Quick Summary:

  • What makes Albuquerque a great base for day trips?
    • Albuquerque is perfectly positioned within easy reach of a wide variety of interesting day trips. As the historic homeland of many Native American Tribes, the New Mexico area is especially rich in ancient historic and cultural attractions like Acoma Pueblo, Bandelier National Monument, and Petroglyph National Monument.
  • What outdoor activities are available near Albuquerque?
    • Outdoor enthusiasts have a wide choice of wonderfully diverse landscapes to explore on foot, bike, or horseback.
  • Is there an art scene outside of Albuquerque?
    • Art lovers will find that traditional New Mexican arts and crafts are alive and flourishing in almost every town.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Santa Fe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Santa Fe | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© DON/stock.adobe.com

2. Taos ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Taos | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© flocu/stock.adobe.com

3. Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway

Category: Kids & Family
Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© spiritofamerica/stock.adobe.com

4. Acoma Pueblo

Acoma Pueblo | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Ralf Broskvar/stock.adobe.com

5. Bandelier National Monument

Category: Activities
Bandelier National Monument | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© traveller70/stock.adobe.com

6. Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge

Category: Activities
Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Martha Marks/stock.adobe.com

7. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Category: Activities
Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Melastmohican/stock.adobe.com

8. El Malpais National Conservation Area

El Malpais National Conservation Area | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

9. Jemez Springs

Category: Activities
Jemez Springs | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Billy McDonald/stock.adobe.com

10. Madrid

Madrid | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© stellamc/stock.adobe.com

11. Petroglyph National Monument

Category: Activities
Petroglyph National Monument | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Frank Fichtmüller/stock.adobe.com

12. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Category: Activities
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© traveller70/stock.adobe.com

13. Valles Caldera National Preserve

Category: Activities
Valles Caldera National Preserve | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

14. Pecos National Historical Park

Category: Activities
Pecos National Historical Park | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

15. Aztec Ruins National Monument

Category: Activities
Aztec Ruins National Monument | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© PhotoElite/stock.adobe.com

16. Museum of International Folk Art

Category: Museums & Culture
Museum of International Folk Art | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Museum of International Folk Art

17. Las Vegas

Las Vegas | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© City of Las Vegas New Mexico

18. Gallup

Gallup | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Brian Scantlebury/stock.adobe.com

19. Tucumcari

Tucumcari | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Brian Scantlebury/stock.adobe.com

20. Truth or Consequences

Truth or Consequences | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© SailingAway/stock.adobe.com

21. Chimayo

Chimayo | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© lizcoughlan/stock.adobe.com

22. Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Sue Smith/stock.adobe.com

23. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa

Category: Accommodations
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Shelley/stock.adobe.com

24. Earthship Biotecture

Category: Museums & Culture
Earthship Biotecture | Day Trips from Albuquerque, NM
© Earthship Biotecture

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