Things to do & places to visit in Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States

With the majestic Organ Mountains to the east and the mighty Rio Grande to the west, Las Cruces stands as an oasis at the junction of the I-10 and I-25. New Mexico State University makes its home here, among fine art galleries, informative museums, a lively theater scene and high desert terrain. The sun almost always seems to be shining in Las Cruces, which enjoys on average 350 days of clear blue skies per year, making it the perfect base to explore the breathtaking surrounding area.

Las Cruces municipality in New Mexico, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Thursday, May 02, 2024, 18:41.

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Zuhl Museum (90 reviews)
- Beautiful Rocks
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Zuhl Museum: Where Rocks Come Alive! Part art gallery, part natural history museum, the Zuhl collection at New Mexico State University showcases thousands of beautiful specimens of petrified wood, fossils and minerals. The Zuhl Collection contains petrified wood, fossils, rocks and minerals. The Zuhl Museum is easily accessible to local citizens, school groups and visitors to the university and southern New Mexico. New hours: Tuesday-Friday 12-4pm and Every Second Saturday of each month 12-4pm. See more..
5.0 Veterans Memorial Park (43 reviews)
- Impressive and sobering
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

When traveling we always make it a point to visit a Veteran’s Memorial. This one is by far the most impressive we’ve seen. It focused on every branch of the military and beyond. The Bataan Memorial was very touching as well. There’s also BBQ grills, picnic tables and a large playing field that overlooks the valley -just watch out for snakes. Kudos to all who implemented such a lovely Memorial. See more..
5.0 No Strings Theatre Company (17 reviews)
- Great talent
Theaters

The theater may be old and small but we have never been disappointed in the show.. The actors have such talent. Great value too! See more..
5.0 Black Range Vineyards (4 reviews)
- Laid Back and Charming
Wineries & Vineyards

Stopped in to this quaint winery while my husband and I were celebrating our 5 year anniversary in Mesilla, the atmosphere is very inviting and I have to say the Luna Rossa Gewurztraminer is one of the most delicious white wines I've ever had anywhere. The service was good, not pushy. People out on the patio with their pets and even the dog looked like he was having a great time. Overall very charming and I can't wait to go back. =) See more..
5.0 Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center (4 reviews)
- Great water classes
Water Parks

I have attended Cyndi’s water classes for three years. She is a magnificent instructor and the class is a great workout! See more..
4.5 Old Mesilla Village (997 reviews)
- La Mesilla is Magic!
Historic Sites

I loved my dining experience at La Posta! It was all decorated for Day of the Dead, but I think it must always be a "trip" to see their decor! There are tropical birds making lots of jungle noise, high ceilings loaded with memorabilia and art and glittering festive lights. The ladies room is like 1930's Hollywood. I also had so much fun wandering around the historic plaza and side streets, taking photos of the rustic beauty. Shopping was excellent. There was plenty of original and unique stuff. I found a couple of art galleries open, and the local art was very high quality with reasonable prices. I also ate at Don Felix cafe, and enjoyed everything so much! My favorite was the Cocoa Flan dessert! They have a wonderful courtyard for outdoor dining and they played current popular Mexican music that was really good! See more..
4.5 Dripping Springs Natural Area (526 reviews)
- Beautiful Spot
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

The drive up is beautiful as you approach the Organ Mountains. We checked out the two main trailheads, and I did a quick hike up to "the springs" while my wife did some sketching. The spring was actually dripping in late March! On my hike I ended up in the middle of a herd of about 30-40 mule deer who were wandering across the trail. I'd certainly like to get back sometime to check out the other trails - but only on a cool morning. See more..
4.5 New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum (387 reviews)
- Extraordinary museum
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Natural History Museums • History Museums

For at least 4,000 years, people have been growing food in this region and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum tells this incredible story through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, oral histories, objects, and educational programs. In 2017-18, the Museum is celebrating 20 years of sharing this remarkable story of survival, ingenuity, and hope. It connects generations and weaves together people from various cultures that are uniquely New Mexico. Visitors from around the world have enjoyed the Museum, one of the region’s top attractions. The 47-acre campus in Las Cruces features several barns, animals, a greenhouse, play areas for children, an amphitheater, the Heritage Garden and much more. Permanent and changing exhibits, as well as a theater, library, gift shop, snack bar, and meeting rooms are located in the 100,000-square-feet, ranch-style main building, named after Bruce King, New Mexico’s only three-term governor and rancher. See more..
4.5 Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces (326 reviews)
- Best Farmers Market!!
Thursday: Spent 2-3 hours Flea & Street Markets

We are a world-class Market in the heart of Main Street Downtown Las Cruces. We have over 300 members who are skilled artisans, farmers, bakers, food trucks and talented local musicians. All of the goods are handmade, and grown right here in New Mexico. See more..
4.5 Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture (198 reviews)
- Artistic Trash
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

The Recycled Road Runner sculpture is located in the rest stop just before getting to Las Cruces. The sculpture is made out of old shoes and various pieces of trash. The rest area has covered, picnic tables, a dog area and some restrooms. The views from this location are excellent. See more..
4.5 Basilica San Albino Catholic Church (168 reviews)
- Old Catholic church
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

As a catholic, always interested in Old churches. This one is beautiful stained glass and an incredible carved old wood alter. The old alter, used when priests still had their backs to the congregation is wooden with designs and beautiful statues on it. See more..
4.5 New Mexico State University (122 reviews)
- Georgia University Professor Visits New University!
Educational sites

I was out in Las Cruces for a retreat from work and family responsibilities, and what did I do? I visited NMSU! I have heard good things about this university for most of my life, so I enjoyed driving around and seeing the local architectural style of the buildings and walked through a few of them. The Chile Institute was my favorite stop... it's a must-see if you love eating chile. See more..
4.5 Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument (100 reviews)
- Beautiful Mountain Range to visit
Spent More than 3 hours Monuments & Statues

Our 9 day trip was scheduled to see 5 national parks but I found a couple of good National Monuments to visit as well. This igneous formation was the most interesting a really most beautiful mountain range we saw on our trip. Our entire group had fun getting on the rocks and stretching our legs. One interesting part of the visit was the drive to the mountains through the Bureau of Land Management. This is slows straight road in the southwest and it is patrolled for speed. The reason is free range cattle that are everywhere and add a little to the monument experience. Still is was the mountains that looked like organ pipes that drew us here. Whether on the east or west sides they were equally an interesting. Additionally, the rocks were fun to climb and made our bunch of 50s and 60s feel like kids. See more..
4.5 Museum of Nature & Science (69 reviews)
- A bit small, but an enjoyable museum.
Natural History Museums • History Museums

Locally-funded museum with a focus on science and natural history. See more..
4.5 Soledad Canyon Day Use Area (64 reviews)
- Beautiful and accessible
Canyons

I shouldn't recommend this hike. It is relatively undiscovered. But, here is my traitorous review: The trail takes a large loop without much elevation change, so is easy for everyone. The view is marvelous, it is peaceful, and you feel 100 miles from the city because the canyon opens up after you enter a narrow portal. Also, there is a hidden treasure of a waterfall if you dare venture a little further. Look for it yourself. The area residents are not hiker-friendly, so don't park on the road outside the gate. It is a premier hike. No facilities. None. So, be prepared. See more..
4.5 Las Cruces Water Tank Murals (63 reviews)
- "City Pride is Showing"
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Painting the water tanks with various murals of local interest is a nice enhancement to an already beautiful area. See if you can find them all and appreciate the artist's talent. Fun and beautiful time! See more..
4.5 Mesilla Plaza (58 reviews)
- Beautiful Plaza
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

We spent a couple of hours here on a Sunday morning before everything started. Church service was in progress and they had loud speaking broadcasting the service into the plaza where people can participate outdoor. Walked around the plaza filled with history. Wish we had more time to enjoy a meal at one of those restaurants there. See more..
4.5 Lake Valley Historic Townsite (57 reviews)
- Wonderful site, fascinating drive
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Such a fun, interesting drive and amazing site! Highly recommend taking the backroad rather than the interstate at least one way. We had the entire site to ourselves on a Friday afternoon. The groundskeeper is indeed a gem and a wealth of information, so don't miss chatting with him. Overall, highly recommend checking this place out - a highlight of our time in NM. See more..
4.5 Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery (33 reviews)
- Phenomenal experience
Thursday: Spent More than 3 hours Wineries & Vineyards

We were traveling thru the area and came upon this winery by chance. We were warmly greeted and felt at home. The owner and his wife explained the history of the area, the early origins of wine making in New Mexico, and the various types of grapes that they grow. We tried wine tasting for four different varieties. The owners went out of their way to understand our palates and match the wines that they served to what we would enjoy. We had a wonderful time, made new friends, and ordered some fine reds. We will return! See more..
4.5 Art Obscura (24 reviews)
- Far From Typical New Mexican Art
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Art Obscura is the one place to shop where you are guaranteed to find something out of the ordinary to call your own. Whether you're interested in art, antiques, collectibles, or even silver jewelry we've got something for you. By shopping At Art Obscura you'll be supporting local artists and stimulating the local economy. Shop local, shop Art Obscura. See more..
4.5 Rio Grande Theatre (14 reviews)
- Small, intimate
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters
Went to a comedy show here, we had balcony seats, but the theater is small so it was perfect. It is a more intimate setting. See more..
4.5 Unidad Park (11 reviews)
- great kids park
Parks • Playgrounds

This is a great park for kids of all ages. It offers a lot of different obstacles, slides and swings for kids to play on. It is a clean park. See more..
4.5 Tortugas Mountain (11 reviews)
- Love the view
Mountains

Great place to exercise. Love taking my son here and just experiencing live itself. Took us 30 minutes to get on top of the mountain and look at the beauty of the city and earth itself. Plus there other trails you experience too. See more..
4.5 Southern New Mexico Speedway (11 reviews)
- Dirt Track Racing...
Auto Racing Tracks

Excellent evening at the races. Late Models, Wing Sprints, Street Stock, Bombers. Plenty of Beverages and Food to get you through the night! See more..
4.0 Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park (49 reviews)
- A Beautiful Hilly Park Along the Rio Grande River
Spent 2-3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

First, its pronounced Mesiya. The park is located on the Rio Grande near NMSU in Las Cruces. Nice Picnic area and trails. You can get a self-guided trail booklet at the Visitors Center, if you luck. Beautiful wildlife , including many birds. Spend a few hours or the day. You won't be disappointed. 2.3 Miles Hiking Interpretive Trails Accessible Trails Visitors have many opportunities to view wildlife in natural surroundings while strolling one of the self-guided nature trails. Enjoy a fun ranger-led tour! Park Elevation 3,879 ft See more..
4.0 Leasburg Dam State Park (40 reviews)
- Peaceful Desert Camping
State Parks • Parks

One of the best NM state parks we have camped in! Sites were nicely spaced with some foliage in between. There was a protected (shaded) area for the picnic table, near the fire ring. Nice views of what used to be the river (was totally dry when we visited) and the surrounding mountains. Myriads of coyotes heard at night, along with the train and sandhill cranes in the morning. Trails are throughout the park but were a bit overgrown in some areas. Pit toilets in each campground and main shower and flush toilet building not far away. Kid's playground. Quiet setting! See more..
4.0 Las Cruces Railroad Museum (31 reviews)
- Small, but interesting.
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

This museum has free admission and parking. It is small. The size of an old depot. But, it's well maintained and interesting. One room is laid out with model trains. You can tell that a lot of work went into it and well worth seeing (if you're into that sort of thing). Fortunately while we were there, a locomotive pulled up right behind the depot, to drop off tankers and pick up box cars. That was very cool. We really enjoyed watching that. See more..
4.0 Las Cruces Museum of Fine Arts and Culture (27 reviews)
- Always worth a visit!
History Museums

This museum is far and above one's expectations for a town the size of Las Cruces. Most of the special exhibitions are outstanding, and after your visit you can cross the little plaza to visit the Branigan Cultural Center, also almost always a delight! See more..
4.0 Amaro Winery (18 reviews)
- Beautiful ambiance
Thursday: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

I was traveling across country and visiting wineries in NM and happened to find Amaro Winery after trying some of the other wineries in Las Cruces. I found that Amaro had the most comfortable environment. The service was stellar but more than anything I appreciated the ambiance, the music outside on the patio was lovely and the weather was perfect! I would highly recommend this establishment! See more..
4.0 La Llorona Park (17 reviews)
- Nice park to rest, walk and watch the rio Grande River
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

My husband and I went to La Llorana Park as a suggestion from a local resident. The park follows along the Rio Grande River, comprises 20-30 acres and is well maintain. There were several children swimming in the river that looked shallow. There were lots of benches and picnic tables. We did not go into the restrooms but they exist. The sidewalk along the river was wide and continued 3.2 miles south of the park and 1.4 miles north of the park. We visited during the afternoon but notice there were lots of lights. We spent about an hour at the park. See more..