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Explore the Unique Attractions that New Mexico has to Offer

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We are all travelers. We seek what is true and we push past what we know to be false. The question is: where do we go? What place is true and good and real? Where is the place that will speak to us, crystal clear, in a voice that is familiar and kind? Where is true found…and false forgotten? Where? New Mexico True!

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21 fun things to do in new mexico in 2024.

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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15 Best Places to Visit in New Mexico

Written by Colin J. McMechan and Catherine Hawkins Updated May 3, 2023

The best places to visit in New Mexico satisfy many types of travelers, from adventure seekers and creatives to romantics who find bliss in solitude.

It's easy to understand why artists have flocked to New Mexico when you see the quality of the light in the high desert as you look out from your adobe hacienda in Santa Fe each morning, or gaze upon the glowing Organ Mountains above Las Cruces at day's end. Nighttime brings its own treasures, too. Visit White Sands National Park to see how brilliant starry night skies can be in the absence of light.

Much like sandhill cranes that arrive at the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge on the Rio Grande each October, tourists visit New Mexico to feed a part of themselves. You will return home energized by skiing in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Taos , kicking up dust from your bike or horse on trails near Gallup, or rafting on the Rio Chama in Georgia O'Keeffe Country near Ghost Ranch. There are cultural attractions in all directions of this Four Corners state.

What's around your next corner? Find clues on our list of the best places to visit in New Mexico.

Albuquerque

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The city that means "Holy Faith" tops the list of any mention of best places to visit in New Mexico because it is exceptional in all the ways that matter to tourists. It's compact enough to feel intimate rather than overwhelming. It pleases the eye and delights the palate.

With its four-season environment, there's never a bad time to discover why Santa Fe is not only the ultimate destination in New Mexico, but one of the most appealing small cities in North America. There are things to do here all year round.

For a place with such a small population (88,000), Santa Fe packs a punch. Maybe that has something to do with so many buildings being continuously occupied back to the 1600s: Santa Fe has had centuries to refine its attractions. The diverse mix of its people, including Hispanic, Indigenous, and Anglo-European, contribute to the cosmopolitan vibe.

Streets in the historic district, narrow and crooked, invite closer inspection on foot. The Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Rio Grande, runs through the city, adding charm to the benches and picnic sites where you can watch the world go by.

Old Santa Fe is best explored up close and personal. Take your time discovering the many historic attractions of the state capital that are conveniently clustered in one area: The Plaza , Palace of the Governors , and St. Francis Cathedra l.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit Loretto Chapel , a Roman Catholic church dating back to 1878. The construction of the mysterious helix-shaped spiral staircase within the chapel, built without any known means of support, is believed to be a miracle.

Check out the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum , a required stop if your New Mexico itinerary includes the artist's stomping grounds at Ghost Ranch and Abiquiu. On the portal of the Palace of the Governors (home of the New Mexico History Museum), meet Native American artisans who gather most days to sell everything from bracelets to belt buckles.

Even if you're not a shopper, visiting the galleries, shops, and cafés along Canyon Road is still a worthwhile thing to do. Christmas is a magical season to mingle with locals singing carols and drinking hot chocolate around the campfires that give a warm glow to Canyon Road and its offshoots.

Somewhat reminiscent of this experience is another event that brings together people and fire: Every Labor Day weekend at Fort Marcy Park, Santa Feans celebrate the Burning of Zozobra, a century-old festival where people purge themselves of whatever paper is causing grief. Bring your divorce decree, mortgage completion documents, parking tickets, and photos of people you don't want to see. All of it goes up in flames when the human effigy of Zozobra and associated collection baskets are set on fire.

Several museums, as well as the Santa Fe Botanical Garden and a café are clustered at Museum Hill . Head northeast to Hyde Memorial State Park for camping, hiking, and Nordic skiing.

Santa Fe is also a jumping-off point for visiting the state's 19 pueblos (traditional villages of Native American people). Join the Good Friday pilgrimage to El Sanctuario de Chimayó , 27 miles north in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. At Bandelier National Monument , 40 miles northwest, marvel at cliff dwellings and petroglyphs dating back 11,000 years.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Santa Fe

Your gateway to New Mexico might well be the airport to the state's largest city: Albuquerque. Step off the plane, breathe in the high desert air, and behold the grandeur of the surrounding Sandia Mountains. (Note that "sandia" is Spanish for watermelon, and here, we're talking about pointy slices.)

At more than 5,000 feet, Albuquerque is considered high elevation, yet the number doubles once you reach the highest point on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. A tram ride is a thrilling way to get a bird's-eye view of the urban adventure that awaits. You can also leave it to the last day (or evening to 8 p.m.) and bask in the satisfaction of reviewing where you've been.

Adjust to the altitude if you're not used to it with a stroll through historic Old Town, the cultural heart of the city. Albuquerque was founded as a Spanish colony early in the 18 th century and retains a strong connection to its roots. Close to the plaza, you'll discover ties to Spanish and Indigenous culture through the majestic San Felipe de Neri Church (which dates to 1793 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places) and traditional Pueblo construction.

Newer on the architectural front, discover what remains from the era of the Route 66 "Mother Road," a version of which runs for 18 miles through the city. The KiMo Theatre is the most spectacular of these buildings, claiming not only a place on the fabled highway but the influence of Art Deco and Pueblo design.

The theater is just one of many venues that contribute to a vibrant entertainment scene in Albuquerque. For culture, there's no end of attractions, including the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center .

If you're lucky enough to be in New Mexico in October, take in the International Balloon Fiesta , reputed to be the largest such event in the world. Blessed by a spectacular setting and comfortable climate, the hot air balloon fest will literally take you up and away with appreciation for the spirit of Albuquerque.

During your visit to the city, savor the zesty flavors of New Mexico, whether you're in a funky diner or a fine restaurant. Diversity put Albuquerque on the map, and this is reflected in everything from cuisine to culture.

Be sure to make time for shopping, whether for a souvenir at a gift shop or a splurge at an exquisite gallery. The hardest part probably won't be the price, but the array of fabulous choices.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Albuquerque

White Sands National Park , the world's largest field of gypsum dunes, is a desert unlike any other you've ever visited. As far as you can see, the pure white dunescape is like a blanket of snow that never melts. That's why anything that emerges from it (a clump of pink sand verbena) or moves upon it (an earless lizard or a kit fox) stands out in dramatic contrast.

Add to this contrast the intensity of New Mexico light and the brilliance of the sky (day or night), and you can easily grasp why the monument is so popular with photographers . Indeed, it's one of the best places to visit in New Mexico with your camera, especially to capture the sunrise or sunset.

Located at the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert in the Tularosa Basin, the 275 square miles of the park are surrounded by the restricted zone of the White Sands Missile Range. Much of the park is also off-limits, but there's still plenty of room to roam.

The eight-mile Dunes Drive begins at the visitor center, where you'll find a museum, bookstore, gift shop, and refreshments. Along the way, you'll pass by the starting point for a number of trails as well as the Interdune Boardwalk , an elevated walking path that stretches nearly half a mile through the fragile interdune area. At the turnaround point, there's a cluster of attractions: The nature center, the Alkali Flat trail , and a picnic site at Heart of the Sands.

Take a ranger-guided tour, or attend a talk, to learn more about the monument and how to stay safe while exploring it.

Tunneling deep below the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert in the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico is a 30-mile-long cave system known as Carlsbad Caverns — one of the largest and most accessible cave networks in the world .

To catch the best underground views, descend more than 750 feet by elevator to the easy 1.25-mile loop trail for a self-guided tour of the 8.2-acre cave chamber, the Big Room. If you want to see more, enter the cave through the Natural Entrance on a steep 1.25-mile trail that passes many naturally occurring monuments in limestone until it connects with the Big Room loop—the park's most popular attraction.

Sheltered from the bright New Mexican sun for a couple of hours or more, explore out-of-this-world rock formations on lit paved walkways with railings. A flashlight helps you see more details, while a camera with a flash enables you to take memories of these details home with you.

Sections of the Big Room loop are wheelchair accessible, but all trail surfaces can be wet, slippery, and bumpy. Wander carefully as your mind fills with wonder about the most fantastical stalactites and stalagmites you'll ever see!

Enhance your experience by making a reservation for a ranger-led tour . A ranger can guide you into restricted areas, such as Slaughter Canyon Cave, or behind gated chambers to view formations such as the King's Palace.

Seasonal ranger talks shine a light on the life of special cave residents that appear at lights-out: Mexican free-tailed bats. From spring to fall, a park ranger meets with visitors near the mouth of the cave around dusk. That's when bats take flight to feast on evening insects.

In comparison with the constant year-round temperature of 56 degrees Fahrenheit inside the cave, expect more extreme temperatures above ground. After emerging from this underground UNESCO World Heritage Site , fill your lungs with fresh air while walking the short nature trail from the visitor center.

If you have time before leaving the park, drive around the 9.5-mile Walnut Canyon Desert Drive , an unpaved, one-way route that immerses you in the desert scenery. During warmer months, head north 20.5 miles to Carlsbad for ice cream and refreshing water activities at peaceful Lake Carlsbad Beach Park.

Wandering about Taos Plaza, it's easy to feel yourself stepping back in time. This charming square also features adobe storefronts festooned with ristras (ropes of large, dried Anaheim chiles).

Expect an unrushed and intimate shopping experience with Taos vendors, who help you zero in on souvenir gifts, local crafts, fine American Southwest jewelry, and Western gear. Like spokes on a wagon wheel, pedestrian walkways branch out from the plaza to more shops, galleries, museums, and places to eat.

Fortify yourself with something tasty before setting out on one of many self-guided walks to more than 20 historic landmarks. If time permits, visit the Kit Carson Home and Museum and Taos Art Museum .

Leave your car parked downtown and hop aboard a seasonal trolley tour that immerses tourists in the culture and history of Taos. Drive yourself or take a trolley tour to nearby Taos Pueblo, an Indigenous community and UNESCO World Heritage Site where people have lived for more than 1,000 years. It's considered to be one of the country's oldest continuously inhabited communities.

Taos is cradled between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the banks of the Rio Grande to the west. Elevate your spirit even higher by planning a half-day drive of the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway , an 84-mile route that leads you to ski areas in the winter and colorful landscapes in autumn.

As part of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument , the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a dramatic backdrop for your selfie and a literal drop of 650 feet to the river. It's one of the highest bridges in the United States.

Another six miles farther along Hwy US-64, the Earthship Global Visitor Center sells guided and self-guided tours of some of the most cosmically inspired, yet functional homes on our planet.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Taos

If you're looking for one of the best places to visit in New Mexico for an out-of-this-world experience, explore the alien environment of Roswell . From the McDonald's shaped like a UFO to the chainsaw carving of an alien at a gas station, the spirit of Roswell can be summed up in a few words: fun, fantastic, far-out.

How far out? Imagine the journey of an extra-terrestrial, coming from another galaxy, crashing somewhere on a Roswell ranch. Was it a nuclear surveillance balloon? A rocket ship? And what happened to the extra-terrestrials on board? Roswell has turned these questions into a reputation so vast, it has inspired a science fiction TV series aptly entitled ... Roswell .

The UFO incident that allegedly happened in 1947, preceded by rocket research in the 1930s, is the jet fuel that ignite creative artists, museum owners, and business people in enterprising Roswell. Everywhere you look, you'll see little green men with alien eyes probing your every move, and there's plenty to keep you on the go.

Take the whole family on a blacklight journey at the Roswell UFO Spacewalk . Pose for pictures in the surreal sets of the Area 51 Museum, Alien Zone . At the International UFO Museum and Research Center , sift through the facts and folklore, get educated about conspiracy theories, and decide for yourself what to believe about Roswell.

Had enough of aliens but still up for more fun? You'll find yet another slice of quirky Roswell at the Miniatures and Curious Collections Museum .

For a day trip, reconnect with Planet Earth at Bottomless Lakes State Park , located less than 16 miles from Roswell. Who knows if it's possible to get to the bottom?

Alamogordo ("fat cottonwood") is your headquarters for some of the most popular things to do in southern New Mexico. It's the gateway to famous White Sands National Park . With world-class aerospace activities nearby, the Alamogordo area feels like an oversized adventure park for aviation and space enthusiasts.

Proximity to ground zero of the first atomic blast at the Trinity Site in 1945 led to Alamogordo's future in missile testing. The New Mexico Museum of Space History organizes limited tours to the restricted Trinity Site each April and October. The museum is also home to the International Space Hall of Fame .

Before planting your feet back on Earth, hop aboard McGinn's PistachioLand Farm Tour to visit its ranch of more than 12,000 pistachio trees, and taste some of the crop. At 30 feet tall, the World's Largest Pistachio statue is sure to photo-bomb your selfie.

If you have kids, another family favorite is playtime at Alameda Park with its Toy Train Depot and the Alameda Park Zoo (founded in 1898).

Alamogordo's backyard is the Sacramento Mountains, which inspire serious outdoor fun. Twenty miles to the northeast of Alamogordo is Cloudcroft . At 9,000 feet, you'll be strapping on your skis in winter, and catching air on your mountain bike in summer.

Another popular access point into the Sacramentos is Dog Canyon Trail from Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, 16 miles south of Alamogordo. You'll be rewarded for your strenuous uphill grind into Lincoln National Forest with panoramic views of the Tularosa Basin stretched out below.

As New Mexico's gateway to the Gila National Forest , Silver City receives its fair share of hikers and campers eager to hit the trails. You might want to join them after visiting the shops and galleries along Silver City's pioneering grid of raised sidewalks.

Don't let the name fool you. The historic center of this city feels more like a hillside town. The name also implies a link to silver mining, but copper is the real gold in these hills and remains the local economic driver. As a tourist, you'll be mining unique treasures of your own.

In many American towns, it makes sense to first check out what's happening on Main Street. In 1895, Silver City's Main Street became a 55-foot-deep gulch following a catastrophic flood. Today, Big Ditch Park runs through the center of town, providing a shaded place to walk and rest on a bench beside Silva Creek.

In a restored classic home built in 1881, Silver City Museum features exhibits that connect you to local culture and events such as: The first criminal indictment of Billy the Kid, initial copper strikes by Spanish settlers, and the Apache encampment that is now Silver City.

Artifacts and displays about the ancient Mimbres Mogollon culture inform you about the first Indigenous people in the area. It also prepares you for the 45-mile drive north through the historic hamlet of Pinos Altos to visit Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument .

Thirty-three miles south of Silver City is another one of the best places to visit in New Mexico. City of Rocks State Park appears like an apparition on a grassy knoll of Chihuahuan Desert. Artfully sculpted and positioned by volcanic activity millions of years ago, boulders and pinnacles as high as 40 feet create natural corridors that are the streets and boulevards of this surreal "city."

It was love at first sight when painter Georgia O'Keeffe set eyes on Ghost Ranch , a former dude ranch northwest of Santa Fe.

She had traveled by train from New York and, just like a magic trick, stepped out of her urban comfort zone into a world of desert extremes: intense sunlight, the brightest bluest sky, the surreal whiteness of dry bones, and crimson flowers against red rock. It was the kind of beauty that brings people to their knees, and the effect it had on O'Keeffe is shared by many visitors to Ghost Ranch.

Unlike O'Keeffe, who relocated to spend the last third of her nearly century-long life at Ghost Ranch and nearby village of Abiquiu, tourists come for only a day or a week. It isn't a long time, but they never forget this incomparable and inspiring environment.

Over the years, Ghost Ranch has been many things to many people: a movie set; a conference and retreat center; and a place to hike, go horseback riding, and wander with a camera. Located on 21,000 acres, Ghost Ranch captures the grandeur and open space that is the essence of New Mexico.

On your own, explore the many trails, an interfaith adobe chapel, a library, and two museums. One of them explains the human history of the area, and the other showcases ancient creatures who roamed this terrain, including the state dinosaur, Coelophysis.

For a glimpse and possibly a tour of Georgia O'Keeffe's other main residence, head 13 miles south (in the direction of Santa Fe) to the historic village of Abiquiu , which was settled in 1742. Four miles west of Ghost Ranch, a concrete path takes you into Echo Canyon Amphitheater , an immense sandstone cavern where you can shout and listen for an answer.

Towering above the high desert plains, El Morro National Monument is a sandstone monolith that is breathtaking to behold. Also known as Inscription Rock, El Morro reads like a guest book, with 2,000 carved names, dates, and messages of people who passed this way (Spaniards, Indigenous people, and explorers).

At the visitor center and museum, learn about 700 years of human history at the monument, and pick up a guide booklet that explains stops along the do-it-yourself trails . From the mesa top, you'll be awed by the view beyond 200-foot drop-offs. By the time you get back down, you too might feel the urge to record your journey. Go ahead—a sandstone rock is provided for tourists to make their own mark.

After your visit to El Morro, treat yourself to local brisket smoked on site at the Ancient Way Café, and check out the local crafts and Indian jewelry for sale at Inscription Rock Trading & Coffee Company.

From El Morro, explore these additional places, each in one of the four directions: Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary (16 miles south), the "badlands" of El Malpais National Monument (15 miles east), the Ramah Museum built in 1904 (12.5 miles northwest), and Zuni Pueblo for their jewelry, arts and crafts (34 miles west).

The "road less traveled" applies to Chaco Canyon in the modern era of travel and leisure, but it wasn't always this way. From 850 to 1150 CE, the valley that is now the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chaco Culture National Historic Park was a primary trading center in the Four Corners.

Archeological discoveries indicate that Chaco was also connected to a vast Pan-American trading network. Thousands of Indigenous people who called Chaco Canyon home were Ancient Puebloans. Many people in the southwest today claim ancestral roots to Chacoan culture, and its ceremonial rites and traditions.

You will appreciate Chaco Canyon day and night. As an International Dark Sky Park , the attraction allows you to pursue your interest in the cosmos and capture starlight with your camera while camping beside a sandstone cliff. During the day, designated trails and overlooks allow you to walk in the footsteps of the Ancient Puebloans.

A paved nine-mile scenic driving loop begins at the visitor center. With bike racks conveniently located at trailheads for each of the village sites, this loop is a favorite ride for cyclists, as well as motorists.

Get ready to feel awe-struck when standing in the middle of Pueblo Bonito , one of the largest complexes of ceremonial kivas, courtyards, and pithouses made of carved and layered sandstone of many colors. Take your time to soak in the peace that surrounds you while exploring this and the other "great houses" of Chaco Canyon.

Surrounded by these monuments of civilization, imagine how ingenuity mixed with manual labor created such a vast complex of villages. Modern researchers have their theories, but why do you think the Chacoans decided to settle here only to abandon the place 300 years later?

Nestled between the east bank of the Rio Grande and New Mexico's second-largest city of Las Cruces , Old Mesilla appears as if locked in time. The first building of its historic plaza was erected in 1849, and this social center is a venerated survivor of famous events and infamous characters.

Mesilla Plaza is the kind of place where you want to sit on a bench with a fresh "Day of the Dead" brew from Wild West Express-o in hand and people watch. Then spend a half hour walking around the plaza to read the historical markers about the people who came here before you. Step into a shop or two, including the Billy the Kid Gift Shop, where "The Kid" was jailed and sentenced to hang in 1881.

If you like hot and spicy food, this section of the Rio Grande cultivates some of the most famous chiles on the planet. The only forest you are likely to see here are plantations of pecan trees such as the historic Stahmanns Pecans estate, which harvests nine million pounds of pecans each year.

One of the best panoramic sunset photos in the American Southwest can be captured at the last rest stop along Interstate 10, just west of Las Cruces. The mammoth 20-foot tall Recycled Roadrunner Statue on the south side of the interstate helps guide you to the exit you need to take.

You're standing on an escarpment looking down across the Rio Grande valley. The changing light, reflecting off the jagged peaks of the Organ Mountains, mesmerizes you until the curtain call of darkness ends the show.

Return to Old Mesilla for dinner at La Posta de Mesilla , a restaurant dating back more than 80 years and located in the same 1840s building used by the Butterfield Stagecoach Line.

Fresh water and mountain air make Rio Grande del Norte National Monument near Taos one of the best places to visit in New Mexico if you're into the great outdoors. Ranging south from the New Mexico-Colorado border, this vast wilderness features volcano cones such as Ute Mountain, which reaches nearly 10,000 feet into the sky.

Below the earth's crust are flooded lava tubes, such as Lava Tube Spring —the largest freshwater spring in New Mexico—which bubbles into the Rio Grande. Where there is water, there is also wildlife . If lucky, you will spot a resident elk, black bear, bighorn sheep, or cougar. You might also snag a rainbow trout while fly fishing .

The most celebrated and accessible feature you experience is the untamed expanse of the Rio Grande flowing south from its headwaters in the Colorado Rockies. Rio Grande Del Norte is divided into the Upper Gorge (Wild Rivers Recreational Area) north of Taos and the Lower Gorge (Orilla Verde Recreational Area) south of Taos. The 900-foot drop in river elevation between the upper and lower sections carved the impressive 800-foot canyon walls.

Wild Rivers is a paradise for day hikers and backpackers, with 13 trails rated from easy to strenuous. Wheelchair accessible and photogenic overlooks above the roiling confluence of the Rio Grande and Red River inspire lasting memories of this high desert plateau.

The campground along the top of the escarpment is considered a hidden gem by camping enthusiasts. Designated riverside campsites reward hikers who have the backcountry gear and energy to reach them.

In addition to hiking and biking adventures along one of the eight trails at Orilla Verde, the Lower Gorge is the place to go for whitewater rafting and river tours. Roadside campgrounds along the river provide easy-to-access sites, some with RV hookups.

If you're a fan of Native American art, culture, and jewelry of the American Southwest, you could visit the Navajo Nation or Hopi Reservation, or just head straight for Gallup. Thousands of artists and hundreds of traders sell exquisite arts and crafts in the city's trading posts and gift shops.

Due to the scarcity of turquoise and restrictions on coral, you'll find the most gorgeous and valuable pieces of jewelry in pawn shops. Don't be put off by the word "pawn." This is the source of quality pottery, carvings, rugs, and belts that were made many years ago. If you're shopping for your first piece, knowledgeable staff will provide you with a certificate of authenticity.

With more than one third of its population associated with Native American communities, Gallup is renowned as a gathering place for Indigenous arts and culture. For a century, its annual Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial has been a longstanding celebration of Indigenous arts and culture attracting tribes from all over North America.

Watch for this popular summertime event that features ceremonial dances, pow-wows, a juried art show, parades, pageants, a rodeo, plus good eats and fun for the whole family.

Gallup is located on historic Route 66 , in addition to being a stop on the Trail of the Ancients , a designated New Mexico scenic byway. With its rolling hills of red rock and tumbleweeds flying through the dusty air, the scenery attracted Hollywood moviemakers.

During the 1940s and 1950s (the heyday for making westerns in the Gallup area), movie stars stayed at the landmark Hotel El Rancho. The walls of this historic Route 66 hotel are covered with framed and autographed photos of John Wayne; Ronald Reagan; Humphrey Bogart; Gregory Peck; and Spencer Tracy and his leading lady, Katharine Hepburn. Relax in a comfy lobby chair, enjoy a drink, and scout out treasures in the well-stocked gift shop.

The most glorious natural landmark is Red Rock Park , located eight miles east of Gallup. A striking formation known as Church Rock oversees the red sandstone landscape, where visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. The Red Rock Balloon Rally , the second largest such event in North America, has been happening here for nearly 40 years, usually in December.

From Gallup, you're well positioned for a fascinating day trip to Zuni , the largest of New Mexico's pueblos. Most residents of this traditional village are engaged in making arts and crafts and are welcoming to visitors. Meet them in their studios, and purchase work from an array of cooperatives and trading posts. Be sure to purchase a permit from the visitor's center if you wish to take photos.

Of all the places popular with bird-watchers in New Mexico, one place soars above all the rest: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge . With 57,000 acres of habitat and the Rio Grande running through it, the refuge provides an important stopover for migratory waterfowl.

Starting in late October and ending in mid-February, sandhill cranes, geese, ducks, and eagles converge on the refuge to settle in for the winter. They have their reasons: The vast refuge is managed to ensure a seasonal supply of food and water, which draws birds by the tens of thousands for the annual Festival of the Cranes.

To take in this spectacle, time your visit to this region of New Mexico for mid-November, which is a lot less chilly than you might imagine if you are yourself a snowbird. Located mid-way between Albuquerque and Las Cruces off Interstate 25, you'll find the access for the refuge at San Antonio. (Socorro is the closest city.)

Amateurs and professionals alike are aided by experts at observation posts, lectures by ornithologists, and workshops in the field. Drive the 12-mile auto loop and explore the nature trails. The refuge hasn't just gone to the birds—keep your eyes open for wildlife, such as javelina and mule deer. Stop at the visitor center and nature store for information and souvenirs.

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