Albuquerque

New Mexico

United States

North America

Roswell

Santa Fe

Destinations

New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, has a diverse landscape that offers visitors a variety of things to do. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, birder, photographer or hiker, falling in love with New Mexico is not difficult.

New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, has a diverse landscape that offers visitors a variety of things to do. The most notable of New Mexico’s characteristics are the majestic, thickly forested, snow-topped mountains that include the Sangre de Cristo and Guadalupe Mountains that provide summer and winter entertainment. New Mexico has a rich cultural history that’s reflected in unique museums, botanical gardens, and monuments. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, birder, photographer or hiker, falling in love with New Mexico is not difficult.
<h2>1. Santa Fe Opera House</h2>
This beautiful open-air desert amphitheater is seven miles north of Santa Fe. You dine before the concerts while gazing upon panoramic views. Sunsets over the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the east and the Guadalupe mountains to the west are spectacular. Five operas are presented each season, including a world premiere. This relaxing venue provides opera translations in English and Spanish via a digital computer screen.

[caption id="attachment_1021529" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/496360852-1024x631.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/496360852-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/496360852-300x185.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/496360852-768x474.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/496360852.jpg 1200w" alt="opera music outdoor mountains" width="1024" height="631" /> RoschetzkyIstockPhoto / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Carlsbad Caverns</h2>
In the Chihuahuan desert, among flowering cactus and rocky canyons, stands this phenomenal natural wonder. Formed from sulfuric acid-dissolved limestone, Carlsbad has more than 119 caverns. Cave exploration is available via two trails. The Big Room Trail has an easy terrain and wanders over 1.25 miles. One noted visitor claims it’s like the Grand Canyon with a roof. Some of this trail is wheelchair accessible. The National Entrance Trail is tough and not recommended for visitors. From May through October, bats stream from the cave nightly. You can meet with a ranger and watch the bat flight phenomenon in comfort at the nearby amphitheater.

[caption id="attachment_1021530" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/172155099-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/172155099-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/172155099-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/172155099-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/172155099.jpg 1200w" alt="caves trails bats" width="1024" height="683" /> yenwen / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Las Cruces - City of Crosses</h2>
Las Cruces is the second largest city in New Mexico. If you love to shop, this town has a top-rated farmers’ market. The Dona Ana Mountains, five miles north of Las Cruces, is a recreation mecca. You can horseback ride, mountain bike or hike over miles of nicely groomed trails. Wildlife is abundant in ‘dem dar hills,’ so use caution as some of the wildlife is wilder than others. In town, follow the “Walk of Flame” Green Chile Trail. Have a traditional green chili meal accompanied by a green chili vodka martini. Along the trail, learn about growing and harvesting green chilies. If you don’t have time for that, head down the road a bit to the Village of Hatch, Green Chili Capital of the World. You can buy them there.

[caption id="attachment_1021531" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/486835284-1024x678.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/486835284-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/486835284-300x199.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/486835284-768x509.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/486835284.jpg 1200w" alt="crosses green chiles biking hiking" width="1024" height="678" /> SWCargill / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Riverbend Hot Springs – Truth or Consequences</h2>
Relax and recharge after a busy day of seeing the sights. On the banks of the mighty Rio Grande River, the mineral hot springs spa invites you to drop in for a few hours or book an overnight stay for ultimate rejuvenation. You can relax by the gently flowing river and catch a glimpse of the playful wildlife. The mountain views of Turtleback Mountain are breathtaking. The hot springs are considered sacred by the Apache and Mimbres peoples. Legend has it that warriors left weapons behind to soak in the healing waters.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1021541" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_627515423.jpg" alt="Elephant Butte Lake Balloon Regatta, New Mexico" width="1000" height="665" />


<h2>5. Taos Ski Valley</h2>
Over 1,294 acres of skiing terrain make Ski Valley one of New Mexico’s biggest attractions. The area gets over 305 inches of snow each year. World-class skiers and snowboarders offer lessons. There are 110 trails, suitable for skiers, snow tubers and snowboarders from newbies to aces. After a challenging cross-country trek, you can warm up in the hot springs or dine in authentic German style at the Bavarian. During the summer months, you can hike day or night, mountain bike and take in panoramic views from the chairlift rides.

[caption id="attachment_1021533" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1130817525-1024x768.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1130817525-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1130817525-300x225.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1130817525-768x576.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1130817525.jpg 1200w" alt="ski snowboard trails hot springs" width="1024" height="768" /> Alexandra D. Urban / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Anderson – Abruzzo International Balloon Museum - Albuquerque</h2>
Albuquerque hosts the annual balloon festival for nine days each October. The festival is a yearly pilgrimage for fans of these graceful giants. There’s a nightly landscape balloon spectacular during the festival. The museum gives you a hands-on experience of how the balloons fly, reasons they fly, and the importance of their history. A 4-D theater lets you experience the joy of ballooning in an animated flight simulation—good news for those who prefer to stay grounded.

[caption id="attachment_1021534" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/173902987-1024x685.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/173902987-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/173902987-300x201.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/173902987-768x514.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/173902987.jpg 1200w" alt="balloons festival hands-on theater" width="1024" height="685" /> sjlayne / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. New Mexico Museum of Space History – Alamogordo</h2>
New Mexico has made significant contributions to space exploration. Rocket testing in Roswell and medical research related to astronauts among them. You can touch a moon rock, inspect space suits and gape in amazement at the 632 mile-per-hour Rocket Sled. There’s lots to learn about space through lasers, images, and stars projected on the domed ceiling at the planetarium. The International Space Hall of Fame honors those who have helped to advance the technology of space flight. There is also a Space Camp for youngsters who long to fly away to other worlds.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1021542" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_39121327.jpg" alt="Old Satellite Dish outside the Space History Museum at Alamogordo, New Mexico" width="1000" height="679" />


<h2>8. White Sands National Monument</h2>
In the north Chihuahuan Desert, oscillating dunes of pure white sand cover 115 square miles. These dunes are the only pure gypsum dunes in the world. The dunes nestle at the edge of a United States military base and missile-testing range. You can hike the nature reserve on easy-to-navigate paths. The dunes are home to specially adapted plants and animals. While hiking, keep your eyes peeled for the Bleached Earless lizard and the kit fox. Rent a sled for a thrilling ride down the dunes.

[caption id="attachment_1021536" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/170454941-1024x685.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/170454941-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/170454941-300x201.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/170454941-768x514.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/170454941.jpg 1200w" alt="sand dunes hiking sledding" width="1024" height="685" /> ManuelBurgos / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Santa Rosa Blue Hole</h2>
This natural swimming hole is just off the iconic Route 66. The incredibly blue water is spring-fed and hides a network of caves. The caves were mostly unexplored until 2013. However, during the popular road-tripping days along Route 66, Blue Hole was an oasis in the desert. There is no admission for swimming here. You can scuba dive in this petite swimming hole and fish in the nearby pond. In summer months, small concerts are held around the water.

[caption id="attachment_1021537" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/882669862-1024x684.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/882669862-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/882669862-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/882669862-768x513.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/882669862.jpg 1200w" alt="iconic road trip Route 66" width="1024" height="684" /> martince2 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Petrograph National Monument</h2>
This culturally significant monument sits on a sweeping basalt mesa. The monument has more than 10,000 rock-carved petroglyphs, many of which you can see from the hiking trails. The least strenuous of the three hiking trails is Boca Negra Canyon. More than 100 petroglyphs line one mile of this trail. There’s a longer hike in Rinconada Canyon and Marcadas Canyon Loop. If you hike these areas, bring plenty of water. There’s a lot of wildlife, too, including rattlesnakes, so step lightly and have fun.

[caption id="attachment_1021538" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/859479162-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/859479162-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/859479162-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/859479162-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/859479162.jpg 1200w" alt="rock carving hiking trails" width="1024" height="683" /> harryhayashi / Getty Images[/caption]

Enchanting Things to Do in New Mexico

The capital city of New Mexico is rich in history and culture. A must-see for any art lover, Santa Fe is home to many galleries featuring everything from traditional art to contemporary. There are myriad things to see and do in Santa Fe.

The capital city of New Mexico is rich in history and culture. A must-see for any art lover, Santa Fe is home to many galleries featuring everything from traditional art to contemporary. There are high-class accommodations, world-renowned restaurants serving authentic cuisine, and some of the best shopping in the country. There are myriad things to see and do in Santa Fe.
<h2>1. Traveler's Market</h2>
You can shop the world in this amazing marketplace. The Traveler's Market consists of specialty items from almost every country. Fabrics, books, jewelry, toys, clothing, and so much more! There is also a tribal art and antique market to explore. Be sure to set aside the better part of a day to peruse the market and surrounding malls and shops.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/950776890-1024x713.jpg" alt="950776890" width="1024" height="713" /><span class="image-caption">Manjunath Undi / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. Museum Hill</h2>
Museum Hill is a grouping of four world-class museums all in one area, complete with dining, shopping, and even a botanical garden. Spend your day exploring the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, the Museum of Indian Arts &amp; Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/137852335-1024x680.jpg" alt="137852335" width="1024" height="680" /><span class="image-caption">twilightproductions / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3. Nambe Trading Post</h2>
A historic trading post with authentic handmade items from the Old West culture, Nambe Trading Post also hosts ongoing events such as art displays and antique shows. The market has authentic Indian bead and quillwork, Western movie costumes, Navajo weavings, Indian dolls, and jewelry. It is a true must see, even for browsers. There are not many places in the world you will find the items displayed at this market.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/173836548-1024x708.jpg" alt="173836548" width="1024" height="708" /><span class="image-caption">ivanastar / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4. Cross of the Martyrs Park</h2>
Cross of the Martyrs is a beautiful park with stunning views of the city and a rich history. A giant cross, standing 25 feet tall, overlooks the site, a tribute to the priests and Spanish colonists who died in the Pueblo Revolt in 1680. Plaques share the history of the park, and the short hike is easy for most people. The views make it a popular place to watch the sunset.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/475439300-1024x683.jpg" alt="475439300" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Davel5957 / Getty Images</span>
<h2>5. New Mexico Museum of Art</h2>
The building alone is worth visiting this stunning museum; the Spanish architecture is gorgeous and the oldest in the state. The museum has an open policy that allows New Mexico artists to display their works, bringing art and community together. It offers a diverse display of artworks and performances. Rotating exhibitions of local artists work are always available to view.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/1005163368-1024x683.jpg" alt="1005163368" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Brent_1 / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6. Santa Fe Farmers' Market</h2>
The famous farmers' market in Santa Fe started small in the 1960's and has grown to showcase over 150 vendors. It's the largest in the state and is open year-round for visitors and locals alike to find the finest produce in the area. The market is also home to the Railyard Artisan Market, which features jewelry, musical instruments, pottery, and much more. All items are made by New Mexico artisans. There is even an onsite winery, gift shop, and cafe.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/505294824-1024x683.jpg" alt="505294824" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">AngelMcNallphotography / Getty Images</span>
<h2>7. Santa Fe River Park Trail</h2>
Get outside and explore the grounds at the Santa Fe River Park Trail. The park and trail system follows the river almost ten miles. Sometimes the riverbed dries out, a strong reminder you're in the desert. The park has sculptures and picnic tables, and the trail is easily walkable and offers unique perspectives of the city to explore with friends, family or your furry friend.

&nbsp;

[caption id="attachment_2470" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2470" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-884736738-1-1.jpg" alt="MargaretW / Getty Images" width="1000" height="666" /> MargaretW / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Meow Wolf</h2>
The name alone might make you want to visit this place. Meow Wolf is a fairly new addition to the Santa Fe art scene and is quickly leading the pack. Established by a large arts and entertainment group with locations in Las Vegas and Denver, the unique museum offers hands-on experience in all types of art.

[caption id="attachment_2469" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2469" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/GettyImages-931235660-1.jpg" alt="Hutton Supancic / Getty Images" width="1000" height="666" /> Hutton Supancic / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Pecos National Historical Park</h2>
Pecos National Historical Park is a great place to visit and explore. It preserves the history of the Pueblo culture in the form of two Spanish Colonial Missions, trails, and site of a Civil War Battle. Take a guided ranger tour to truly immerse yourself in the experience. The park also offers fishing, camping, and hiking.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/820918292-1024x683.jpg" alt="820918292" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">danrichards_uk / Getty Images</span>
<h2>10. International Folk Art Market</h2>
The International Folk Art Market is a one of a kind place that gives local artists the opportunity to display and sell their pieces. The market is committed to preserving folk art traditions worldwide. Visitors submerge themselves in a world full of culture and some of the most wonderful handmade items you can find. The market holds folk art bazaars most weekends, where folks can grab up jewelry, clothing, art, and other items at great prices.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/478319994-1024x576.jpg" alt="478319994" width="1024" height="576" /><span class="image-caption">LizCoughlan / Getty Images</span>

10 Things to See and Do in Santa Fe

From stunning landscapes made familiar to many by the popular television series Breaking Bad, to museums that highlight the city’s American Indian and Southwestern heritages, Albuquerque offers an abundance of activities and sights for every traveler.

Nestled in the Rio Grande Valley at the foot of the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque is a high desert metropolis that welcomes millions of visitors a year. From stunning landscapes made familiar to many by the popular television series <i>Breaking Bad,</i> to museums that highlight the city’s American Indian and Southwestern heritages, Albuquerque offers an abundance of activities and sights for every traveler.
<h2>1. Petroglyph National Monument</h2>
Petroglyph National Monument is a natural monument that stretches along Albuquerque’s West Mesa, a volcanic rock slope that dominates the city’s western horizon. One of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, the boulders feature more than 20,000 prehistoric images carved by Ancestral Pueblo peoples and early Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago. The stone relics allow those visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico to share the cultural heritage of those who lived and traveled through the Rio Grande Valley.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/948902654-1024x683.jpg" alt="948902654" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Adria Malcolm / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. Albuquerque Museum of Art and History</h2>
Located in the heart of Old Town, the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History is dedicated to preserving the art of the American Southwest and the rich heritage of Albuquerque. The museum has three permanent exhibits that portray the artifacts of colonial life in New Mexico, including conquistador armor, early maps, and weavings. The museum also hosts a range of special exhibits that depict art from around the world.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/656851448-1024x683.jpg" alt="656851448" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">CampPhoto / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3. Sandia Peak Tramway</h2>
Sandia Peak Tramway, the longest aerial tramway in the United States, stretches from the northeast edge Albuquerque to the crestline of the Sandia Mountains. A trip on the 2.7 mile-long tramway offers breathtaking views of Albuquerque and the New Mexico countryside, including deep canyons and stunning terrain of the Sandia Mountains within the Cibola National Forest. Atop the Sandia Peak, sightseers have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley from an observation deck as well as to explore miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/180672833-1024x526.jpg" alt="180672833" width="1024" height="526" /><span class="image-caption">Steve Snowden / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center</h2>
Owned and operated by the 19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center showcases the artifacts and history of traditional Pueblo cultures and their contemporary art. The center is best known for its collection of Pueblo pottery and murals, and houses more than 20 murals and 2,500 pieces pottery, jewelry, baskets, textiles, archeological artifacts, paintings, photographs, and prints. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center also offers traditional Native American dances every Saturday and Sunday, where visitors can experience dance groups from the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico as well as Plains Style, Apache, Hopi, and Navajo dancers.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/147282670-1024x753.jpg" alt="147282670" width="1024" height="753" /><span class="image-caption">photosbyjim / Getty Images</span>
<h2>5. American International Rattlesnake Museum</h2>
Hidden away in a quiet corner of historic Old Town is the world’s largest collection of different rattlesnake species. The animal conservation museum boasts live displays of 34 species, from albino snakes to a Gila Monster. The museum is also home to a unique array of snake-related artwork, artifacts, and memorabilia, including ceramics, jewelry, snakebite kits, and more. It’s a must-see museum for anyone charmed or thrilled by snakes.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/121911200-1024x644.jpg" alt="121911200" width="1024" height="644" /><span class="image-caption">ColbyJoe / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6. KiMo Theatre</h2>
Built in 1927 to show both motion pictures and stage productions, KiMo Theatre is a historic landmark and theatre on the corner of Albuquerque’s Central Avenue and Fifth Street. The three-story, light brown stucco building, was designed in the Art Deco-Pueblo Revival Style of architecture. It blends adobe building styles with the decorative motifs of ancient American Indian cultures and the sleek and linear verticals common to Art Deco architecture. Ornamental details include chandeliers shaped like war drums and rows of buffalo skulls. Seven brilliant murals inside the theatre depict the Seven Cities of Cibola.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/184103178-1024x681.jpg" alt="184103178" width="1024" height="681" /><span class="image-caption">ivanastar / Getty Images</span>
<h2>7. The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History</h2>
The United States Air Force established the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in 1969. It is a national repository of information about the Atomic Age. The museum showcases exhibits and educational programs about nuclear history and science. This includes the historic, scientific, and cultural aspects of the Atomic Age. Permanent exhibits focus on early pioneers of the atom, World War II, the world of espionage, and the design and testing of the world’s first atomic bomb.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/488519134-1024x619.jpg" alt="488519134" width="1024" height="619" /><span class="image-caption">CUTWORLD / Getty Images</span>
<h2>8. International Balloon Festival</h2>
There’s nothing like the sight of hundreds of balloons soaring across blue skies over a desert landscape. Each October, balloon pilots and spectators from all over the world visit Albuquerque to witness exactly this at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. For nine days, over 500 colorful hot air balloons ascend above the city each morning. The spectacular event is the largest balloon festival in the world. It is truly a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico in the fall.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/172399131-1024x683.jpg" alt="172399131" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">prmoeller / Getty Images</span>
<h2>9. San Felipe de Neri Church</h2>
Looming over the north side of Old Town Plaza is San Felipe de Neri Church. It is a historic Catholic Church that dates back to 1793. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Albuquerque and the only building in Old Town built during the Spanish colonial period. The structure includes a rectory, a convent, and a school. There is also a small museum that displays religious art and artifacts. Visitors admire the well-preserved character of the church and peaceful atmosphere.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/591945704-1024x682.jpg" alt="591945704" width="1024" height="682" /><span class="image-caption">Bryan Steffy / Getty Images</span>
<h2>10. Old Town Albuquerque</h2>
Visitors to Albuquerque love the city’s Old Town for its charming architecture and walkability. Spanish settlers in 1706 founded old Town. Old Town is organized with a central plaza anchored by San Felipe de Neri Church. The historic neighborhood is known as a center for art and culture and is home to several museums, including:
<ul>
 	<li>The National Hispanic Cultural Center</li>
 	<li>The New Mexico Museum of Natural History</li>
 	<li>The American International Rattlesnake Museum</li>
</ul>
Most of Old Town’s architecture is adobe, in the Pueblo-Spanish style, although numerous Victorian buildings pepper the streets. During the holiday season, residents and tourists flock to Old Town to view its luminaria displays. The Spanish colonial neighborhood also offers an array of restaurants, shops, boutiques, and galleries.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/179541731-1024x692.jpg" alt="179541731" width="1024" height="692" /><span class="image-caption">Steve Snowden / Getty Images</span>

10 Things to See and Do in Albuquerque

Ask someone about Roswell, New Mexico, and they're likely to think of aliens, Area 51, and UFO encounters.

Ask someone about Roswell, New Mexico, and they're likely to think of aliens, Area 51, and UFO encounters. Even the local McDonald’s looks like a flying saucer. But dig a little deeper and you’ll discover a community committed to its artistic and historical Americana roots. You’ll find Roswell in Chaves County in the southeastern corner of the state, about 3 hours from the state capital of Santa Fe. Roswell is a fun and relaxed destination with a diverse selection of local festivals and eateries, a variety of nearby wildlife areas, and a thriving local art community.
<h2>1. Galacticon</h2>
Sure, there’s more than alien attractions in Roswell. But you can’t—and shouldn’t—ignore the city’s sci-fi attractions and events. Taking place in July, Galacticon is a yearly summer convention that celebrates all things alien. A steampunk ball, costume contests, cosplay, art booths, workshops, and famous guests are just some of the usual events. Don’t miss out on Galacticon’s partner event, the Roswell SciFi Film Fest, which features international sci-fi films.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzjRSr-nn-Y/" caption="artofloganpack" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/artofloganpack/"]


<h2>2. Bottomless Lakes State Park</h2>
About 14 miles southeast of Roswell, the Bottomless Lakes are the featured attraction in the state park of the same name. These nine bodies of water aren’t lakes, but sinkholes, ranging in depths from 17 to 90 feet. According to local lore, visitors have tossed items in the sinkholes, only for them to reappear 97 miles away in Carlsbad Caverns or even as far as the Gulf of Mexico. Swimming is allowed in one of the sinkholes, Lake Lea. Camping, picnicking, kayaking, scuba diving, and hiking are popular activities here.

[caption id="attachment_36402" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/507111142.jpg" alt="sinkholes bottomless lakes state park" width="1200" height="797" /> zrfphoto / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge</h2>
New Mexico’s nickname is “Land of Enchantment,” and its diverse haven for wildlife must be one of the reasons. A dry, desert environment of dunes surrounds a wetland refuge for birds, mammals, and reptiles. Fields of sunflowers, sandhill cranes in flight, and spectacular sunsets peering over the gleaming water habitats create many photo ops. In September, make your way to the annual Dragonfly Festival, a free, family-friendly celebration of the area’s 80 species of dragonflies.

[caption id="attachment_36403" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/534970484.jpg" alt="bitter lake wildlife refuge crane" width="1200" height="800" /> Paul Souders / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Historic District, Downtown Roswell</h2>
Listed on the National Register of Places, the downtown district is 38 city blocks filled with a myriad of architectural styles. The district's buildings mirror the origins of the people who settled in the area in the mid-to-late 1800s. Stop by the Historical Center, a picturesque, prairie-style home filled with antiques from past decades. In the archives building to the north, you’ll find rare and historical books, thousands of photos, and other references to the city’s development and its significance to state history.

[caption id="attachment_36404" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/961663372.jpg" alt="historic district buildings" width="1200" height="785" /> DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Roswell Cuisine</h2>
Whether you’re a foodie or just love to try new flavors, Roswell won’t disappoint you. Green chiles rule New Mexico cuisine; eateries serve them sliced, diced, or whole on everything, including cheeseburgers. Roswell’s Chef Toddzilla’s is famous for its gourmet burgers and features a popular chile relleno version. Many Roswell restaurants also serve up delicious and reasonably-priced breakfasts. Try Martin’s Capitol Cafe, a local favorite for the past 25 years, for some huevos rancheros or an egg and chorizo burrito to start your day off right.

[caption id="attachment_36405" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/1016988534.jpg" alt="cuisine cheeseburger green chiles roaster" width="1200" height="900" /> Sean Gardner / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Way Way Off-Broadway</h2>
Some travelers prefer to include cultural experiences that benefit the local community. Way Way Off-Broadway is a non-profit community theatre company in Roswell offering professional-level theatrical and musical productions. To support these productions, both individuals and organizations provide financial support through ticket sales and donations. The staff primarily consists of volunteers, and local actors fill the roles in each production. Past performances included Seussical: the Musical, Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein, Mama Mia! and Chicago.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4nSDdepSUI/" caption="waywayoffbroadway_theatreco" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/waywayoffbroadway_theatreco/"]


<h2>7. Pecos Flavors Winery</h2>
Since 2004, the owners of Pecos Flavors Winery have featured 80 different varieties of New Mexico wines. They’ve also grown Cabarente, Syrah, and Tempranillo grapes, and have also created their own signature vintage. An on-site shop offers coffees, green chile foods, and other New Mexican specialties to take home. Grab lunch or dinner at the winery’s bistro; their unique menu features shared cheese and appetizer plates, warm bread, soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/1158041889.jpg" alt="vineyard wines vintage grapes" width="1200" height="800" />Scott F Smith / Getty Images
<h2>8. Haystack Mountain</h2>
Off-road adventure seekers will find thrills and more at Haystack Mountain, a 1900-plus acre area filled with novice-to-expert trails. The Bureau of Land Management oversees the area, and they recommend off-highway vehicles measuring 50-inches or smaller attempt the hill climbs, trails, gullies, and sand washes. The area is not only popular with motorcyclists and mountain bikers, but also those who enjoy wildlife viewing. Camping and picnic sites are available, and the area is open year-round.

[caption id="attachment_36407" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/591258865.jpg" alt="gullies trails haystack mountain bikes" width="1200" height="800" /> Daniel Milchev / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art</h2>
The state of New Mexico is a mecca for artists from around the world. In Roswell, the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art holds a collection of more than 500 photographs, paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints inside its 12 galleries. Visitors are free to browse the 22,000 square feet of exhibition space. The museum highlights artwork from participants in the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program. There’s no charge for admission.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3qcaToHDPr/" caption="dianemarshstudio" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/dianemarshstudio/"]


<h2>10. Roswell UFO Tours</h2>
No matter where you go in Roswell, you’ll see aliens. For those who are more serious--or curious--about the local alien connection, consider a two-hour tour of the 20 sites with links to the 1947 Roswell incident. You’ll see Hangar 84, where believers say the government stored aliens after the flying saucer crashed on a ranch near Roswell. Whether you buy into the city’s alien connection or not, the tour is a great way to learn more about the area from a knowledgeable local researcher and guide.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwDwOFpD6UX/" caption="danmcbabe" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/danmcbabe/"]

You Don't Have to Be a Believer to Enjoy Roswell

The caves at Carlsbad, New Mexico are a world-famous attraction and a picturesque playground for social media stars and professional photographers alike. There are more than 300 of the limestone caves in the system, remnants of an ancient inland sea.

The caves at Carlsbad, New Mexico are a world-famous attraction and a picturesque playground for social media stars and professional photographers alike. There are more than 300 of the limestone caves in the system, remnants of an ancient inland sea. The Carlsbad Caverns National Park runs a variety of day and night programs around various aspects of the underground systems, including guided tours and observation of the caverns' current residents—thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats.
<h2>1. Book tickets in advance</h2>
There are many ways to experience the Caverns, but for visits during busy times, such as Spring Break, you need to book in advance. Exploring certain sections of the Caverns require a ranger guide and special equipment, and these tours fill up fast. Avoid disappointment by visiting the Carlsbad Caverns National Park website and making a reservation as soon as you know your travel dates.

[caption id="attachment_32766" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1159604695.jpg" alt="Dramatic landscapes around the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico" width="1200" height="800" /> Sean Pavone / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Enter via the Natural Entrance</h2>
The Natural Entrance is the original opening discovered by white settlers in the late 1800s. It comes at the end of a steep 2-kilometer trail of switchbacks. Although it's not the only way modern visitors can access the cave complex, it is the most Instagram-worthy. Once inside, there are a number of trails to follow to various sections of the underground system. There's also an elevator back to ground-level for when you've had enough.

[caption id="attachment_32767" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1165338975.jpg" alt="The dramatic Natural Entrance is a great way to approach the Caverns for the first time." width="1200" height="800" /> Elisabeth Bender / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Batty for Bats</h2>
Over the summer and into early fall, migrating Brazilian free-tailed bats make the Caverns their home, leaving nightly en masse to hunt. The Park's Bat Flight Program is free and takes place at a purpose-built bat viewing amphitheater, where the audience gathers to witness the 500,000 tiny flying black bodies exiting the caves. Early risers can catch their equally dramatic return between 4 and 6 am.

[caption id="attachment_32768" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1142278115.jpg" alt="Nightly bat flight events are an eagerly awaited spectacle at Carlsbad Caverns." width="1200" height="819" /> scgerding / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4.  Choose the right kind of tour</h2>
There's something for everyone at Carlsbad Caverns. Independent types can self-guide through the easy-to-navigate two-kilometer Big Room Trail. Romantics will enjoy guided candlelit tours that make the most of dramatic stalactite and other mineral formations. Information junkies and adventurers might prefer ranger-guided explorations of the narrow-tunneled Hall of the White Giant and Slaughter Canyon. And animal-lovers will want to experience the rare sight of a massive bat colony exiting and re-entering their cave home at nightfall and sunrise.

[caption id="attachment_32769" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/139379587.jpg" alt="Stalactite formations in the Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns." width="1200" height="798" /> NGC7000 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Dress warmly. Choose sensible shoes.</h2>
New Mexico is generally very hot and dry during the day, so it's easy to forget that temperatures below ground average around 56F. Bring a sweater or jacket. A headlamp or flashlight might also come in handy if you're doing a self-guided tour. Because some of the underground trail paths are steep and possibly slippery from dripping water, close-toed shoes with a bit of traction are a much better option than flip flops, flimsy sandals or sneakers

[caption id="attachment_32770" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/174945488.jpg" alt="Hiking boots beat flip flops and sandals for underground cave exploring." width="1200" height="787" /> IvanJekic / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Know your rock formations</h2>
When the moisture from dripping rain and snowmelt meets limestone, over time speleothems, or rock formations, are created. Minerals and trapped gases get involved and this eventually leads to the surreal and still-growing subterranean scapes of the Carlsbad Caverns. Must-see formations include the soda straw formations in the Guadalupe Room; Spirit World, a collection of white stalagmites that resemble angels in the upper reaches of the Big Room; and the fossils and cave pools of the Lower Cave.

[caption id="attachment_32777" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-32777" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-1165338976.jpg" alt="Exploring The Big Room of Carlsbad Caverns National Park" width="2121" height="1414" /> Elisabeth Bender / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7.Taking photos</h2>
You'll want to capture the spectacular formations within the caves. Though flash is permitted and there is artificial white light in most of the caves, taking pictures will be a challenge due to the lack of natural light. If you're a pro, you may have better luck with a separated or slave flash. The best bet is to use a phone or camera with low light capabilities. Use long exposures to capture as much of the color in the formations as possible.

[caption id="attachment_32772" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/538720885.jpg" alt="Use a low light camera or separated flash and long exposures to capture the color and detail of the caves." width="1200" height="800" /> kurtlichtenstein / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Adventure tours and trails</h2>
Slaughter Canyon is a series of outdoor trails some distance from the main entrance. If you're looking for a workout, it's worth setting aside a bit of time for a strenuous hike to the cave entrance and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Underground, the Slaughter Canyon Cave Tour is strictly for adventurers, as this ranger-guided tour is done without electricity, groomed trails and other amenities. Braving the tunnels and turns 19th-century explorer-style yields rewards such as glimpses of the Christmas Tree and the Monarch, massive formations made of crystals and calcite columns.

[caption id="attachment_32773" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/187026380.jpg" alt="Slaughter Canyon Cave tours are for adventurers only." width="1200" height="808" /> mtcurado / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. What's good at the gift shop</h2>
Geology inspired souvenirs such as geodes and fossils are sold in the on-site gift shop, along with New Mexican tribal jewelry and the requisite t-shirts and mugs. But not far, in the town of Carlsbad proper, more options for food and shopping may lead you to the Apache Canyon Trading Post or White's City Gift Shop, both of which stock kitschier items such as alien figurines—a nod to nearby Area 51—and taxidermy buffalo heads.

[caption id="attachment_32780" align="alignnone" width="2100"]<img class="size-full wp-image-32780" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-497799023.jpg" alt="beads at folk art market in Santa Fe, New Mexico" width="2100" height="1500" /> Esdelval / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Visit nearby Roswell</h2>
Located an hour and a half north of Carlsbad, Roswell, New Mexico is ground zero for international extraterrestrial culture. UFO-related attractions include the Roswell UFO Museum and Research Center, which features an extensive library and exhibits about the Roswell Incident of 1947, during which a UFO crash-landed on a nearby ranch. If you're visiting in July, also a great time to view the bats at Carlsbad btw, the annual UFO Festival is a 3-day gathering of UFO enthusiasts and educators of all kinds.

[caption id="attachment_32778" align="alignnone" width="2122"]<img class="size-full wp-image-32778" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-174789163.jpg" alt="Road sign welcoming to Roswell, New Mexico, and the town in the background." width="2122" height="1412" /> EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER / Getty Images[/caption]

New Mexico

United States

Top Stories

You Don't Have to Be a Believer to Enjoy Roswell

Getting the Most Out of Carlsbad Caverns

The Latest

Enchanting Things to Do in New Mexico

10 Things to See and Do in Santa Fe

10 Things to See and Do in Albuquerque