Things to do & places to visit in Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States

Most famous for the National Laboratory that brought about such discoveries as the atomic bomb, Los Alamos is also a natural wonderland for outdoors enthusiasts who wish to explore the mountainous terrain. Take a tour of Atomic City and learn about America's history and scientific advances, or hike through the Bandelier National Monument to see wildlife and ancient Puebloan ruins. The area boasts year-round activities, including rock climbing, golfing, mountain biking, skiing, skating and more.

Los Alamos city in New Mexico, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Thursday, May 02, 2024, 8:35.

Top things to do (29)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Bandelier National Monument (2.226 reviews)
- Amazing Cliff Dwellings!
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Canyons

This is an amazing place to view cliff dwellings. Having visited Mesa Verde recently, this is much more intimate and much less crowded. We visited on a Sunday in late September and still found a parking spot in the visitor center parking lot. There were far fewer people on the trails than I expected for a weekend. There wasn't really any backup at any of the ladders into the caves and people seemed respectful of distancing and mask usage where needed. There is a trail guide available for $2.00 which is worth it for information as you walk the loop trail. Be sure to walk the extra distance to the Alcove House. If you are able, it is worth climbing the several ladders to the top for the view. If not, it is still impressive to see from below. See more..
5.0 Los Alamos Nature Center (87 reviews)
- Bird viewing room
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens

Perched on a canyon with exceptional views of the Jemez Mountains, the Los Alamos Nature center is the perfect place to start your exploration of the spectacular Pajarito Plateau. The award-winning building is filled with interactive, hands-on exhibits including live animals, a large-scale 3D topo map of the plateau, a Children's Discovery Area, wildlife observation room, information about the formation of the Valles Caldera, a planetarium with star shows and full-dome feature films, and much more! Browse the demonstration gardens, get dirty in the nature play area, climb to the top of the Rotary Treehouse, find your next adventure on the Los Alamos Trails App (for iOS and Android). Explore local nature at the Naturalists' Desk, meet local critters, play on the model Pajarito Plateau for kids, put on a puppet show or cuddle up with a book in the Children's Discovery Area, or just relax on our comfy chairs and admire the breathtaking views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. See more..
5.0 Float Los Alamos (39 reviews)
- Beautiful experience overall!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

Do you need to get away from life's stresses? Do you suffer from chronic pain, fatigue or arthritis? Are you having trouble sleeping, feeling anxious or depressed? Are you pregnant and uncomfortable? The float is designed to reduce and remove external stimuli allowing you to reach deep awareness and relaxation...your muscle tension, joint pain and discomfort will melt away. Come float with us today! See more..
5.0 Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center (5 reviews)
- Great Fun on Warm Water Weekends
Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes

The aquatic center is open at least 50 weeks a year and they have a lot of fun activities to offer for kids. See more..
5.0 The Karen Wray Gallery (4 reviews)
- Small but mighty
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Galleries

Art Gallery and Art Studio in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Spacious gallery featuring paintings, glass, pottery, by fine artists in and around Los Alamos in diverse media. Located near the Bradbury Science Museum on Central Avenue. Offer oil painting classes for adult beginners and intermediates. See more..
5.0 Los Alamos Little Theatre (2 reviews)
- Interesting Play that Ended in a Twist
Theaters

Los Alamos Little Theatre's performance of "Murder at the Lone Elm," directed by Miles LeDoux, was very fun! The audience was drawn into the plot and had to guess who the culprit was in the play. The audience was served ice cream before the play and cake and punch afterwards. It was a nice experience while visiting Los Alamos! See more..
4.5 Bradbury Science Museum (904 reviews)
- A small museum but with so much interesting information
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Science Museums • History Museums

Approximately 60 interactive exhibits trace the history of the WWII Manhattan Project, highlight Los Alamos National Laboratory's current and historic research projects related to defense and technology, and focus on Laboratory research related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and global security concerns. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday 1- 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. Admission is FREE. See more..
4.5 Los Alamos History Museum (324 reviews)
- Wonderful way to begin your Manhattan Project park experience
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

The Los Alamos Historical Society preserves, promotes, and communicates the remarkable history and inspiring stories of Los Alamos and its people for our community, for the global audience, and for future generations. These stories are told in the multiple buildings of the Los Alamos History Museum through exhibits on the Ancestral Pueblo people, the homestead era, the Los Alamos Ranch School, the Manhattan Project, and the Cold War. See more..
4.5 White Rock Overlook Park (310 reviews)
- Beautiful views of the Rio Grande river and the mountains
Lookouts • Parks

Favorite park of tourists and residents alike provides magnificent views of the Rio Grande and facilities for outdoor sports and picnicking. See more..
4.5 Tsankawi (207 reviews)
- Saved the Best for Last!
Hiking Trails • Educational sites

After a long day exploring the Bandelier National Monument Loop and Falls trails we decided to check out the Tsankawi Ruins in the Los Alamos/White Rock vicinity. It was a great decision. With just a few hours left before dusk, we had plenty of time to explore these unique Indian trails, petroglyphs, and cave dwellings. And we practically had the park to ourselves. Incredible views, cool breezes, and a new appreciation of the ways that these Ancestral Puebloans lived are the memories we take. Only disappointment was that the Trail Guide box was empty so you might want to access a guide online before you go. Don't miss it in any case. See more..
4.5 Bathtub Row Brewing Co-Op (67 reviews)
- Evening
Breweries

Best place in Los Alamos to gather with friends. Great outdoor deck with fire pit. Interesting cross section of people and pretty good beer. See more..
4.5 Pajarito Mountain Ski Area (56 reviews)
- cute little place, GREAT value
Ski & Snowboard Areas

With more than 280 acres of ski-able acreage and 37 named trails of varying skill levels, this ski area is ideal whether you're a beginner or expert on the slopes. See more..
4.5 Frijoles Canyon (50 reviews)
- This is the name of the main Canyon in Bandelier National Monument
Canyons

Canyon in the Bandelier National Monument offering spectacular scenic beauty and ancient ruins. See more..
4.5 Anderson Scenic Overlook (42 reviews)
- A must-do stop for some phenomenal views!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers

The overlook is on NM-502, just a few miles east of Los Alamos. Since it is a pull-off on the highway, this doesn't require taking any detours and you can judge for yourself if you want to stop here for five minutes or thirty. It is easier to access driving westward on NM-502, since it is on that side of the road, and just around a curve in the road making it a tad harder to turn your car left, if driving eastward from Los Alamos. Easy accessibility aside, there are some wonderful views of New Mexico landscape, with blue skies strumming as a perfect backdrop. The panoramic view is breathtaking, the valley will make for some unforgettable sunset photos if you are there in time for the setting sun. Even otherwise, the valley is a very peaceful site to look at and enjoy for at least a few minutes, before heading on out to your destination. See more..
4.5 Fuller Lodge Art Center (41 reviews)
- What a wonderful historical place to visit
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries

Come and see our beautiful gallery with rotating exhibits, our portal gallery and our gift shop featuring the work of over 100 local and regional artists. We have two arts & crafts fairs per year and we also offer classes to adults and children. We are an extension of the Fuller Lodge, right in the heart of historic Los Alamos. See more..
4.5 Ashley Pond Park (38 reviews)
- A pleasant surprise!
Parks

This was not a destination, but a very pleasant surprise. We had intended to visit the nearby art museum but found it closed. Across the street we noticed a beautiful park. I was blown away by the variety of water iris thriving there. I didn't even know so many colors existed! The park was clean and well tended. See more..
4.5 Los Alamos Visitor's Center (34 reviews)
- Filled with Information
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Visit the newly relocated Los Alamos Visitor Center for information on local Los Alamos attractions, local trail maps, state information, a clean restroom, free water refills and free secure Wi-Fi. See more..
4.5 Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer and General Leslie Statues (16 reviews)
- Great statues!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

We found it quite funny that these two statues had face masks on during the COVID-19. Great picture spot! See more..
4.5 Buffalo Tours (8 reviews)
- Tour the 'Atomic City' - learn about the city that did not exist:Los Alamos
Historical & Heritage Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Bus Tours

We saw the poster outside the Bradbury Museum and handed over our $15 for the yellow mini bus that pulled up. Georgia is the local historian, grew up here & is just a marvelous & energetic source of history about the people & the area that was formerly a boys school, became the testing ground for top-secret military projects & developed the nuclear bomb - BUT LOTS MORE THINGS TOO. Learn about the area from someone who obviously knows & cares about her hometown, You will not regret this hour and a half See more..
4.5 White Rock Visitor Center (4 reviews)
- Nice stop on your way to Bandolier.
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

The White Rock Visitor Center is the shuttle stop for Bandelier National Monument mid May-mid October. We are open 7 days for your convenience. We have clean restrooms and free Wi-Fi. See more..
4.5 Deer Trap Mesa Trail (3 reviews)
- Great Scenery And An Actual Deer Trap
Hiking Trails
Views of the eroded volcanic tuff are world class, though admittedly there are easier places to get similar scenery (Anderson Overlook is a roadside pullout on the way into town, for example). Near the beginning of the trail in a depression is an old deer trap, where the locals from a long time back would chase deer who would fall into the pit and be the guest of honor at dinner. After that comes a somewhat tricky scramble up a cliff and a completely civilized trail around the top of the mesa. Look all you want! Leave your fancy clothes and shoes at home. Wear a hat since shade is hard to come by and the sun can be serious any time of year. See more..
4.0 Manhattan Project National Historical Park (77 reviews)
- Well worth a few hours invested
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

One can debate what was done here and why and if the scientists really realized what they were doing but the actual park on it's own merits is incredibly well done and worthwhile visit. From the lodge, the museum, the pond, the bathtub row of houses... the original farming area small wooden house and the rock pit houses.. it's all here the last 1000 years very interesting. See more..
4.0 Don Quixote Distillery & Winery (34 reviews)
- Great Tasting Menu!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Distilleries • Wineries & Vineyards

See more..
4.0 Pajarito Brewpub and Grill (17 reviews)
- Exceptional Service
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM Bars & Clubs

My husband and I went to Pajarito Brew Pub to watch a Stanley Cup playoff hockey game. We have eaten at Pajarity Brew Pub on several occations in the past. The food was good but what made our dinner extra special was Brittany, our server. She was so friendly, and efficient that it turned an ordinary dinner out into an extrodinary expereince. She not only made us feel very welcome and well taken care of, it seemed she was taking care of most everyone in the whole restaurant with the same gracious and helpful approach. Shout out to Brittany-she is amazing! See more..
4.0 Los Alamos Project Main Gate Park (5 reviews)
- A unique piece of history
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

For all its historic and scientific importance, this is now, as the attraction title says, a gate. Well, a small building looking old as it should, as you enter the city of Los Alamos from east. It is on NM-502, and thus makes for a quick and easy ingress and egress. The significance of this place is that it was the main entry point to enter the labs here, which has a fabled (infamous?) history as being the cradle of Manhattan Project. We saw a restroom here, but unsure of whether it is for active public use. A place to get out, snap a couple of photos and get right back in to your car. A definite visit, even if a short one for science and history buffs. See more..
4.0 United States Post Office - Los Alamos (1 review)
- Worth a look (on the National Register of Historic Places)
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

During World War II, Los Alamos was so secret that mail and freight for the thousands of residents was addressed to Post Office Box 1663 in Santa Fe. The Los Alamos post office opened in 1948. There's a series of ornamental thunderbird grilles in its windows; underneath the windows inside are original mail sorting tables. It's a mixture of Modern and Territorial Revival design. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. Many years ago, there was a long series of service windows opposite the front door for buying postage, shipping and picking up mail. That service has been moved to a window near the back door. Out the back door, you can enter the historic Community Center shopping area, now called Central Park Square. It's a unique area, with stores and offices joined by covered walkways. See more..
3.0 Bandelier Trading Company (4 reviews)
- OMG they have a lot of indian jewelry
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

You can find some really exquisite turquoise and silver, and local pottery of high quality. This is stuff you won't find in town anywhere. See more..
Windgate Healing Arts (0 review)
Spent 1-2 hours Spas
Windgate Healing Arts was created from the desire to preserve and share sacred, indigenous healing therapies. Located in Los Alamos, our beautiful, spa-like setting quietly encourages relaxation while you experience first class therapies from around the world. We offer integrated massage, thai yoga therapy,sports massage, cupping, Hawaiian lomo lomo, yoni steaming, ayurvedic treatments, and more! See more..
Inspired Jewelers (0 review)
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
Jewelry store in Los Alamos New Mexico. Jeweler with repair shop and gallery. Studio space includes classroom for aspiring artists. See more..
Central Park Square (0 review)
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
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