The Best Destinations in New Mexico You Need to Visit
New Mexico is one of the most beautiful states in the US, full of stunning landscapes, unique attractions, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, you’ll find plenty to do in this southwestern state. In this guide, we’re going to explore some of the best destinations in New Mexico that you need to visit. There is something for everyone here, from spectacular natural attractions to vibrant cities.
Albuquerque:
Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul Hot Spots
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul is filmed in New Mexico, and the city of Albuquerque has become well known as the backdrop of the shows, with many filming sites scattered throughout the city. Here’s a great list of some of the most well-known locations from these hit shows.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Dedicated to preserving and interpreting the state’s natural and scientific heritage through its collections, research, exhibits, and educational programs, this museum makes for a fun day of learning. Its exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from paleontology to space exploration.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
One of the most extraordinary events of the year is a hot air balloon event where hundreds of balloons fly in the sky simultaneously. It’s a beautiful sight with unique balloon designs and an entire spectrum of colors.
Sandia Peak Tramway
If you love gorgeous mountain views, this is the opportunity for you. From the excitement of riding the tram on a high-wire across an expansive peak thousands of miles above sea level to the beautiful dining experience at TEN3 restaurant, you’ll have the time of your life.
Santa Fe:
Ski Santa Fe
If you are looking for a special family ski destination that offers you incredible terrain, high-altitude snow, and a genuine cultural experience, Ski Santa Fe is one of the best places to visit near Santa Fe in New Mexico. You will find excellent instructors for beginners and kids to ensure you have a double dose of fun, even if it’s your first time skiing!
Meow Wolf – Santa Fe – immersive art
Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return is an incredible art experience for immersive art lovers of all ages. Discover a microcosmos world of mind-blowing and explorable art displayed in over 70 rooms. While enjoying the interactive art display, you can also indulge in delicious food trucks outside that offer yummy treats!
Santa Fe Opera House
One of the spectacular open-air theaters, Santa Fe Opera House offers incredible operas and musical festivals to all visitors. From the fantastic views of the sky, the stage, and superb acoustics, you are surely going to have a truly memorable experience at the opera House. Many visitors love the mesmerizing sunsets while enjoying an excellent opera show!
Scavenger hunt walking tour
If you are a fan of adventures and scavenger hunts, take a walking tour of Santa Fe to discover the whole place. On your walking tour, you can enjoy several fun games and a list of challenges. You can use the mobile application to complete your challenges and take help from a remote Host who will help you along the way on your scavenger hunt!
Taos:
Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo is one of the best getaways for vacation goers and visitors, brimming with great opportunities worth exploring. It is one of the ancient inhabited communities in the US, famous for its iconic and multi-storied structures. If the architecture doesn’t excite you, you can take some time for biking, hiking, and shopping in several art galleries at Taos Pueblo to take some souvenirs back home.
Ski Taos
For all those visitors who have eyes on skiing and snowboarding, Taos is teeming with incredible skiing and snowboarding resorts for you. With spectacular terrain and great snowfall, skiing in Taos is an unmatched destination in the west for all skiing enthusiasts with its own vibe. It is a great place to have winter adventures with your friends and family.
White water rafting
Tourists have numerous opportunities for rafting in Taos, thanks to several tributary rivers running down its slopes into the tremendous Rio Grande. The place is excellent for white water rafting in Taos throughout the year. If you grab a chance to visit, the Village of Arroyo Hondo is one of the popular places to fulfill your rafting dreams.
Millicent Rogers Museum
Art lovers will discover a heaven of artworks in the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos. The place houses an enormous collection of multicultural art with special emphasis on New Mexican and Taos art. Whether you like contemporary or traditional art, Millicent has your back! You can also view a number of pottery designs and traditional jewelry at the display.
Ruidoso New Mexico:
Ruidoso Downs Horse racing
Ruidoso Downs is home to the world’s richest quarter-horse race. Visitors love spending summers in the scenic settings of the Sacramento mountains and cool pines. Experience live horse racing with your friends and family!
Golf
Love golf? Ruidoso has got your back! Ruidoso is a paradise for all golf lovers who will find numerous spots that offer pleasant golf courses with fine greens. One of the globally celebrated golf courses, called Rainmakers Golf Course, is also located in Ruidoso, New Mexico. You will definitely enjoy the sport with your friends and family in Ruidoso!
Spencer Theatre for the Performing Arts
One of the most distinguished theaters in Ruidoso has to be Spencer Theatre for the Performing Arts, thanks to its notable performances, excellent acoustics, and incredibly unique architectural design. It is one of the best places to experience world-class entertainment.
Horse trail riding
Do you have an insatiable hunger for adventures? Don’t worry; Ruidoso has a multitude of opportunities for all the adventure lovers out there to have a lifetime experience of horseback riding. It is one of the top and longtime favorite activities of all the tourists to have an enjoyable afternoon.
Carlsbad, NM
Carlsbad Caverns
Located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns is one of the top-rated preserved cave complexes around the globe. The place features more than 100 caves which will leave you astounded! It is also one of the most easily accessible cave complexes in the world, so make sure you don’t miss this opportunity to explore the rare gem in Carlsbad.
Sitting Bull Falls
If you are a nature-lover, you would love to visit Sitting Bull Falls, a gorgeous waterfall set amid the hot deserts of South-East New Mexico. You can even take a dip in the waterfall. Various hiking trails allow you to see the springs located above. We assure you that you will have a great picnic at this historical picnic shelter.
Lake Carlsbad Recreation
If you prefer water sports, you are in for a great surprise. Lake Carlsbad Recreative gives you an opportunity to enjoy boating, swimming, and picnics with your friends and family. The recreation area is along the Pecos River, where you can also take a walk.
Carlsbad Cruises Day Tours
Carlsbad Cruises are located at a distance of a few miles away from the Carlsbad Caverns. Visitors can take any Carlsbad Cruises boats to enjoy a serene hour all by themselves and their loved ones to ride down the Pecos River. You can even bask in the sunlight or swim in the free beach area or rent paddle boats or kayaks to make the most of your day!