Top 25 Things To Do In New Mexico

1. Explore the Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum

When traveling to a new destination, it is a must to learn something interesting about the place. Gain insights into the traditional culture of Native American people and the living history of Acoma Pueblo, which is also known as Sky City, the homeland to the Acoma people. Enjoy an extensive collection of exhibits and displays. You can enjoy an unguided tour but if you prefer a guided tour, it is available as well.

Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum

Address: Haaku Rd, Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034, United States

Website: Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 25 USD

2. Head to the marvelous Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

Situated in Santa Fe, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture promises a marvelous time spent through observing Native American artworks and material culture. As soon as you step into the museum, you will be amazed at the diverse communities of Native American people. One door displays a collection of Pueblo culture, while another door brings you into the world of Navajo or the world of Apache. Enjoy stories of each region’s culture and people, both past and present times.

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

Address: 710 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA

Website: Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 7 USD

3. See Native American art at the Millicent Rogers Museum

By now you must have realized that many attractions are specially dedicated to the Native American community. Yes, this is true because New Mexico is renowned for its rich and vibrant Native American history that is celebrated in many attractions, especially the museums. In total, there are 23 Indian tribes in New Mexico and based on evidence, Native Americans have been the inhabitants of the state for more than 2,500 years, quite a long time. Similar to the first two museums, Millicent Rogers Museum is the place where you can understand more about the history of New Mexico and the Southwest. The museum was named after Millicent Rogers because it is her artworks that dominate the collection in the museum.

Millicent Rogers Museum

Address: 1504 Millicent Rogers Rd, El Prado, NM 87529, USA

Website: Millicent Rogers Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 10 USD

4. Enjoy skiing at Red River

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Red River is a highly popular resort town for ski fans and nature lovers. Some people come by Red River just to wonder at the beauty of the mountains, whereas the others want to enjoy skiing. Red River is loaded with a myriad of ski areas. But, for the best skiing experience, you may want to try Red River Ski & Summer area that is known not only for skiing trails but also hiking and biking. Another resort worth visiting is Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area. Here, you can take pleasure in skiing in a beautiful mountain setting.

Red River

Address: New Mexico, USA

Website: Red River

5. Catch a show at the Santa Fe Opera

No one visits New Mexico and ignores catching a show at the Santa Fe Opera. The first reason is its gorgeous architecture. You can marvel at the wooden material throughout the opera that sits atop a hill. The second reason is that the Santa Fe Opera is an open-air opera house. So, instead of sitting in a building where you can see only chairs and performance, you can take a look around and enjoy beautiful nature as well from the Santa Fe Opera. Of course, you come to this opera house to catch a spectacular show. The Santa Fe Opera is known for featuring classic and contemporary performances. Be sure to check what is playing and what is coming up and book your tickets for your favorite show online.

Santa Fe Opera

Address: 301 Opera Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87506, USA

Website: Santa Fe Opera

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

6. Visit the stunning Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is so stunning that there is no word that can accurately describe how impressive it really is. Situated in the Chihuahuan Desert adjacent to the Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns National Park boasts more than 100 caves, some of them are yet to be explored. There is a labyrinth of underground chambers, and one of them is among the largest in the world. Visit Bat Cave and you will discover its permanent inhabitants: more than one million free-tailed bats. Drop by Big Room and you will be amazed at the stalactites that are clinging to the roof. Rattlesnake Springs is for those who are interested in seeing reptiles and various bird species.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Address: 727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, NM 88220

Website: Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 15 USD

7. Discover the splendors of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Science does not have to be boring. Enjoy the fun of science by discovering the splendors at New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. The museum features hands-on educational experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. You will also stumble upon dinosaurs, and it is not just a few of them, but many of them. You can even say hi to Seismosaurus, the largest dinosaur that ever lived on Earth. You can also indulge in displays that let you explore the unique natural history of New Mexico.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Address: 1801 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, USA

Website: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD

8. Explore the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum

Another museum that is worth exploring is the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. But, unlike the other museums we previously mentioned, this museum is more about farming and ranching. As you are exploring the museum, you can observe wonderful farming and ranching equipment that is as old as 3,000 years old. You can learn how the local people have been growing food in the last 3,000 years through oral histories, demonstrations, and interactive exhibits. What is more, the museum also features a few bars and friendly animals. What a fun time you will spend at this unique museum.

New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum

Address: 4100 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA

Website: New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

Price: 5 USD

9. Learn snow tubing at Taos Ski Valley

You may be familiar with skiing. But, have you heard about snow tubing? Did you ever experience snow tubing? Can you snow tube? If this is something new for you, you may want to head to Taos Ski Valley to learn how to snow tube. Basically, snow tubing is a recreational activity where you transport yourself with a tube to get to the bottom of a slope. There should be some simple techniques involved. Of course, the best way to enjoy snow tubing is with your loved ones.

Taos Ski Valley

Address: New Mexico 87525, USA

10. Enjoy horseback riding at Ghost Ranch

It is time for a thrilling adventure with a horse. The best place to enjoy horseback riding is no other than Ghost Ranch. Many guests come to the ranch just to indulge in horseback riding. It does not matter whether you are a beginner or an expert on riding a horse, Ghost Ranch provides a range of riding trails for riders of all levels. You are going to ride a horse through The O'Keeffe Landscape Trail Rides. The best time to enjoy the ride is probably when the sun goes down because you will get a bonus, which is the spectacular sunset views.

Ghost Ranch

Address: 280 Private Drive 1708 Highway, US-84, Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA

Website: Ghost Ranch

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 39 USD

11. Rejuvenate at Riverbend Hot Springs

You may be tired after exploring New Mexico for several hours and you want to wash away the fatigue that attacks your muscles. Make your way to Riverbend Hot Springs and rejuvenate. Riverbend Hot Springs is the only hot springs spa you can find in New Mexico. Situated on the banks of pretty Rio Grande River, Riverbend Hot Springs is known for its natural water that is rich in mineral. The water is considered sacred by the Native American tribes. Take a relaxing dip for some time and you can feel how your muscles have become more relaxed and your mind eased. Do not close your eyes while soaking because you will miss the views of the river and the surrounding mountain.

Riverbend Hot Springs

Address: 100 Austin St, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901, USA

Website: Riverbend Hot Springs

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 12 USD

12. Admire the Museum of International Folk Art

1/2 Museum of international folk art display

2/2 Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe NM

See how diverse the world really is by making a stop at the Museum of International Folk Art and admire the global artworks. The world-class museum boasts an impressive collection of more than 135,000 artifacts that have been categorized into four different sections. The most popular sections are the Hispanic Heritage Wing and The Girard Wing. The Hispanic Heritage Wing is the place to enjoy the art and culture of New Mexico and beyond. The Girard Wing displays a collection of miniatures, toys, folk art and miniatures that belong to a famed collector Alexander Girard.

Museum of International Folk Art

Address: On Museum Hill, 706 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA

Website: Museum of International Folk Art

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 12 USD

13. Enjoy a fun activity at El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Anytime you visit El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, there will always be a fun activity that you can enjoy. The museum hosts plenty of festivals all year round. For example, you can have fun in the annual harvest festival, the spring and fiber festival or the New Mexico food and beer festival. When there is no event, you can enjoy a personal visit with a number of guides available as well as marvel at the beautiful surrounding.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Address: 334 Los Pinos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507, USA

Website: El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 6 USD

14. Tour the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

If there is one thing that is indeed true about science is that no matter the field, science is a mind-blower. Tour the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History and let nuclear science blow your mind. If you are interested in the origins of atomic theory, for example, the museum is the right place. What about today’s nuclear medicine? You can also enjoy a comprehensive explanation here. Nuclear science, whether from the past, present and future, is supposed to be enjoyed by everyone. This is what the museum is all about.

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Address: 601 Eubank Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123, USA

Website: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 12 USD

15. Marvel at the beautiful Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Feast your eyes, calm your soul and ease your mind by marveling at the beautiful Santa Fe Botanical Garden. There is no garden in New Mexico that is as beautiful as Santa Fe Botanical Garden, so there is no way you skip this point of interest. The best feature of this garden is its Orchard Gardens that boasts an orchard of fruit trees. You can also learn about diverse plant species.

Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Address: 715 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA

Website: Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 10 USD

16. Learn glass blowing with Liquid Light Glass

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Glass blowing is not an easy thing to do. It may look easy when other people do it, but when you have to do it yourself, you are going to want to give up. Don’t! Learn glass blowing with patience at Liquid Light Glass. Experts will be at your side to guide you every step of the way. You can choose your favorite color and your teacher will help you bring out the creativity inside you. Once you are proud of your work, you can take a look at the gallery and admire the beautiful glass pieces.

Liquid Light Glass

Address: 926 Baca St, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA

Website: Liquid Light Glass

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 212 USD

17. Admire the artwork at Meow Wolf

For an elevated experience with art, it is a must to visit Meow Wolf. The artwork you will find here is just beyond compare. Make sure to linger around Meow Wolf’s masterpiece called The House of Eternal Return that has become a permanent installation. Get lost in the maze or be captivated by the beautiful bright colors throughout. Some people think that it is a jungle gym, while some others think it looks like a funhouse. You may think differently.

Meow Wolf

Address: 1352 Rufina Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87507, USA

Website: Meow Wolf

Opening hours: Mon: 10am - 8pm; Wed - Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 10pm; Sun: 9am - 8pm (closed on Tue)

Price: 18 USD

18. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders

Take your vacation in New Mexico to a new height as you enjoying a hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders, a renowned balloon ride tour agency. Breathe in the sweeping views of Albuquerque from high above. For a more intimate experience, a private balloon ride during sunrise or sunset is highly recommended. Fly above Albuquerque, what a dream come true.

Rainbow Ryders

Address: 5601 Eagle Rock Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA

Website: Rainbow Ryders

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 159 USD onwards

19. Check out the White Sands National Monument

Come and see one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the planet at White Sands National Monument. The glistening pristine white sands are views you will not forget for the rest of your life. Enjoy a pleasant stroll on the sands as you witness the sun go down in the background. This is the perfect activity that you must do with your partner or a loved one beside you.

White Sands National Monument

Address: New Mexico, USA

Website: White Sands National Monument

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

Price: 10 USD

20. See the paintings at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

For those of you who have no idea who Georgia O’Keeffe is, she is one of the most celebrated American artists of the 20th century. She is renowned for her innovative artwork, particularly the dramatic landscapes of cities and distinct flowers, that contributed significantly to American modernism. If you are curious about her iconic and original paintings, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is the place.

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Address: 217 Johnson St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA

Website: Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri: 10am - 7pm

Price: 13 USD

21. Take a look at the rock formations at Bisti Badlands

Have you ever seen so many unusual rock formations that are just so captivating that you are left speechless? It is time to make your way to Bisti Badlands and witness its charming rock formations. Considered as one of the most scenic places in New Mexico, Bisti Badlands boasts colorful dunes, mounds, and eroded rocks tucked away in the heart of San Juan Basin.

Bisti Badlands

Address: New Mexico 87499, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

22. Visit the exceptional Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

What can you expect when you read the name of the museum? A lot of balloons? Yes, you will be able to see a myriad of balloons in the museum. But other than balloons, you will also gain insights into the history, art, science, and culture of ballooning, among others. You can also get to know about individual balloonists, including a few balloonists from Albuquerque who never cease to break records in the world of ballooning.

Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum

Address: 9201 Balloon Museum Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA

Website: Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 6 USD

23. Tour the International UFO Museum and Research Center

Back in 1947, an accident took place in Roswell. Some people claimed to have seen a flying saucer, whereas some others believed it was only a hot air balloon? Following the accident, extensive research has been carried out on the existence of UFO until today at the International UFO Museum and Research Center. If you are curious enough about the little green men, you cannot say no to visiting this museum. Exhibits include, of course, the Roswell crash along with ancient abductions, crop circles, UFO sightings, and more UFO-related stuff.

International UFO Museum and Research Center

Address: 114 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88203, USA

Website: International UFO Museum and Research Center

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 5 USD

24. Swim at Santa Rosa Blue Hole

If the galaxy has what is called a black hole, New Mexico has what is called a blue hole. Visit Santa Rosa to be able to swim at Santa Rosa Blue Hole that is actually a pool that has a shape that resembles a bell with a circular form. You can also dive here. This is perhaps one of the most sought-after activities for you and your beloved.

Santa Rosa Blue Hole

Address: Santa Rosa, NM 88435, USA

Website: Santa Rosa Blue Hole

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 3pm

Price: 20 USD

25. Drop by the wonderful New Mexico Museum of Space History

Last but not least, make a stop at the New Mexico Museum of Space History to explore the awesomeness of space flight and space age. Artifacts and displays can be enjoyed throughout. The most prominent feature of the museum is perhaps the International Space Hall of Fame. Come visit this museum with your friends or family, it is definitely a great acvitiy to pursue in New Mexico.

New Mexico Museum of Space History

Address: 3198 State Rte 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA

Website: New Mexico Museum of Space History

Opening hours: Mon: 10am - 5pm; Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Tue)

Price: 8 USD

Have fun in New Mexico

Do not leave New Mexico without doing as many things as possible. Because if you miss a few attractions, you are probably not going to have the fun you are looking for. Discover the best of New Mexico so that you will have beautiful stories to tell once you are back home.