is a complex, eye-dazzling blend of art and architecture, it’s much harder than it sounds.

For example, one room has inter-dimensional portals with lasers and other space-age features.

One room has an Old West theme where a miniature ranch is powered by hamsters.

Other rooms boast creepy monsters, pastel plushies, luminescent caves, neon paintings, dogs speaking in prose and more.

You never know what you’re going to get when you round the next corner at the House of Eternal Return.

If you’re wondering what to do in Santa Fe after you’ve finished with the usual tourist traps, however, this is a great place to go off the beaten path!

Address: 1352 Rufina Circle, Santa Fe, NM 87507, United States

14. New Mexico Museum of Art

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New Mexico might be a desert, but it has its rainy days like anywhere else, and you won’t want to let them ruin your vacation.

One way to avoid the storms is to dash inside the New Mexico Museum of Art .

With more than 20,000 paintings, this museum is a great place to get a little culture when you’re in the southwest.

Famous artists include Georgia O’Keeffe, Ansel Adams, Gustave Baumann and Maria Martinez.

The museum is also home to a large library filled with books, periodicals and newspaper clippings.

You can research the topics from the exhibitions or even learn more about the museum itself.

An auditorium can seat up to 400 people for special events, so be sure to check the schedule for lectures and classical music performances.

Are you planning rainy day contingencies for a future trip?

Or maybe you’re already in New Mexico, and you’re scrolling through ideas and suggestions for where to visit when the weather is bad.

Whatever your reasons for needing relief from the downpour, the New Mexico Museum of Art will be warm, dry and thoroughly entertaining.

Address:  107 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States

15. ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden

en:User:Camerafiend / CC BY-SA

Covering more than 32 acres, the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden offers a mesmerizing collection of plant and animal life.

It isn’t just a rinky-dink greenhouse; it’s an entire biosphere filled with specimens from all around the world.

For example, one wing of the conservatory houses plants from tropical climates in Africa and South America.

Another wing has succulents that can thrive in deserts and other dry, arid landscapes in the Middle East.

New Mexico is represented as well, so if you want to see local flora and fauna, check out the glass greenhouses or butterfly pavilions.

New Mexico attractions come in all shapes and sizes.

In the case of the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, there are many shapes and sizes.

From small, delicate flowers to gigantic trees looming over rocks and ponds, it’s a wondrous display of the power of nature, and it’s easily one of the best things to do in New Mexico.

Address:  2601 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States

16. Wildlife West Nature Park

~Pawsitive~Candie_N / flickr

The Wildlife West Nature Park isn’t the largest or flashiest zoo in New Mexico.

In fact, it isn’t a zoo at all.

It houses nothing but “non-releasable” animals that have been given sanctuary at the park, so it’s a place of conservation just as much as recreation.

Another fun feature of the park is that its habitats have been constructed to be as realistic as possible.

When you look at the wolves in the grass or the foxes in their holes, you’re looking at a top grade mimicry of their natural environments.

There are other activities to enjoy at the park as well.

An outdoor amphitheater is often used for musical performances, and the wide open fields have hosted everything from the Fall Harvest Festival to the New Mexico Wind Festival.

Long story short, if you’re wondering what to see in New Mexico as an animal lover, the Wildlife West Nature Park should be at the top of your list.

You’ll have a great time with the bears and the birds, and you’ll be supporting a good cause to boot.

Address:  87 N Frontage Rd, Edgewood, NM 87015, United States

17. Guadalupe Backcountry Scenic Byway

BLM New Mexico / flickr

Starting in the desert and ending in the mountains, the Guadalupe Backcountry Scenic Byway offers some of the best sites to see in New Mexico.

It’s one of many scenic drives that wind around the rugged wilderness of the state, but like its name implies, it avoids the big cities and instead showcases the backcountry.

Do you like exploring caves and caverns?

You’ll pass right by Lechugilla Cave, one of the most popular spelunking destinations in New Mexico.

Have you always wanted to visit a waterfall?

You can make a pit stop at Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area, home to an exquisite 200-foot waterfall.

Other local attractions include everything from campgrounds to wildlife observational areas.

The highway goes on for a long time, and you’ll pass all kinds of things that might pique your interest enough to pull over.

If you have a desire to see New Mexico and a little extra gas to spare, go for a drive along the Guadalupe Backcountry Scenic Byway.

You can have the experience of a lifetime without even leaving your car.

18. Origami in the Garden

Origami in the Garden

Tucked off a busy highway, the Origami in the Garden is a hidden gem of New Mexico.

It’s easy to speed right by it when you’re driving to other, better-known sites, but if you do, you’ll be missing out on an awesomely obscure attraction.

What is Origami in the Garden?

Simply put, it’s a series of gigantic metal sculptures that are designed to look like origami.

There’s a classically folded crane; there’s a field of running, multicolored horses; there’s even a collection of lost objects and common household goods.

Artistically speaking, you could say that Origami in the Garden juxtaposes the frailty of traditional paper origami with the strength of stainless steel sculptures.

Practically speaking, you could say that it’s just a fun and wacky place to visit.

The Origami in the Garden is a one-of-a-kind destination in New Mexico.

You won’t find it listed as one of the famous places of the state, but what it lacks in recognition it makes up for in singularity.

Where else in the world are you going to find a pair of gigantic origami scissors cutting into an equally huge ball of crumbled origami paper?

Take advantage of this sightseeing opportunity while you can!

Address:  3453 NM-14, Los Cerrillos, NM 87010, United States

19. Bisti Badlands

Dmitry Pichugin / Shutterstock

Also known as the “De-Na-Zin Wilderness,” the Bisti Badlands are named after the Navajo word for “standing crane” in honor of the petrogylphs that are carved into the rock.

They’re absolutely beautiful formations, especially at the hours of sunrise and sunset, and they’re far enough from nearby cities that they have a special, magical quality that’s untouched by modern civilization.

Rocks are colored in various hues of red, white, sandstone and beige.

Tall, thin spires form natural shapes while the ruins of man-made statues beg the question of what they originally depicted.

Did the large lion shape come from a sphinx?

Are the small, dented stones the fossilized remains of small creatures?

One thing to note about the area is that local wildlife is abundant, so you’ll need to keep an eye out for things like rattlesnakes, scorpions and coyotes.

It’s also a very remote landscape without any amenities, so go to the bathroom and charge your cellphone before you get there.

If you don’t mind roughing it, however, or if you’re just looking for New Mexico attractions that are off the beaten path, you’re going to love the beautiful mystique of the Bisti Badlands.

Address:  County Road 7297, Bloomfield, NM 87413, United States

20. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to take a genuine mud bath?

At the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa , you don’t have to wonder anymore!

Offering a variety of spa and salon treatments, Ojo Caliente combines the luxury of a high-class resort with the low prices of a day on the town.

You don’t have to be a guest to partake in their services; you just have to be willing to let go of your worries and stresses as you soak in an aromatherapy bath or have your muscles kneaded by a professional masseuse.

Make sure to check out the hot springs while you’re visting.

They’re the oldest all-natural hot springs in New Mexico, and you haven’t lived until you’ve crossed “soak in outdoor hot springs” off your bucket.

The Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa is a top destination for self-pampering in New Mexico.

Whether you’re spoiling yourself as a solo traveler or booking a honeymoon experience for two, it’s sure to be a muddy-but-memorable experience of your time in the southwest.

Address:  50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549, United States

21. Museum of International Folk Art (Girard Wing)

Museum of International Folk Art

Do you like toys?

How much do you like toys?

Girard Wing is a mind-blowing collection of more than 100,000 toys from around the world.

Just about every country that you can imagine is here, so you’ll get to see everything from tiny handmade Russian dolls to elaborate model plane kits from Germany.

Not everything is available to view at the same time.

Girard Wing boasts such a crazy collection that only a small portion of dolls, games, puzzles, figurines and miniatures can be displayed at once.

Different toys have different days in the limelight.

If you’re wondering where to go in New Mexico as a lover of the cool and the unique, Girard Wing will be more than just a tourist attraction.

It’ll be an absolute mecca for your inner child.

As soon as you walk through the front door and are confronted by wall-to-wall toys, you’ll realize that you never really grew up at all.

Address: 706 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States

22. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Kasha-Katuwe means “white cliff” in the Pueblo language, so you can probably guess what these cliffs look like.

However, there’s where your guessing will end.

The cliffs defy expectations in every other way.

For starters, they’re shaped like cones.

How many times have you seen rounded white cone cliffs?

They owe their unique geology to the eruptions of a nearby volcano more than six million years ago.

The cliffs are also unusual in the sense that you can do more than just climb them.

Thanks to their “slot” canyons, you can walk between narrow white walls and explore various crevices and summits.

Some are marked by trails; others are not.

If you’re thinking about what to see during a trip to New Mexico, you might want to make time for the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument .

They’re so remarkable that they have to be seen to be believed.

Address:  0 NM-22, Cochiti Pueblo, NM 87072, United States

23. Petroglyph National Monument

If you’re a fan of petroglyphs, it doesn’t get better than the Petroglyph National Monument .

Not only does it offer a look into the lives and times of New Mexico’s indigenous tribes, but it’s also one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in the whole of North America.

You can find literally thousands of drawings, etchings and carvings here.

Most are easily viewed from walking and hiking trails, but some will require more involved treks into caverns and volcanic canyons.

The petroglyphs themselves range from simple depictions of animals and humans to elaborate stories told in visual form.

They’re from a combined mix of indigenous Native American tribes and early Spanish hunters and gatherers.

Are you interested in the history of New Mexico?

Do you love old, one-of-a-kind artwork?

Maybe you’re just looking for unique places to visit during an adventurous vacation.

The Petroglyph National Monument can tick all of these boxes and then some, so it’s definitely something to consider for your bucket list!

Address:  Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, United States

24. Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array

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Part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, the Very Large Array (VLA) is a collection of gigantic radio telescopes in the desert plains of New Mexico.

Thanks to their remote location, they’re able to pick up great readings, and they rest under dazzling night skies that are unaffected by city lights or pollution.

Visitors to the VLA can take tours to see all of the towers and telescopes.

Self-guided tours can be taken any day of the week while guided and behind-the-scenes tours are available on the weekends.

A visitor center is also available on-site, and it houses a small museum and movie theater for science-related films and documentaries.

Additionally, there’s a gift shop for souvenirs, so you can stock up on all of the “I Heart Space” t-shirts that you’ll ever need.

Radio telescopes might not be the first thing that you think about when planning a vacation to New Mexico, but if you’re wondering what to do there as a space nerd, the VLA can send you to the moon and back.

Schedule a trip this weekend to enjoy an up-close look at an astronomical site!

Address:  Socorro, NM 87825, United States

25. Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

Robert Anthony Graham / Shutterstock

Explorers, this one is for you.

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is such a long and arduous path that it stretches across five different states!

If you can complete the whole thing, you’ll have traveled through Idaho , Montana , Wyoming , Colorado and New Mexico.

The total distance of the CDT is 3,100 miles, and it’ll be up to you to decide your travel methods.

Some people like to challenge themselves by hiking and biking large portions of it; others prefer to take long, leisurely drives through beautiful scenery.

The best activities in New Mexico don’t always stop in New Mexico.

If you’re looking for crazy things to do while you’re away from home, this is one of those tourist attractions that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

26. Billy the Kid Museum

Billy The Kid Museum

Billy the Kid was one of the most famous outlaws in the Old West, and this museum celebrates his legacy at the exact spot where he died.

He was just 21 years old at the time.

The museum is operated out of a small, modest building with wooden wheels and hay bales outside.

Indoors, there are cozy display shelves that showcase everything from Billy’s saddle spurs to the actual rifle that he used during his gun-slinging days, and the walls are covered with sepia-toned photos, paintings, portraits and wanted posters.

The owners are an elderly couple named Don and Lula Sweet, and despite being New Mexico natives, they’re known for offering southern-style hospitality to anyone who wanders through their doors.

They’ll happily talk to you for hours about anything that you want to know.

If you’re looking for unique places to visit in New Mexico, consider the spot where a dusty western shootout claimed the life of Billy the Kid on July 14, 1881.

It’s a legendary moment in history, and it makes for a must do vacation destination, too.

Address:  1435 Sumner Ave, Fort Sumner, NM 88119, United States

27. Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

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All are welcome at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi .

You don’t have to be religious.

Built in 1869, its adobe towers and rose windows have welcomed thousands of visitors over the years, and its long history stands as a testament to its power as one of New Mexico’s oldest tourist attractions.

The architecture is some of the best in the state.

There are stained glass windows; there are bronze doors and yellow limestone arches.

Functional rooms include a chapel, sanctuary, baptismal font and even a crypt.

Regular masses are held at the basilica for the religious.

For the secular, there are other activities like tours, choir concerts, charity drives and holiday events.

Maybe you’re interested in the culture and history of New Mexico.

Maybe you’re just looking for a place to worship while on vacation.

No matter what your reasons for visiting the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, it’s a must see destination when you’re in Santa Fe.

Address:  131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States

28. Red River Ski and Summer Area

Red River Ski & Summer Area

Do you like death-defying destinations?

The Red River Ski and Summer Area is one of the best things to do in New Mexico for adventure seekers.

Summer visitors can go hiking, biking, boating, climbing and ziplining through the trees.

A vertical chair lift will take you to heights of 1,600 feet or more, and once you’re at the summit, you can enjoy everything from mini disc golf to live bands on the Music on Top deck.

Winter visitors will be colder, but they’ll have no shortage of fun activities.

The main draw of the resort is skiing, but there are also snowboarding and snow tubing areas, and a quaint little village will have hot cocoa by a fire when you’re done.

Thousands of people flock to the Red River Ski and Summer Area every year.

It’s one of the most popular vacation spots in New Mexico.

Listen to the wisdom of the crowd and book your ticket today!

Address:  400 Pioneer Rd, Red River, NM 87558, United States

29. Cafe Pasqual’s

Cafe Pasqual’s

You might be familiar with the name San Pasqual.

He’s the patron saint of cooks and kitchens!

He definitely lends a helping hand to his namesake, Cafe Pasqual’s , a fusion restaurant located in the heart of Santa Fe.

As befitting the “fusion” theme, the menu offers a diverse range of dishes with Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian influences.

It also celebrates art and culture; the entire second floor doubles as a gallery, so when you’re finished eating, you can wander upstairs and look at paintings and portraits from local artists in New Mexico.

Cafe Pasqual’s offers more than just a dining experience.

Between its food, art and overall atmosphere, it’s one of the best places to visit in New Mexico for an all-around good time.

Address:  121 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States

30. Wheeler Peak

Wheeler Peak is the highest point of elevation in New Mexico.

It rises to a staggering 13,167 feet!

It offers incredible views of the cliffs, rivers and forests below, so if you’re the type of person to see a tall, windy mountain and immediately think I want to climb that , Wheeler Peak might be a worthy challenge for you.

You don’t have to be a thrill seeker to enjoy the sights, however.

There are numerous paths on the mountain for hikers and trekkers of all skill levels, and there are recreational areas for camping, fishing and picnicking as well.

Wildlife lovers will have an extra special time at Wheeler Peak since it’s home to all kinds of fun animals, including marmots, pikas, golden eagles, bighorn sheep and rocky mountain elk.

If you’re looking for beautiful tourist sites in New Mexico, you won’t want to miss Wheeler Peak.

Even if you aren’t able or willing to climb to the very top, there are plenty of sights to enjoy along the way!

Address: Taos County, NM, United States

31. Four Corners Monument

Images by Dr. Alan Lipkin / Shutterstock

The Four Corners Monument is the only place in the United States where four states touch a single boundary.

In this case, it’s Arizona , Colorado , New Mexico and Utah , and they all come together in a small circle at the center of a plaza.

In terms of tourist attractions, there isn’t a lot to do at the circle itself, but the surrounding area has plenty of entertainment.

There are buskers and musicians; there are street food trucks and mom-and-pop gift shops.

Further beyond, there are stores, restaurants, malls, movie theaters and other hot spots for vacationers.

Interestingly, the Four Corners Monument is also on the boundary of two Native American communities: the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Reservation.

If you’re interested in learning more about these cultures, you’ll be in a prime location to do so.

All things considered, the Four Corners Monument is definitely one of the major points of interest in New Mexico.

Its experience is so unique that you literally can’t get it anywhere else in the US!

Address:  597 NM-597, Teec Nos Pos, AZ 86514, United States

32. Cliff’s Amusement Park

Cliff’s Amusement Park

Who is Cliff?

No one knows, but he built a great amusement park.

It’s basically an all-ages playground for the residents of New Mexico, and you can get in on the fun when you buy your own ticket.

There are multiple roller coasters for the adventurers out there, including the “New Mexico Rattler,” an old-fashioned wooden coaster that’s been ranked one of the best in the world.

Other rides range from water slides to fireballs to tilt-a-whirls.

When you’re done losing your lunch, you can replace it with great carnival-style food and drink, or you can try your luck at one of the many game booths.

There are both classics and new, contemporary games.

If you’re thinking about what to visit with kids when you’re in New Mexico, Cliff’s Amusement Park is a must.

It has a vintage charm that will appeal to the adults and a fun, energetic atmosphere that will keep the kids hopping.

The whole family can enjoy a day here!

Address:  4800 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, United States

33. Ghost Ranch

Adam Springer / Shutterstock

New Mexico is one of the most beautiful states to visit, and once you’re at Ghost Ranch , you’ll understand why.

Rocky red canyons tower over the land.

Flat-topped mesas are dotted with ferns, bushes, succulents and other desert plants.

Dramatic sunsets streak over jagged cliffs to form horizons that go on for miles and miles.

Ghost Ranch is so gorgeous that you’ve probably seen it before even if you’ve never stepped foot in New Mexico.

It’s been used in countless Hollywood films like Wyatt Earp , Lone Ranger and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull .

It has a very “cowboy feeling.”

Make time for Ghost Ranch if you’re wondering what to do while in New Mexico.

It’ll offer a feast for the eyes and a balm for the soul, especially if you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

Address:  280 Private Drive 1708 Highway, US-84, Abiquiu, NM 87510, United States

34. Taos Pueblo

Gimas / Shutterstock

The Taos Pueblo is a real blast from the past.

Not only does it date back to 1000 – 1450 A.D., but there are still around 150 residents living full-time within its clay brick walls and straw-supported roofs.

Visitors are free to wander within the community or sign up for a tour with a local guide.

There’s a lot of cool sightseeing to be done in regards to both the architecture and the general way of life.

For example, there’s no running water or electricity, and the residents support themselves with what they can grow, make, barter and sell, the same thing that they’ve been doing for thousands of years.

Other things to do can be found in the nearby city of Taos.

In addition to the usual shops and restaurants, there are also a number of museums, plazas, old churches and other places of interest.

The Taos Pueblo is an example of how Native American culture continues to thrive in New Mexico.

As a bonus, your patronage will provide direct support to a precious historical community.

Why wouldn’t you drop by for a visit?

35. New Mexico State Capitol

Zack Frank / Shutterstock

If you’re interested in New Mexico, the state capitol is a great place to visit.

It’ll give you a glimpse of the inner workings of local government, and it’ll impart real historical and cultural knowledge that will deepen your appreciation for all of the tourist attractions that you’ll see later.

If you’re not interested in New Mexico, the state capitol is still a great place to visit.

It houses all kinds of artwork and tribal artifacts, and it boasts utterly unique architecture that distinguishes itself from any other government building in the country: It’s round!

The locals call it “the Roundhouse” for this very reason.

Consider a trip to the New Mexico State Capitol if you’re looking for interesting places to go in the state.

It might not be a big, flashy destination, but it’ll still offer a worthwhile experience to have.

Address:  490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States

36. Western Playland

Grossinger / Shutterstock

The Tsunami. The Scrambler. Pharaoh’s Fury. The Hurricane.

These are just a few of the rides that you can find at Western Playland , an amusement park located in southern New Mexico.

It’s a relatively small park, but it still manages to pack a big punch.

If you like thrills and chills, you can test your mettle on everything from roller coasters to vertical drop rides.

If you like winning prizes, you can play carnival games until you disappear under a mountain of stuffed tigers.

Concession options range from food stall hot dogs to fine dining at the park’s sit-down restaurant.

You can also buy plenty of souvenirs at the gift shop!

You don’t have to visit somewhere like Six Flags to have a good time in New Mexico.

Amusement parks like Western Playland are just as good, and since they’re smaller, less crowded and locally owned, they’re probably better than the big-name brands anyway.

Address:  1249 Futurity Dr, Sunland Park, NM 88063, United States

37. Living Desert State Park

Have you ever seen a roadrunner outside of a cartoon?

At the Living Desert State Park , you can cross this unique item off your bucket list.

Formerly known as the Living Desert Zoological and Botanical State Park, this wilderness area is home to both plants and animals that are native to New Mexico.

Creatures include bobcats, prairie dogs, golden eagles and Gila monsters; flowers and trees include prickly pears, barrel cacti and all kinds of acacia and agave.

Activities at the park will depend on the season.

Depending on when you go, you can catch everything from summertime nature walks to wintertime animal feedings.

You can also take self-guided tours at any time of the year to enjoy the arroyos and sand dunes.

Get away from it all with a trip to the Living Desert State Park.

It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also removed enough from the bustle of big cities that you can take a deep breath, smile at a cougar and just enjoy a remote wilderness area for awhile.

Address:  1504 Miehls Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220, United States

38. Tiwa Kitchen

Tiwa Kitchen Restaurant

Did you know that many Native Americans are lactose intolerant?

It’s something that dates back centuries among their people, so much so that they actually created their own version of milk: blue corn mush.

Despite the “mush” part of its name, blue corn mush is actually quite delicious.

It’s made by mixing blue-tinted maize with water and the burned ashes of a juniper tree.

The combined results aren’t unlike cream of wheat, and in addition to their cool, unique color, they’re also packed with calcium and other necessary nutrients that the lactose intolerant can’t get from milk.

This brings us to Tiwa Kitchen .

Run by a local Native American couple, it offers many staple foods of their culture, including blue corn mush.

You can also try things like bison meat and blue corn fry bread.

The dessert menu is even better than the regular menu, but we’ll leave that as a surprise!

Broaden your horizons with a trip to Tiwa Kitchen.

It’s obscure enough that you might not find it listed among the usual New Mexico attractions, but it’s worth a side trip.

Address:  328 Hwy to Town of Taos, Taos, NM 87571, United States

39. Fiestas de Santa Fe

Amanda Quintana-Bowles / flickr

Are you ready to party?

Throw on a sombrero and toss back a margarita with the Fiestas de Santa Fe !

Held every year in the fall, the Fiestas de Santa Fe is a city-wide event that incorporates food, drink, art, dance, theater and more.

It’s the kind of celebration where mariachi fiddle right in the streets as performers put on elaborate reenactments of important parts of New Mexico’s past.

There’s a somber side to the festival, too, as people come together to pray or to burn effigies to ward off suffering.

These might be interesting things to see if you want to witness some local flavor while you’re in New Mexico.

All things considered, however, the Fiestas de Santa Fe is a lively event where the beer is always flowing and the crowds are always cheering.

If you’ll be traveling through New Mexico during the fall, you won’t want to miss it!

40. Blue Hole

rawf8 / Shutterstock

The Blue Hole is one of the best diving destinations in the United States.

It’s also one of the most beautiful!

Located a few miles outside of Santa Rosa, the Blue Hole is a large, circular lake with water so deeply and richly blue that it looks artificial.

It’s all natural, however, and it maintains a constant, moderate temperature that makes it delightful for all kinds of outdoor activities.

Swimming is popular, of course.

Free diving and scuba diving are also very common since the water reaches depths of 80 feet.

The sandy walls expand at the bottom, so if you can reach the “floor” of the lake, it’s like you discover a secret room in an underwater castle.

A lot of people bring waterproof cameras to capture this sight forever.

Do you want to make a splash in New Mexico?

Put on your swimming trunks and dive headfirst into the Blue Hole.

You’ll be amazed that such cool, clean and vividly blue water actually exists in real life.

Address: 1085 Blue Hole Rd, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, United States

41. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

There are so many indigenous sites in New Mexico that you could create an entire itinerary with nothing but Native American tourist attractions.

Let’s talk about just one more: the Chaco Culture National Historical Park .

Occupied between 850 and 1250 AD, this sprawling landscape offers both natural and man-made wonder.

On the archaeological side, it still has the crumbling remains of the ancestral Puebloan people; they consist of several hundred structures and dwellings, and they’re made with various types of mud, brick, straw and claw.

Tours are available from the local interpretive center if you want to learn more.

On the natural side, the flat plains of the park are absolutely breathtaking to behold.

There’s the rugged desert beauty that you’d expect from New Mexico, but there are also dazzling colors from both daytime and nighttime skies.

The park is a popular destination for stargazers in particular.

There are many places to see in New Mexico that preserve its Native American heritage, but the Chaco Culture National Historical Park is one of the best.

If you want to pay tribute to the people who lived on this land before us, make time for this destination.

Address: Nageezi, NM 87037, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To New Mexico

These are just a few of the coolest places to visit in New Mexico.

Whether you’re interested in brightly-lit shopping malls or dry, craggy deserts that are completely off the grid, it’s a state that can offer it all, so pack your bags and put in for those vacation days!

The 10 best places to visit in New Mexico

Oct 28, 2022 • 5 min read

In southern New Mexico, White Sands National Park preserves 275 sq miles of ice-white gypsum dunefields © Katie Chang / Stocksy United

If you’re looking for a deep dive into historical, cultural and ecological diversity, New Mexico might be as enchanting as its license plates suggest.

From the northern tip of the Chihuahuan Desert to 9000ft above sea level at the Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico has diverse climates – and all the sites and activities to go with it. 

1. Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a colorful tapestry of living history and progressive vision, home to one of oldest churches and houses in the United States, just to give an example of how deep its roots go.

Over the 400 or so years it has existed as a non-Indigenous settlement, the state’s capital – called Oghá P'o'oge in the Tewa language – has gone through many transformations. The layers of each period can be seen throughout the historic Plaza , from Spanish colonial and pueblo architecture to galleries and museums filled with traditional and contemporary art to a counterculture vibe leftover from the 1960s.

Santa Fe is also home to everyone’s favorite interactive art adventure, Meow Wolf , and some of the most eclectic and celebrated cuisine in the state.

2. White Sands National Park

This national park in southern New Mexico preserves 275 sq miles of ice-white gypsum dunefields. Hike through the otherworldly vistas, or buy a sled at the gift shop and take a run at the loop portion of Dunes Drive. 

Book a reservation and permit for camping as well. It’s worth the extra legwork to spend a night under the stars and even experience a full moon. As one of the darkest places in the US, you’ll feel transported to another planet during the day and night. Be sure to pack your camera!

Take a drive from Santa Fe to Taos for even more art and culture. Stroll the historic plaza, which is lined by galleries and museums aplenty, or head out to Taos Ski Valley for skiing in winter and hiking in the summer.

The Rio Grande Gorge is a breathtaking site and makes for a nice photo op on your way to the Mesa for a tour of the EarthShips  community – a collection of unique, sci-fi-looking dwellings that are 100% self sustaining and off the grid. You can also take a tour of one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the world at Taos Pueblo , though be sure to read up on proper etiquette and cultural expectations when visiting this sacred place.

4. Albuquerque 

The state’s “big city,” Albuquerque is known around the world as the site of the annual International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in October. Albuquerque’s location between the Rio Grande and the Sandia Mountains creates an ideal climate for hot-air ballooning, and visitors can enjoy this magical experience all year long.

A late-afternoon trip up the Sandia Peak Tramway is the perfect way to take in a  world-famous sunset. Plan to have dinner and a drink at the top of the peak, but remember to plan for the extra-high elevation and drink plenty of water. 

For unique shopping, check out Old Town, Los Ranchos and the Nob Hill areas for lots of locally owned businesses and quality vintage and mid-century modern stores.

5. Rio Grande

The section of the Rio Grande between Taos and Española is an excellent place for a little white-water rafting – you’ll find many companies along the river offering the experience. But if you’re not interested in a wild ride, head south. Between Albuquerque and Socorro the river gets lazy and becomes the perfect place to float or kayak. You’ll also find several wineries along the river that are open to the public.

A great day-trip destination between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, Madrid is an old mining town turned funky art village. Book a horseback ride at Broken Saddle Ranch, just north of Madrid, or spend some time driving along the scenic Turquoise Trail, which runs from Cedar Crest to Cerrillos. Just plan to be off the grid – there’s still no cell service in Madrid.

7. Ghost Ranch

Located in Abiquiu, which is a beautiful red-rock-filled wonder of its own, Ghost Ranch was the home of painter Georgia O'Keeffe. Here you’ll find workshops, retreats, hiking rails, museums and 21,000 acres of wild space, including landscapes that change with the daylight, making it clear why so many artists have made northern New Mexico their home.

8. Truth or Consequences 

Yes, that’s actually the city’s name! If you’re a fan of hot springs, Truth or Consequences – aka T or C – has some of the best in the state. While you can find hot springs in various other places, the spas in T or C are the least crowded and most budget-friendly, so you can truly relax and let the minerals work their magic.

9. Sky City

Another of the 19 pueblos found throughout New Mexico – and another of the longest-inhabited communities in the world – Acoma is called Sky City because of its location atop a sheer-walled, 367ft sandstone bluff. It offers museums, a cultural center and guided tours. As with visiting any Indigenous nation, be sure to dress and act respectfully and follow local protocol. 

10. Tent Rocks

There are simply too many amazing national parks in New Mexico  to list them all, but in addition to White Sands, be sure to make time for Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument . Located at Cochiti Pueblo, between Santa Fe and Albuquerque , this park features incredible cone-shaped rock formations created by volcanic eruptions, which occurred six to seven million years ago and left pumice, ash and tuff deposits more than 1000 feet thick.

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17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Mexico

Written by Becca Blond nd Michael Law Updated Mar 1, 2024

New Mexico lives up to its state moniker as the "Land of Enchantment" with its vibrant scenery, towns, culture, and attractions. New Mexico's history tells the stories of the Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American cultures that shaped it. It is a unique destination, with more open, empty spaces than people and boundless natural attractions.

Albuquerque , host of the world's largest hot air balloon festival , is New Mexico's largest city but still feels like a small town.

Its capital city, Santa Fe , is the oldest of its kind in the U.S., founded in 1610 and one of the country's most revered art destinations. It also boasts a thriving food scene, great skiing, and a one-of-a-kind all-adobe architectural style.

New Mexico is also home to quirky little towns like Roswell , famed for its alleged UFO crash in 1947 that still attracts devoted believers each year.

In New Mexico you never have to look far for adventure. This is a destination filled with ethereal high desert landscapes that have served as inspiration for numerous artists over the years, including renowned landscape painter Georgia O'Keefe, who had two homes here.

You can spend a day sledding down 60-foot dunes in White Sands National Monument or riding an elevator that drops the height of the Empire State Building into a bat-filled cavern in Carlsbad Caverns National Park . There is no shortage of things to see and do.

For ideas on the best places to visit, have a read through our list of the top tourist attractions in New Mexico.

1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

2. santa fe, 3. white sands national monument, 4. albuquerque international balloon fiesta, 5. bandelier national monument, 6. petroglyph national monument, 7. taos pueblo, 8. cumbres-toltec scenic railway, 9. gila cliff dwellings national monument, 10. taos ski valley, 11. pecos national historical park, 12. the very large array, 13. chaco culture national historical park, 14. billy the kid museum, 15. wheeler peak wilderness, 16. international ufo museum and research center, 17. georgia o'keeffe museum.

Musty-smelling stone and fluttering Mexican free-tailed bats add to the creepiness as you descend 800 feet into the strange underground world of one of the planet's greatest cave systems in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. One of the country's most underrated national parks, Carlsbad is comprised of nearly 120 known limestone caves created by an ancient sea thousands of years ago.

Its most famous attraction is the Big Room , which can be accessed via a 1.25-mile walk through artificially lit subterranean darkness or by taking an elevator down the height of the Empire State Building. The Big Room is just that: a giant space. Running 1800 feet long with a 255-foot-high ceiling, it is filled with stalagmites and other alien-looking landscape features.

You can explore the Big Room on a self-guided tour or make reservations to join one of the ranger-guided tours . These are informative and provide access to parts of the cavern closed to the public. There are also more adventurous guided spelunking adventures to be had in backcountry caves.

The caves are also home to a colony of about 400,000 bats that roost here between mid-April and October. At sunset each evening during this timeframe the bats emerge from the mouth of the caves to hunt down buggy dinners.

It's a beautiful spectacle to watch thousands of bats flying from the mouths of the caves, cutting black lines through the crimson sky. Rangers also offer free Bat Flight talks nightly from late May at the cavern's entrance.

Up above, visitors will find a wide range of opportunities for back-country hikes and backpacking. Be sure to bring ample water.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm

New Mexico's intriguing, all-adobe capital city, Santa Fe, is one of the state's most interesting tourist attractions . With a history dating back more than 400 years, a modern legacy as one of the country's top art destinations , and a multi-cultural population, Santa Fe has a vibrant, unique energy about it. It's also a small city with a walkable downtown focused around its Plaza and the Canyon Road art district.

Head to the Plaza for a stroll and some shopping. With shops and restaurants set around a leafy and grassy center, the Plaza is the city's heartbeat. Arrive early morning and head to the portal fronting the Palace of the Governors to purchase high-quality, handmade jewelry directly from Native American artists.

After exploring around the Plaza area, it's about a 10-minute walk to Santa Fe's other top attraction: Canyon Road. Here you'll find around 80 galleries on a half-mile stretch of pavement. The galleries focus on various mediums from paintings to sculpture. There are also artisan jewelry shops, clothing boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants mixed in.

While in Santa Fe, make sure you try a dish with red or green chile (if you want both, order your entrée "Christmas style." New Mexico is famous for this dish made from locally grown chile peppers and served as either a sauce for enchiladas or burritos or eaten as a stew. Most restaurants offer vegetarian and meat-based versions as well as mild and hot options. The Shed , located near the Plaza, is one of the best New Mexican restaurants in Santa Fe and is famed for its red chile, although the green version is also excellent.

White Sands National Monument is one of the most stunning landscapes in the state, located a half an hour's drive southwest of Alamogordo in the south of New Mexico. It lies in the Tularosa Basin, a northern offshoot of the Chihuahua Desert, and is surrounded by rugged mountains. Here, gleaming white gypsum sand has built up into an extraordinary landscape of dunes up to 60 feet high, which are constantly displaced by the wind.

If you didn't know better, you may be fooled into thinking that sand dunes look like giant snowdrifts. Park your car pretty much anywhere and start your adventure by just walking out into the dune landscape and finding a huge sand dune to explore.

One of the most popular things to do at White Sands is sledding. Round plastic saucers work well, but any sort of plastic snow sled will do the trick. The round saucers are available for purchase at the Park Store.

To get a feel for the vastness of the park, take the 16-mile (round trip) Dunes Drive. This scenic trip takes about 45 minutes, but plan on much longer, as you'll be sure to stop at the hiking trails, picnic tables, and exhibits.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm

Each autumn, Albuquerque hosts the world's largest hot air balloon festival, drawing crowds of more than 80,000 people.

The tradition, which started in a parking lot in 1973 with only 13 balloons, has grown to occupy a 365-acre park with more than 500 balloons participating.

This nine-day festival is kicked off by the breathtaking "Mass Ascension" and continues with unique displays of coordinated ballooning and nighttime presentations.

In addition to the brightly colored skies, the festival offers plenty of things to do, from kids' activities and live musicians to a juried craft show and dozens of street performers among the numerous vendors.

While in Albuquerque, tourists will enjoy sightseeing in the city's old town, where the Spanish first settled, also home to the Albuquerque Museum , which contains historical artifacts and exhibits about the area.

Address: 5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Official site: www.balloonfiesta.com

Bandelier National Monument is a 33,677-acre preserve encompassing some of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes and archaeological ruins in the state. Former home of ancestral Pueblo people, the area was likely occupied from AD 1150 to 1600.

Among the remains of the indigenous habitats are structures such as masonry walls and dwellings that were carved from the volcanic rock, as well as petroglyphs that illustrate the Pueblo culture and daily life. This national park has an educational museum, hiking trails, and campsites.

To visit the most popular area of Bandelier National Monument between the hours of 9am and 3pm, you will need to take the free shuttle. The bus runs every 30 minutes during the week and every 20 minutes on the weekend. If you have a pet with you, an exception is made and you can drive to the site at any time.

Location: 15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, New Mexico

Official site: www.nps.gov/band

The Petroglyph National Monument is managed jointly by the city of Albuquerque and the National Park Service, which help preserve this culturally significant site while educating visitors.

The area encompasses 7,244 acres consisting of a basalt escarpment, five dormant volcanoes, and an expansive mesa.

The park's most famous feature is its petroglyphs, images which were carved in the basalt by indigenous peoples and early Spanish settlers centuries ago. Approximately 20,000 petroglyphs are found within the park, many of which can be viewed from the hiking trails.

You'll find three main hiking routes, the least strenuous being Boca Negra Canyon , which has 100 petroglyphs along one mile of trails. Those who are up for a longer hike in the desert can take the 2.2-mile Rinconada Canyon trail or the 1.5-mile Marcadas Canyon Loop , each of which have around 300 petroglyphs.

Hikers should be aware of local wildlife, especially rattlesnakes, and should be well prepared with water for the longer treks.

Location: Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Official site: www.nps.gov/petr

Just outside the city of Taos, the Taos Pueblo has the oldest continuously inhabited dwellings in the United States. These adobe structures have stood for more than 1,000 years, constructed of straw-reinforced mud bricks and timber-supported roofs.

These apartment-style homes are up to five stories high, and around 150 people live within the old town full-time. An additional 2,000 reside on the 95,000-acre property in a variety of traditional and modern homes.

Residents welcome visitors to take a tour of the community, which has been designated both a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pueblo is closed to the public during several of its annual traditional events.

Address: 120 Veterans Highway, Taos, New Mexico

Official site: http://taospueblo.com/

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a narrow gauge heritage railroad that runs between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. Constructed in 1880-81, this cozy train ride traverses the 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass and heads through the dramatic Toltec Gorge. The ride offers stunning views of the surrounding land, from grassy, deer-filled, hillside meadows to stream-laced mountains.

This is the highest steam-powered railroad in the nation, and the ride has thrilling moments as it crosses the Cascade Creek trestle 137 feet in the air, climbs the face of a cliff, and doubles back dramatically on the Tanglefoot Curve.

Passengers will see many of the Railroad's original structures along the journey and have the chance to stop in the rustic Osier, Colorado halfway through the trip for a lunch break and some exploring.

Official site: http://cumbrestoltec.com/

North of the old mining town of Silver City are the Gila cliff dwellings: 42 rooms in six caves, built into the cliff face by the Mogollon Native Americans around the year 1300. Tourists can learn more about the Mogollon culture and the region's natural history at the museum in the visitor center.

Among the park's geological features are numerous natural caves, as well as hot springs, some of which can be reached by trail from the visitor center. Tours of the cliff dwellings are available, although visitors should take note that the tours start at the cliff dwellings themselves, and it takes about a half hour to walk up to them from the trailhead.

Address: 26 Jim Bradford Trail, Mimbres, New Mexico

Official site: www.nps.gov/gicl

Northeast of Taos, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, at 8,900 to 12,500 feet, is the magically beautiful and excellently equipped winter sports region of Taos Ski Valley. This resort is considered the best of New Mexico's ski resorts .

In recent years, the ski resort has come under new ownership and undergone over $300 million in upgrades that have included new lifts and a revamped base area. Fortunately, the new ownership was careful to preserve the charm and vibe of Taos Ski Valley even with the changes and improvements.

Taos has always been known as a skiers' hill, with outstanding intermediate and advanced terrain. Half of the trails are for experts, but don't let that dissuade you from a visit, the ski school here is top-notch, and they'll have you conquering runs you never thought possible.

Finding good conditions here is rarely a challenge with the 25 feet of annual snow the resort receives.

Official site: http://www.skitaos.com/

Pecos National Historical Park encompasses what was once one of the largest Native American pueblos in the state.

It was inhabited from the early 14th century until 1838, with a population over 2,000. In 1990, the park was expanded to 6,600 acres. The visitor center contains exhibits and park information and also offers an Ancestral Sites Walking tour, a guided 1.25-mile hike that explores evidence of the area's indigenous peoples.

The park is also home to the Civil War battlefield of Glorieta Pass, which can be toured via a 2.25-mile trail with or without a guide. The visitor center also offers van tours of the Civil War site, as well as tours of nearby Forked Lightning Ranch.

Address: 1 Peach Drive, Pecos, New Mexico

Official site: www.nps.gov/peco

In the remote rolling hills west of Socorro, about two hours from Albuquerque, lies the Karl G Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) - a radio astronomy observatory located on the Plains of San Agustin. The array is used to observe black holes and other astronomical phenomena.

A number of self-guided walking routes run through the site, and the VLA also hosts free, guided tours on the first Saturday of each month. Though reservations aren't required, it is worth checking ahead for times. Tours begin from the VLA Visitor Center.

Official site: http://www.vla.nrao.edu/

Perhaps one of the most stunning archaeological sites in all of North America, Chaco Canyon was occupied by ancestral Puebloan peoples from about AD 800 to 1200. It was a major center, comprised of 15 massive ruins and hundreds of smaller constructions. Located in a remote area northwest of Albuquerque, the park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Park facilities and activities include camping, an excellent interpretive center, interpretive and back-country hikes, and astronomy experiences from telescopes located in the canyon. Note that GPS and electronic directions in this area can be unreliable. Be sure to make a note of the directions on the park website.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm

Out on the eastern plains of New Mexico is the small town of Fort Sumner, the resting place of the infamous Billy the Kid. The lanky youth was shot and killed at the nearby Fort Sumner State Monument by Sheriff Pat Garrett at the age of 21.

The museum hosts the Kid's rifle, horse-riding equipment and the original Wanted poster. Rumor has it they even have some of his hair. The museum also has a collection of cavalry swords, old firearms, and antique cars and trucks. Guided tours are available.

Official site: https://www.billythekidmuseumfortsumner.com/index.html

The highest point in New Mexico is the summit of Wheeler Peak, at 13,161 ft. The mountain is next to Moreno Valley near Angel Fire in the Carson National Forest, in the Sangre De Cristo mountain range.

The area is home to a variety of wildlife and visitors may be lucky enough to see marmots, pikas, elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles. Hiking is one of the most popular things to do with several trails, most ranging from four miles to eight miles long.

Due to the elevation, Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area enjoys moderate summer temperatures and cold winters, when temperatures regularly fall below freezing. Most visitors come here during the summer months, which are warm but also a little wet. July and August are the rainy months, so be sure to bring a rain jacket to deal with passing showers.

Official site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/carson/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5350403

A top tourist attraction in Roswell, the international UFO Museum and Research Center was opened in 1992 as an information center inspired by the 1947 " Roswell incident ."

This widely speculated event put Roswell on the map as a hub of UFO activity and curiosity. Despite this, the museum's intention is not to convince visitors to believe in extraterrestrial life or government conspiracy theories. Exhibits take an objective look at local events, as well as numerous others around the world, inviting visitors to come to their own conclusion.

The museum contains a variety of material, including documents, eyewitness accounts, and artifacts related to UFO research. Tourists interested in Roswell's alien mystery will also enjoy one of the many local "UFO tours" that visit spots like Building 84 at the former army base where the downed craft and its occupants were allegedly brought by military personnel.

Address: 114 N Main Street, Roswell, New Mexico

Official site: www.roswellufomuseum.com

Art lovers will want to make sure they visit the wonderful Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. This icon of the modern art movement shook up the established art world with her incredible works of art depicting New York skyscrapers and her special take on illustrating flowers.

The museum is home to over 150 of her works and hosts special exhibits from private collections from time to time. In addition to the artwork, the museum has a very active roster of classes, speakers, and other events, making it one of the top cultural sites in Santa Fe.

If you'd like to learn more about the artist, tours of Georgia O'Keeffe's homes and studios are available in Abiquiu, approximately 50 miles from Santa Fe.

Address: 217 Johnson Street Santa Fe, New Mexico

Official site: https://www.okeeffemuseum.org/

More on New Mexico

• Homeroom Travel

7 Days in New Mexico: A Perfect One Week Itinerary

• May 19, 2021

New Mexico is a hidden gem of the Southwest and a great place to take a road trip. Full of hiking, outdoor wonders, and Native American sacred sites, you can easily spend 7 days in New Mexico. This one week New Mexico itinerary will stop you at some of the best sites and cities in New Mexico. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no cost to you!

Table of Contents

History of New Mexico

The first known people who lived in New Mexico were the Paleo Indians and the Pueblo People. From 1540-1542, the Spanish began exploring the area. The capital of Santa Fe was founded in 1610. The Mexican War of Independence in 1821 brought about the independence of New Mexico and grew to a population of over 25,000 people. 

In 1846, the Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo brought New Mexico into the United States as a territory. However, New Mexico was not admitted into the United States as a state until 1912, when it became the 47th state. 

Best Time to Visit New Mexico

The best time to spend 7 days in New Mexico is in October when the balloon fiesta takes place. The weather is also perfect then. Summers in New Mexico can be quite hot, so I would not visit during that time. Also keep in mind that winters can be a bit chilly, so do not visit in the winter months if you do not like the cold. 

How to Get to New Mexico

Albuquerque contains the largest airport in New Mexico and is the most convenient to fly into. You can get flights into Albuquerque from many major cities all over the United States. Flights from Los Angeles can sometimes be found for under $200 round trip. You will need a rental car to get around when spending one week in New Mexico. Opt to rent a car from Autoslash to find the best price. 

7 Day New Mexico Itinerary

Day 1: home to albuquerque to alamogordo, new mexico.

Drive Time: 3 hours, 6 minutes

Hotel: Hampton Inn Alamogordo

To start your 7 days in New Mexico, fly into Albuquerque and pick up your rental car. If possible, I recommend that you fly in the night before and spend the night in Albuquerque.This way, you can spend the morning exploring what Albuquerque has to offer before heading to Alamogordo. 

If visiting in October, make sure to check out the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. This annual event will be the highlight of your 7 days in New Mexico. You will need to arrive at the fiesta grounds very early in the morning before dawn. Once sunrise begins, the sky will fill with balloons lifting off. There are usually about 500 balloons part of the fiesta each year. It costs $10 to attend this event. 

Afterwards, head to Sandia Peak to take the tram up to the top of the peak (about 10,378 feet). If you are lucky, you will still see balloons flying over Albuquerque. Spend some time wandering around the top before heading back down. 

Finally, depart Albuquerque for Alamorgordo. This is about a 3 hour drive. Along the way, make sure to take a rest stop at PistachioLand, home of the World’s Largest Pistachio. 

Day 2: White Sands National Park to Carlsbad, New Mexico

Drive Time: 3 hours, 17 minutes

Costs: $25/car or free with the America the Beautiful Pass

Hotel: Home2Suites Carlsbad

Today, spend the day exploring White Sands National Park . It will take 17 minutes to drive from Alamogordo to White Sands. White Sands National Park is composed of 145,762 acres of white sand made of gypsum crystals, thus giving it its white appearance. It became a National Monument in 1933, and a National Park in 2019. You can’t miss a stop here when spending 7 days in New Mexico. 

Start the day by hiking the Alkali Flats Trail, a 5-mile loop trail up and down the white sand dunes. Note that this is a very strenuous hike and it will be a workout! Make sure to bring plenty of water and dress appropriately. This is also the best place in the park for pictures. 

If a 5 mile hike is not your jam, you can opt to hike the 1-mile Dune Life Nature Trail instead. In this hike, you only have to climb two sand dunes. You could also opt to take the 2-mile Backcountry Camping Trail as well. 

After spending the morning hiking, grab a sled to sled down some of the infinite amount of sand dunes in the park. You can bring your own or buy one from the Visitor’s Center upon arrival. 

Then, head out to the Interdune Boardwalk for some more glimpses of the sand dunes before heading on a 3-hour drive to Carlsbad, New Mexico.  

Day 3: Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Drive Time: 25 minutes each way

Costs: $15/person or free for 4 people with the America the Beautiful Pass. 

Today, head to Carlsbad Caverns National Park , another unique National Park and a perfect addition to 7 days in New Mexico. These caverns were discovered in 1898 when a young teenager stumbled upon the caverns. It became a National Monument in 1923 and a National Park in 1930. About 400,000 people visit this park a year. 

Visitors can opt to take an elevator into the caverns, or hike the 1.25 mile Natural Entrance inside. I highly recommend hiking the Natural Entrance as you will see more of the caverns this way as well as walk into the cool entrance. 

A series of switchbacks takes you 750 feet into the cave known as Devil’s Den. From there, you will pass by a series of features such as Devil’s Spring, Green Lake Overlook, the Boneyard, and Iceberg Rock. Finally, you will arrive in the Big Room, the main feature of the Caverns. 

The Big Room is a 8.2 acre room with tons of natural features and the largest room of the caverns. The 1.25-mile Big Room Route loop takes you past features such as the Bottomless Pit, Giant Dome, Rock of Ages, and the Painted Grotto.

In the evenings from mid-May to October, make sure to catch the Bat Flight program where you can watch the bats fly into the night out of the cave. 

If you have extra time after the caverns or want to spend another day in Carlsbad, you can head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park . This park is located about 30 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Western Texas and is a great addition to 7 days in New Mexico.

Day 4: Carlsbad to Roswell to Santa Fe, New Mexico

Drive Time: 4.5 hours

Costs: $15 for museums

Hotel: Hampton Inn, Santa Fe South

Today, head from Carlsbad to Santa Fe. Along the way stop in the kitchy alien town of Roswell , a unique stop when spending 7 days in New Mexico. It will take about an hour and 15 minutes to get to Roswell from Carlsbad. Start the day by stopping at the “Welcome to Roswell” sign as you drive into the city. This will be your first sign of alien life. 

Next, grab some coffee from Stellar Coffee Company to kick start your morning. Take a stroll around downtown as you enjoy your beverage. Keep an eye out for aliens! Then, head to the UFO museum to learn about the history of aliens. This museum costs $5 and will take you about an hour to walk through. 

After the UFO museum, head to Pecos Flavors Winery and Bistro for lunch. Here you can try some local wines or brews while grabbing a delicious and inexpensive meal. Then stop at the “Flying Saucer” McDonalds to check out a McDonalds that is like a spaceship. 

This afternoon, opt to visit one of the local art museums. The Roswell Museum and Art Center focuses on Southwest art and history. It costs $10 to get in and you will spend an hour or two wandering through the exhibits. The other option in the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum is free to get into. It contains 12 galleries and 500 pieces of art. 

If you have time, you can also opt to visit the Roswell Spacewalk, an immersive art exhibit that makes you feel as if you are walking through space. Nearby is also the Bottomless Lakes State Park where you can hike, kayak, canoe, swim, or just relax on the shores of the lake. 

Once you have spent the day in Roswell, continue driving to Santa Fe. It will take about three hours to drive from Roswell to Santa Fe.

Day 5: Santa Fe

Drive Time: Local Driving

Costs: $17-$25 and up

Today, spend the day exploring Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico. This city is a must add to a 7 day New Mexico itinerary. Although not as large as Albuquerque, there are still plenty of things to keep you busy for the day or more. Start your morning with a visit to the Loretto Chapel ($5 admission). This chapel is known for its infamous helix spiral staircase. 

Then, head over to Santa Fe Plaza to grab some lunch at one of the multitude of restaurants in the area. The Santa Fe Plaza is also popular for its historical and traditional-style buildings. It was once the gathering place of town and known as the “heart of Santa Fe.”

After lunch, opt to visit one of the many museums in Santa Fe. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Museum of International Folk Art are two of the more popular choices. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum ($20 admission) is dedicated to the life of Georgia O’Keeffe and showcases some of her works. The Museum of International Folk Art ($12 admission) showcases various textiles, ceramics, and carvings from all over the world. 

Later, head to Canyon Road to check out the various architectural features and art galleries. This area is known as the arts district of Santa Fe. There are also a ton of dinner options in this area as well. 

Day 6: Santa Fe to Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Drive Time: 2-3 hours

Costs: $16-$25

Hotel: Hampton Inn Albuquerque Airport

A must when spending 7 days in New Mexico is a visit to a pueblo town. Today, opt to visit Taos or Acoma Pueblo.

If you opt to visit Taos Pueblo ($16/person), it is an hour and a half drive north of Santa Fe. Taos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited pueblos in the United States. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The Taos pueblo consists of 95,000 acres of tribal land and most of the area is kept pretty private. It is considered a very sacred and spiritual area to the Tiwa Native Americans. 

Acoma Pueblo is a 2 hour drive west of Santa Fe. It costs $25 to visit. This pueblo is made up of four villages: Sky City, Acomita, Anzac, and McCarthy. Visitors are able to wander around the pueblo area and see the various types of dwellings. There are also little shops with handcrafted goods. After your visit, you can also opt to walk down the cliffside. 

When visiting the pueblos, please remember to be respectful to the local residents and follow any rules. These areas are considered very special and sacred areas to the Native American groups. 

If you have more time, you can also opt to add in a trip to Mesa Verde National Park and the Four Corners monument. It is a 4-4.5 hour drive to Mesa Verde, so plan on having to add in a day or two to your trip.  

Day 7: Albuquerque

Drive Time: Local driving

Today, spend another day exploring the cheap things to do in Albuquerque . Start your day with breakfast at The Shop. This delicious American breakfast palace will keep you full and ensure you are fueled for the morning. Then head to Petroglyph National Monument. 

Petroglyph National Monument is the perfect place to spend a morning. This park is popular due to its 24,000 preserved petroglyphs carved by the Pueblo people. There are four sites you can visit: Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon, Piedras Marcadas Canyon, and the Volcanic Day Use trails. I recommend the Piedras Marcadas Canyon trail. This 1.5-mile trail takes you past a ton of Petroglyphs and it is a relatively flat and easy hike. 

After viewing the Petroglyphs, head to Old Town Albuquerque. This is a great area to explore and grab a bite to eat. The main plaza has a ton of shops and restaurants. Then, head to one of the local wineries for wine tasting! I recommend Casa Rodena as it only costs $10 for a tasting and they have delicious wines. 

Finally, end your 7 days in New Mexico with dinner at Campo. Although a bit pricey, it is worth the splurge. It is located on a farm and many of the ingredients come from the farm or other local sources. They have a nice bar at the restaurant with tons of great cocktails. Make sure not to miss the charcuterie board. 

Day 8: Fly home from Albuquerque

Today, fly home from Albuquerque, or you can opt to fly home the evening of day 7. If you have more than 7 days in New Mexico, you should spend more time in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. You can also opt to pair it with one week in Arizona or head to Colorado. Mesa Verde National Park is only a 4 hour drive from Albuquerque.

Shaka Guide

Shaka Guide is a GPS self-guided audio tour that you can download to your phone. Currently, they have one for several of the National Parks. They provide great background information about the area. The best part is you do not need the internet to use them.

Interested in other road trip ideas?

Head to Arizona for some other amazing road trips. If you have even more time than 7 days in New Mexico, opt to head to California for a week or head to Utah to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.

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5 thoughts on “7 Days in New Mexico: A Perfect One Week Itinerary”

We have yet to explore New Mexico, but it looks like there is so much to do! The balloon fest is on our “list,” though I would love to visit the sand dunes as well!

Hi Francesca! We followed your route in New Mexico and had an amazing time. You pin pointed the most exciting places! We added a day in Taos and visited the historical plaza, the Earthships, and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Thank you!

Yay! So glad you were able to use it and had the best time. Taos sounds like a great addition!

This looks like a fascinating trip! If you start with the balloon festival, do they send up balloons every day of the week, or only on certain days? Thank you.

During the fiesta time they have the balloons up every day! They will list it on the website which days you can buy tickets.

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Hi! I’m Francesca, a native Californian and history teacher who loves to travel. I’ve been to 66 countries across 7 continents and all 50 United States.

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The Perfect New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary

05/16/2024 by Kristin Addis 13 Comments

Picture white sands, stunning sunsets, otherworldly rock formations, and hardly any crowds, and you’ve got New Mexico. Admired by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and popularized by Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul , this is the land of red and green chiles, Native American history, and surprises around every mountainside and bend.

New Mexico is a place of deep contrasts – the light and the dark, the lush and the desperately dry. In a state that doesn’t get nearly as much PR as Arizona or Utah , we set out on a 2 Week Road trip to find out what New Mexico had to offer. If you’re embarking on a similar journey, prepare to fall in love. This is the perfect Itinerary:

Table of Contents

The southernmost major city in New Mexico, Las Cruces is the jumping off point for White Sands National Park and the dramatic Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks National Monument.

I loved watching the sun light up the Organ Mountains, which look like a set of teeth. When the sunset is just right, it paints them red. Watch from sunset hill or on the way to the Dripping Springs Natural Area, which is great for hiking.

• The Shed: A local favorite Serving up French toast made with cranberries and locally grown pecans. But that was not enough for me, oh no! I needed to have the banana pancake drops as well, which are essentially bananas wrapped in cake batter, then dunked in maple syrup. When it’s carb time, why not go all in, amiright?
• Spotted Dog Brewery: Another local favorite with delicious sandwiches and (probably) delicious beer for the beer lovers out there.

We LOVED this Airbnb just south of the city. It’s an historic building from the ’30s, plus it has a hot tub, gorgeous outdoor area, and the cutest doggos ever.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park truly is as mesmerizing as you imagine it will be. It’s a gypsum sand field in the middle of the desert covering over 275 square miles – the largest of its kind in the world.

The golden hour and sunset out there were one of the most spectacular I have ever seen. But there are some important things to know about visiting, like adequately preparing, bringing a sled so that you have something you can slide down the dunes on, and knowing about opening and closing times.

While you can get a permit to stay overnight, this is a rare national park that you can’t visit at any time due to its location in a military area. You can read my full White Sands guide here .

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park features over 119 caves that were formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone, leaving behind caverns of all sizes. To this day bodies of water keep being discovered within the caverns, making it a wonderland for geologist types. There’s plenty beyond them as well, with lots of wildlife to look at.

Truth be told this is the only thing on the list that I didn’t do. Everyone recommended it, but I couldn’t justify the detour when I’m not that into caves. Everyone assured me I had made a mistake, so next time I come through New Mexico, I’ll be checking out Carlsbad Caverns as well as Roswell.

Keep in mind that you need reservations to go into the caverns. You can learn more here .

Truth or Consequences

Heading north on the 25 freeway, if you’re a hot spring enthusiast like I am, then you will love Truth or Consequences.

This little town isn’t the bougie hot spring destination that I expected. It’s a low-key, salt-of-the-earth type of place with a couple of commercial springs that have made it famous with visitors. The highest-rated is Riverbend .

We ended up booking an Airbnb that had its own hot spring right on the Rio Grande. I was blown away by how much animal life there was! Just the sheer number of birds made it a delightful experience. Imagine filling up your own hot spring while the sun rises and an Osprey dives down into the water to catch a fish. This really happened to me!

Tony’s Mexican Restaurant is where it’s at. Truly, it’s the most happening place in town!

This Airbnb is a bit pricey, but it was worth it. Alternatively, rent something cheaper and visit Riverbend!

Albuquerque

I hope I don’t offend any New Mexicans when I say that Albuquerque was the least-descript place we visited, with more of a typical American city feel and less of the uniqueness than the other places on this list.

That’s not to say we didn’t love it! As a big fan of both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul , Albuquerque for me was all about exploring the filming locations and geeking out over the show. Following the filming locations led us to the Grove for brunch, Java Joe’s for delicious coffee, and a few other surprises in between.

Turquoise Trail with Stop in Madrid

On your way to Santa Fe, you could take the 25 freeway, but why do that when you can take the Turquoise Trail? This scenic drive between Albuquerque and Santa Fe meanders through rolling hills and artistic communities. Be sure to stop by the Bottle House for a personal tour from Leroy before arriving in Madrid.

Madrid was once a ghost town that artists moved into to breathe new life into it. These days you’ll find plenty of galleries with jewelry, sculptures, rugs, and crystals. This was such a friendly town that was bustling over the weekend! I recommend eating lunch at The Hollar and exploring the galleries on foot before you head onward to Santa Fe.

Santa Fe seemed like the more upscale, artsy and design-focused part of New Mexico – and I loved it! While all of New Mexico had its own character, Santa Fe served up that quintessential Southwestern vibe that I think most people picture when they think of New Mexico. This is where you’ll find some of the finest restaurants, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, art galleries on Canyon Road, and the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA).

The Meow Wolf Museum was a trippy wonderland, and the galleries of Canyon Road had me enchanted. Be sure to watch my one day in Santa Fe itinerary above to hit all the best Santa Fe has to offer, including chocolate!

Kakawa Chocolate House for some inventive hot chocolates and delicious truffles!

Palacio Café has delicious brunch that I have to say was the best we had in New Mexico!

Zacatlan: Get the short rib for sure, although most reviewers rave about the tacos. Reservations recommended.

Stay: Galisteo

There are plenty of upscale hotels that you can stay in Santa Fe , and I totally understand if you want that experience. Most people don’t put this stop on their road trip, but this historic area has pueblos dating back to the 1200s-1300s.

We stayed here instead of in Santa Fe in order to have a more unique, truly New Mexican experience. This Airbnb is over 100 years old, and the owner’s family lived in it for generations before turning it into a rental! It’s also a great value in an other wise bougie Santa Fe.

Jemez Springs

The Jemez area, including Valles Caldera National Preserve, is covered in pine trees and is the perfect hiking destination. Although there are plenty of wonderful hiking trails like Battleship Rock and the Cerro Grande, I had my sights set on San Antonio hot springs.

This is one of several hot springs in the area, including Spence and McCauley, as well as the developed, first-come-first-served Jemez Hot Springs.

I loved the terraced look of the San Antonio Hot Springs, so I hiked to them even though it was over 5 miles each way. This is not always true, as the road is sometimes open although in the spring time when it tends to be muddy, you can count on it being closed.

Watch more here:

Bandelier National Monument

If you’re hoping to see some historic cave dwellings, then put this on your list. Human settlements in this area date back over 11,000 years, and exploring these dwellings is both fascinating and entertaining! I loved imagining what life was like back then. And I admired how clever it was to establish residences in the rock, which is porous and easy to carve.

We visited on a warm day in April, and the temperature in the caves must’ve been at least 20° cooler. I imagine the opposite is true in the winter. If you have a national parks pass, this will give you free entry to the national monument.

If coming from the North, you’ll also pass by the Puye Cliff Dwellings , which are another impressive set of cave dwellings and structures to explore.

The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is another amazing site, I’m sure. It is also temporarily closed, but check to see if it has reopened by the time you’re reading this (unfortunately they haven’t released an update in almost a year), because it looks soooo cool!

Taos – Earthship Biotecture

Imagine a community of over 70 earth houses that are completely off the grid. Not only that, but they are designed to be amazing, trippy designs using old tires, bottles, cans, and adobe.

It is completely self-contained, growing its own food, creating its own energy from the sun, subsisting on rainwater that is filtered and reused four times throughout the structure, and is self-heating, in harmony with its environment. After spending time here, you might ask yourself why every structure isn’t built this way.

I stayed in two Earthships during my New Mexico road trip, and candidly seeing this for myself was one of my biggest motivators for visiting the state in the first place! You can read more about the experience, both the good and the bad, of staying in an Eartship here .

Even if you don’t end up staying in one of the earthships, you can check out the visitor’s center where you can take a tour of one structure and see how the systems work. While this is cool, it only gives you a taste of the experience. So I recommend that you stay overnight in one! This is the Airbnb I recommend.

Bisti Badlands

Unless you’re coming from northeastern Arizona , the Bisti Badlands will be a detour, but it’s a worthy one.

The sheer volume of different rock formations that you will see is mind blowing, from the ‘alien throne’ to the ‘alien eggs’, the badlands, and all of the rocks in between. Every twist and turn presents a different rock formation, and since there’s no set trail, you can just go out there and get lost. But that said, be careful and make sure that you are orienting, because it is the true middle of nowhere.

In the same area you’ll find the De-Na-Zin wilderness, and just south the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah wilderness. You can camp overnight in the parking lot of all of these areas, and in each you’ll find unique rock formations.

Off of the same freeway, the 371, there’s also the Chaco Canyon and Fajada Butte. The Chaco Canyon features ruins that were occupied around 900 to 1250 A.D.. We would have loved to see these, but most of the reviews emphasized the importance of a high clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. So we will be sure to bring our truck next time!

There are a couple of towns to the north – Farmington and Bloomfield. We stayed on a farm in Bloomfield and it was a great value.

Pin me for later:

If you want to do this road trip just like us, give New Mexico at least three weeks. You could do this itinerary in two weeks, or of course you can cut out parts of it that are a bit more remote. That said, it was the remote things that I loved the most! Either way, enjoy the adventure in this beautiful, underrated state.

Timing-wise, we visited in May , which I learned is the windy season. I imagine October or November would be a fantastic time to come as well, with mild temperatures but without the snow in the higher elevations yet.

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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10/05/2021 at 7:24 am

I am planning a solo trip to New Mexico in the coming weeks. This blog post really helped! Thank you. Also, completely unrelated question: where did you get that adorable skeleton romper!? I love it. Thank you!

Kristin says

10/11/2021 at 1:25 pm

black milk clothing 😉

Will kemp says

01/28/2022 at 7:46 pm

My wife and I are going to be Flying to New Mexico beginning of may for 10 days to explore. We are going to be moving out there once our city bus rv conversion is complete so. Do you have the link to the earth ship you stayed in that has critters. ? Love all the plants it has inside.

01/30/2022 at 12:40 pm

It’s the Phoenix earthship on Airbnb! It books like months and months in advance but check out the smaller side of it on the earthship website. That one does not book out as far in advance because fewer people know about it. It’s just one room so it’s less fancy but still fun.

C.S. Griffel says

04/25/2022 at 3:15 am

I’m a native of Albuquerque. It is true that it’s part typical American city but also part truly New Mexico. It’s has one of the oldest standing churches in North America-in Old Town. It also has Petroglyph Park, where ancient cave drawings can be seen on a hike. Additionally, the tram to Sandra Peak is one of, if not still, the longest trams in the world. Albuquerque has great hiking in the foothills.

The knob hill and university districts are funky little neighborhoods with lots of Adobe homes.

There’s a fantastic Albuquerque museum that tells the long and interesting history of Albuquerque, sitting just outside of Old Town.

It’s more than Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul! 🙂

Jake Byers says

11/16/2022 at 9:13 am

The weird poses you travel bloggers do ruins every photo. Can’t we just see the beauty of the place without the faux supermodel stuff? Not to mention, if anyone goes to these places, all they will see is narcissitic travel bloggers posing. Thanks for ruining travel, the one thing you make a living with.

11/18/2022 at 2:24 pm

Aw, do you need a hug?

I think wanting to be in your own travel photos is perfectly acceptable. Sorry you don’t have the confidence to do the same but you should try it!

Crystal says

03/27/2024 at 5:08 pm

This response is everything! LOL *mic drop* Thanks so much for the awesome itinerary. My family of 5 will be roadtrippin soon and this gave me exactly what I needed…along with some awesome pose ideas : )

Kristin Addis says

03/28/2024 at 12:49 pm

I’m so glad!

12/03/2022 at 11:19 am

Hi, thank you for sharing your experience with us. Can you share how long you spent in each city?

12/04/2022 at 10:17 am

Usually 2-3 days 🙂

Praveen says

01/02/2023 at 1:56 pm

What is the best month to visit these places? Is spring a good time from a weather stand point?

01/02/2023 at 8:39 pm

We went in April/May and although it’s nice weather it’s the windiest season and that can sometimes cause issues with the sand and dirt.

12 Unforgettable New Mexico Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year

Monica Spencer

Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at [email protected].

More by this Author

Yet another year is well upon us, and we think that’s a great reason to celebrate. One of our favorite ways to do so is with a bit of travel. Looking for suggestions? Pick and choose from any of these 12 best New Mexico day trips for a fun outing.

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Which of these day trips in New Mexico are you most looking forward to traveling? Are there any other locations you want to visit in New Mexico this year?

There are so many hidden gems in New Mexico to discover!

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More to Explore

Best day trips in new mexico.

What are some fun, unique things to do around New Mexico?  

Some unique things to do around New Mexico include:

• Bisti Badlands

Few states are quite as fun and unique as the Land of Enchantment, and there are all kinds of truly unique things to do around New Mexico no matter what you’re interested in doing. For example, nature lovers will love an adventure at Carlsbad Caverns , a world-famous cave system with more than 119 caves formed by sulfuric acid on limestone that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to New Mexico each year. If you’re a fan of the path less traveled, visit the strange and wonderful International UFO Museum and Research Center ... which is exactly what it sounds like and the best place in the world for records and archives related to all things unidentified and flying. After all, would you really be in New Mexico without a little alien influence?  

Where can I go for great day trips near me in New Mexico?   

Looking for "day trips near me" in New Mexico? Check out the following destinations:

• Billy the Kid Scenic Byway
• Cimarron Canyon State Park
• Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

Every day trip in New Mexico is one of the best day trips in New Mexico , honestly. It's almost impossible to go wrong with a wonder-filled day trip through the Land of Enchantment. Some of our favorite places to visit in New Mexico include the Albuquerque BioPark Botanic Garden , which is 32 acres of fascinating and beautiful flora and fauna – some native, some not, but all 100% beautiful. Be sure to also check out the Guadalupe Backcountry Scenic Byway , an incredibly scenic route in New Mexico that’ll make you fall in love with the beauty of the state. Make a pit stop at Sitting Bull Falls, an exquisite 200-foot waterfall in New Mexico that you’ll find yourself obsessed with.  

Where are all the best getaway spots near me in New Mexico?   

You can’t visit New Mexico without making it into a wonderful getaway. A couple of the most popular – and understandably so – destinations in New Mexico include Taos Ski Valley , which is nestled deep in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and provides endless things to do no matter what season it is. In the winter, it’s a world-famous ski resort in New Mexico , and in summer, its lush greenery is a sight to behold! Then, head out to Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa , which is the oldest all-natural hot springs in New Mexico . You can even take a legit mineral mud bath!  

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Explore New Mexico

The New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary That Takes You off the Beaten Path

Learn about pueblo history, relax in healing hot springs, and, yes—eat green chile cheeseburgers..

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Get off the beaten path on a road trip through New Mexico.

Illustration by Kyutae Lee

Upscale enclaves filled with kitschy Kokopelli galleries and turquoise jewelry boutiques have defined travel in the Land of Enchantment for far too long. As this lesser-traveled route illustrates, the state’s real magic lies in its natural beauty, found along country roads backed by ochre mountains, painterly desert vistas, and forests teeming with Montezuma quail.

The human residents are no less diverse: Gay cowboy artists and Indigenous activists marinate in hot spring tubs alongside conservationists working to restore the habitats of burrowing owls. The New Mexico of 2023 is a place Georgia O’Keeffe would hardly recognize.

Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta takes place each fall.

Photo by Ian Dooley

Day 1: Albuquerque

Albuquerque , New Mexico’s largest city, has caught the eye of curious travelers. Mayor Tim Keller, known for his love of heavy metal, has helped attract new creative businesses and creative people shaping the city. Visitors will find rich Indigenous culture , new food halls, and a vibrant flamenco scene.

After touching down at ABQ’s International Sunport, make your way to Indian Pueblo Kitchen , the in-house restaurant at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center . Here, “pre-contact” ingredients—edibles that existed before colonization— bring time-honored flavors to such dishes as blue corn waffles, roasted piñon triple berry salad, and green-chile-and-cheese biscuits.

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo is among the performing groups showcased at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Also worth a spin: The 34,000-square-foot Sawmill Market , just north of Old Town, opened in 2020 with handmade pasta from Tulipani, wood-fired pies from Hawt Pizza Co., smoked brisket from Mr. Powdrell’s, and steaming bowls of ramen from Naruto. (Definitely don’t miss the mole from chocolatier Eldora .) The three-story 505 Central Market , located off Route 66 in downtown, hawks Humble Coffee along with burgers, pizza, and beer.

Surprisingly, ABQ is also one of the world’s most important flamenco towns, credited with reviving the dance form in the 1950s. Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque , in Old Town’s Hotel Albuquerque, was the Southwest’s first authentic flamenco dance hall. It still holds regular weekend showcases featuring local and international performers. Intimate Casa Flamenca hosts tablao performances throughout the year.

Where to stay: Hotel Chaco

• Book now : Hotel Chaco

The elegant 118-room Hotel Chaco in Old Town features Pueblo-inspired designs in its rugs, stone walls, and exposed wooden beams known as vigas.

Hike through desert vistas in Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Photo by Nagel Photography/Shutterstock

Detour worth taking

The UNESCO-recognized Chaco Culture National Historical Park, about three hours northwest of ABQ, was a ceremonial and economic hub between 850 and 1250 C.E. Today a nine-mile loop drive takes visitors past five Chaco sites, and backcountry hiking trails offer access to more remote ruins.

Live music and fresh beers set the scene at Truth or Consequences Brewing Company

Courtesy of Truth or Consequences Brewing Co.

Day Two: Albuquerque to Truth or Consequences

• Distance: 149 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours and 10 minutes

Drive south on I-25 past the scrubby, cactus-pocked mountains of Socorro County and take exit 79 to reach the walkable town of Truth or Consequences. Originally called Hot Springs, the village rechristened itself after Truth or Consequences radio host Ralph Edwards dared a U.S. town to name itself after his show . The year was 1950, and T or C, as the locals often call it, never looked back. To this day, no place better captures the state’s zany mash-up than this intersection of artists, serenity-seeking spa lovers, and ardent environmentalists.

An Art Hop , held on the second Saturday evening of the month, is the best way to experience T or C’s parade of characters, plus enjoy free drinks and affordable art. Bounce between RioBravoFineArt Gallery , Desert Archaic , and Main Street Gallery , then duck into Truth or Consequences Brewing Company for live music, which could include a surprise performance by a band of septuagenarian punk rockers.

Those seeking more opportunities to soak can stop at the sign of the neon spur, marking La Paloma Hot Springs & Spa , where the water rises naturally from the earth, no pipes needed. Or check out the lithium- and calcium-rich waters at Riverbend Hot Springs , a series of pools set on the banks of the Rio Grande. Guests can share space in the common pools or rent a private pool.

Where to stay: Sierra Grande

• Book now : Sierra Grande

Check into the 17-room Sierra Grande , situated on one of four eco-minded Ted Turner Reserves in the state. Guests here are treated to ATV safari drives at the adjacent Ladder Ranch . The chance to spot bison, bobcats, wolves, eagles, roadrunners, and endangered tortoises—and chat with conservationists in the field—makes this experience unlike anything else in the country. After bumping through the rough terrain, head back to the lodge for a candlelit soak in one of the 104-degree spring-fed baths.

Find white, sandy dunes in this national park, part of which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Photo by Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock.com

Day Three: Truth or Consequences to Las Cruces

• Distance: 78 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Southbound Route 187, which hugs I-25, passes farmhouses, pancake-flat cotton fields, and fences choked with tumbleweed. In the distance, the jagged Organ Mountains show their teeth to the sky. Today’s first destination: Hatch, a wee town where roadside vendors sell Mexican pottery and green chile–infused everything . Three Brothers is the best of the pepper depots, offering a selection of powdered green chile, smoky chipotle, and flaming-red ristras (strings of peppers) as well as local honey and Mexican vanilla.

Another 45 minutes southeast, Blake’s Lotaburger in Las Cruces is known for its excellent green chile cheeseburgers—the ultimate New Mexico road food. To offset this indulgence, stock up on healthy snacks at the Farmers and Crafts Market of Las Cruces , which sells fresh peaches, bags of pecans, and steaming tamales as well as quality turquoise jewelry and hand-turned woodware. The market sets up from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and on Wednesdays along Main Street.

White Sands National Park lies 52 miles northeast of Las Cruces. To best experience White Sands’ surreal landscape of windswept gypsum dunes, hike a mile into the park and spend a night of camping in the backcountry, the stars sparkling above.

Where to stay: Josefina’s Old Gate

• Book now : Queen suite, airbnb.com ; King suite, airbnb.com

Some travelers will choose to push on to El Paso, Texas, just an hour south. But why rush Las Cruces? Instead, crash for the night in the town’s historic adobe inn, Josefina’s Old Gate, then spend the following morning shopping for locally made prints at Art Obscura or sampling “Christmas-style” huevos compuestos , meat topped with red and green chile sauce, eggs, and cheese served in cup-shaped corn tortillas, at 63-year-old La Nueva Casita Cafe .

This article originally appeared online in April 2020; it was updated on August 21, 2023, to include current information.

• Destinations

25 Best Places to Visit in New Mexico

Last Updated By VI in New Mexico on November 15, 2023

Albuquerque

• Complete List & Map

Foodies can hit the Margarita Trail, explore local breweries, and excite their taste buds at dozens of authentic New Mexican eateries .

You can go rafting, hiking, camping, ballooning, fishing, and rock climbing in summer and enjoy the full range of winter sports, including skiing, snow-boarding, tubing, and more in winter.

Other exciting attractions include hot air balloon excursions, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, and the ABQ Bio Park, which includes an aquarium, botanical garden, and zoo. In addition, you can tour dozens of wineries and craft breweries and sample authentic New Mexico cuisine.

Families can visit the Spring River Park and Zoo or go fishing, hiking, camping, and boating at Bottomless Lake State Park.

You can take a scenic drive to explore some great historic ghost towns, or visit the Las Cruces Museum of Art. Children will enjoy the Mesilla Valley Maze and foodies can visit breweries and wineries or hit the “Walk of Flame” Las Cruses Green Chile Trail.

White Sands National Monument

Have some fun sledding the dunes, picnicking, and taking amazing desert photographs.

Carlsbad, New Mexico

Young and old can learn about desert fauna at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens National Park and then beat the summer heat at the Carlsbad Water Park or at Lake Carlsbad Beach Park. More Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM

You can enjoy water sports or go hiking, biking, and camping at the Storrie Lake State Park or visit the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge. Best Hot Springs in New Mexico

Many people visit Los Alamos primarily to enjoy incredible mountain vistas – you can go on a scenic drive or get active on over 150 miles of hiking and biking trails, play a round of golf, or visit the Pajarito Ski Mountain in winter.

The mild high-desert climate is conducive to outdoor activities – you can try dune sledding at White Sands National Monument, hiking, camping, and wildlife watching at the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, and hot air ballooning or desert-oasis golfing. Best New Mexico Ruins to See on Vacation

Outdoor activities include great hiking in unique scenery, a wide variety of water sports on three rivers and two lakes, golfing, fishing, and geocaching.

Los Alamos National Laboratory

For security reasons the facility is not open to the public but you can tour the interactive Bradbury Science Museum in downtown Los Alamo to learn all about the laboratory and its top-secret projects. More unique places to visit

Valles Caldera National Preserve

There are good wildlife watching opportunities as well as elk and turkey hunting in season. In winter, visitors can enjoy the pristine area on cross-country skis or snowshoes. More Day Trips from Santa Fe, New Mexico

Carlsbad Cavern National Park

Above ground, you can go hiking along a desert trail, do some bird watching at the Rattlesnake Springs Oasis, and attend the nightly Bat Flight Program in summer.

El Morro National Monument, NM

En route you can stop to explore Atsinna, an ancestral Puebloan ruin dating back to around 1300 AD. The El Morro National Monument, NM visitors center offers a free 15-minute introductory film.

Pecos National Historical Park

Discover great parks in the area

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Energetic visitors can take it a step further and follow some of the backcountry trails to see some of the more remote sites.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

Other activities in the National Monument include hiking and wildlife watching in the Gila and Aldo Leopold Wilderness Areas and visiting some of the natural hot springs in the area, which can be reached along trails starting at the Gila visitors center.

Capulin Volcano National Monument

More ideas: NM beaches

Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

If you are interested in ancient history and culture, you can hike the Tsankawi Trail (this is a steep and strenuous trail) to see the ancestral Pueblo village of Tsankawi and view some petroglyphs along the way. Longer overnight backcountry trails are also available.

Aztec Ruins National Monument

You can explore the archaeological site on a self-guided tour or join a ranger-guided tour during the summer months, and children can have fun on a junior ranger program.

Old Mesilla Village

You will see the town plaza, which was once an important stop on the Butterfield Stagecoach route, and see where Billy the Kid was tried for murder in the Mesilla courthouse.

Petroglyph National Monument

You can find around 100 petroglyphs along these trails, but if you are up for a lengthier hike, there are 3 other trails that will expose you to hundreds of petroglyphs in the Rinconada and Piedras Marcadas Canyons. See the Map

• 1. Santa Fe
• 3. Albuquerque
• 5. Las Cruces
• 6. White Sands National Monument
• 7. Carlsbad, New Mexico
• 8. Las Vegas
• 9. Los Alamos
• 10. Alamogordo
• 11. Farmington
• 12. Los Alamos National Laboratory
• 13. Valles Caldera National Preserve
• 14. Carlsbad Cavern National Park
• 15. El Morro National Monument, NM
• 16. Pecos National Historical Park
• 17. Chaco Culture National Historical Park
• 18. Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument
• 19. Capulin Volcano National Monument
• 20. Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico
• 21. Aztec Ruins National Monument
• 22. Old Mesilla Village
• 23. Petroglyph National Monument

More New Mexico Getaways:

Resources: New Mexico Tourism , Visit Albuquerque , Tourism Santa Fe

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New Mexico road trip itinerary: These 3 incredible routes feature highlights and hidden gems

Ready for the ultimate new mexico road trip here's where to go, what to do, and where to eat.

You know you deserve some time off to get out there and live a little, and that means planning a getaway. Few places beckon the wanderer quite like a New Mexico road trip. From the desert to the mountains, the ever-changing landscape is mesmerizing to watch as you work your way across the state in the Southwest U.S.

Head to the Northeast

Go down to the southwest, go southeast, the must-see towns in new mexico, you know how to plan, but this is when to go, general road trip tips.

Following one (or all!) of these itineraries for different regions of the state will also lead you to fantastic food. “We cannot forget about the mouthwatering New Mexican cuisine and the variety of microbreweries and wineries,” Brianna Gallegos, a New Mexico Tourism Board representative, said. While you’ll find delicious restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and more along the way, you could even stock your car with local snacks, like Bisco Bites, the state’s official cookie. Think shortbread cookies laced with spices like cinnamon, sugar, and anise. Once you have your car stocked, get ready to hit the highway for an amazing trip from corner to corner.

Morning: Begin your journey in Santa Fe, where in the fall you’ll find some breathtaking fall foliage, but there are tons of things to see and do around this time as well.

When you’re ready to jump in the car, set out in the morning for Pecos National Historic Park through the Pecos Canyon. The national park is a playground for history buffs thanks to its impressive ruins of a former Spanish mission, an Indian village, and a Civil War battlefield.

Another interesting attraction is English actress Greer Garson’s ranch. From there, drive to Pecos Canyon State Park, which is the state’s newest park. There you’ll spend hours mountain biking miles and miles of trails.

Plan ahead and coordinate with a local operator for that part. Chow down at Frankies at the Casanova (which offers curbside pickup) when you’re done. Set in a historic building, the locally owned restaurant offers up northern New Mexican fare alongside American staples.

Midday: In the afternoon, set off for Las Vegas — yes, New Mexico has its own, too — and take a pit stop at Traveler’s Café on Plaza Street for a caffeine-infused pick-me-up. The charming historic district has more than 900 buildings on its historic register making it a perfect setting for a stroll to stretch your legs.

If you’re feeling a little sore from the mountain biking, hop back in the car and drive 5 miles east to Montezuma Hot Springs, where you can take a dip and relax.

Overnight: Take dinner at El Rialto and stay overnight in the Historic Plaza Hotel, which will give you all kinds of Spanish mission, wild west vibes.

Morning: Hit the ground early with a drive to Raton, a city just six and a half miles short of the Colorado border. Wander out to the Sugarite Canyon State Park, where there are two lakes for fishing or plenty of hiking spots to choose from. Not to mention, there’s a historic coal camp to explore.

Keep lunch simple with pizza at Bruno’s before stopping in the Raton Museum to peruse their artifacts collection. After that break from driving, hop back in the car and head 32 miles outside of town to Capulin Volcano National Monument, a dormant volcano with trails around the base and inside the crater.

Midday: Visit Mock’s Crossroads Coffee Mill for an afternoon jolt and head off for the Herzstein Memorial Museum. You’ll see tons of Old West memorabilia, artifacts, and art. Not to mention, it holds what might be the most beautiful poker table with intricate inlay you’ll ever see.

Overnight: Spend the night at the Historic Hotel Eklund with its impressive saloon-style restaurant and bar.

Morning: Put on a road trip podcast and set out 111 miles to Tucumcari. Along the way, plan for a stop at Ute Lake State Park to stretch your legs with a hike, go for a boat jaunt, or pull out your fishing pole. You’ll also pass Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum. If you haven’t explored the vast dino world that the West actually is, it’s a great way to learn about the storied past.

Plan to make it to Kix on 66 for lunch. Either before or after you stop to eat, make your way to the Route 66 Museum, which obviously celebrates the legendary highway. When you finally reach Tucumcari, end the day by strolling around town to take in the artful murals.

Morning: Kick things off from Albuquerque and make your way to a city with one of the best names around, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Plan ahead to make a stop at Elephant Butte, the state’s largest park. Once there, team up with Zia Kayaking to get out on the water and take in the view from another vantage point. Take lunch at Bigfoot Restaurant before reaching downtown Truth or Consequences.

Midday: Once you’re in town, visit the Geronimo Springs Museum, which holds Apache artifacts, an old log cabin, arrowheads, and even fossils. It’s an amazing way to drink in the local history right along the Rio Grande. Later, go for a soak at the Riverbend Hot Springs.

Overnight: After a relaxing afternoon, drive toward Hillsboro. Check into Black Range Lodge, a quaint stay just inside the lush Gila National Forest.

Morning: Climb back into the car and drive 57 miles to Silver City. Along the way, take a pit stop to stretch your legs at the Catwalk National Recreation Trail, which has a series of bridges through Whitewater Canyon. It’s a beautiful stop and quite the way to see the river canyon.

Continue on to Silver City and enjoy lunch at Revel, which serves scrumptious bites ranging from sandwiches to pizza to pasta. Curbside pickup is also available to keep rolling if you need to.

Midday: In the afternoon, meet up with Gila Hike and Bike to take a guided tour along the Continental Divide Trail, one of the best long-distance trails in the United States. Unwind by strolling around the arts district of downtown Silver City.

Overnight: Turn in at Bear Mountain Lodge or Cosmic Campground. Bear Mountain Lodge and art gallery is just outside of town giving it a more rural feel. Cosmic Campground, on the other hand, is extremely rural. An International Dark Sky Sanctuary , the campground is a great time to get sleep outside and drink in the twinkling galaxy.

Morning: The final day in the southwest corner of the state ventures toward Las Cruces, a classic stop on any New Mexico itinerary. Stop off at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, where you’ll hike to see the ancient cave dwellings. As you continue on your way, the next stop is in Hatch, where you’ll take a tour of Sparky’s, a chili farm .

Midday: Once you reach Las Cruces, make your way to the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, a beautiful mountain range with canyons and woodlands. Make sure you plan ahead to go horseback riding here. There’s also the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum if you prefer to get some hands-on learning about working the land. Shop around the Mesilla Plaza and have dinner at La Posta de Mesilla.

Overnight: After a long day turn in to your hotel in Las Cruces to round out the trip.

Morning: This two-day itinerary begins with White Sands National Park on your way to Alamogordo. Stop by the visitors’ center or jump straight into exploring the otherworldly white sand dunes.

Midday: Once you reach Alamogordo, have lunch at no-frills Brown Bag Deli for some serious sandwich action. You’ll see tons of cacti on another hike in Desert Foothills Park if you need an extra walkabout before exploring the downtown and turning in for the night. Another way to pass the afternoon or evening is to go on a distillery or winery crawl around Alamogordo.

Overnight: Check into the Fairfield Inn to sleep it off, but drink responsibly if you know you’ll be driving the next day.

Morning: Rise early to drive to Ruidoso to hike, mountain bike, hang glide, zipline, or go off-roading with a local tour guide from Backcountry Attitudes. It’s the adrenaline rush you might need after hours in the car over just a couple of days. Grab lunch at Rio Grande Grill and Tap Room before you set off for Roswell.

Midday: Pass the afternoon by exploring the downtown historic district or wandering the International UFO Museum. Pick up a coffee at Steller Coffee Co. and then go for a swim at Bottomless Lake State Park. Enjoy dinner at Pecos Flavors Winery and Bistro, along with a wide selection of bottles and brews. You’ll also find amazing bites ranging from charcuterie boards and sandwiches to entrees like seared salmon or roasted garlic and rosemary chicken.

Overnight: Check into your hotel and get ready to make your way back toward Albuquerque the next day.

However you choose to visit New Mexico in your road trip, these are the must-see spots . In your planning, make sure to add a stop at these scenic cities in New Mexico.

Don’t miss these places

• Albuquerque
• Silver City
• Truth or Consequences

For an easy way to hit a few places back to back, try these routes

• Los Alamos to Taos
• Taos to Albuquerque
• Albuquerque to Santa Fe
• Santa Fe to Los Alamos
• Bandelier & Valles Caldera

You don’t have to do these in a specific order, but it makes things a bit easier.

• If you go for the hiking , skip the summer
• Go during the shoulder seasons — the spring and the fall
• October would be a good but busy month

If you want snow, visit in the fall, and if you love that hot, dry heat, the summer is the time for you to visit. The northern part of the state has more severe winters, leaving the southern part to see milder ones.

If you want to hike at all, the summer is not the time to go. The temperatures get so hot, and you don’t want to spend the rest of your vacation recovering from heat stroke.

The best times to visit are in the shoulder months. Those times in between the crazy seasons are when every family is trying to take a vacation when the kids are out of school. The spring and the fall are the prime times, when temperatures will be just right, and the crowds will be thinned out.

We recommend October to see the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , but know the crowds will be a bit larger for that.

You’re going to find so much more than an amazing backdrop as you roll down the road on your New Mexico road trip. “As you journey through New Mexico, you will find adventure steeped in culture in every corner of the state. Each corner of the state has its own unique offerings, like hiking and skiing where the Rockies begin to sled down glistening white sand dunes of White Sands National Park to mountain biking along the Continental Divide Trail,” Gallegos told us.

Hitting the open road for a trip through New Mexico is an exciting adventure. Here are some general tips for planning the trip and while on the road.

Before you go

• Get your car serviced: Make sure your vehicle is in top condition by getting an oil change, checking tire pressure and tread, and topping up fluids.
• Pack smart: Pack light and for versatility, considering different weather conditions and activities you might do. Don’t forget essentials like a first-aid kit, jumper cables, and a flashlight.
• Entertainment: Prepare a playlist of your favorite tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks to keep you company on the road. Download movies or shows for offline viewing if you’ll be in areas with limited internet access.
• Snacks and drinks: Pack plenty of nonperishable snacks and drinks to keep you fueled on the go. Opt for healthy options like nuts, fruits, and granola bars.

On the road

• Take breaks: Get out of the car and stretch your legs every 2 hours or 100 miles. Explore roadside attractions, take a hike, or grab a bite to eat.
• Share the driving: If you’re traveling with others, take turns driving to avoid fatigue.
• Stay alert: Avoid driving when you’re tired or drowsy. Pull over and take a nap if needed.
• Be mindful of the weather: Check the forecast before you head out and be prepared for changing conditions.
• Embrace the detours: Sometimes, the best experiences on a road trip are the unplanned ones. Be open to taking detours and exploring new places.

Every stop along the way through New Mexico offers amazing opportunities for outdoor adventure, and we can’t wait for you to take advantage of every one of them.

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These days, the phrase "there’s an app for that" can easily be replaced with "there’s, like, 50 apps for that." Now that warm weather is almost upon us, we’re helping you cut through some of the noise with the best, must-have road trip apps to help you eat, sleep, and sightsee your way across America. All we ask is that you let your co-pilot work them while en route. Otherwise, you’re gonna need a "Send an Ambulance" app. Google Maps: Navigation

This one shouldn't be a surprise, but we can't round up the best road trip apps without including the world's best navigation app. Even if this is your very first road trip, Google Maps is probably already on your phone. You can plan your route ahead of time and easily share it with friends and family.

Embarking on a journey through Europe with nothing but a backpack in tow is an adventure that is appealing to many. However, this type of European vacation isn’t always budget-friendly. If you want to enjoy a backpacking trip on a budget, then you may want to venture off the beaten path and head to some of the less popular destinations.

Statista has recently released a list of the cheapest places to travel in Europe for backpackers in 2024, and some of the cities on the list may surprise you. 

For some travelers, luggage is purely functional. Their suitcase, backpack, or rollaboard is merely a tool to haul their stuff from point A to point B. For others, it’s as much an extension of their personality as the car they drive. Most of us fall somewhere in between. We want luggage that’s affordable, durable enough to survive whatever punishment the airlines subject it to, and a little bit of style doesn’t hurt, too.

With so many options, finding the right luggage can be a challenge. There is no best luggage, rather, it’s about what’s best for you, and that all depends on how you travel, how long you plan to be away, and what you typically pack. Should you opt for hard-sided or soft-sided luggage? Perhaps a carry-on, a checked bag, or a combination of the two?

A Couple of Drifters

Where Do We Go From Here?

Road Trips in New Mexico: 17 Great Destinations

Last Updated on June 1, 2021

It’s difficult to suggest road trips in New Mexico solely based on prescribed routes – seeing the Land of Enchantment simply presents too many possibilities! Of course, this state is full of road trips on specific routes   but sometimes you must blaze your own path. Consider each suggestion in this article, pick which destinations suit you, grab a good road map and cobble together your own New Mexico road trips instead.

Your Next New Mexico Road Trip Begins Here

The very best road trips in New Mexico include a mix of historical sites , natural wonders, quirky attractions , majestic scenery and plenty of red and green chile. So chart your next course right now – whether you’re after a New Mexico weekend getaway or the ultimate southwest road trip, this article is full of ideas to keep you rolling for many miles.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to products and services whereby we receive a nominal commission if you make a purchase through one of these links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Please see our Disclaimer for full information.

Natural New Mexico Road Trip Attractions

The beauty of this state is certainly no secret; discover an impressive variety of natural wonders during your road trip through New Mexico.

Watch Our Video and Learn More About New Mexico!

Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano

Where: About 25 miles south of Grants on NM Route 53.

Phone:  (505) 783-4303

Website:  www.icecaves.com

Get fired up and chill out at the premier ice cave in New Mexico. Bandera Volcano was active about 10,000 years ago; a collapsed lava tube, or cave, formed as a result of that past eruption. Today, that cave remains cool enough to form and maintain ice year-round from rain and snow melt seeping in.

Make the Most of Your New Mexico Road Trip, or Any Trip and Book With the Best!

Book accommodation and get inspiration for future road trips at Hotels.com right now. Need more road trip inspiration? Check out some of the most iconic routes in the United States .

Whether booking a rental car for your road trip or even flights to New Mexico (or anywhere), instantly searches over 1,200 sites to get you the best deal. Take control of your next getaway and find what you need on Skyscanner and save money.

An easy trail to the volcano rim leads to a viewing platform overlooking the cave. Enjoy several additional trails, check out the museum/gift shop and enjoy the picnic grounds after visiting this rather cool sight. Combine Bandera Volcano with La Ventana Arch (further below).

White Sands National Monument

Where:  White Sands is located about 15 miles south of Alamogordo, NM on US Highway 70.

Website: www.nps.gov/whsa

Visiting White Sands National Monument on a road trip through New Mexico is an absolute must! Pretend you’re in a winter wonderland while hiking across white sand dunes and sledding down powdery hills – purchase your sled at the gift shop or bring your own.

We strongly recommend the FREE daily Sunset Stroll with a park ranger. This guided walk focuses on the unique ecosystem and just how all of this white sand got here to begin with. Tours begin one hour prior to sunset; visit the Sunset Stroll page for more information.

La Ventana Natural Arch

Where: La Ventana Arch is located just off NM Route 117, within El Malpais National Monument.

Website: www.blm.gov

While El Malpais National Monument is a vast area with rough roads, La Ventana Arch is quite simple to visit. An easy path from the parking lot leads to an observation area immediately below the arch. Take plenty of photos here – this is the closest you’ll get to La Ventana Arch.

Just up the road from La Ventana is the scenic Sandstone Bluff Overlook . This spot is also easy to access from NM Route 117 and you’ll likely have this scenic location to yourself. Combine La Ventana Arch and Sandstone Bluff Overlook with Bandera Volcano (above) on your New Mexico road trip.

Hot Springs in Truth or Consequences

Truth or Consequences (T or C) is a popular weekend getaway in New Mexico and  a great stop on any road trip. Need to spend the night? We suggest Blackstone Hotsprings for a thoughtful assortment of themed rooms, each featuring tubs with geothermally-heated water.

The town of T or C has several art galleries, good restaurants and an interesting historical museum. For an hourly soak without an overnight stay try Indian Springs . Stopping for a soak between road trip destinations lets you take a break from all that driving!

Iconic Road Trip Destinations in New Mexico

The southwest evokes the idea of the classic road trip and New Mexico is the perfect place to hit the highway and discover iconic attractions.

  Four Corners Monument

Where: This spot is located at Four Corners Road, off US Highway 160 in the northwest corner of New Mexico. Curiously, New Mexico is the only  state offering public access to the Four Corners Monument! *See below for another odd fact about this classic New Mexico road trip destination.

Website:  www,navajonationparks.net

Multitask on your New Mexico road trip by putting yourself in four states at once! The borders of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico meet here at one point, making this an essential stop on any southwest road trip . Traditional Navajo foods await road trippers here, so arrive hungry.

Four Corners Monument seldom gets busy although someone will be around to take the obligatory photo of you. *Interestingly, you cannot access Four Corners without leaving New Mexico first, then re-entering the state from either Arizona or Colorado!

Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico

Any Route 66 road trip in New Mexico must include Tucumcari – this town proudly features vintage motels, restaurants and gift shops celebrating The Mother Road.  Tucumcari is also home to the New Mexico Route 66 Museum , where the world’s largest Route 66 photo exhibit is.

 Looking for Other New Mexico Road Trips, Scenic Drives or Relaxing Getaways? We Have You Covered!

• Take the High Road to Taos from Santa Fe and enjoy scenic villages, a pilgrimage sight and the famous Chimayo red chile.
• We have great suggestions for several day trips and scenic drives from Taos to keep the road trips going for you.
• Take a relaxing break from traveling and visit our favorite New Mexico hot springs ; we reveal 9 steamy pools to choose from.
• The folks at  When in Your State   cover New Mexico very well so check them out and discover what to see next.

We recommend the Tucumcari strip at dusk for the glowing neon signs. Next up is a stop at Del’s for classic dishes, local specialties and cocktails. For many, Route 66 tops the list for New Mexico road trip attractions and it’s allure will likely never fade away.

Cuba, New Mexico

Where: US Highway 550, roughly between Bloomfield and Bernalillo.

Our road trips through New Mexico often pass through the village of Cuba on US Highway 550. This is a great place to stop for a bite or for the night; several vintage hotels and diners still exist here. Uncover some dinosaur bones nearby at White Ridge Trails .

For a scenic drive take NM Route 4 from San Ysidro into the Jemez Mountains where hot springs await along with several interesting nearby sites. Fans of the series Breaking Bad should stop at the now-closed Big Chief Gas Station on US 550, about 40 miles south of Cuba.

Bonus Tip: From Cuba take NM Route 126 into the mountains to Jemez National Recreation Area. This route becomes unpaved but easily passable; the countryside along the way makes this drive worth the effort! Finally, a northbound road trip on US 550 is more scenic than heading south.

Stellar New Mexico Road Trip Ideas

Don’t space out and miss our suggestions – consider these stellar destinations right now for your next adventure.

A Cosmic Road Trip to the Very Large Array (VLA)

Where: This site is 50 miles west of Socorro, beyond the village of Magdalena on US Highway 60, then left on NM Route 52. Follow signs to VLA.

Website: www.vla.nrao.edu

This oddly-named attraction is very much out of this world. Here, 27 giant mobile radio telescopes allow astronomers to investigate many different celestial objects. These telescopes move on railroad tracks to prescribed positions for optimal pulsar and quasar observation!

Visit VLA independently to witness these super-seers in action. Alternatively, take a guided tour every 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month at 11:00 am, 1:00 and 3:00 pm to learn about supernovas and gamma-ray bursts. The telescopes, museum and gift shop make this a road trip to…focus on.

The International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell

Video by acoupleofdrifters.com

Where:  114 N Main St. Roswell, NM.

Website:  www.rosewllufomuseum.com

Every road trip in New Mexico should include a visit to this quirky museum. An alleged UFO crashed 100 miles northwest of Roswell in 1947, but the scandal surrounding that incident happened here. Us mere earthlings have been fascinated by flying saucers ever since!

Learn more about that crash and the world-wide phenomena of aliens, strange abductions and UFO sightings. The displays here are worth a stop and the gift shop alone will definitely keep you entertained.

Scenic Spots for a New Mexico Road Trip

Enjoy the scenery as your drive through New Mexico and  from atop these lofty road trip destinations.

Sandia Crest

Where:  Sandia Crest is located at the end of NM Route 536, also known as the Sandia Crest Scenic Highway.

Road trips in New Mexico bring you through Albuquerque sooner or later and that means a drive to Sandia Crest. The views at the top continue for hundreds of miles in every direction and there’s even a visitor center and restaurant here to seal the deal! Will your road trip bring you through Albuquerque – the crossroads of New Mexico? We’ve spent a lot of time here exploring each of these quirky attractions in Albuquerque .

Take a break from your New Mexico road trip and spend some time in Albuquerque – you’ll find plenty of things to do and great places to eat. Stretch your legs and check out our list of unique hikes near Albuquerque before continuing with your road trip.

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Where:  Between Raton and Clayton on US Highway 87. The entrance to Capulin Volcano Visitor Center is off NM Route 325.

Website:  www.nps/cavo

Looking for unique New Mexico road trip ideas? Don’t  overlook the two-mile drive to the rim of this extinct volcano, or stretch your legs on one of several hikes to the top. Peer into the crater and enjoy fine views into Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and even Kansas on a clear day.

The bushes at the crater rim are swarmed with thousands of mating ladybugs from mid June through early August – a biological phenomena known as hilltopping. This enchanted area also boasts some of the darkest night skies in the entire country, perfect for stargazing!

Note: At the time of writing (late August, 2019) Capulin Volcano Road was closed due to washouts from heavy rain – check the official website above for current local advisories before making your road trip.

New Mexico Road Trip Spots for History Buffs

From the Stone Age to the Space Age, New Mexico is full of historic sites to visit on your next road trip.

Blackwater Draw National Landmark and Museum

• Blackwater Draw National Landmark is on NM Route 467, seven miles north of Portales, NM.
• Blackwater Draw Museum is located at 1500 S. Avenue K, Lea Hall, Room #163, Portales, NM.

Website: www.bwdarchaeology.com

This stream channel between Portales and Clovis is home to a major archaeological site discovered in 1929. Previously unknown stone spear points, and an entire 13,500 year-old Paleo-Indian culture associated with those points, were discovered at this sight.

Today, the weapons and the culture are both known as Clovis, the name of the town up the road from the sight. Literally pick up some heavy mammoth bones at the museum, then head to the excavation site to see more bones and stone tools insitu waiting to be studied and recorded.

Billy the Kid Museum & Grave

Where: The Museum is located at 1435 Sumner Ave. Fort Sumner, NM. See directions below for Billy the Kid’s grave.

Website:  www.billythekidmuseumfortsumner.com

The Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner is a New Mexico road trip classic! See Billy the Kid’s rifle along with a few relics from the home where he was shot and killed. The Billy the Kid Museum also showcases regional history, old tools, household goods and even several vintage automobiles.

The grave of Billy the Kid is in a small, nondescript walled “cemetery” just off a very peaceful county road. You certainly won’t miss the giant protective steel cage housing his tombstone. Pay your respects to this largely misunderstood American legend.

Billy the Kid’s Grave: Take US Highway 60/84 east from Fort Sumner to Billy the Kid Road, then turn right. Continue straight on this road for  to Old Fort Sumner Cemetery. Alternatively, go east from Fort Sumner on US 60/84 to NM Route 272 and turn right; follow this to the cemetery.

Mogollon Ghost Town

Where:  NM Route 159, just off US Highway 180 in Gila National Forest.

This historic New Mexico ghost town oddly features a restaurant open (occasionally) at weekends. The remote, paved road to Mogollon Ghost Town offers an exciting and very scenic drive and you may have this abandoned metropolis to yourself during the week.

Explore some rusted mining equipment and a seasonal museum, or just enjoy this beautifully situated ghost town in the hills of Gila National Forest. The mining heyday of Mogollon is long gone but this historic site makes for a great modern-day road trip in New Mexico.

Rio Puerco Bridge

Where: North side of Interstate 40, Exit 140. Rio Puerco Bridge is approximately 15 miles west of Albuquerque.

Website:  www.nps.gov/travel/route66/rio_puerco

Take a walk across the Rio Puerco Bridge and step back in time for a bit. This retired bridge was part of Route 66, which is still visible alongside the interstate which was built to replace it. The Mother Road  carries on for a hundred feet either end of the bridge before fading into the sand…

The Rio Puerco Bridge isn’t one of the most well-known New Mexico Route 66 attractions, however this site is definitely worth a stop. If you get hungry during your road trip check out Laguna Burger next to the bridge and sample one of the best green chile cheeseburgers in the entire state!

A Few Tasty Destinations for Your New Mexico Road Trip

It’s all about red and green chile in New Mexico. Keep these places in mind when you need a fill-up during your road trip.

A Road Trip to Hatch for a Green Chile Cheeseburger

Where: Hatch is located off Interstate 25, approximately 40 miles north of Las Cruces.

The name of the game in Hatch is red and green chile – this town is ground-zero for the crop that makes New Mexico famous. Try a green chile cheeseburger at Sparky’s and see why this pepper is an addictive addition to any aliment. Red and green chile is about flavor rather than heat.

 Hungry for More Green Chile Cheeseburgers and More of New Mexico?

• Taste our favorite green chile cheeseburgers in Albuquerque and see plenty of free sites and sights while you’re there.
• Keep the road trip going and seek out even more things to do in New Mexico right now.

Will your New Mexico road trip itinerary bring you here for the Hatch Chile Festival during the Labor Day weekend? If so, celebrate this humble crop and enjoy the fun (and the smell of roasting chile) that fills the air! The Hatch Chile Festival certainly makes for a classic New Mexico road trip.

Chef Bernie’s in Farmington, New Mexico

Where: 910 W. Main St. Farmington, NM.

Website: Visit Chef Bernie’s on Facebook

Road Trips in New Mexico make you hungry and Chef Bernie awaits. After visiting Four Corners Monument (above) head east to Farmington for tasty and filling food at Chef Bernie’s. Breakfasts and lunches here set you back 5 or 6 bucks with change to spare for the table-side jukeboxes!

This is a no-frills diner serving basic food to hungry locals ordering anything and everything smothered in green chile – follow their lead. Get here for Chef Bernie’s famous cafeteria-style meals, or just grab a booth or a seat at the counter in the diner. Don’t forget those jukeboxes!

In Conclusion…

From classic Route 66 road trips to New Mexico weekend getaways, there’s something for everyone in the Land of Enchantment! Again, I encourage you to simply grab a map and head off in any direction to find your next road trip adventure.

If you really have time on your side I strongly recommend seeking out more New Mexico Route 66 attractions aside from Tucumcari and the Rio Puerco Bridge. You’ll find plenty to explore in New Mexico on just about any road you wander down!

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Four Perfect Days in Northern New Mexico

Build the coolest itinerary for a long weekend in new mexico.

We brought ten of the coolest people from the worlds of art, food, wellness, and culture to the Land of Enchantment and dropped them together on a road trip from Albuquerque to Taos. Along the way, they planned stops at some of New Mexico's hidden treasures, can't-miss spots, and all the places in between that'll make you feel centered, inspired, and rejuvenated.

Watch their journeys unfold below and copy their bohemian itinerary for yourself so that you don't miss a minute of the magic on your trip through Northern New Mexico.

New Mexico Virtual Experiences

Explore the wonders of New Mexico from home

Art & Design

Meet our roadtrippers.

Touch down at the Albuquerque International Sunport and check into the one-of-a-kind Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm . Take in 25 acres of lavender fields, gardens, and artwork from New Mexico’s most notable artists before making your way to a private lavender sachet-making class. Enjoy artisan hand-crafted cocktails and a true farm-to-fork dinner featuring seasonal ingredients from the property’s organic farm at CAMPO . Don't leave without visiting the on-site Farm Shop: a fantastic destination for Los Poblanos' iconic lavender products, as well as handmade jewelry and salts, snacks, and other seasonings created from this historic property.

BOOK YOUR ROOM

Begin your trek north toward Santa Fe. Indulge in your choice of rejuvenating experiential activities at Sunrise Springs . Hold and pet Silkie chickens and sit in on a variety of classes that will inspire your senses and expand your mind, like art tutorials and cooking demonstrations. Round out the morning by immersing yourself in the raw beauty of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum . Browse works from O'Keeffe ranging from her earliest work as an artist to her most recognizable paintings, many of which were inspired by her years living in Northern New Mexico. 

From traditional art to the hyper-modern: Expand your mind at one of the most talked about art exhibits in the world, Meow Wolf House of Eternal Return . This fully interactive immersive installation takes visitors through a psychedelic multidimensional fun house while inviting them to explore clues and unravel a hidden story while they play. Afterward, fill your belly at the inimitable  Cafe Pasqual's , grab cocktails at La Reina , a trendy tequila bar, and get some shut-eye at the Hotel Santa Fe , native-owned by the Picuris Pueblo.

PLAY WITH THE PUPPIES

Sleep in and enjoy a lazy morning before heading out shopping on the historic Santa Fe Plaza . Here, you will find a wide array of boutique shops and the Palace of the Governors portal, where top artisans from local pueblos and tribes offer one-of-a-kind handcrafted treasures. You can spend your a.m. hours shopping at only-found-here places like Shiprock Santa Fe , Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery , and Santa Fe Vintage Outpost . Continue your journey north, and relax with a private soak at Ojo Caliente . For many generations, the Native pueblos have sworn to the healing powers of these hot springs, the only location in the world with four different types of sulfur-free pools.

Continue your scenic back-road journey north and check in to Hotel Luna Mystica , a chic hotel on the Taos mesa that allows you to stay in vintage trailers from the 50s & 60s. Dine at Medley and relish in the innovative takes on familiar classics. Find the perfect pairing with the help of the in-house sommelier before browsing the wine shop for the ideal bottle to take back to the trailer.

Sip the house microbrews and get your fill of live music at the Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership next door. The brewery features both an indoor stage and spectacular outdoor amphitheater, and draws regional and national music acts year-round.

Reserve Your Trailer

Hop aboard the Hotel Luna Mystica’s Wonderbus for a tour of the local hotspots in and around Taos. Don’t miss the incredible Rio Grande Gorge Bridge , spanning 650 feet above the Rio Grande. Just on the other side of the bridge from Hotel Luna Mystica is the Greater World Earthship Community : a collection of self-sustaining homes made from earth and recycled materials. Not only are they green and off-the-grid, but these homes are architected with incredible style that blends them beautifully into the dramatic landscape of the Taos mesa. Back in town, nibble your way through a couple small plates at Parcht while sampling the expertly curated offerings on their wine list. Reminisce on all the great memories you have made before departing back home and planning your next New Mexico adventure!

Browse the Bottles

Your Ultimate Guide To Summer Fun In New Mexico

W hen considering your summer travel plans this year, I suggest that you make a trip to The Land of Enchantment. With its vibrant Native American-influenced culture and the diverse Desert Southwest landscape to explore, you’ll find no shortage of options for adventure. To make your travel plans a breeze, check out this comprehensive guide to the best things to do in New Mexico in Summer .

Best Summer Vacation Destinations In New Mexico

Best lakes to visit in new mexico this summer, parks to visit in new mexico this summer, best free summer activities, best summer events and festivals in new mexico.

There are so many beautiful and exciting places to visit in New Mexico that you’ll find it hard to go wrong when planning your summer travels. However, based on my own travel experiences, I find that the locations below are some of the best summer vacation destinations in New Mexico .

1. Santa Fe

• Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Popularity: Very Popular
• Need To Know: Very family-friendly but can be crowded during the weekends in the summertime. Be sure to plan ahead with any reservations for special events or experiences

Santa Fe is a truly eclectic and vibrant town that is always bustling with activity and excitement. As New Mexico's capital city, you'll see why Santa Fe makes for one of the most popular and beloved summer vacation destinations in the state. Found on the foothills of the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo mountains, Santa Fe boasts a charming downtown where the streets are lined with classic Pueblo-style adobe boutiques, art galleries, business, and restaurants of all varieties. You'll have easy access to plenty of hiking trails, rafting, fishing, horseback riding, and many more outdoor recreation activities. Additionally, the artsy town of Taos is about an hour and a half away and makes for an exciting day trip if you have the time to spare.

2. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

• Location: Carlsbad, New Mexico
• Need To Know: Entrance fees are $15 per person and reservations are REQUIRED and must be made in advance. They are $1 per person. There are elevators and some wheelchair-accessible portions of the caverns. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee depending on the tour. Pets are NOT permitted, but Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company offers a kennel service for $15 per day

In southern New Mexico, there is a small, unassuming town called Carlsbad that you might not think much about when passing through. However, about 20 miles outside of town lies one of the most awe-inspiring underground cave systems in the entire country. This labyrinth of 119 caves and caverns was formed when sulfuric acid dissolved these limestone formations into stalactites and stalagmites stretching from the ground to the ceiling, and carving out massive tunnel systems that visitors can wander through. Having walked through these caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park myself, I can assure you that you'll never experience anything else like it. Some areas of the caverns are so dark, you can't even see your own hand in front of your face! In addition to the caves, there are many other natural wonders to explore in the area. The Chihuahuan Desert offers endless desert flora and fauna, along with beautiful canyons and high ancient sea ledges galore. The nearby Sitting Bull Falls is a hidden oasis well worth visiting during the summer months. The town itself, despite being on the smaller side, offers plenty of lodging and dining options as well.

• Location: Taos, New Mexico
• Need To Know: The Taos Pueblo charges $25 per adult, $22 per senior and student, and children ages 10 and under are free. Hours of operation are Sunday through Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Any professional or commercial photography requires advance permission and permit. Do not photograph the Native American inhabitants without permission

The colorful community of Taos , New Mexico has been drawing visitors for decades due to its stunning mountain scenery, a thriving Native American art and cultural scene, and beautiful adobe homes and businesses. The Taos Pueblo is the main attraction that travelers come to visit as it offers a true, rare glimpse into the Native American way of life. The pueblo buildings are beautifully preserved and the San Geronimo Chapel is absolutely stunning. The town of Taos itself offers endless Native American-themed art galleries, museums, and boutique shops that you can peruse to your heart's content. There's no better place to fall in love with the Desert Southwest than in the town of Taos.

During those hot summer days in the Desert Southwest, you may find yourself hankering for a nearby body of water to cool off in. Due to its arid climate, New Mexico doesn’t have a lot of bodies of water to choose from. However, you’ll find a selection of the best lakes in New Mexico that are worth visiting, and they are quite beautiful to boot.

4. Heron Lake State Park

• Location: Los Ojos, New Mexico 87551
• Need To Know: There is no fee to access the state park or its waters, but campgrounds start at $8 per night for primitive sites, developed sites are $10 per night, and electric hook-up sites are $14 per night. New Mexico fishing licenses are required in order to fish

Heron Lake State Park is a picturesque locale in northern New Mexico that is popular for camping, hiking, boating, excellent fishing, and a wide range of summer events and activities. The lake itself is designated as a "quiet lake", meaning boats can only be operated at no-wake speeds. This helps create a more tranquil experience for others who recreate on and around the lake. Rio Chama and Heron Lake, along with the pine tree forests and gentle hills, all create truly panoramic views. If you're looking for the perfect out-in-nature getaway for the whole family, you'll fall in love with Heron Lake State Park.

5. Abiquiu Lake

• Location: Abiquiu, New Mexico
• Popularity: Popular
• Need To Know: Day-use fees are $5 per vehicle. Primitive campsites at Riana Campground are $10 per night, trailer-accessible sites are $15 per night, and fully electric sites are $20 per night

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more stunning and accessible lake in New Mexico than Abiquiu Lake . These crystal-clear waters are perfect for fishing, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, and swimming during the warm summer months. Rianna Camground offers campsites of all varieties so that you and your family can soak in the sights and sounds of nature at this serene lake. It's so naturally beautiful that you'd never guess the lake itself is man-made, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the best lakes in the state. If you're looking for a less-crowded camping option for the family, you'll be right at home in the peace and quiet found at Abiquiu Lake.

6. Lake Katherine

• Location: Tererro, New Mexico
• Popularity: Hidden Gem
• Need To Know: The hike to reach this lake is very long and challenging. Come prepared with proper clothing and gear. No backcountry permit is required, but dogs must be leashed

Lake Katherine is a pristine alpine lake located in northern New Mexico in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and while it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the state, it is also one of the most difficult to access. You'll be faced with surmounting a steep and challenging 14-mile trail to reach it, but it is well worth the trek for the end destination. Given the length and difficulty of this hike, I recommend that you split the journey over a couple of days so that you don't have to rush your time at the lake. You'll want to leave plenty of opportunity to soak in the natural beauty and serenity of your surroundings. So just be sure to come prepared with sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of spare clothing, food, and water, and don't forget bear mace just in case. Don't attempt this hike unless you are in good physical shape and have experience navigating the backcountry wilderness. Check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List for the 75 hiking essentials you'll want to consider, especially for a longer hike such as this one.

It is no secret that the Lane of Enchantment offers some of the most uniquely picturesque parks in the country. Whether you’re searching for remote wilderness to truly disconnect from the stressors of everyday life or a peaceful respite within reaches of civilization, you’ll find plenty of both across the state. Below are some of the best parks in New Mexico that you should add to your summer travel itinerary.

7. White Sands National Monument

• Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico
• Need To Know: Entrance fees for the park are $25 per vehicle. August 4th is a Free Entrance Day if you'd prefer to avoid the fees, but just be aware that you'll have to contend with extra crowds. Pets are allowed but must be leashed

If you've never visited the majestic White Sands National Monument in south-central New Mexico, you are in for a very special treat. These ethereal white sand dunes stretch endlessly for miles in all directions after you enter the park, and you'll feel transported to another planet. I highly recommend that you hike into the dunes away from the crowds so that you can see views like this of the untouched white dunes. But do be sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and food, because hiking the dunes is quite a feat in itself if you plan to travel far. But you also can enjoy plenty of beauty without even setting foot on the dunes; in fact, there are several accessible trails and boardwalks if you have limited mobility or time limitations. There's plenty for everyone to enjoy in the park. For an extra touch of excitement, rent a sandboard or sled and sled the dunes! Photographers, you'll find endless opportunities to capture unique perspectives over the dunes, especially during sunrise and sunset when the white dunes are bathed in golden light. You'll find it well worth the visit to White Sands National Monument.

This in-depth video shows you all the beauty and allure of White Sands National Monument.

8. Gila Wilderness

• Location: Silver City, New Mexico
• Need To Know: No permits are required to access Gila Wilderness unless you plan to fish, in which case you'll need a New Mexico fishing license, as well as a A Gila Trout Fishing Permit if you plan to fish Black Canyon, Gilita Creek, Mineral Creek, Mogollon Creek, Sapillo Creek, West Fork Gila River (headwaters to East Fork confluence), Whitewater Creek, or Willow Creek (including tributaries), which can be purchased for free by visiting the New Mexico Game & Fish website

You've never known wilderness until you've explored the vast and remote Gila Wilderness. Found in the southwestern reaches of New Mexico, the Gila Wilderness is the first designated wilderness area in the world. It spans an impressive 560,000 acres within the 3.3 million-acre Gila National Forest, and as of June 3rd, 2024, the wilderness turns 100 years old. And when we say wilderness, we truly mean it: there are no roads that lead through this area. You can only explore it on foot or horseback so that its rugged and pristine beauty can be preserved. When you lay your eyes on this unbelievable landscape, you'll understand why its preservation is so important. We recommend you stay and camp for a few days to leave plenty of time to explore during the day and enjoy the dark, starry skies at night. And as with all activities in nature, be sure to take your trash and gear with you when you leave.

9. Bandelier National Monument

• Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico
• Need To Know: Entrance fees are $25 per vehicle. Campsites range from $10 to $50 per night depending on the campground, the type of site, and the number of people in your group. Pets are not permitted on the trails or in facilities, but are allowed in Juniper Family Campground, the main parking lot, and Cottonwood Picnic Area, but they must be leashed

Bandelier National Monument is a unique historic site dating back 10,000 years and spanning over 33,000 acres. The Ancestral Pueblo people who first inhabited this beautiful area carved their homes out of the volcanic tuff landscape and weathered the elements well until a severe drought eventually forced them to relocate. However, their homes and local geology has been protected and preserved beautifully, providing visitors a glimpse into the distance past. The geology of the region is fascinating as well when you consider that the canyons and cliffs were formed by explosive volcanic eruptions over a million years ago.

Making the most of your summertime does not have to break the bank. There are plenty of ways to explore and enjoy nature’s beauty and recreational activities in New Mexico while putting minimal strain on your bank account. Check out the following list of some of the best free summer activities in New Mexico that you and the whole family will love.

10. Williams Lake Trail

• Location: Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
• Need To Know: Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be leashed

By far, one of the best free summer activities in New Mexico is hiking. What better way to explore the natural beauty found in the Land of Enchantment? There are hundreds of picturesque hiking trails scattered across the state, but Williams Lake Trail is by far one of the most visually stunning. But I'll forewarn you that it's also one of the more challenging trails. It can be completed in about 6 hours and climbs nearly 3,000 feet in elevation. You'll witness beautiful views like this one of Williams Lake on your way to Wheeler Peak (should you desire to complete that extra leg of the journey), along with plenty of wildflowers and wildlife. Well-conditioned, experienced hikers are sure to love this trail and the awe-inspiring views it provides.

11. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

• Need To Know: Admission is free, but donations are welcome. The church is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Saturdays from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is a can't miss historic and cultural landmark located in the heart of the Santa Fe Plaza. This unique cathedral takes a page out of the Romaneque Revival architectural style and is an integral piece of history for the town of Santa Fe. Find reverance and inspiration from the painstakingly designed stained-glass windows that allow soft light to filter into the beautiful church and create a truly ethereal atmosphere. There is no cost to enter the church, but they do welcome donations.

12. Canyon Road

• Need To Know: Bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen for those hot summer days, as there isn't much in the way of shade along this road. There is no cost to peruse the shops and businesses along this road, but you may want to bring spending money for shopping for souvenirs at the boutique shops

Canyon Road is an outdoor gallery unlike any other, and it's found right in the vibrant city of Santa Fe. If you're wanting to truly immerse yourself into the art and culture of the American Southwest, you'll find it here with over 100 businesses, galleries, and restaurants along a half-mile road in Santa Fe's Historic District. This stretch of road is dedicatd to bringing the region's hand-crafted works of art, collectibles, handmade jewelry, and more, much of which is authentically Native American-made. I highly recommend purchasing authentic Native American and local collectives or souvenirs to give back to the people who bring life and culture to this region. Stop at one of the many local restaurants for some authentic Mexican cuisine to satiate your appetive and cool off after your time in the sun.

If you’d like to time your visit to New Mexico with one of the state’s many exciting summer festivals or events, you’re in luck! There are quite a few events that are unique to the region that you simply cannot find anywhere else. Below are a few of the best summer events in New Mexico that are well worth experiencing.

13. Route 66 Summerfest

• Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Need To Know: There is no cost to attend this festival, aside from any food, merchandise, souvenir, or additional experience purchases

If you've never been to the Route 66 Summerfest in Albuquerque, prepare to be transported into a world of eclectic music, vibrant art culture, delicious food, and plenty of fun for kids and adults alike. Be sure to check out the Old Route 66 Car Show, or try your hand at the 25-foot climbing wall or inflatable obstacle course. Countless vendors offer a variety of delicious local delicacies to whet your appetite, and don't forget to let your kids get their faces painted! This popular annual festival will take place on July 20, 2024 and promises endless fun and entertainment for the whole family.

14. Hatch Chile Festival New Mexico

• Location: Hatch, New Mexico
• Need To Know: The festival is free to attend, but the event parking generally costs about $10

The Hatch Chile Festival is a lively and exciting festival celebrating arguably the most famous staple of New Mexico cuisine: Hatch Chile! Head on down during Labor Day Weekend to enjoy a variety of activities at this popular festival that draws over 30,000 visitors every year. Not only will you have the opportunity to sample from a wide variety of locally grown chiles (proceed with caution, as they can be quite spicy!), but there are many vendors offering other freshly-prepared foods, souvenirs, and various contests, but there is also a parade, live music, and much more. So make your way down to the Hatch Chile Capital of the World and enjoy a little spice in your life!

Check out the video below for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Hatch Chile Festival!

15. Balloons Over Angel Fire

• Location: Angel Fire, New Mexico
• Need To Know: There is no cost to attend the festival, but you may want to bring spending money for food, beverages, souvenirs, and experiences

Balloons Over Angel Fire is an annual festival that occurs each June and features dozens of hot air balloons ascending to the sky. In addition to the hot air balloon launches, which are a treat in and of themselves, there is also the Angel Fire Farmer's Market at Frontier Park, Mimosas on Mainstreet, several live music performances, the Kite and Glider Festival at the Soccer Complex, and plenty of food and drink options to enjoy. The festival runs from June 14th through the 16th in 2024, so if you missed out this year, be sure to add it to your calendar for next year, because it's a can't-miss event.

Which of these destinations or events are you most excited to add to your travel bucket list? Have you experienced any of these best things to do in the summer in New Mexico , and if so, what did you love about them? We welcome your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

If you are one to enjoy water parks as a way of cooling off during the heat of summer, check out these 3 amazing water parks in New Mexico that offer a truly legendary and wild experience for all ages.

The post Your Ultimate Guide To Summer Fun In New Mexico appeared first on Only In Your State ® .

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Southern New Mexico Road Trip With Kids -Family-Friendly Off The Beaten Path Itinerary

Southern New Mexico Road Trip With Kids

Before our first visit to New Mexico, we thought the state’s nickname – The Land Of Enchantment – was simply a figure of speech. However, by the end of our very first day in the state, we were thoroughly convinced that the nickname was actually a gross understatement.

@forsomethingmore Replying to @punker76 I genuinely love southern NM. It is so beautiful and has so much to offer. It’s okay if you think it’s crap, we’ve loved every minute of our time there. Happy Holidays! #southernnm #newmexico #newmexicotrue #newmexicohype #southwest #southwestroadtrip #usa_tiktok #traveltiktok ♬ original sound – 💔

So, if you choose to embark on a Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, or even without, we’re confident you’ll experience countless unforgettable landscapes and unique geological sites, cultural riches, and culinary delights (from affordable and classic hole-in-the-wall eateries that have stood the test of time) in this highly underrated part of the American Southwest.

Below is our ultimate Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary. Our proposed route is a counterclockwise loop that starts and ends in Las Cruces, so if you’re flying to New Mexico, you can book a round-trip flight into and out of the Las Cruces International Airport (LRU).

Table of Contents

Who This Road Trip Itinerary Is For

We’ve created this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary with outdoorsy, active, and thrifty families in mind. So, many of the accommodations we mention are the super affordable New Mexico State Park campgrounds, RV parks, or free campsites in the beautiful outdoors!

Many of the things to do are ones that require you to move your body a bit. However, if you’re not as eager to commune with nature as we are, there too are countless hotels, motels, AirBnBs, etc. in all of the places we cover, so don’t fret if you’re not the camping or RVing type. And don’t worry, not everything we recommend will make you get your sweat on.

Also, if you’re in love with New Mexico and wish to move here, explore career opportunities in New Mexico and start a new life chapter.

How Long Will The Itinerary Take?

If you want to experience all we’ve listed below, and do so without too much dawdling or relaxing, it’ll likely take you 3-4 weeks. However, below we don’t provide recommended times for any of the destinations, as we firmly believe that you ought to experience any or all of these things at a pace and to an extent that you find comfortable and satisfying.

When Is The Best Time To Do This Road Trip?

The answer to this question depends on what type of weather you prefer. We don’t care for scorching heat, so we completed this road trip in the cooler months (November and December). However, if you don’t like the cold, or rather we should say the mild cold of Southern New Mexico, it’ll be best for you to avoid the winter months.

Below are some annual weather data for Las Cruces, and if you head to timeanddate.com you can explore other locations on your own. To navigate to the type of chart you see below, after you’ve typed in the city of your choice, click on the Climate (Averages) tab.

Customize To Your Heart’s Content

If you’re not keen to follow our proposed route below, no sweat. More broadly, our itinerary is a menu of options for what Southern New Mexico has to offer. And, since we’ve long ago learned the Aristotelian-inspired adage of “the more we experience, the more we know we haven’t experienced,” if you’ve embarked on a Southern New Mexico road trip with kids (or without), and you think there are items we ought to add to our itinerary, please leave us a comment below , and thank you in advance for your suggestions!

Our Road Trip Map

If you’d like to see geographically all the experiences we’ve included in our Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, you can scroll down to the bottom of this post , and you’ll find everything neatly on a Google Map.

Please Remember Safety First

Most of the things to do in this itinerary in some way shape or form require you to move your body in the great outdoors of Southern New Mexico. If you’ve never been to a desert environment, the most simple way to put it is, the environment is just about as dangerous as it is beautiful.

The best way to stay safe along this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids is to do a bit of reading/learning before you head to each site to generally know what to look out for.

The following list is NOT exhaustive in terms of what you should consider in order to stay safe out in the desert, but it’s a pretty good start. Combine this list with your own research of each site’s unique safety considerations, and you and your family will be able to have a safe, fun, and memorable road trip.

Medical Kits and Protection 

When planning a trip with children, it’s essential to have medical kits with specific items catering to their needs. For example, protective  face masks designed for children  offer effective protection against dust, smog, pollutants, and pathogens. Equipping your little ones with these masks not only prevents health issues but also shields them from desert winds and sand, enhancing their comfort and security during the trip.

It might seem like a no-brainer, but we highly suggest you check the local weather report before setting out for the various adventure we include in this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids. This is one of the easiest ways to make sure you’ll be prepared and thus have a safe and fun time!

Dehydration

This one is simple. Drink ample water, and maybe even bring a bit more than you think you need. We never regret carrying a bit more water than we need, and we ALWAYS regret bringing too little. Also, if you’re going to be RVing on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, consider buying a water filter , and that way you’ll be sure you’re drinking safe, clean, and tasty water the entire time.

The best way to prevent sunburn is to wear long clothing. If you’re not willing to cover up with clothes, at least apply suncream, and reapply it throughout the day. Remember to wear sunglasses too.

Cacti/Prickly Things

We constantly stay VERY close to our two sons when we’re in the desert so that if they trip or stumble we might have a chance to grab them before they fall onto a cactus or something else prickly. The last thing we want is for them to get stuck by any one of the countless cacti that are endemic to Southern New Mexico.

@forsomethingmore We love the desert! BUT, I would be lying if I said i’m completely comfortable in the desert with the kids. The more you do something though, the better it gets. One tip for hiking in the desert: Bring an Ace comb. It gets those chollos out very well! Also, always teach your kids what to be aware of in the desert. Shockingly, they have only gotten spines in them once. 🩹 What do you think about hiking in the desert with kids? #deserthiking #hikingwithtoddlers #arizonahiking #hikearizona #organpipecactus ♬ original sound – Britts Fits | Small Biz

TIP : A simple ACE Pocket Comb is one of the best tools for removing large prickers. For the small ones, we recommend a pair of precision tweezers . As far as it’s possible, don’t try to remove the prickers with your fingers, as they’ll likely come out of the first person and right into your fingers!

Snakes/Scorpions/Venomous Other Things

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The ShySkis | Family Travel (@forsomethingmore)

There is a lot that goes into snake safety , however, the general rules we follow are:

• Never approach a snake.
• Move slowly, and always look where you’re stepping.
• Don’t put any part of your body under/in a spot where you can’t see what’s there. For example, don’t put your foot under a bush (snakes like to hang out in bushes), don’t walk through tall grass, and don’t stick your fingers in any holes, etc. as snakes often live in those holes.
• Step on rocks/logs, NOT over them. Often snakes like to hike under these items, so stepping over them is riskier.
• If you leave your shoes out at night, carefully shake them out in the morning.
• Don’t touch snakes AT ALL. Even once they’re dead, they can still inject venom.
• If you hear a rattler/snake, stay still. Once you know where it is, SLOWLY back away.

And, in the unfortunate event that you do get bit by a snake or other venomous critter:

• Try not to move.
• Wash the bite with soap/water.
• Take off jewelry, etc. that might restrict swelling.
• Immobilize the affected area.
• If possible, keep the bite below the heart.
• Transport the victim to the nearest medical facility ASAP.
• If you can safely ID the snake/critter, do so.

Mountain Lions

The basic idea behind mountain lion safety is:

• Never adventure alone. If you’re hiking with kids, keep them close to you, and better yet, put one adult at the front of the hiking group, put the kids in the middle, and put another adult at the back.

If you do encounter a mountain lion, the basic idea is:

• DO NOT APPROACH a mountain lion
• Convince it that you are NOT prey and that you might be dangerous
• Do all you can do to appear large, i.e. raise your arms, hiking poles, branches, etc. over your head, fan out your jacket, etc.
• DO NOT RUN, as this may stimulate their chasing instinct.

If you are attacked by a mountain lion:

• Fight back with whatever you have.
• Protect your neck, as this is what they usually attack.
• Try to remain standing, as this will keep your neck farthest from the animal.

Getting Lost

Last but certainly not least, many of the things to do on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary will take you off-grid and far beyond reliable phone service.

We recommend you always have a good reliable map with you, and that it be usable even when you have no phone service. We almost exclusively use GuruMaps for offline navigation for this purpose, and we HIGHLY recommend you do too.

Safety Gear

We know that this section on safety isn’t the most pleasant, but we feel it’s better to go over it here so that you’ll be best equipped to have a safe Southern New Mexico road trip experience.

Last but not least, aside from our day hiking gear when we’re in bear country and even moose and mountain lion country, we carry bear spray . There is a bit of debate on the efficacy of bear spray , so we suggest you do your own research and decide if carrying a can or two is right for you.

Here’s Our Itinerary

And now, without further ado…Here’s our Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary!

With a population of just over 100,000 spread over about 77 square miles, Las Cruces certainly isn’t too densely populated or bustling (just for reference sake Manhatten, NY has 1.6 million people cramped into just about 23 square miles), but it is indeed the second largest city in New Mexico.

Starting your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids in Las Cruces means that right at your fingertips you’ll have access to both the great outdoors as well as the perks that come with being in a sprawling yet relaxed city.

Things To Do In Las Cruces

Organ mountains-desert peaks national monument .

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument includes the Organ Mountains, the Desert Peaks, the Potrillo Mountains, and the Doña Ana Mountains. We only checked out the Organ Mountains, so suffice it to say, we’re eager to come back to this spectacular spot.

Dripping Springs Natural Area

The Dripping Springs Natural Area is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) parcel on the western side of the majestic Organ Mountains and is a mere 10 miles east of Las Cruces. It’s ripe for some easy and family-friendly hiking, wildlife viewing, and more broadly a quick and spectacular escape into nature just minutes away from downtown Las Cruces. We definitely think Dripping Springs deserves a spot on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary.

Also, there are a number of free campsites along one of the roads that lead to the Dripping Springs Natural Area, so if you’re keen on some camping, you’ll be in luck!

Pine Tree Loop Trail

The 4.1 mi (6.6 km) Pine Tree loop trail is an intermediate/advanced route, but it’s one of our favorite hikes in our entire Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary.

Tucked just about as close up to the Organ Mountains as you can get (without having to do any rock climbing), this trail takes you up close and personal with the Needles, the most iconic peaks in the Organ Mountains.

If you and your family are new to hiking, maybe skip this one, but if you’re semi-experienced and/or are up for a bit of a challenge, hike on. We also suggest you look at our day hike packing guide to see the gear we bring to ensure we have fun, safe, and memorable family hikes!

The Pine Tree Loop trailhead is located within the Aguirre Springs Campground , a scenic and affordable place to stay on the very far outskirts of Las Cruces.

Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater National Natural Landmark

The Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater is estimated to be between 24,000 and 100,000 years old and is a rockhound’s paradise!

The distinctive minerals in this area are the result of the volcanic explosion that formed the crater, and while many of the minerals in and around the crater are merely dull brown or black on the outside, inside they are commonly comprised of shimmering green/olive and yellow glass-like granules.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument

If you’re looking for an easy and family-friendly hike that also is rich in natural history, you’ll definitely want to check out Prehistoric Trackways National Monument .

Located in the Robledo Mountains, the monument is chock full of fossilized footprints from many creatures that were alive before the dinosaurs. That means the tracks you’ll get to check out are approximately 280 million years old! Who wouldn’t want to check this out on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids?

We hiked the Ridgeline Trail to the Discovery Trail , and it was a very family-friendly route the entire way.

Slot Canyon Hike

This slot canyon hike is an off-the-beaten-path gem of Las Cruces. What we found unique about this slot canyon, as compared to others we’ve hiked throughout the southwest, is that you’ll be able to hike up and out of the slot and onto the plateau behind it. On most others we’ve hiked, the slot eventually narrows to the point that it’s impassable.

The trailhead is more or less unmarked. Look for the gate and the part where you can duck around it. Then, you’ll essentially follow the trail south and then southwest. The trail isn’t marked, although there are some cairns, so if you’re not comfortable finding the trail on your own, maybe save this one until your orienteering skills are a bit more up to snuff.

Last but not least, we suggest you do NOT attempt to hike this slot canyon if there has been recent rain or if any is forecasted. While it didn’t flood while we were there, it’s almost undoubtedly prone to flash floods during rain events.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park

Believe it or not, in the dry desert environment of southern New Mexico, in the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park , you can actually hike through some wetlands! The water here also makes the park a fantastic spot for birding.

The gentle nature trails here and the extremely kid-friendly visitor center (there were many things the kids were able to touch and do) made Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park a perfect morning adventure for all of us.

Las Cruces Farmers And Crafts Market

Over the course of our travels, we’ve been to a number of farmers and crafts markets, and usually, they’re nice, but nothing to write home about.

The Las Cruces Farmers And Crafts Market IS one that we think is worth writing home about. Put more simply, we’re certain it’s one of the best, if not the best , we’ve ever been to. If you’re into this type of thing, you won’t want to miss this market on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

The market spans 7 city blocks and has vendors selling a wide variety of foods, produce, and crafts most of which are right from the local community. It usually happens on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 AM until noon in Downtown Las Cruces on Main St., starting from Bowman Ave all the way up to the Main St. Roundabout, but check the website for the most up-to-date details.

Where To Stay In Las Cruces

Again, as the second largest city in New Mexico, there are plenty of places to stay in Las Cruces . The following two are the ones we recommend.

Hacienda RV Resort

If you’re RVing on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, the Hacienda RV Resort is a clean, well-maintained, and centrally located RV park in the area. They have a hot tub too that was piping hot, but they strictly enforce their policy that you must be 21+ to go in it.

Baylor Canyon Road – Free Camping/Boondocking

Another option for staying in the Las Cruces area, with or without an RV, is camping over on the eastern side of Baylor Canyon Road .

Generally speaking, it’s free to camp on public lands (BLM land and National Forests mostly) for 14 days, sometimes more, and that goes for both tent camping or even parking your RV. As an aside, the term “boondocking” means parking your RV somewhere off-grid.

What’s most appealing about this spot, aside from its price (again, it’s free!) is that it’s set right at the foot of the Organ Mountains, so the aesthetic of this area can’t be beaten! Also, it’s right next to the Dripping Springs Natural Area , so if you do camp here, you could easily be the first one into that area on any given day!

Aguirre Springs Campground

If being right at the foot of the Organ Mountains isn’t immersive enough for you, at the Aguirre Springs Campground, you can camp in the Organ Mountains themselves.

Usually, you’d have to hike to the type of spot the campground is set in, but in this case, you can drive right up, and the views from this campsite are SPECTACULAR let alone those you get from the Pine Tree Loop Trail which leaves right from the campground.

NOTE : If you are RVing here, and if your trailer is longer than 23 feet, the BLM does NOT recommend you attempt to tow up here. Their reason is two-fold. First, the road getting up there has narrow and sharp curves, and even more so, the campsites up there (except for two) are VERY small.

As a matter of fact, we were able to tow our 28-foot travel trailer up there, and we were lucky enough to get a spot big enough for our rig.

If you’re coming here at peak season and/or you have a trailer that is pushing the recommended size limits, we HIGHLY recommend you unhitch your rig at the bottom of the road, drive up, see if there are spaces available that will work for you (all are first come first served), and then make a decision from there.

An Old Classic Las Cruces Eatery

Day’s hamburgers.

Day’s Hamburgers has been serving Las Cruces since 1932, so when we found this hole-in-the-wall eatery, we knew it must be good.

Upon the first bite of our burgers, our suspicions were confirmed. Be warned, however, the prices here are VERY affordable, and the burgers are massive, so if you’re prone to overeating, take a deep breath before you order.

For our family of four, with enough food to make our bellies ache a little bit, the total bill was about US$25. Not bad if you ask us. And, since it’s located right near the Farmers Market , if you didn’t find anything to feast on there, you almost certainly will here. On your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, make sure to stop here!

Alamogordo is a great jumping-off place for many spectacular sites in Southern New Mexico. From the blindingly white gypsum dunes at White Sand Dunes National Monument to the much lesser know Dog Canyon Trail in the Oliver Lee Memorial State park, and even to the highly engaging and family-friendly Space History Museum, Alamogordo definitely deserves a spot on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary.

Things To Do In Alamogordo

White sands national park.

Although not designated as a national park until 2019, the spectacular and undulating gypsum dunes have certainly been recognized as spectacular for a long time. In fact, in 1933 President Herbert Hoover designated the white sand dunes as a national monument, so suffice it to say, these dunes are an old classic and with good reason.

Whether you decide to hike through the dunes, take a scenic drive through the park, or even just bring a sled (yes, we mean a snow sled) and enjoy making laps up and down a single dune, you’ll definitely want to check out this spectacular and unique part of Southern New Mexico.

NOTE : If you are able to avoid a high-wind day when you visit White Sand Dunes National Park, you’ll likely have the best experience. However, if you’re not able to avoid a windy day, we recommend you bring some ski goggles , and maybe even a lightweight balaclava , and then get out there and have a blast!

Also, from time to time the park is closed because the nearby missile range is actively running missile tests. So, check the White Sand Dunes National Park website for the most current closure information.

Heart Of The Desert Pistachios And Wines

If you like pistachios, you’ll want to check out Heart of the Desert Pistachios And Wines . Set on over 300 acres, this farm is the largest and oldest pistachio farm in New Mexico.

Formerly known as “Eagle Ranch,” until Budweiser sued them for copyright infringement, this family-owned operation offers free tours daily (check their website for the most up-to-date tour info).

If you do decide to take the tour, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the entire pistachio farming process from how they grow on the trees all the way to how they make their delicious pistachio ice cream and the myriad other pistachio treats in their gift shop.

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park

We can’t highly enough recommend Oliver Lee Memorial State Park as both a place to camp (see below), and also a place to hike during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids experience. While there are only two established trails in Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, there is also ample space to bushwhack and take in the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Dog Canyon Trail

The most rugged of the two trails is the Dog Canyon Trail. By all measures, this is a challenging trail, even in the cooler months. It’s 10 miles (16 km) round trip, so pace yourself.

However…

The steep ascent right from the trailhead will almost immediately afford you spectacular views, so even if you just want to hike a bit of it, we highly recommend you do so.

Once the trail mellows out a bit in the middle section, the views are still stunning.

If you have the skill and the right day hiking gear , you’ll be able to make it all the way to the top of Dog Canyon.

Riparian Nature Trail

If you’re not keen on such an intense route, the riparian nature trail is too well worth checking out. Be careful here, however, as there is a good bit of poison ivy that grows along the small river that often flows through Dog Canyon year-round.

New Mexico Museum Of Space History

If your kids are as fascinated by outer space as ours are, you’ll definitely want to add the New Mexico Museum Of Space History to your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary.

Briefly, at the museum kids get to dress in kid-sized space suits, man the controls of a few simulators, look at and even climb on some old spacecraft, and play on a fun spaceship-themed playground.

Toy Train Depot

If your kids like trains, you’ll want to set aside some time to experience the Toy Train Depot . They’ll not only get to learn about how the railroads that now run through Alamogordo were integral to the city’s development, but they’ll also get to take a ride on a nearly mile-long mini-train that circles around the park.

Check Out Cloudcroft

New Mexico is a place of stark contrasts, and you’ll be able to experience one quite easily if you take a drive up to Cloudcroft. Starting down in Alamogordo, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the Southern New Mexico desert.

But…In a mere 25 miles (40 km), and about 4,500 ft (1,400 m) of elevation gain, you’ll be smack dab in the middle of a quaint mountain village and the Lincoln National Forest. Up in Cloudcroft, you’ll be surrounded by various conifers including Engelmann Spruce, Ponderosa Pine, Pinyon Pines, and Junipers.

The drive itself is worth it during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, and once you’re up in Cloudcroft there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and of course outdoor adventures that you can enjoy.

Where To Stay In Alamogordo 

You’ll have an abundance of places to stay in Alamogordo, New Mexico . So to help you cut through the chatter, the following two are ones we recommend.

Camping in Oliver Lee Memorial State Park

Camping/RVing at Oliver Lee is a no-brainer if you’re eager to be near all that Alamagordo has to offer, you’re a thrifty traveler, and you’re okay with having the breathtakingly-beautiful Dog Canyon right in your backyard.

At the time of writing, an electric site is $14/night and a non-electric site is $10/night, the typical standard for New Mexico state park campgrounds. There is potable water available as well as bathrooms and hot showers. What more could you want?

Dog Canyon Dispersed Campground (Right Outside Oliver Lee)

If you’re really looking for affordable accommodation on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids (or even without them), you can camp/boondock for free right outside Oliver Lee Memorial State Park at the Dog Canyon Dispersed Campground .

NOTE : The rangers at Oliver Lee are quite vigilant regarding folks stealing water from the spigot at the park’s entrance, so if you do choose to camp in Dog Canyon, make sure to bring all the water you’ll need.

An Old Classic Alamogordo Eatery

Hi-d-ho drive-in.

First opened in 1952, the Hi-D-Ho Drive-In has become a mainstay of the Alamogordo food scene. If you’re SUPER hungry, try their Tiger Burger, and make sure to add green chili. Or, if you’re not hungry enough to eat a cow, you could easily split the Tiger between two people. Don’t overlook their chili cheese fries, and whatever you order, make sure to try their refreshing limeade!

While Carlsbad, New Mexico in and of itself isn’t a”must-see place,” it’s again a fantastic jumping-off point for many spots we’d consider bucket list travel items.

From the Living Desert Nature Park to the countless sites you’ll see in the depths of Carlsbad Caverns National Park (as well as the lesser-know and equally as fantastic hiking above the caverns), as well as the majestic and towering peaks of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, in these spots alone, you could spend a lifetime.

However, still within reach of Carlsbad is the Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Areas, as well as a gorgeous and off-the-beaten-path canyon rim road located within the Lincoln National Forest. Truthfully, you could easily post up in Carlsbad and not get bored for a long long time on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Things To Do In Carlsbad

Living desert zoo and gardens state park.

Of all the experiences on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary that has a fee associated with it, the Living Desert Zoo And Gardens State Park , which is essentially a zoo and native New Mexico plant garden, might be the best value experience of them all. It’s also SUPER kid friendly, highly educational, and very engaging. If you leave this experience without having learned a TON about New Mexico’s native flora and fauna, we’ll eat our hiking shoes.

At the time of writing, admission costs those who are 13+ $5, those who are 7-12 $3, and kiddos 6 a whopping $0.

We easily spent half a day here, and that was with two toddlers. If you have kids who are old enough to read the myriad informational signs on their own (or who have the patience to listen to you read them), you could easily spend an entire day here.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns was designated as a national monument in 1923 and then as a national park in 1930, so these fascinating and approximately 265 million-year-old caverns have been only folks’ radar for quite a while, and with good reason.

With over 145 miles (233 km) of passages and the current deepest know point at just about 1,600 feet down (489 m), descending into this one-of-a-kind cave is unlike any other caving experience we’ve ever had.

We walked down the extremely steep and dimly lit 1.25 mi (2 km) paved trail into the caverns, but if you’d prefer to skip that bit, there is an elevator that you can ride down.

If you come here on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids in the fall, you’ll be able to view the multi-million bat exodus from the cave that happens at dusk almost every evening.

And, no matter the time of year you visit on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, don’t forget to do some hiking in the often-forgotten, but still spectacular, above-ground portion of the park. We hiked the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail , but there are many others to choose from.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Technically, Guadalupe Mountains National Park shouldn’t be on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary since it’s just over the border into Texas.

Since it’s just about 50 miles south of Carlsbad, and a mere 30 miles south of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, we’d feel remiss in not mentioning it when (a) you’ll be so close and (b) when it’s a jaw-droppingly-spectacular and undeniably bucket list-worthy place!

If you approach from Carlsbad, NM, you’ll easily notice these 260 million-year-old fossilized reef mountains that sharply rise an impressive 3000 feet (1000 meters) above the Chihuahuan Desert and certainly Guadalupe Peak – the highest point in Texas – that comes in at an impressive 8,751 ft (2,667 m) above sea level.

Given the over 80 miles of trails that weave throughout the park, we could have spent a lifetime exploring this area, so plan accordingly. Many of the trails in Guadalupe are intermediate/advanced, but one we found family-friendly was the Smith Spring Trail.

NOTE : Unlike many other national parks, Guadalupe does not have any scenic drives, and the only road going into the park is a jeep trail. There are a few parts of the park that are wheelchair accessible , but by far, Guadalupe is accessible only via hiking/walking/horseback.

Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area

If you happen to embark on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids in the summertime, Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is a place you simply shouldn’t miss.

Given that it’s a desert oasis, if indeed it is warm while you’re here, you’ll be able to take a dip in the waterfall’s pools, enjoy a picnic in one of the many shaded picnic areas, and of course, hike some of the trails in the area too.

This place is popular, so try your best to arrive early. And, even if you’re not here in swimming-friendly weather, the falls are still worth seeing and the hiking around the area is great too!

Lincoln National Forest

There are 134 national forests in the United States. And while Lincoln National Forest is number 70 in terms of size, it’s still a whopping 1.1 million acres! (As an aside, the largest is Tongas National Forest in Alaska coming in at 16 million acres, and the smallest is the Tuskeegee National Forest in Alabama at 11,000 acres.)

In any case, there are TONS of things to do in Lincoln National Forest, so we’ll just cover one of our favorite spots – 5 Points Vista on Guadalupe Ridge Road.

Guadalupe Ridge Road – 5 Points Vista

The drive to Five Points Vista will take you through some beautiful pine forests, and then right along the rim of Dog Canyon on Guadalupe Ridge Road . The road is approximately 1500 feet (460 meters) above the canyon floor and is right on the canyon’s edge. Drive carefully here folks!

If you do nothing other than drive out here and take in the expansive view of the canyon and beyond, you’ll certainly have a memorable experience on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids. It’s certainly not as grand as the Grand Canyon, but it’s still breathtaking.

If you decide to do some bushwhacking in this area, as we did, we’re certain it’ll add yet another layer to this lovely experience.

Where To Stay In Carlsbad

Of the many places to stay in Carlsbad, New Mexico , below are a few we recommend.

Bud’s Place

Bud’s Place is a no-frills RV park in Carlsbad, New Mexico. It’s affordable, clean, well maintained, and centrally located for experiencing all Carlsbad has to offer. We enjoyed our stay here, and we’d recommend it to folks who like having a full hookup for their RV during their Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Boondocking/Camping South Of Carlsbad

If you’re open to camping, there are MANY free campsites along Route 62, heading south out of Carlsbad just south of the turn-off for Carlsbad Caverns National Park. All of this is BLM land, and again, you’re allowed to camp there for 14 days at a time.

One of our favorite RVing and camping apps is FreeRoam ( iOS , Android ), and it’ll certainly help you find a free or affordable spot to camp!

An Old Classic Carlsbad Eatery

La Patrona serves classic Mexican food at affordable prices, and you’ll pass right by it on your way to/from Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

The place was packed when we came here at lunchtime, and we quickly found out why. Their burritos were excellent, and their tacos were too, so it’s no wonder they’ve been selling their delicious food since 2013!

While many might claim that Roswell wouldn’t be very well known had the Roswell Indecent of 1947 not occurred, we beg to differ.

At a glance, Roswell, New Mexico, albeit somewhat of a remote place, is an unusual destination that is certainly worthy of a visit.

In addition to the many alien-themed attractions and museums, there is a robust artist community here as well as one-of-a-kind geologic sites that are protected within both a wildlife refuge and a state park.

Things To Do In Roswell

Bitter lake national wildlife refuge.

Way back in 1935 this place was known as the “Carlsbad Bird Refuge.” However, given how unique and valuable this area is, a short two years later in 1937 it gained National Wildlife Refuge status.

At the refuge, New Mexico’s Southern Plains meet the Chihuahuan Desert, and it’s this intersection that makes it a biologically diverse and important wetland in the larger Pecos River watershed.

Although right off the bat it may look like a boring uninteresting landscape, if you take some time to have a closer look, you’ll quickly realize that the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a veritable oasis in the otherwise parched New Mexico landscape. On your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, you’ll definitely want to make a stop here.

Bottomless Lakes State Park

Again, if you’ve chosen to experience this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids during the summertime, you’ll want to make a stop at Bottomless Lakes State Park.

The system of 9 lakes here, which get successively deeper, is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day! You can swim in Lea Lake, so pack accordingly.

And believe it or not, in addition to the hiking, mountain biking, and boating here, folks actually SCUBA dive into these lakes to view the endangered Pecos pupfish, turtles, and even schools of Mexican tetra.

Roswell Museum And Art Center

The mission of the museum is that “The Roswell Museum inspires discovery and creativity along with a cultural understanding of the American Southwest and the greater community.”

In other words, if you’d like to see some brilliant southwest art, as well as historical southwest artifacts spanning the 16th to the 20th century, you’ll want to save some time for this.

International UFO Museum

Do UFOs really exist? One of the best ways to begin answering that question is by taking a trip to the International UFO Museum & Research Center at Roswell, New Mexico. It was created to share information with the world about the 1947 Roswell Incident. However, now the entire place not only covers the Roswell Incident but is oriented around gathering, preserving, and sharing everything and anything related to UFOs and related phenomena.

Spring River Park And Zoo

If you indeed embark on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, visiting a zoo is a no-brainer. When you explore the Spring River Zoo, located within the Spring River Park, you’ll enjoy a lovely park equipped with playground equipment and a lovely zoo. Pack a picnic lunch, and you’ll not have to worry about heading home early.

Where To Stay In Roswell

There are lots of places to stay in Roswell, New Mexico . The following two are the ones we recommend, but there are certainly a number of great options.

Trailer Village RV Park

If you’re experiencing this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids in an RV, and you’re eager to be on-grid for a bit, the Trailer Village RV Park seldom leaves anyone disappointed. Family-owned and operated, a stay here will not only support the local economy, but it’ll also give you front-row access to all that Roswell has to offer.

Alamo Road BLM Land

If you’d prefer the price of free for your Rowell accommodation, the good ol’ BLM comes to the rescue yet again! Head east out of Roswell to Alamo Road (located just east of Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge), and you’ll have plenty of free dispersed campsites to choose from!

Old Classic Roswell Eateries

Cowboy cafe.

For homestyle cooking and homemade pies at a true hole-in-the-wall eatery, head over to the Cowboy Cafe. Their delicious creations, their generous portions, and their fair prices make this a great stop if you’re hungry on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids. Don’t forget to save some room for their award-winning pies and desserts!

Martin’s Capitol Cafe

For yet another hole-in-the-wall dining experience where you’ll be able to sample New Mexico classics at an affordable price, head over to Martin’s Capitol Cafe.

Of their many recommended dishes, their chili Rellenos and sopapillas are must try. And of course, since you’re in New Mexico, you’ll want to taste the most classic dish in the state, a big blow of piping hot Green Chili.

(If you fall in love with Green Chili as much as we have, you’ll want to make some time to eat your way through the Green Chili capital of the world , conveniently located in the great state of New Mexico!)

If you’re keen to see some snow in the wintertime or escape the heat of the New Mexico summer on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, head up into the mountains, and check out Ruidoso.

At 6,900 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level, and a year-round average high temperature of 65 F (18 C) you’ll be in a noticeably different, and considerably more temperate environment than you’ll experience in the desert of Roswell.

Things To Do In Ruidoso

Grindstone lake recreation area.

The International Mountain Biking Association designed this beautiful spot, so it’s ripe for some great riding. But don’t worry if you don’t bike.

Within the recreation area, you can also hike and even horseback ride on the 18+ miles of trails. In addition, there is a fantastic frisbee golf course and even watercraft rentals.

Care for some fishing? Bring your rod and reel to try to land some of the stocked rainbow trout, catfish, and even smallmouth bass. But don’t forget, if you’re over 12 years old, you’ll need to purchase a New Mexico fishing license .

Ruidoso Winter Park

In spite of the name, there is plenty to do at the Ruidoso Winter Park year-round. In the winter months, you can enjoy snow tubing to your heart’s content. In the summer months, you’ll still be able to tube down the grassy hills (there is a special slick plastic surface they lay down) as well as a zip-line and even fly down the mountain on their mountain coaster, so consider checking this out during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

For skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer, Ski Apache is the go-to spot in Southern New Mexico. With rentals available too, you can travel light and still enjoy some time on the slopes. Make sure to check the trail conditions before heading here, as you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck.

Where To Stay In Ruidoso

There are many places to stay in Ruidoso . From cozy mountain cabins to more traditional hotels, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. The following two are what we recommend, but again, there are a number of great choices to fit your own particular preferences.

Little Creek RV Park

Located about 10 minutes outside Ruidoso, the large, pull-through, full hook-up RV sites and the forested Sacramento Mountains that surround the park make this a great option for both short-term and even long-term stays. If you do want to stay for more than a few days, ask about weekly or even monthly pricing, as you’ll score increasingly better deals.

Free Camping/Boondocking In The Lincoln National Forest

Ruidoso is more or less surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest, so that means, there are plenty of free camping/boondocking spots. Again, if you check out FreeRoam ( iOS , Android ), you’ll be off to the races in finding a free spot to camp.

Cedar Creek Campground

If you prefer a few facilities, consider the Cedar Creek Campground . While they only offer group sites, at the time of writing, the non-electric group site here is US$25/night, and even an electric site starts at US$60/night. So, if you’re caravaning on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, you’ll easily be able to get the cost down on this already affordable option.

An Old Classic Ruidoso Eatery

For a delicious but no-frills taco experience, check out Ole Taco. At this small, family-owned, and very affordable restaurant, in addition to their tacos, their enchiladas, chimichangas as well as rice and beans are items you ought to try!

Hall Of Flame Burgers

Sometimes we get a hankering for a burger. If that happens to you while you’re in Ruidoso, head on over to Hall Of Flame Burgers. And of course, since you’re in New Mexico, and you’d be missing out if you don’t eat Green Chili at every moment possible (just joking) make sure to try their Hatch Burger!

Carrizozo 

While Carrizozo isn’t a bustling metropolis, and in fact is actually quite a tiny town, it still deserves mention on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary as it’s home to Valley Of Fires Recreation Area and is quite nearby to the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, both places that each deserve a day, or maybe two, of exploring.

Things To Do In Carrizozo

Valley of fires recreation area.

Not to be confused with Valley Of Fire State Park in Nevada , Valley Of Fires Recreation Area in New Mexico is regarded among many experts as one of the youngest lava flows in the continental Unites States. The Malpais Lava Flow is literally right next to the Valley Of Fires Recreation Area (you can walk from the recreation area to the lava flow in about 30 seconds) and is definitely worth checking out. You can also camp here, as you’ll see below.

This approximately 5,000-year-old lava flow, which of course has now hardened into what looks like basaltic-fudge-ripples, is a place where you can get up close and personal with this geologic event. We definitely think Valley of Fires is worth some time on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

More specifically, the BLM has built an approximately 1 mi (1.6 km) paved boardwalk – The Malpais Nature Trail – that will allow you to circumnavigate the lava field itself. The numbered stations along the route will help you gain an in-depth understanding of this unique and scenic spot.

Three Rivers Petroglyph Site

The Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is one of the only places in the American Southwest that has exclusively been protected due to the presence and concentration of petroglyphs. With glyphs that are dated from 400 to 1450 AD, you’ll be able to see first-hand some of the symbology of the Jornada Mogollon people that carved these long ago.

It’s also one of the few places in the American Southwest where you can literally walk amongst the approximately 21,000 glyphs that blanket this approximately 50 acres of New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert. During your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, we suggest you set aside at least a half-day to check out this stunning site.

Petroglyphs vs. Hieroglyphs

As an aside, don’t confuse petroglyphs with hieroglyphs. To oversimplify, petroglyphs are images carved into rocks that represent the advanced religions, cultures, and societies that surrounded this area. Hieroglyphs on the other hand are most commonly associated with Egyptian culture and are a collection of pictures that often represent words and form the basis of a complex writing system. Distilled, petroglyphs are stand-alone symbols, and hieroglyphs are pictures that represent words and are used as the basis of a writing system.

Where To Stay In Carrizozo

There are not too many places to stay in Carrizozo if you’re looking for a hotel, so we recommend you camp while you’re in this area.

We stayed at Valley Of Fires for a handful of nights, and we were very pleased with our stay. As a BLM recreation area, the price was right (as it typically is in BLM, Forest Service, and National Recreation Areas), the facilities were well maintained, and the location was perfect for exploring both the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site and of course the Valley Of Fires.

Unfortunately, there aren’t too many free camping/boondocking spots in/around Carrizozo.

An Old Classic Carrizozo Eatery

Four winds restaurant.

Serving authentic Mexican food as well as some classic American diner food since the 1940s, the Four Winds Restaurant has certainly proven it serves tasty foods worth trying. Hopefully, while you’re dining on one of their many delicious dishes (such as the Chiles Relleno Plate) the restaurant won’t be destroyed by an airplane crash as was the case in the 1950s when the entire place had to be rebuilt.

Truth Or Consequences

If you’re wondering about the name, so were we. However, we soon discovered that back in the 1940s, TV producer Ralph Edwards emceed a game show called Truth or Consequences , and he set out to find a town that would change its name to match his show. While only a few municipalities actually applied, tiny Hot Springs, New Mexico was chosen, and the name has forever since been changed.

In brief, Truth Or Consequences is most well known for its hot springs and the nearby Elephant Butte Lake State Park, but it’s also home to a quirky retro movie theatre as well as the New Mexico Old Time Fiddlers Playhouse.

NOTE : Most of the hot springs only allow children 12 years and older, so if you’re doing this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids who are under that age, they’ll unfortunately not be able to take a dip.

Things To Do In Truth Or Consequences

Various hot spring pools.

There are many hot springs to enjoy in Truth Or Consequences. Each bath house has its own style and vibe, so consider a hot spring hop to get a feel for a few! The Riverbend Hot Springs explicitly allows for kids 12+, so it’ll be a good choice if you’re traveling with older kids. It’s also a treat of a place to stay, and we’ll go into that below.

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

If you’re looking for a beach experience in the middle of otherwise hot and dry New Mexico, you’ll want to check out Elephant Butte Lake State Park – New Mexico’s largest state park and largest reservoir.

With just about 36,000 acres of the reservoir to explore, if you like boating, fishing, camping, relaxing on a sandy beach, hiking or simply connecting with nature, you’ll definitely want to spend some time at Elephant Butte.

Random fact: North Dakota’s Lake Sakakawea – another one of our favorite spots – is 300,000 acres! So if large freshwater bodies and all they offer for recreation is your thing, you should definitely consider a trip to North Dakota!

El Cortez Movie Theater

While an old-fashioned movie night likely isn’t going to be an appealing experience for folks with little kids, if you’re doing this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids who can sit through an entire movie, you’ll want to consider catching a movie at the 1930s style El Cortez Movie Theatre.

New Mexico Old Time Fiddlers Playhouse

If you like to move and groove, and if you happen to be in Truth Or Consequences on a Saturday night between 7 and 9 PM, you should definitely check out the dance that the New Mexico Old Time Fiddlers Playhouse hosts.

Where To Stay In Truth Or Consequences

There are a number of places to stay in Truth Or Consequences . From high-end accommodations to more affordable options and even some super affordable New Mexico state park camping , you’ll have many choices of where to stay.

Elephant Butte State Park

At the time of writing, across the state of New Mexico, a tent site costs US$8/night, a site with water and electricity costs US$14/night, and a site with water, electricity and sewer costs US$18/night. Pretty sweet deal, huh? And, if you purchase a New Mexico State Park annual pass , those prices drop a bit.

Riverbend Hot Springs

While the Riverbend Hot Springs is quite a bit more expensive than the other accommodations we’ve included in this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary, it’s appealing for a few reasons. First, it allows kids 12+ to enjoy the on-site hot springs, and second, the price of your room/RV site includes access to their hot spring pools. Nevertheless, if you are traveling on the cheap, this will be a bit of a splurge.

An Old Classic Truth Or Consequences Eatery

Johnny b’s restaurant.

Although Jonny B’s Restaurant is a bit younger than A&B (it opened in 2015), it’s quickly become a local favorite. Any of their breakfast selections are rave-worthy, but they also make a mean chicken fried steak and even a Philly Cheesesteak that’s worth mentioning. And again, with prices that won’t hurt your wallet too much, you’ll be able to afford to eat here again and again.

A&B Drive-In

Serving the fine folks of Truth Or Consequences since 1994, if you’re in the market for a burger or Mexican food, and you’re also looking for amazing value, you’ll definitely want to grab a bite at A&B Drive-In. Renowned for its green chili cheeseburger, and also well-known for its chimichangas and fried mushrooms, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

While we normally go to a place because it has a balance between outdoorsy and active things to do as well as a cultural value and of course culinary spots too, for us, and for many others, Hatch, New Mexico is mostly about the food scene.

More pointedly, Hatch, New Mexico is the Mecca of Green Chili, and nearly the entire town revolves around both this dish and cultivating Sandilla Chilis , which they traditionally use in the dish. Make sure to save some time to check out Hatch on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

In a sentence, Green Chili is a soup made from a base of Sandilla Chilis (commonly known as “Hatch Green Chilis”) and pork shoulder. It’s cooked low and slow, so by the time you take your first bite, the shoulder will be buttery soft, the chili base will only be mildly spicy, and the slight hint of cumin and garlic will underscore all the other flavors in your mouth.

It’s common to put some shredded cheddar cheese, raw diced white onion, and minced cilantro on top of Green Chili. It’s typical to eat this dish by using a small piece of a fresh and warm flour tortilla as a little spoon and then doing your best to not drip on your shirt. It’s our bet that by the time you get to the bottom of your bowl, you’ll be feverishly craving your next one – or at the least, that’s been our experience.

Things To Do In Hatch

Hatch chili festival.

The Hatch Chili Festival happens every year in the fall right around the beginning of September. If you’re a Green Chili fanatic like we are, you might consider planning to do this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids in consideration of being able to attend this festival. Check the website for the most up-to-date information on the festival schedule.

West Hall Street – Buy Some Chilis

All around Hatch there are shops that sell dried and sometimes fresh fire-roasted chilis. In any case, walking along West Hall Street (the main street that cuts through Hatch’s “downtown”) you’ll see plenty of shops to choose from.

Village Market And Other Unique Grocery Stores

The grocery stores in Hatch sell lots of local chilis and chili products. You can stock up here if you’re not planning to return for a while. Or, if you come to love the Green Chili in Hatch so much that you plan to move to the area, you obviously won’t need to stock up. In particular, we like to browse through the Village Market. Therein you’ll also find great deals on high-quality cuts of meat.

Do A Self-Guided Green Chili Tour

Every person or restaurant that makes Green Chili has their own version of the recipe. Some are thicker than others. Some are spicier than others. Some include kidney beans. Others wouldn’t dare adulterate the delicate flavor of the Sandilla Chili with a bean, and the variations go on and on.

We suggest you head to a handful of different restaurants in town during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, nearly all of which serve Green Chili, and try a few to figure out which recipe you like best. And, if you hit on something you think is really great, leave us a comment below , as we’re always keen to try new places!

Caballo Lake State Park

If after you’ve stuffed yourself on Green Chili you need to walk it all off a bit, consider checking out Caballo Lake State Park. Just about 30 miles north of Hatch, and set against the stunning Caballo Mountains, you can enjoy a full range of watersports, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, birding, biking, and of course, even some picnicking on take-out Green Chili from Hatch.

Where To Stay In Hatch

There are not too many places to stay in Hatch itself, but Caballo Lake State Park is nearby.

If you’ve made it this far in this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary, you know we LOVE the New Mexico State Park system. The parks themselves are always interesting and unique places to visit, and the campsites are always clean, well-maintained, and GREAT value. Caballo Lake State Park is no exception. So, if you need multiple days to fully sample the Green Chili in Hatch, we recommend you stay here.

Old Classic Hatch Eateries

B & e burritos.

One of the places we keep coming back to in Hatch is B&E burritos . Owners Willie and Esther have been serving their no-frills yet delicious Green-Chili-based fare since 1978. That’s a whole lot of Green Chili! At any restaurant in Hatch, we recommend you order an unadulterated bowl of Green Chili in order to truly taste the restaurant’s unique recipe. The same goes here for B&E. What you’ll find at B&E is that their Green Chili is quite thick, almost like a stew. And if you still have room after your purist bowl, we recommend you try their Green Chili burrito, as well as their fantastic rice and refried beans.

Valley Cafe

Opened in 2006, Valley Cafe also serves a bunch of delicious Green Chili based dishes. We recommend you go here because (a) their Green Chilis is fantastic, but also because (b) their recipe is quite different than B&E’s and serves as a tasty point of comparison. The Green Chili here is a bit thinner than B&E’s – almost like a soup – but is delicious in its own right. And again, if you have room after your bowl, consider trying their Green Chili Cheese Enchiladas.

Deming holds a special place in our hearts. It’s the place we began to hit our stride when we first transitioned into our full-time RVing lifestyle, and it’s also home to our favorite RV park in the country, or at least our favorite so far . And in addition to the sentimental value that Deming has to us, Deming is ideally located to access three bucket-list worthy state parks, a fascinating local history museum as well as a number of excellent sites for desert-rockhounding. Definitely make sure to stop in Deming for a while on your own Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Things To Do In Deming

Rockhound state park.

Set in the jagged and craggy Little Florida Mountains, Rockhound State Park is ripe for hiking, wildflower identification, rockhounding (of course), and even some serene camping.

It’s a pretty small state park, but its beauty is abundant in just about every nook and cranny of the park. On the Thunderegg Trail it’s possible to find thundereggs , and on the Jasper Trail, surprise surprise, you’ll be likely to find a whole load of Jasper .

In addition to how geologically fascinating this area is, scenically it’s just stunning. The hiking terrain here isn’t super challenging, so we recommend you go here to luxuriate in the breathtaking beauty of this special area, and maybe even pack a picnic lunch too!

Spring Canyon Recreation Area

Also part of Rockhound State Park is the Spring Canyon Recreation Area . Here you’ll find a number of scenic picnic areas all of which have grills, so you could come here merely for a memorable cookout.

However, if you’re like us, when you see rugged mountains like the Little Florida’s, all you can think about is hiking.

There are two trails to choose from.

Spring Canyon Trail

One option is the rugged and steep Spring Canyon Trail. Not surprisingly, this approximately 1 mi (1.6 km) trail heads nearly straight uphill to the spring, so if you’re a beginner hiker, this trail is going to be a real challenge.

In any case, the trail weaves up the Spring Canyon the whole time, so don’t forget to turn around to see the spectacular views behind you.

Unfortunately, the spring itself isn’t much to look at, but if you have a trail filter , you’ll be able to safely drink some of this fresh mountain water.

Lover’s Leap Trail

The second option is the approximately 2.5 mi (4 km) round trip Lover’s Leap Trail. If you’re an intermediate/advanced hiker, and you only have time to hike one of the two trails in the Spring Canyon Recreation Area, we recommend you hike this one during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

In essence, you’ll be snaking your way up Lover’s Leap Canyon, but instead of terminating at the relatively non-scenic Spring Canyon spring, this trail ends with expansive panoramic views of the entire Mimbres Valley .

City Of Rocks State Park

If you’re journeying on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, and especially if your kids are 3+, you should make sure to save some time for City Of Rocks State Park.

Located about halfway between Silver City and Deming, you could do this en route to Silver City. In short, City Of Rocks is a 35 million-year-old volcanic rock column jungle gym, and it’ll keep your kiddos engaged for hours since the gentle bouldering options here are seemingly endless.

In addition to all the family-friendly bouldering, you’ll be able to do here, you can also camp here ( see below ), bike, hike, view wildlife, and at night do some fantastic stargazing! A no-brainer place to experience on your own Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Make sure to check out the visitors center too, as there’s a good bit of hands-on stuff for kids, and also a number of free publications that provide interesting information about the area.

Deming Luna Mimbres Museum

One of the best ways to learn about Deming’s local history is to visit the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum. Dedicated to sharing the day-to-day lives of the people of Deming as well as those living in the larger Mimbres Valley, this non-profit museum is certainly worth a visit. In addition, admission is on a donation-only basis and supports the continuance of this valuable public resource.

Rockhounding

If you’ve never heard the term “rockhounding,” don’t worry, neither had we before we visited New Mexico. All it means is rock collecting. In any case, you can basically pick any random patch of desert in the Deming area (just make sure you’re not on private property), and in a matter of moments, we’ll almost guarantee you’ll find rocks that you’ll consider to be keepers. We think you’ll really love doing this on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Some of our favorite rockhounding spots are spot 1, spot 2, and spot 3. In those spots keep an eye out for ruby red jasper, translucent orange carnelian, and even some translucent green or purple fluorite!

NOTE : It’s quite likely you’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access these spots. If there’s been any recent rain, the roads leading to these spots might be rutted out to the point where only a Jeep/high-clearance vehicle can safely pass.

Use your best judgment in accessing these spots, and if they seem too intense for your vehicle, TURN BACK. It won’t be fun to get your vehicle stuck in the middle of the desert, and it could be quite dangerous too.

If you didn’t already read our section on how to stay safe on this Southern New Mexico road trip, we suggest you take a moment to do so now.

Also, the phone service in the three spots we mentioned above is questionable at best, so if you haven’t already done so, we recommend you download the GuruMaps for offline navigation app.

Where To Stay In Deming

While there are a number of places to stay in Deming , if you’ve made it this far in our Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary, you’ll well know we LOVE our free boondocking/camping sites as well as the New Mexico State Parks. Below are a few of our favorite places to stay in/around Deming.

Hidden Valley Ranch RV Resort

Technically only a 55+ RV Park, we hesitate a bit to include this on our Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary, as we were lucky to be allowed to stay here. But…to make a long story short, the first time we stayed here, not realizing the 55+ detail, we booked over the phone, told them there would be 4-people in our party, and only once we had arrived at the office to check in did they realize (a) we are not over 55 and (b) that two of the people in our party were our kids! Taking a bit of pity on us, they allowed us to say, and ever since, we’ve been welcomed back.

If you’re over 55, we HIGHLY recommend you stay here. This remote desert RV park is scenic, affordable, and feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere, yet, you’ll have all the comforts of a full-hookup RV park.

If you’re under 55 we suggest you give them a call and see if they might allow you to do a short-term stay on a bit of a trial basis, and the same goes if you have very young kids.

The owners, Shannon and Jolene, told us their main concern is that the long-term residents have in the past been disturbed by kids running all over the park on their own. So, if your kids are too young to be left unattended, you’ll likely have a better chance of being allowed to stay here. If you have tweens/teens, it’s likely they won’t grant you an exception.

Again, as a New Mexico State Park, the price here to camp is certainly affordable, and the bathrooms as well as hot showers certainly add to the value of this experience. In addition, the campsites at City Of Rocks State Park are literally nestled in between the massive volcanic rock columns that are the main feature of this park, so camping here is quite a unique experience whether you’re on an extended Southern New Mexico road trip with kids or even just out for a weekend.

NOTE : If you’re bringing your RV here, make sure to check the length of the site you’re reserving. Some are quite small, and the largest is around 40 feet in length.

Another great place to stay in the Deming area is Rockhound State Park . By camping here, you’ll be able to watch sunsets and sunrises while being fully immersed in the Little Florida Mountains, and if you do choose to camp here, you’ll be able to be the first one on the hiking trails both here and at the nearby Spring Canyon Recreation Area.

Old Classic Deming Eateries

Tacos mirasol.

It’s no surprise that you’ll be able to tuck into some delicious tacos at Tacos Mirasol in Deming, and you’ll be able to do so at a very affordable price. We suggest you try the carne asada tacos, any of their burritos, and their carne asada tortas too!

3 Questions Coffee Shop And Living Harvest Bakery

We’ve put the Three Questions Cafe And Living Harvest Bakery in the Deming section, but it’s actually a place you’ll most conveniently be able to enjoy if you take a bit of a roundabout route to Silver City , as it’s located in San Lorenzo, NM. In any case, it’s well worth a visit on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

The quaint family-owned and operated bakery has been in operation since 1996, and the cafe has been open since 2012.

Even though it’s a bit of a detour if you’re starting in Deming and heading to Silver City, we think it’s worth mentioning because the food and baked goods here are EXCELLENT (we highly recommend the cinnamon rolls), and because every Tuesday through Saturday from 7 AM-Noon the owner Amy puts out a large breakfast buffet, and the price is whatever you are able to donate. So, you can have a tasty meal, support a local business and then make your way to Silver City!

Silver City

We thought we’d make the last stop on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids an action-packed one, as Silver City, New Mexico, gateway to the Gila (pronounced HEE-luh ) Wilderness is chock full of memorable and engaging experiences.

From casually strolling through the historic downtown to appreciate this mining town’s earlier days (it’s still home to the largest pit mines in the world) to enjoying a number of family-friendly hikes that are just minutes from town, you’ll have plenty to experience.

Further, there are other hikes and historic sites (Billy The Kid spent much of his childhood in Silver City) that are a bit more far-flung, and of course, there are a number of local and affordable eateries you’ll not want to miss.

In sum, you’ll have no trouble filling your days here, and in fact, you may have to save some of these experiences for the next time you visit Silver City.

Things To Do In Silver City

Boston hill open space.

Taking a hike or mountain bike ride in the family-friendly Boston Hill Open Space , which used to be an old mine, is a great way to kick off your time in Silver City.

The hill is right in the backyard of the downtown, so you’ll get a great view of the city and beyond. There are a number of ways to access the hill, so choose the one you find most convenient. We started from the Cooper Street Trailhead , but there is also the Cheyenne Street Trailhead , and the Spring Street Trailhead to name a few.

If you can get up here for sunset, it’s certainly an experience you’ll always remember from your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Dragonfly Loop Trail

Another family-friendly and scenic hike is the 3.3 mi (5.3 km) Dragonfly Loop trail that begins right off Elias Road. Keep an eye out for the petroglyphs about 2 miles from the trailhead, and if you’re here in the spring/early summer, keep an eye out for the many dragonflies that are endemic to this area. As an aside, you can also bike and ride horses on this trail.

If you’re keen to get your sweat on a bit and also experience some breathtaking and expansive views, consider hiking to the top of Gomez Peak. Starting from the Gomez Peak Day Use Area you’ll take the Pinion-Loop Trail to the Angel-Loop Trail to the Gomez Peak Trail.

Continental Divide Trail

In the course of your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids you’ll certainly not have time to hike the entire 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail, but since it goes right through Silver City, why not do a small section hike? It’s scenic, easy terrain, and could inspire you and your family to try a thru-hike someday !

Historic Downtown And Riverwalk

The entire historic downtown of Silver City is well worth a good stroll. The eclectic collection of shops ranges from outdoor gear shops to thrift stores, to the interestingly stocked Silver City Food Co-op (which carries our favorite granola bars – Taos Bakes ), and many more.

The two main streets we suggest you wander down are North Bullard Street and North Texas Street. And once you’ve had enough of those, we recommend you stroll along the river walk that parallels both of those on the east. And make sure to read the mural along the riverwalk, as it’ll teach you a good bit about the city’s history.

If after all this walking and window shopping you’ve worked up an appetite, there are a number of great spots to eat right in the historic downtown, as well as others that are a bit off the main drag.

Stroll Around Western New Mexico University Campus

Another good place for a stroll is in and around the Western New Mexico University Campus, and in particular their small but beautiful gardens. And who knows, maybe you’ll like this quaint public university so much that you’ll consider applying to one of its many programs!

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

While the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a 90-minute drive from Silver City, if you have even the slightest interest in archelogy and first-hand experiences of ancient cultures, we HIGHLY recommend you set aside some time to check out this spectacular site during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids. (As an aside, if you find the drive a bit too much for a day trip from Silver City, consider staying at the Gila Hot Spring Ranch , a fantastic accommodation located about 10 minutes from the national monument.)

In short, a very long time ago groups of nomads took shelter in the many caves located high above the Gila River. And, while most of these folks were simply passing through, and thus were in the area on a temporary basis, in the late 1200s the Mogollon people (Southern Ancestral Pueblo), who had agricultural tendencies, posted up here for nearly 100 years.

During that time they constructed rooms up on the cliffs, made pottery, and raised nearly two generations of children. Then, in about 1300 they moved on due to a suspected drought. What they left behind, is what you’ll be able to experience today.

Gila Hot Springs

If you choose to venture to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, you’ll be right near some excellent hot springs. If you’re not planning to spend the night in the area , the Gila Hot Springs Campground offers day passes to its hot springs. Who wouldn’t like a nice hot spring soak during their Southern New Mexico road trip with kids?

Gila Catwalk Recreation Area

If you have decided to head all the way up to the Cliff Dwellings, you won’t want to miss the Gila Catwalk Recreation Area. This 0.5 mi (0.8 km) bridge has been built right into the wall of the Whitewater Canyon, so it’ll allow you to get up close and personal with this beautiful natural feature. As an aside, it’s handicapped-accessible, so it’s certainly something everyone can enjoy.

Where To Stay In Silver City

There are a plethora of places to stay in Silver City , so you’ll have many options to choose from.

Rose Valley RV Ranch

The Rose Val ley RV Ranch offers both RV spots as well as casitas (little cabins), so even if you’re not doing this Southern New Mexico road trip in an RV, you could certainly enjoy a stay here.

The park is just about a 6-minute drive from the historic downtown, so you’ll have easy access to that area at a fraction of the price of staying right downtown.

The entire park is tastefully full of trees and shrubs, so each site has quite a bit of privacy. The facilities are clean and well-maintained and even include a 0.5 mi (0.8 km) nature trail.

Gila Hot Springs Ranch

The Gila Hot Springs Ranch is not located in Silver City, but we wanted to include it because it’s near the Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument, and if you do choose to stay in that area, we thought this would help.

This small family-owned and operated ranch has an on-site hot spring jacuzzi, RV sites, tent sites, and even a few self-catered apartments.

NOTE : If you do decide to stay here, make sure you stock up on all your groceries/supplies in Silver City, as there aren’t many options up in this area.

Old Classic Silver City Eateries

Adobe springs cafe .

If you chat with the locals in Silver City, they’ll likely tell you to try the tasty creations at the Adobe Springs Cafe . Given that it’s been serving the Silver City community for just about 25 years, we were eager to try what the locals have been loving for all that time. Of the many items to try, including their huevos rancheros and fried zucchini, if you have a titanic appetite, we recommend the El Fuego burger.

Diane’s Bakery And Deli

If you’re looking for something you can eat while you walk around the historic downtown , consider grabbing a sandwich and maybe even a cookie or two from Diane’s Bakery And Deli during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Fidencio’s Mexican Food

Located about 5-minutes away from the historic downtown area, Fidencio’s Mexican Food has been serving the folks of Silver City for over 30 years, so you can rest assured what they have to offer is delicious.

This no-frills burrito shack certainly did not disappoint us in both taste and value. We recommend the California burrito, but we’ve also heard that the carne asada burrito (if they haven’t sold out by the time you get there) is also a must-eat item! As an aside, the only seating here is outdoors and under a small carport-type thing, so if it’s chilly or wet, plan accordingly.

Grinder Mill

Care for some no-nonsense Mexican food, check out the Grinder Mill . Located right near the university , you could stroll around campus, and then eat here. Best known for its Menudo, chili, and tamales, this hole-in-the-wall eatery has been serving the university students and staff for ages, so you know it’ll be good!

Our Itinerary Route Map

Conclusion – Southern New Mexico Road Trip With Kids

If you’ve made it this far in our Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary, we say, “Congratulations!” We realize that there is a TON of information in this itinerary, but again, we’re always aware that the more we experience, the more we know we haven’t experienced.

As we continue to explore Southern New Mexico, we’ll update this accordingly. And more importantly, if you have suggestions for what we might add to this guide (or maybe even subtract), leave us a comment below, and in the meantime, happy road-tripping!

+++BEFORE using this information, please read our Legal Disclaimer.+++

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The Best Time to Book a Flight for Domestic, International, and Summer Travel

Here are our best tips for booking travel in 2024.

When to Book Flights for Domestic Travel

When to book flights for international travel, when to book flights for summer 2024 travel, when to book flights for holiday 2024 travel.

Buying plane tickets is something of an art form. Ideally, you want to secure your spot months in advance to avoid the inevitable price spike as your travel dates get closer. But sometimes the best time to book a flight also depends on the destination and whether it's domestic or abroad. The trends are always changing, but experts say the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is 28 days, or 60 days for international flights.

Flights generally open for booking about a year ahead of time, and the airfare will change often between then and takeoff. Although you can book just a couple of weeks before the departure date in some cases, prices are likely to be astronomical. In other cases, when you want to go somewhere popular or during a big travel weekend, flights could fill up faster than normal. Our advice: Track flight prices on Google Flights or Hopper as early as possible so you can keep an eye on cost fluctuations. Read on for more advice about when to book flights from the pros.

According to Expedia's 2024 Air Travel Hacks report , you should aim to book 28 days before your domestic flight. "Doing so can save travelers up to 24 percent compared to those who wait until the last minute, from zero to six days out," Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson tells Travel + Leisure.

For domestic trips, pricing is elevated when tickets are first released, about a year before the flight. Those prices will slowly creep downward, all the way to their lowest point in the prime booking window, after which you'll likely see a huge increase in cost for last-minute travel.

Meet the Expert

Christie Hudson is a travel expert at top booking site Expedia.

You're better off booking earlier rather than later for international travel, but the Expedia report says ideally no more than four months before your desired departure date. The sweet spot is around 60 days. "This is a big change from 2022 data, which showed the cheapest fares were secured when travelers booked four to six months out." Hudson says. "2023 data revealed that people who booked that far in advance actually paid more on average." The report says the least expensive day of the week to book is Sunday and the most expensive is Friday, for both domestic and international travel.

But there is some regional variance. Going , a platform that tracks flight prices and notifies members of good deals, has found the best months to book flights to Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Latin America, for travel about 60 days out. Here's what it says.

Africa: Book in May.

Asia: Book in August or October, followed by April or September.

Oceania: Book in November, January, or July.

Europe: Book in August, October, or November.

Latin America: Book in October.

The real trick to finding good deals on international airfare is to avoid booking your travel for peak times, which include summer and major holidays (don't forget — that includes holidays in your destination, too).

Summer is traditionally one of the most popular times of the year to travel, which means it can be tough to find a good deal on airfare. Ideally, you should book flights for summer travel as soon as possible, preferably at least six months in advance.

"The best time to book for peak season is … the opposite season," says Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going. "While most of us are scrambling to focus on our winter holiday plans, we should also keep our eyes open for some great summer fares."

She notes that the booking window for peak season ranges between three and seven months for domestic flights and four to 10 months for international trips. "And if you do book something, keep that flight alert on," says Nastro. "If it drops again, depending on your ticket type, you can call to rebook and get a refund or travel credit back with the difference."

Katy Nastro is a travel expert at Going, a website that finds flight deals to more than 900 destinations around the world.

Around the winter holidays is the priciest time to travel, Nastro says. "Your best bet is to remember the Goldilocks zones: look to book between three to seven months ahead for domestic travel and four to 10 months ahead for international travel."

Hudson advises that at the very latest, your holiday travel should be booked by mid-October. "But the biggest holiday travel savings actually come from choosing the right dates," she says. "Avoiding the busiest days like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Friday and Saturday before Christmas will yield major savings."

Track flights and book your holiday tickets as soon as you find a decent deal, but make sure to book a fare that will give you a credit if you cancel (generally speaking, that means don't book basic economy). That way, if prices drop between the time of booking and your travel dates, you can cancel your original ticket and use the credit to book the cheaper fare. The only downside is you'll still have some remaining credit, but you can then use it to treat yourself to a future flight. Just don't let that credit expire.

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