Looking for small-town charm, rich history, and high-desert beauty? Visit Bernalillo! Located along the banks of the Rio Grande and nestled near the Sandia Mountains, Bernalillo is a gateway to northern New Mexico’s cultural corridor. With historic churches, Native American traditions, and scenic wineries, it’s the perfect base for exploring the Albuquerque and Santa Fe regions.
🌤 When I like to visit
The best time to visit Bernalillo is in the spring (April–June) and fall (September–October), when the weather is mild and the desert landscape is most vibrant. Fall brings the region’s renowned hot air balloon season and harvest festivals. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are quiet and crisp with occasional snow in the nearby mountains.
🗺 My tips for getting There
- By Car: Bernalillo is located along I-25, about 20 minutes north of Albuquerque and 1 hour south of Santa Fe.
- By Train: The New Mexico Rail Runner Express connects Bernalillo to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and surrounding communities.
- By Plane: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the nearest airport, with rental cars and train access to Bernalillo.
🏬 Where I like to stay
- Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa – A luxurious resort on Santa Ana Pueblo land offering golf, spa services, horseback riding, and cultural experiences.
- Holiday Inn Express Bernalillo – Convenient and comfortable with free breakfast, located right off I-25.
Top Attractions
1. Step Into Ancient Kivas and Petroglyphs at Coronado Historic Site
The Tiwa people over seven hundred years ago settled Kuaua Pueblo on the fertile banks of the Rio Grande. Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, the Spanish explorer, camped near what is now known as the Coronado Historic Site in 1540. The pueblo was abandoned during the latter part of the sixteenth century and in 1935, a square kiva was excavated. Visitors today can explore the Coronado Historic Site to learn about the Kuaua Pueblo people and see the reconstructed adobe walls. An interpretive trail meanders through the historic site, guiding visitors to ruins and the reconstructed excavated kiva.
485 Kuaua Rd, Bernalillo, NM 87004, Phone: 505-867-5351
2. Experience Native Culture and Traditions at the Pueblo of Santa Ana
Located between the cities of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, the Pueblo of Santa Ana lies on more than 70,000 acres, including the Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico. The Pueblo provides opportunities for live entertainment, gaming, outdoor recreation activities, and rich cultural experiences. The people of the Santa Ana Pueblo have occupied their current central New Mexico site since at least the latter part of the 1500s, with the Old Santa Ana Pueblo established during the late 1600s, after being occupied for a time by Spanish rule. This Old Pueblo is usually only open to visit during Feast Days.
Phone: 505-867-3301
3. Play, Dine, and Stay at Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel
The Santa Ana Casino in Bernalillo, New Mexico is a Native American casino, located at the Pueblo of Santa Ana. Situated just to the north from Albuquerque, the casino aims to provide an unmatched entertainment experience for guests, offering an array of venues for fun and food, top-notch service, and world-class gaming. Established by the Tamaya, this casino and hotel first opened to the public in 1993 and consists of two championship-style golf courses, the Choices Food Court, and the Juniper Steakhouse. As for gaming options, the casino offers over 1,600 slot machines and more than twenty table games.
54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd, Bernalillo, NM 87004, Phone: 505-867-0000
4. Fuel Up with Bold Brews at Bad Ass Coffee Company
The Bad Ass Coffee Company started on the Island of Hawaii in 1989 with a mission of sharing premium, American-grown Hawaiian coffee from Ka’u, Kona, Moloka‘i, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai with the coffee lovers of the world. It didn’t take too long for Bad Ass Coffee to reach the mainland United States as visitors to Hawaii started bringing back the coffee, t-shirts, and hats home with them and helped spread the word about their new favorite coffee. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii today still serves premium Hawaiian coffees, as well as other international coffees “with a kick.”
965 W, US-550, Bernalillo, NM 87004, Phone: 505-867-1778
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Bosque Brewing North – Popular local taproom featuring craft beers and mountain views in a relaxed setting.
- El Zócalo Plaza – A historic downtown gathering place with shops, events, and seasonal markets.
- J&R Vintage Auto Museum – Offbeat collection of classic cars and auto memorabilia just off the highway.
More Places to Eat
- The Range Café – Iconic New Mexican diner known for comfort food, local art, and award-winning green chile dishes.
- Freight House Kitchen + Tap – Upscale pub fare and craft beers in a rustic-modern setting near the Rail Runner stop.
- Abuelita’s New Mexican Kitchen – Family-run restaurant serving authentic enchiladas, sopapillas, and red or green chile favorites.
🎟 If you are interested in local events:
- Las Fiestas de San Lorenzo (August) – Centuries-old Catholic and Native festival honoring St. Lawrence with dancing, music, and a vibrant procession.
- Bosque Chile Festival (September) – Celebrate New Mexico’s favorite crop with chile tastings, crafts, and cooking competitions.
- Santa Ana Pueblo Feast Day (July 26) – A traditional Pueblo feast day with ceremonial dances (open to the public; check for etiquette and timing).
🚙 If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Bernalillo, New Mexico:
- Albuquerque (20–25 min) – Explore the ABQ BioPark, Old Town, Sandia Peak Tramway, and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October).
- Santa Fe (1 hour) – Visit world-renowned art galleries, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and historic adobe architecture.
- Jemez Mountains & Hot Springs (1 hour) – Scenic drive through red rock canyons, with opportunities to soak in natural hot springs.
- Turquoise Trail (45–60 min) – Take the backroad between Albuquerque and Santa Fe through quirky towns like Madrid and Cerrillos.
- Rio Rancho & Sandoval County Vineyards (30 min) – Enjoy tastings at local wineries like Casa Rondeña or Corrales Winery.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Where is Bernalillo, New Mexico located?
- Approximately fifteen miles north of Albuquerque, Bernalillo is set on the Sandia Mountains’ northwest slope.
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What is Bernalillo best known for?
- The town is perhaps best known for the Pueblo of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Casino.
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What historical attractions can visitors explore in Bernalillo?
- Bernalillo is home to the Coronado Historic Site.
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Why is Bernalillo a popular destination?
- With its historic Native American sites, casino, and restaurants, the quintessential New Mexican town of Bernalillo has become a popular destination in the greater Albuquerque Metropolitan Area, offering a good escape from the busy city nearby.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming desert landscapes, ideal for outdoor adventures.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa – A luxurious resort with stunning mountain views.
Explore Coronado Historic Site – Visit ancient pueblo ruins and learn about local history.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and dry, great for rafting on the Rio Grande and cultural events.
Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel – Modern accommodations with entertainment and dining options.
Attend the Bernalillo Wine Festival – Sample local New Mexican wines and enjoy live music.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures, perfect for scenic drives and hot air ballooning.
Holiday Inn Express Bernalillo – Comfortable and convenient stay near Albuquerque.
Take a day trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Experience the world-famous event in nearby Albuquerque.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and cool, great for exploring local art and historic sites.
Days Inn by Wyndham Bernalillo – A budget-friendly option for winter travelers.
Visit local breweries and restaurants – Enjoy New Mexican cuisine and craft beers in a relaxed setting.
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