Want to explore dazzling dunes, desert skies, and Southwest history? Head to Alamogordo! Located at the edge of the Tularosa Basin, Alamogordo is the gateway to White Sands National Park and a hub for space history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're stargazing, sledding down gypsum hills, or touring local museums, Alamogordo offers a uniquely New Mexico experience.
Alamogordo, NM Highlights:
- For Families: Visit White Sands National Park – Sled down brilliant white dunes and hike family-friendly desert trails.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hike in Lincoln National Forest – Escape the desert heat in nearby mountain trails filled with pines and wildlife.
- For Kids: Play and learn at Alameda Park Zoo – One of the oldest zoos in the Southwest with animals, shaded paths, and a children’s playground.
- For an Adventure: Stargaze at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park – Hike desert canyons by day and stay for stunning night skies.
- For Shoppers: Browse Southwest gifts and art – Local galleries and shops offer Native American jewelry, pottery, and desert-themed décor.
Best Time to Visit Alamogordo, NM
The best time to visit Alamogordo is from October through April. These months offer cooler temperatures ideal for outdoor exploration. Visit in spring for wildflowers or fall for stunning sunsets and crisp desert air.
How to Get to Alamogordo, NM
- If you are traveling by car: Alamogordo is located on U.S. Route 54 and U.S. Route 70, about 1.5 hours northeast of Las Cruces and 3.5 hours south of Albuquerque.
- By Air: El Paso International Airport (ELP) is the nearest major airport, about 1.5 hours away by car.
- By Train: The nearest Amtrak stations are in El Paso or Las Cruces. Driving is recommended for flexibility.
Where to Stay in Alamogordo, NM
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott – Modern hotel with free breakfast, pool, and close to White Sands.
- The Classic Desert Aire Hotel – Comfortable accommodations with vintage charm and mountain views.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Centrally located with updated rooms and convenient highway access.
Best Things to Do in Alamogordo, NM
⮕ White Sands National Monument
Walk along shimmering dunes and enjoy breathtaking desert landscapes.
© Courtesy of sianamira - Fotolia.com
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What is White Sands National Monument?
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White Sands National Monument
is a unique preserved area containing the largest gypsum sand dune field in the world.
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Massive sand dunes that resemble ocean waves cover 275 square miles of New Mexico’s desert.
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Much of the sand dune field is contained within the National Monument.
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What wildlife can be found at White Sands National Monument?
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The park provides an opportunity to see the unique plants and animals that call the area home.
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What activities are available at White Sands National Monument?
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Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including:
- Camping in the backcountry
- Bicycling
- Driving the scenic drive
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- And much more
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Is there military activity in the area?
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Yes, White Sands Missile Range occupies the area and conducts regularly scheduled missile tests.
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Are there road closures in White Sands National Monument?
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Dunes Drive, which is the only way to access the dune field, may be closed for several hours with
as little as a day’s notice.
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Visitors should check for road closures before driving in.
⮕ New Mexico Museum of Space History
Explore space exhibits and learn about pioneering astronauts and technology.
© New Mexico Museum of Space
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What is the New Mexico Museum of Space History?
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The New Mexico Museum of Space History
is a Smithsonian-affiliated complex that includes a museum and planetarium.
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It was created to preserve and display artifacts and exhibits related to the
space age and the history of space flight.
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What does the museum complex include?
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The museum consists of:
- One main building
- Several outbuildings
- Multiple outdoor exhibits
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What exhibits are inside the main museum?
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The main museum features exhibits on:
- The Solar System
- The history of space flight
- The primates sent to space on early missions
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What attractions are near the museum?
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Nearby, there is an IMAX Theater and Planetarium that screens daily films.
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What can be seen in the outdoor exhibit area?
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The outdoor area features larger displays, including:
- A memorial to the astronauts in the Challenger and Columbia space disasters
- The burial site of the first chimpanzee in space
- The Sonic Wind No. 1 rocket sled
3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-437-2840
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Alameda Park Zoo
Discover diverse animals and enjoy a fun family outing.
© Courtesy of TOMO - Fotolia.com
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What is the Alameda Park Zoo?
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Alameda Park Zoo
was built in 1898 and is considered the oldest zoo in the American Southwest.
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What conservation efforts is the zoo involved in?
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The zoo is very involved in conservation efforts, making it a zoo you can feel good about visiting.
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They participate in the Species Survival Plan for the Mexican wolf.
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The zoo also helps rehabilitate injured birds of prey, many of which are later
released into the wild.
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What animals can be found at Alameda Park Zoo?
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The zoo is home to a number of species, including:
- The Hawaiian goose
- The Markhor goat
- The White Sands pupfish
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The lemur exhibit is also quite popular among visitors.
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Is Alameda Park Zoo really the oldest zoo in the Southwest?
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While it’s debatable whether it is the oldest in the Southwest,
it remains one of the region’s most historic zoos.
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Is Alameda Park Zoo worth visiting?
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Absolutely! A day at the zoo makes for a great day out in Alamogordo.
1321 N. White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-439-4290
⮕ The Toy Train Depot
Explore vintage model trains and enjoy a nostalgic train ride.
© Courtesy of nikirov - Fotolia.com
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What is The Toy Train Depot?
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The Toy Train Depot
is a model train museum and toy store that operates in a
retired train depot dating back to 1898.
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What historical features does the train depot retain?
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The building still retains original features, including the dispatcher’s window and the
stamped tin ceiling.
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What exhibits can be found in the museum?
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The museum has a variety of scale models, including:
- Passenger trains
- Locomotives
- Freight cars
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What is America’s Park Ride Train Museum?
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America’s Park Ride Train Museum is located at the same site as The Toy Train Depot.
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It operates a narrow gauge railway, offering rides to museum guests for a small fee.
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What other historical items are displayed at the museum?
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In addition to train models, the museum contains:
- Historical railroad artifacts
- Equipment
- Train-related ephemera
1991 N. White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-437-2855
⮕ Tularosa Basin Museum of History
Discover local history and explore fascinating regional artifacts.
© Tularosa Basin Museum of History
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What is the Tularosa Basin Museum of History?
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What does the museum’s collection include?
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The museum’s collection contains artifacts, documents, and personal items from local history.
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Items on display include:
- A bison trophy head
- Prehistoric Native American artifacts
- More than 3,000 historical photographs
- A pottery collection from the La Luz Pottery Factory
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What is the most prized item in the museum?
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The most prized item in the museum is an extremely rare 47-star US flag.
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The flag was never an official US state flag and is believed to have been created to celebrate
New Mexico’s entry into the United States.
1004 N. White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-434-4438
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
⮕ White Sands Missile Range Museum
Learn about missile technology and explore military history exhibits.
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com
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What is the White Sands Missile Range Museum?
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Whose work is showcased in the museum?
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The museum highlights the work of various accomplished scientists, including:
- Dr. Clyde Tombaugh
- Dr. Wernher von Braun
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What is the missile park?
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Outside the museum is a missile park featuring more than 50 missiles and rockets
that have been tested at the White Sands Missile Range.
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Many of the missiles are pointed skyward, giving visitors the impression that they are
ready to be fired.
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What should visitors know before arriving?
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The museum is located within an operational military compound.
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Visitors should be prepared to go through security screening before entry.
Wsmr P Rt. 1, White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002, Phone: 575-678-2250
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
Hike scenic trails and enjoy peaceful desert camping.
© Courtesy of Laurens - Fotolia.com
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What is Oliver Lee Memorial State Park?
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Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
is a state park that preserves the 19th-century ranch house of Oliver Lee as well as a
canyon through the Sacramento Mountains.
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What outdoor activities are available at the park?
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Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Viewing wildlife
- Nature walks
- Touring the historic ranch house
- And more
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What is the most popular hiking trail in the park?
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One of the most popular trails is the Dog Canyon National Recreational Trail.
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The trail starts at the visitor center and covers a distance of 5.5 miles.
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It climbs more than 3,000 feet up the canyon wall, offering a challenging but rewarding hike.
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What views can hikers enjoy from the trail?
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Those who hike the trail will be able to enjoy gorgeous views of the
Organ Mountains and the Tularosa Basin.
409 Dog Canyon Road, Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-437-8284
⮕ Heart of the Desert/Eagle Ranch Pistachios Farm Tour
Tour a working pistachio farm and savor delicious local treats.
© Courtesy of vikakurylo81 - Fotolia.com
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What is the Heart of the Desert/Eagle Ranch Pistachios Farm Tour?
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Are tours available at the farm?
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Yes, the farm offers free guided tours.
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Guests will have the chance to learn how pistachios are grown and processed.
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How long do the tours last?
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Tour groups travel by foot through the farm, and the tour takes approximately 45 minutes.
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Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
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Yes, the tours are wheelchair accessible, allowing a greater number of people to attend.
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What will visitors see during the tour?
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During the tour, visitors will explore:
- The processing plant
- The pistachio field
- The packaging and shipping areas
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The tour provides a full overview of the pistachio production process.
7288 US-54, Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-434-0035
⮕ International Space Hall of Fame
Honor space pioneers and explore remarkable contributions to space exploration.
© International Space Hall of Fame
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What is the International Space Hall of Fame?
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The International Space Hall of Fame
honors individuals who have contributed effort, imagination, and hard work toward advancing
space exploration and our knowledge of the universe.
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When was the International Space Hall of Fame established?
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The program began in 1976.
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What makes the International Space Hall of Fame unique?
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It is the only institution that recognizes both men and women from around the world who have
played a significant role in space exploration.
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Who are some notable inductees?
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Some prominent individuals who have been inducted include:
- Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin
- Yuri Gagarin
- Sir Isaac Newton
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What other exhibits are part of the Hall of Fame?
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The Hall of Fame is part of the New Mexico Museum of Space History, which contains
other interesting exhibits related to space exploration.
3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-437-0318
⮕ Shroud Exhibit and Museum
Examine intriguing exhibits and learn about the mysterious Shroud of Turin.
© Shroud Exhibit and Museum
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What is the Shroud Exhibit and Museum?
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The Shroud Exhibit and Museum
is a museum dedicated to the Shroud of Turin, which is thought by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus.
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Does the museum have the original Shroud of Turin?
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No, the original shroud is held in Italy.
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However, the museum has a realistic full-size photographic image of the 14’ x 3.5’ piece of cloth.
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What scientific research has been done on the shroud?
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In a quest to determine the shroud’s authenticity, more than 50 scientists collaborated to analyze it.
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Many of these scientists were from New Mexico.
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What was discovered about the shroud?
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Scientists determined that the shroud and the photographic reproduction project a 3D image,
which is a unique and interesting feature.
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What exhibits can be found in the museum?
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There are many exhibits featuring:
- Photographs related to the crucifixion of Christ
- Research and scientific investigation surrounding the shroud
923 New York Avenue, Alamogordo, New Mexico 88310, Phone: 575-415-5206
Where to Eat in Alamogordo, NM
- Hi-D-Ho Drive-In – A beloved burger and chili spot with old-school vibes and Green Chile Cheeseburgers.
- Can’t Stop Smokin’ BBQ – Laid-back eatery serving smoky meats, hearty sides, and local flavor.
- Rizo’s Mexican Restaurant – Family-run spot with homemade tortillas, tacos, and generous plates.
If you are interested in local events:
- White Sands Balloon & Music Festival (September) – Hot air balloons, live music, food, and fun against the white dunes backdrop.
- Otero County Fair & Rodeo (August) – A classic county fair with livestock shows, rides, and rodeo events.
- Christmas on the Canyon (December) – Holiday lights and festivities at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Alamogordo, New Mexico:
- Cloudcroft (30 min) – A quaint mountain town in Lincoln National Forest with hiking, skiing, and cool alpine air.
- Sunspot Solar Observatory (30 min) – Learn about the sun and gaze through massive solar telescopes at this mountaintop research center.
- La Luz Trailhead (25–30 min) – Begin hikes into the Sacramento Mountains with sweeping desert valley views.
- Three Rivers Petroglyph Site (30 min) – Walk among over 20,000 ancient rock carvings left by early Native cultures.
- McGinn’s PistachioLand (10–15 min) – Snap a photo with the world’s largest pistachio, take a tour, and enjoy fresh-grown nuts and wines.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Question: Where is Alamogordo located?
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Answer: Alamogordo is a small, friendly city in the Tularosa Basin in Southern New Mexico. The city is flanked by White Sands National Monument and White Sands Missile Range on the west and the Sacramento Mountains on the east.
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Question: What makes Alamogordo an interesting place to visit?
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Answer: The proximity to the missile range has caused the city and surrounding area to have quite a few interesting attractions related to science and space.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures and blooming desert landscapes. |
Fairfield Inn & Suites Alamogordo – A comfortable stay with great amenities. |
Visit White Sands National Park – Hike or sled down the stunning gypsum dunes. |
Summer (June-August) – Hot but great for stargazing and evening explorations. |
Hampton Inn Alamogordo – A convenient stay near local attractions. |
Explore New Mexico Museum of Space History – Learn about space exploration and see real rockets. |
Fall (September-November) – Cooler weather, ideal for outdoor activities. |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamogordo – A modern stay with easy access to downtown. |
Attend the White Sands Balloon & Music Festival – Experience hot air balloons soaring over the dunes. |
Winter (December-February) – Mild days and cool nights, great for sightseeing. |
The Classic Desert Aire Hotel – A budget-friendly option with a Southwestern feel. |
Visit the Alameda Park Zoo – One of the oldest zoos in the Southwest with unique wildlife. |
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