Looking for desert beauty, Native American heritage, and artistic flair? Head to New Mexico! Known as the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico offers dramatic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and world-renowned art and cuisine. From adobe villages and high deserts to mountain towns and alien lore, this Southwestern gem has something for every traveler.

New Mexico Highlights:

  • For Nature Lovers: Hike White Sands National Park – Wander through surreal dunes of bright white gypsum under endless sky.
  • For Art Fans: Explore Santa Fe’s Canyon Road – Peruse galleries, artisan shops, and sculpture gardens in a walkable district.
  • For History Buffs: Visit Taos Pueblo – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the U.S.
  • For Adventure Seekers: Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway – Ascend to 10,000 feet for epic views and mountain trails above Albuquerque.
  • For Stargazers: Explore Chaco Culture National Historical Park – Ancient ruins and some of the darkest night skies in North America.

Best Time to Visit New Mexico

The best time to visit New Mexico is in the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when temperatures are comfortable and the landscapes are especially vibrant. Summer can be hot, especially in the south, while winter brings snow to the mountains, perfect for skiing in Taos or Santa Fe.

How to Get to New Mexico

  • By Air: Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) for the most options. Santa Fe (SAF) and El Paso (ELP) also serve parts of the state.
  • By Car: New Mexico is easily accessed via I-25, I-40, and U.S. 285. A car is essential for reaching scenic rural and remote destinations.
  • By Train: Amtrak’s Southwest Chief runs through Albuquerque and several smaller cities across the state.

Where to Stay in New Mexico

  • Recommended for Families: Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town – Comfortable and conveniently located near shops and museums in Albuquerque’s Old Town.
  • For Couples: La Posada de Santa Fe – A luxury resort blending art, adobe architecture, and spa amenities in downtown Santa Fe.
  • For Nature Retreats: El Monte Sagrado (Taos) – Eco-friendly luxury surrounded by gardens and mountain views.

Best Things to Do in New Mexico

Catch World-Class Performances Under the Stars at the Santa Fe Opera House

Set against desert sunsets and mountain backdrops, it’s opera with unforgettable ambiance.

Catch World-Class Performances Under the Stars at the Santa Fe Opera House

© Santa Fe Opera House

Seven miles north of Santa Fe in the desert, hiding in plain sight and looking directly at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the Rockies, the Santa Fe Opera House is found. Built in 1956 in a newly purchased guest ranch, founder John Crosby created the opera house as a place to teach young American singers new repertoires, in a relaxed atmosphere, away from everything, providing enough time and space to rehearse and prepare.

The shows became popular for offering a perfect spot to dine and watch the sunset, while enjoying an open air theatre. Since its inception, every season has presented five operas including a world premiere or rarity, a Mozart, and a Richard Strauss, as well as other titles by composers like Handel, Verdi, Puccini, Britten, and Janacek.

301 Opera Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87506, Phone: 505-986-5900

Discover Ancient Earth and Dinos at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Walk with dinosaurs, explore volcanoes, and journey through deep time in downtown Albuquerque.

Discover Ancient Earth and Dinos at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

© Courtesy of psamtik - Fotolia.com

Founded in 1986, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science exists to tell the story of the Earth, from the Big Bang to the Ice Age, in its permanent exhibits: Origins, Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Jurassic Super Giants, New Mexico Seacoast, Age of Volcanoes, Evolving Grasslands, Cave Experience, and New Mexico’s Ice Age. The museum is one of the top New Mexico tourist attractions.

They also have a planetarium and two galleries dedicated to space exploration and astronomy. Some of its most outstanding features are the complete skeletons of four dinosaurs, including one of the biggest T-Rex ever to be found. Another enlightening exhibit is STARTUP, which tells the story of the personal computer, based on the story of Microsoft, which was founded in Albuquerque.

1801 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, Phone: 505-841-2800

Step Into Southwestern Elegance at the Millicent Rogers Museum

From Native American jewelry to Hispanic textiles, this Taos gem honors cultural artistry.

Step Into Southwestern Elegance at the Millicent Rogers Museum

© Millicent Rogers Museum

Located in Taos, New Mexico, the Millicent Rogers Museum was founded in 1956 by the Millicent Rogers family, and holds a large collection of Hispanic, Anglo-American, and Native American art, including pottery, paintings, photography, graphics, arts, crafts, and jewelry.

It became known in 1980 for being the first to house Hispanic and Native American art collections, including more than 1,200 pieces of jewelry and more than 50 textiles. It also features work from Taos Pueblo potters and painters, portraying the lives of the Pueblo people.

1504 Millicent Rogers Rd, El Prado, NM 87529, Phone: 575-758-2462

Experience Pueblo Life at Sky City Cultural Center & Haak’u Museum

Learn the living history of the Acoma people atop one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in North America.

Experience Pueblo Life at Sky City Cultural Center & Haak’u Museum

© Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum

Acoma Pueblo, 60 miles west of Albuqerque, New Mexico, is made out of three villages: Sky City, Acomita, and Mcartys, that make up the Acoma Indian Reservation. The Acoma Pueblo, a federally recognized tribal entity, is made up of 4,989 individuals according to the 2010 United States Census, which have been there for more than 2,000 years.

In 2008, they opened the Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum, in order to share their culture and gain income through tourism. It is without a doubt one of the best places to connect with indigenous cultures, due to the fact that they are still there, and manage the place.

Haaku Rd, Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034, Phone: 505-552-7861

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Hike, Paint, and Reflect in the Spirit of Georgia O’Keeffe at Ghost Ranch

Breathtaking mesas, red rock canyons, and an artistic legacy await in Abiquiú.

Hike, Paint, and Reflect in the Spirit of Georgia O’Keeffe at Ghost Ranch

© Ghost Ranch

The first thing you must wonder about Ghost Ranch is the origin of its name. As it turns out, in order to keep people from digging into their stolen stuff, cattle thieves spread the rumors of evil spirits haunting the land. Thus, it became known as Ghost Ranch. It is a beautiful, vast, natural place, formed by miles of dessert, cliffs, mesas, vistas, cottonwood trees, and mountains.

Its landscape, made famous by Georgia O’Keeffe, englobes 21,000 acres of rock walls, and people come from all over the world for spiritual development, writing, painting, hiking, horseback riding, completing fossil or archeological research, visiting the museums, or just resting and enjoying the views.

Ghost Ranch 280 Private Drive 1708, Abiquiu, NM 87510, Phone: 877-804-4678

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

If You Crave the Surreal and Sensory, Dive into Meow Wolf Santa Fe

A multiverse of immersive art, mystery, and play housed in the House of Eternal Return.

If You Crave the Surreal and Sensory, Dive into Meow Wolf Santa Fe

© Meow Wolf/Photo by Kate Russell

Meow Wolf in Santa Fe is not just your standard art exhibit. Meow Wolf is a hands-on experience for all ages. When author George R.R. Martin purchased the building he had a vision of an interactive exhibit where patrons could choose what they wanted to see and how it makes them feel.

The House of Eternal Return lets visitors experience art through senses of touch, sight, and sound through different dimensions. Meow Wolf also hosts concerts, events, and workshops for all ages.

1352 Rufina Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87507, Phone: 505-395-6369

Descend Into Wonder on the Carlsbad Caverns Natural Entrance Tour

Explore vast underground chambers and cathedral-like formations on this self-guided adventure.

Descend Into Wonder on the Carlsbad Caverns Natural Entrance Tour

© Courtesy of Melast mohican - Fotolia.com

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is one of the most popular of the national parks in the southwest region of the United States. 250 million years ago, the Caverns used to be a shoreline for an inland sea, so when the sea evaporated, it left sediments that created caves.

At the entrance, there is a 1.25 mile trail where visitors can walk and explore different "rooms" (open areas in the caverns). There are stalagmites, stalactites, and giant boulders that make the caverns look like something from an Indiana Jones movie. If they look closely, visitors can even see the bats who call the caverns home. The tour offers a glimpse into the ways the world was millions of years ago.

Carlsbad Caverns Natural Entrance Tour, 3225 National Parks Highway, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM, Phone: 575-785-2232

Find High-Altitude Fun in Red River

This mountain town offers skiing in winter, hiking in summer, and old-school charm year-round.

Find High-Altitude Fun in Red River

© Courtesy of V&P Photo Studio - Fotolia.com

In the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost point of the Rocky Mountains, the town of Red River awaits. Located in Taos County, its population in 2010 was only 477, even though in its time, thousands inhabited the land and worked on the mines.

There, in the 1950s, the Red River Ski & Summer Area was founded with the intention of making it a great getaway destination. Outdoor activities in the area include trout fishing, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the winter, and hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding in the summers.

400 Pioneer Rd, Red River, NM 87558, Phone: 575-754-2223

For Museum Fans:

Celebrate Creativity Across Continents at the Museum of International Folk Art

The world’s largest collection of folk art—colorful, playful, and profoundly human.

Celebrate Creativity Across Continents at the Museum of International Folk Art

© Museum of International Folk Art

Home of the largest collection of international folk art in the world, the Museum of International Folk Art is a must-see when in New Mexico. Founded by Florence Dibell, this state-run institution in Santa Fe opened its doors to the public in 1953. It now has over 130,000 objects on display, from more than 100 countries, and it is based on the belief of its founder, that folk art would generate “an appreciation of the culture and craft of other countries.”

She also believed that the museum would serve as “one avenue for a closer understanding between men,” since traditional folk arts from all over the world was a way of demonstrating a common bond. The different galleries represent cultures from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Oceania, and North America, with a deeper focus on Contemporary Hispano and Latino Art, Spanish Colonial Art, and Textiles and Dress.

706 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, Phone: 505-476-1200

If History is Your Compass, Wander Through the New Mexico History Museum

From conquistadors to counterculture, this downtown Santa Fe museum tells the stories that shaped the state.

If History is Your Compass, Wander Through the New Mexico History Museum

© New Mexico History Museum

The Palace of the Governors, located on Palace Avenue on the Plaza of Santa Fe, is the oldest public building continuously occupied in the United States. It was built in 1610 by Pedro de Peralta, governor of the Spanish colony that is today most of the American Southwest, including New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, California, Texas, and Nevada. Since that time, it has changed hands many times such as during the Pueblo Revolt in 1680, the reconquest in 1693, Mexican independence in 1821, and it has been under American possession since 1848.

This adobe structure that is today the New Mexico History Museum was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, and an American Treasure in 1999. Collections are separated into the Spanish Colonial period (1540 to 1821), the Mexican period (1821 to 1846), the U.S. territorial period (1846 to 1912), and the statehood period (1912 to present). It consists of 15,000 objects including such highlights as the Segesser Hide Paintings, State Seal, Silver Service, “Pancho” Villa Clock, 19th Century Desk, and 16th century Morion helmet.

New Mexico History Museum, 113 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, Phone: 505-476-5200

Where to Eat in New Mexico

  • Recommended for Families: The Shed (Santa Fe) – Casual, historic dining with award-winning red chile and enchiladas.
  • For Upscale Dining: Geronimo (Santa Fe) – Elegant global fare in a cozy adobe on Canyon Road.
  • For Local Flavor: El Pinto (Albuquerque) – Iconic restaurant offering classic New Mexican dishes in a hacienda-style setting.

If you are interested in local events:

  • For Balloon Lovers: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October) – A globally famous event with dawn launches and night glows.
  • For Art Lovers: Santa Fe Indian Market (August) – The largest Native American art show in the world.
  • For Sci-Fi Fans: Roswell UFO Festival (July) – Celebrate extraterrestrial culture with costumes, parades, and alien-themed fun.

Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Santa Fe or Albuquerque:

  • For Nature: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (1 hr from Santa Fe) – Hike through cone-shaped rock formations and slot canyons.
  • For Culture: Acoma Pueblo "Sky City" (90 min from Albuquerque) – Tour a breathtaking mesa-top village inhabited for nearly 1,000 years.
  • For Relaxation: Jemez Springs (90 min from Santa Fe) – Natural hot springs and mountain hiking in a peaceful valley town.
  • For Art: Madrid, NM (45 min from Santa Fe) – Eclectic shops, art galleries, and Wild West history in a funky artists’ village.
  • For Wine Tasting: Corrales Wine Loop (30–45 min from Albuquerque) – Sample local vintages and enjoy Rio Grande Valley scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What are some must-visit places in New Mexico?
  • What other places can you explore in New Mexico?
    • There's also Roswell and other unique and interesting places to visit.
  • What are some activities to enjoy in New Mexico?
    • Watch a performance at the stunning Santa Fe Opera House, explore the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, and take the kids to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming desert landscapes, great for hiking and sightseeing. La Fonda on the Plaza (Santa Fe) – A historic and charming stay in the heart of Santa Fe. Explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park – Hike through stunning underground formations.
Summer (June-August) – Hot but great for high-altitude escapes and festivals. Inn of the Five Graces (Santa Fe) – A luxurious and uniquely designed boutique hotel. Visit Taos Pueblo – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich Native American history.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather and vibrant events, perfect for exploring. Hotel Chaco (Albuquerque) – A modern hotel with Native-inspired design. Attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – The world’s largest hot air balloon festival.
Winter (December-February) – Snowy in the mountains and mild in lower elevations, great for skiing and cultural sites. El Monte Sagrado (Taos) – A tranquil and luxurious mountain retreat. Go skiing in Taos Ski Valley – One of the best ski resorts in the Southwest.

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