New Mexico Travel Guide

Discover the Best of New Mexico

New Mexico is a state that truly has it all. From stunning natural wonders to rich cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in the Land of Enchantment. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or an art lover, you’ll find plenty to explore and enjoy in this diverse and beautiful state.

Top Attractions

New Mexico is home to many iconic attractions that are not to be missed. Some of the top must-see destinations include:

The stunning sandstone formations of the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
The ancient dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans at Chaco Culture National Historical Park
The art galleries and museums of Santa Fe, including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Museum of International Folk Art
The historic Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The otherworldly White Sands National Park, with its dunes of pure white gypsum sand

Hidden Gems

While the top attractions are certainly worth visiting, don’t forget to explore some of New Mexico’s lesser-known treasures. Some hidden gems to discover include:

The quirky and colorful town of Madrid, which was once a ghost town but is now home to artists and artisans
The otherworldly landscapes of the Valles Caldera National Preserve
The art installations and sculptures of the Tinkertown Museum in Sandia Park
The historic mining town of Cerrillos, which is now a hub for artists and filmmakers
The charming village of Mesilla, with its adobe buildings and rich history

Food Scene

New Mexico is known for its unique cuisine, which blends Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences. Some must-try dishes include:

Green chile stew, a hearty and spicy soup made with roasted green chiles
Navajo fry bread, a fluffy and crispy bread that can be topped with savory or sweet toppings
Sopapillas, a deep-fried pastry that is often served with honey or as a savory side dish
Carne adovada, a spicy and tender pork stew that is a New Mexican classic
Posole, a hearty and flavorful soup made with hominy and pork

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling on a budget? No problem. Here are some tips for saving money while exploring New Mexico:

Visit free attractions, such as the outdoor art installations in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill neighborhood
Eat at local food trucks and markets, which offer affordable and delicious cuisine
Take advantage of free museum days, which are often offered on certain days of the week
Camp or stay in budget-friendly accommodations, such as hostels or Airbnbs
Use public transportation, such as the Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus system, to save on rental car fees

Outdoor Adventures

New Mexico is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its diverse terrain and mild climate. Some top outdoor activities to enjoy include:

Hiking in the stunning Sandia Mountains or the Gila Wilderness
Rafting on the Rio Grande or the Chama River
Skiing or snowboarding at one of the state’s many ski resorts, such as Taos Ski Valley or Ski Santa Fe
Biking the trails of the Santa Fe National Forest or the Rio Grande Trail
Camping in one of the state’s many scenic campgrounds, such as the Jemez Falls Campground

Historical Landmarks

New Mexico has a rich history that is reflected in its many historic landmarks. Some top sites to visit include:

The Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe, which was built in 1610 and is the oldest public building in the United States
The San Miguel Mission in Santa Fe, which was built in the early 1600s and is the oldest church in the United States
The Abo Ruins in Mountainair, which are the remains of a 17th-century pueblo and Spanish mission
The Fort Sumner State Monument, which marks the site of the Navajo and Mescalero Apache internment camp
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, which is the only state-sanctioned Vietnam War memorial in the United States

Family-Friendly Activities

Traveling with kids? New Mexico has plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Some top picks include:

The Albuquerque BioPark, which includes a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque, which has interactive exhibits and a planetarium
The Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum in Albuquerque, which offers hands-on science exhibits and activities
The Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which features stunning underground caves and a bat flight program
The Rio Grande Zoo and Splash Park in Albuquerque, which has a variety of water features and animal exhibits

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little different, New Mexico has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to discover. Some ideas include:

The Roswell UFO Festival, which takes place every July and celebrates the town’s alleged 1947 UFO crash
The Meow Wolf immersive art installation in Santa Fe, which features interactive exhibits and installations
The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, which is a remote and stunning site that is rarely crowded
The New Mexico Ghost Towns, which are scattered throughout the state and offer a glimpse into the state’s mining and frontier history
The Earthship Biotecture community in Taos, which features sustainable and eco-friendly homes made from recycled materials

Natural Wonders

New Mexico is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States. Some must-see sites include:

The stunning landscapes of the Rio Grande Gorge, with its deep canyon and rushing river
The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, with its towering rock formations and scenic hiking trails
The Chaco Culture National Historical Park, with its ancient ruins and stunning desert landscapes
The Carlsbad Caverns National Park, with its underground caves and stunning formations
The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, with its stunning mountain vistas and scenic hiking trails

Vibrant Nightlife

New Mexico has a lively and diverse nightlife scene, with plenty of options for music, dancing, and entertainment. Some top spots to check out include:

The Meow Wolf House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe, which features live music and performances in addition to its art installations
The Launchpad in Albuquerque, which is a legendary music venue that hosts local and national acts
The El Rey Theater in Albuquerque, which is a historic theater that hosts a variety of events and concerts
The Santa Fe Opera House, which is a stunning open-air theater that hosts world-class performances in the summer months
The Cowgirl BBQ in Santa Fe, which is a popular spot for live music and dancing

Local Markets

New Mexico is home to many vibrant and bustling markets, where you can find everything from local crafts to fresh produce. Some top markets to explore include:

The Santa Fe Farmers Market, which is one of the largest and most diverse farmers markets in the country
The Albuquerque Downtown Growers Market, which features local produce, crafts, and live music
The Taos Farmers Market, which is a popular spot for local food and crafts
The Rail Yards Market in Albuquerque, which features food trucks, live music, and vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry
The Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market, which is the largest market in southern New Mexico and features over 300 vendors

Beaches and Mountains

New Mexico may be landlocked, but it still has plenty of opportunities for beach and mountain adventures. Some top spots to explore include:

The stunning vistas and hiking trails of the Sandia Mountains, which rise over 10,000 feet above Albuquerque
The ski resorts and mountain towns of Taos, which offer a variety of winter and summer activities
The Elephant Butte Lake State Park, which is the largest lake in New Mexico and offers boating and fishing opportunities
The Jemez Springs area, which features hot springs, scenic drives, and hiking trails
The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, which features stunning river canyons and hiking trails

Cultural Immersion

New Mexico has a rich and diverse

New Mexico Travel Guide