4 Star Places To Visit in New Mexico, United States (50)

1. 4.5 Sandia Peak Tramway (7.133 reviews)
   - Amazing views!
   Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Trams
   
   
   Ride to new heights on North America's longest aerial tram ride. Sandia Peak Tram takes visitors 2.7 miles or 10,378 ft up the Sandia Mountains. Breath in the fresh mountain air and enjoy breathtaking views of over 11,000 square miles of New Mexico. See more..
   
2. 4.0 Albuquerque Old Town (5.340 reviews)
   - Shopping, Wine & Beer, Friendly merchants
   Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
   
   
   Founded in 1706 by Spanish Settlers, Old Town Albuquerque is a historical site in the city of Albuquerque. Built in a traditional Spanish colonial way, its quaint Plaza is anchored by the San Felipe de Neri Church. Today, the historic homes and buildings have been renovated into shops, art galleries, and cafes. You can stroll the district’s streets to discover stunning hidden patios and visit both the impressive Rattlesnake Museum and the history-laden Albuquerque Museum. Don't miss the Portal Market where local artisans sell handmade jewelry too. Join a food, historic, or ghost tour to dive into the city’s rich culture. – Tripadvisor See more..
   
3. 4.5 Georgia O'Keeffe Museum (5.175 reviews)
   - The Center of O'Keefe
   Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Museums
   
   
   The O’Keeffe Welcome Center includes a store, classroom, amenities, and check-in for tours of the O’Keeffe Home and Studio in Abiquiu, the Center serves as a gateway to the Rio Chama valley, with information about O’Keeffe and the rich history and culture of the area. Tours of the Home & Studio run seasonally from March – November with advance reservations and payment. See more..
   
4. 4.5 Loretto Chapel (5.170 reviews)
   - puzzling spiral
   Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites
   
   
   This chapel contains a mysterious spiral staircase built without nails, dowels or any visible support. See more..
   
5. 4.5 Canyon Road (4.051 reviews)
   - Highlight of the art galleries in Santa Fe
   Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
   
   
   Over 100 art studios and galleries line the western end of this charming Santa Fe street. Make sure you set aside a few hours of your stay in the city to walk down the mile-long Canyon Road and view the world-class art on display here, which ranges in style from Native American to contemporary avant-garde. Shop for high-value handicrafts and jewelry, and don’t forget to visit the restautants along the street when hungry. Take an art tour of Canyon Road with an expert to see all the hidden gems and must-see art in the district. – Tripadvisor See more..
   
6. 4.5 The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (3.980 reviews)
   - Must Do in Santa Fe
   Thursday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals
   
   
   This cathedral was built in 1886, and is known for its beautiful Romanesque architecture. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (3.662 reviews)
   - Stunning Site
   Bridges
   
   
   My friend and I enjoyed visiting the bridge and gorge while vacationing in the Taos area. The views are stunning, including of the mountain range nearby. We walked across the bridge and back. Quite a few people were there when we visited on a summer Tuesday evening. At no charge, it's a no brainer for sightseers interested in both natural and manmade attractions. Recommended. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Santa Fe Plaza (3.220 reviews)
   - In October, they celebrate Indigenous People's Weekend (instead of Columbus Day)
   Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   Surrounded by city landmarks, including art and history museums, the Santa Fe Plaza is the heart and soul of the capital city. Sit back on one of the square’s benches to people-watch and take in the small-town feel. Then, set out to explore the countless art galleries, shops, and flea markets in the area. Try the local street food from the food carts, or if you’re in the mood to splurge, check out the dozen or so high-end restaurants. You can also sign up for a walking tour to learn more about the city’s rich history. – Tripadvisor See more..
   
9. 4.5 Taos Pueblo (3.068 reviews)
   - Amazing
   Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. We welcome you to visit our village when you travel to northern New Mexico.Taos Pueblo Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 8:30am-4:00pm.Guided Tours available daily starting at 9:00 am.Pueblo Shops open daily.Taos Pueblo is expected to be open for the winter season. Any closures would be due to unexpected events within the community and will be posted on our official website. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Meow Wolf Santa Fe (2.936 reviews)
    - Must Visit In Santa Fe For All Ages
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Unique & immersive art installations with multimedia elements and a mysterious narrative throughout. See more..
    
11. 4.0 International UFO Museum and Research Center (2.721 reviews)
    - So interesting
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    This museum contains a diorama and a film of the "official" autopsy of the alien bodies after the 1947 crash. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (2.115 reviews)
    - Amazing skateboard exhibit, great food, fun gift shop to explore!
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • History Museums
    
    
    IPCC was founded in 1976 and is jointly owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Located in the historic Albuquerque Indian School District just minutes from Downtown and Old Town Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a world-class museum and cultural center created to be a place where we, Pueblo people, can tell our story. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the only place in North America to host traditional Native American dances every weekend year round and also offers an exciting schedule of cultural and community activities, including rotating museum exhibits, events with Native American artists, hands-on children’s programs & art festivals. Visitors can also experience the award-winning Native Sourced, Pueblo Inspired cuisine of Pueblo Harvest and shop at the Indian Pueblo Store, a trusted destination for authentic handcrafted Native American art. See more..
    
13. 4.5 Museum of International Folk Art (2.112 reviews)
    - Bet You Won't See It "All" in One Visit
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    Open 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Easter & Thanksgiving holidays. Current exhibitions include Cartoneria Mexicana / The art of Paper and Paste, Yōkai: Ghosts & Demons of Japan, Lloyd's Treasure Chest: Folk Art in Focus, plus more than 120,000 objects are on display in the long term exhibition Multiple Visions, A Common Bond by architect and designer Alexander Girard. This international folk art collection includes miniature buildings, streets and village scenes from more than 100 different countries. There are no text panels in this exhibition, the cases are numbered. If you miss the Docent walk-in tour, pick up a multi-media tour at the front desk or a grab a printed gallery guide at either entrance. Kids 16 and under and Museum of New Mexico Foundation Members always free! See more..
    
14. 4.5 Petroglyph National Monument (1.967 reviews)
    - Easy walk, great views, dog-friendly
    Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites • National Parks • Geologic Formations
    
    
    Up to 15,000 petroglyphs or prehistoric rock art images have been found on the West Mesa volcanic escarpment, located along a 17-mile canyon outside of Albuquerque. See more..
    
15. 4.5 McGinn's PistachioLand (1.766 reviews)
    - I was expecting a tacky tourist experience, not so at all!
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Wineries & Vineyards • Farms
    
    
    PistachioLand- 2019 Alamogordo Small Business of the Year. Home of the World's Largest Pistachio, Pistachio Tree Ranch & Arena Blanca Winery -is owned and operated by the McGinn Family and is home to 12,300 trees and 6,000 wine producing grapevines. The original trees were planted in 1980. Today, Pistachio Tree Ranch is a fully integrated farm where the McGinn Family grows pistachios, makes pistachio candy and packages pistachio products sold on their farm and around the United States. Arena Blanca Winery features the McGinn Family's wines produced on the farm from grapes grown in their vineyard. The World's Largest Pistachio was finished in 2008 and was built as a tribute to Tom McGinn, whose vision was to grow pistachios in the New Mexico desert. It stands 30 feet tall and has been featured in New Mexico Magazine. Named a New Mexico Treasure by the NM Cabinet Secretary of Tourism, June 2014, on New Mexico Television episode 3. Open every day. Motorized Farm Tours Daily 10-4. See more..
    
16. 4.5 ABQ BioPark Zoo (1.605 reviews)
    - Great weekend trip
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zoos
    
    
    This zoo was great. We arrived early and were able to see all of the animals. The penguin exhibit was our favorite. It took us about 3 hrs to see the whole zoo. The food and drinks were expensive (as anticipated) but we packed our snacks and splurged on a toy for our son and a local beer. I recommend bringing a water bottle to fill as the have water fountains and a water is $6.00. There is a park in the middle of the zoo that is nice for a place to eat your snacks. Mobile ordering is available and recommended. There is quite a bit of construction going on but there is still a great deal to see. Would definitely come again. See more..
    
17. 4.5 New Mexico History Museum (1.478 reviews)
    - Excellent Museum
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    
    
    The New Mexico History Museum is a statewide educational resource, local landmark, and destination for anyone who wants to understand the diverse experiences of the people of New Mexico, the dynamics that have shaped our state, and the relationships that connect our region with the rest of the world. The New Mexico History Museum offers a welcoming place for exploration of multifaceted views on history, dialog that bridges social and cultural divides, and reflection on the conditions needed for a more resilient, just, and sustainable future. The New Mexico History Museum highlights include the historic Palace of the Governors built in 1610, the Fray Angelico Chavez Library (1907), the Palace of the Governors Photo Archives and the Pete V. Domenici Building (2009) which houses three levels of gallery exhibits . See more..
    
18. 4.5 The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History (1.323 reviews)
    - There is so much here for everyone
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums
    
    
    The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is New Mexico’s only congressionally chartered museum in its field and a Smithsonian affiliate. Visitors can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. The museum strives to present, through permanent and changing exhibits and displays, the diverse applications of nuclear energy in the past, present, and future along with the stories of the field’s pioneers. Originally known as the National Atomic Museum, it was established in 1969 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology. See more..
    
19. 4.5 High Road to Taos (1.287 reviews)
    - A great scenic drive if you have the time
    Scenic Drives
    
    
    We were on a road trip of Arizona and New Mexico and waned to do as much sightseeing as we could to get a good taste of what there was to see. We drove the high road to Taos from Santa Fe and made a loop back to Santa Fee, which took most of the day. We felt our time was really well spent, taking our time seeing all the beautiful scenery. There were lots of turn outs which were good, both to see the sights and to get out of the way of all those people who want to drive well over the posted speed limit. (These two states seem to be full of drives that just ignore any speed limit signs.) We have been on a few driving trips in Arizona and now New Mexico, thousands of miles actually, and I must say there is so much to see if you are not from this part of the country. See more..
    
20. 4.5 New Mexico State Capitol (Roundhouse) (1.051 reviews)
    - State Capital as an Art Museum
    Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Government Buildings
    
    
    I did the Discovery Walking Tours of Santa Fe and the tour Guide Allen recommended that I visited the State Capital art gallery. I am so glad I did. Must see for Santa Fe. FREE art museum! See more..
    
21. 4.5 Palace of the Governors (1.010 reviews)
    - Native arts by native artisans (with no middleman)
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    On a good day (probably a weekend), the long, covered entry front to the historic building will be awash in blankets claiming the sales-front territory upon which vendors will display their wares. This is the real-deal. Everything is made by the artisans who have licenses to display their native works. Primarily jewelry but not limited to metal works, vendors will display their pottery works, and any/every artistic rendering a human mind can dream. All vendors must be licensed. The gentleman from whom we bought some impressive earrings displayed his license. Look him up, his work impressed us. I don't believe this is a barter situation, their prices are pretty fair and not open to haggling. Do stroll up and down the promenade and take in all the excellent hand-crafts for sale. These are some mighty talented artists! See more..
    
22. 4.5 Albuquerque Biological Park (1.001 reviews)
    - The animals will love it if you do
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zoos • Aquariums • Gardens
    
    
    Park complex offering three main sections the whole family can enjoy: Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden and Rio Grande Zoo. See more..
    
23. 4.0 Taos Plaza (1.000 reviews)
    - Ultimate orientation
    Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    The Taos Plaza is the historic center of the town of Taos. Once a Spanish fortified walled plaza, it is now a beautiful collection of wonderful businesses. See more..
    
24. 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..
    
25. 4.5 Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum (934 reviews)
    - Temporarily closed for COVID. Check back
    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
    
    
    The Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum, rich in cultural architecture, serves as the reception center and museum for visitors to the Pueblo of Acoma, as well as a research and community use facility for tribal members. The primary 40,000 square foot Cultural Center is a two story structure with a basement and central courtyard/plaza area. The Cultural Center was designed to represent and recreate the ancestral architectural styles of the Acoma people – which include natural stacked stone and natural mud plastered adobe – while showcasing Acoma Pueblo architecture both past and present. This world class facility is dedicated to the preservation of Acoma history, traditional pottery and other art forms, the repatriation of objects of cultural patrimony and the development of both educational and interpretive programs. See more..
    
26. 4.5 Ghost Ranch (918 reviews)
    - Splendor of colors in solitude
    Educational sites • Art Museums
    
    
    Painter Georgia O’Keeffe’s former studio and home is now a top-notch education center and retreat. The 21,000-acre estate offers a variety of activities, workshops, and tours. You can also marvel at the estate's natural beauty, with towering and multi-colored cliffs and canyons all around. It is also a great place for hiking—you can even find dinosaur fossils from the Triassic period in the dinosaur quarry on the way to the Kitchen Mesa trail. Ghost Ranch is just 60 miles from Santa Fe, making it a great day trip. Alternatively, you can stay the night as overnight lodging is available. – Tripadvisor See more..
    
27. 4.5 San Miguel Chapel (916 reviews)
    - Fascinating - Historian on Premises
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Religious Sites • Art Museums
    
    
    Constructed in 1610 by the Tlaxcalan Indians of Mexico, who came to New Mexico as servants of the Spanish, this is the oldest church still in use in the country. See more..
    
28. 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..
    
29. 4.5 Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (886 reviews)
    - Expect the Unexpected
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, one of four museums in the Museum of New Mexico system, is a premier repository of Native art and material culture and tells the stories of the people of the Southwest from pre-history through contemporary art. The museum serves a diverse, multicultural audience through changing exhibitions, public lectures, field trips, artist residencies, and other educational programs. See more..
    
30. 4.5 New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (854 reviews)
    - Great for Kids and Adults Alike
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Natural History Museums
    
    
    Visitors explore the origins and geological history of the American Southwest through vivid displays including dinosaur models, ice-age cave replicas, a naturalist center and a walk-through volcano. See more..
    
31. 4.5 ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden (829 reviews)
    - Amazing gardens and aquarium !
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens
    
    
    I was amazed at all the different gardens there were to see. The heritage, the Japanese garden, the children's garden, and many others. Bring a water bottle because you do a lot of walking. There were places to fill your water bottles. People of all ages seemed to enjoy the gardens and aquarium. I enjoyed the lunch at the restaurant next to the aquarium as well. Bring a stroller if you have small kids. The ticket included the gardens and the aquarium. The zoo is at another part of this park and requires a separate admission ticket. See more..
    
32. 4.5 San Felipe de Neri Church (815 reviews)
    - Church Festival Visit
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Religious Sites
    
    
    Built in 1706 and rebuilt in 1793, this historic church has been providing services ever since. See more..
    
33. 4.5 San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church (804 reviews)
    - Interesting architecture
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites
    
    
    Buttressed church photograhed by legendary photographer Ansel Adams, and painted by famed artist Georgia O'Keeffe. See more..
    
34. 4.5 Millicent Rogers Museum (770 reviews)
    - Beautiful Museum
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Art Museums
    
    
    This impressive museum has more than a dozen galleries with some 5000 pieces of Native American and Hispanic art, including furniture, weaving, paintings, pottery and a celebrated collection of Native American jewelry. See more..
    
35. 4.5 Chaco Culture National Historical Park (752 reviews)
    - Fantastic experience in an isolated remote area, that happens to be a National Park
    National Parks
    
    
    Chaco Canyon holds one of the largest collection of prehistoric buildings on the continent. See more..
    
36. 4.5 Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum (692 reviews)
    - Great displays!
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Visited on Sunday after our sunrise air balloon ride and was pleasantly surprised that admission was free before 11! Displays were vast, colorful, and interactive. Learned a lot. Unfortunately missed the film as the theatre was closed. Highly suggest a visit. Can last anywhere from 1 hour to 3 in my opinion based on how much you want to take in and the pace you want to do it at. Free parking on site. Nice souvenir shop too! See more..
    
37. 4.5 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (689 reviews)
    - Once is good.
    Cultural Events
    
    
    Imagine over 500 colorful hot air balloons rising up at dawn over the New Mexico landscape… there's truly nothing like it, and the place to experience it is each October at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Spectators and balloon pilots from all over the world gather (some even camping in their RVs) to watch mass ascensions held in the mornings and night events like a 'glowdeo' held in the evening. Music stages are set up during the day and performers stroll through the festival crowds. Every year the Balloon Fiesta kicks off on the first Saturday of October and continues for nine days. See more..
    
38. 4.5 El Santuario de Chimayo (650 reviews)
    - A feeling of peace...
    Historic Sites • Religious Sites
    
    
    The "Lourdes" of America, where miracles are thought to happen. See more..
    
39. 4.0 Blue Hole (647 reviews)
    - Amazing place to stop!
    Geologic Formations
    
    
    Popular scuba diving spot in an artisan-fed quarry that measures approximately 60 feet in diameter and 80 feet in depth. See more..
    
40. 4.5 Aztec Ruins National Monument (637 reviews)
    - Aztec Ruins are well worth the trip
    Ancient Ruins
    
    
    Spectacular ruins where visitors can enter the only reconsructed kiva in the Southwest. See more..
    
41. 4.5 Albuquerque Museum (634 reviews)
    - Local Treasure
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums • History Museums
    
    
    The city's rich heritage is the focus at this museum, which features exhibits depicting the art, history and culture of the Southwest. See more..
    
42. 4.5 Enchanted Circle Drive (614 reviews)
    - A great area to explore
    Scenic Drives
    
    
    Scenic drive that circles through the Carson National Forest, north and east of Taos. See more..
    
43. 4.5 Ski Santa Fe (598 reviews)
    - Good Times
    Thursday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ski & Snowboard Areas
    
    
    With a base elevation of 10,350 ft, Ski Santa Fe is the launching point for a ski experience your family will never forget. Located only 16 miles from the heart of Santa Fe, a city rich in culture, fine arts and exceptional cuisine, this is one of the country's most diverse and unique ski destinations. See more..
    
44. 4.0 New Mexico Museum of Art (598 reviews)
    - A pleasant time in a lovely setting
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums
    
    
    When the New Mexico Museum of Art opened in 1917 it was the first building in the state dedicated to art. Its galleries, reception areas and St. Francis auditorium were made by the people of New Mexico for the promotion of the state's rich culture to visitors and locals alike The architects Isaac Hamilton and William Morris Rapp designed the building as an enlarged and modified version of the building they made for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego. The style of the building, called Pueblo Revival, uses modern contruction materials made to look like the historic adobe churches found throughout the state's Pueblos. Throughout its century long history, the museum has grown and redefined itself to adapt to changes in art and museum practices. See more..
    
45. 4.5 Bat Flight Program in Carlsbad Caverns National Park (580 reviews)
    - Awesome!
    Caverns & Caves
    
    
    What a wonderful way to end the day exploring the caverns! Before the bats emerged, a Ranger shared lots of bat trivia and information about the caves. He talked until the bats took flight. No pictures or cell phones allowed, and we were all encouraged to watch silently so as not to disturb the bats. It was almost a mystical experience watching the steady stream of bats emerge while a whole group of people looked on in silence. The bats came out in groups, flying and diving to catch insects and some flew right above us. We had spent the afternoon in the caverns, had enough time to get a couple of sandwiches before the cafeteria closed at 5 PM, then we took our food to a picnic table where we ate and enjoyed the scenery. After a little walk on the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, we went to the ampitheater to see the bats. It was a perfect afternoon and evening! I highly recommend spending the whole afternoon and early evening at the Park. See more..
    
46. 4.0 New Mexico Museum of Space History (579 reviews)
    - Highly recommended for adults and kids
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    This museum complex includes the space museum, Planetarium, IMAX® dome theater, Hubbard Space Science Education Facility, and the International Space Hall of Fame. See more..
    
47. 4.5 Riverbend Hot Springs (561 reviews)
    - Take a Load off and enjoy the quiet
    Hot Springs & Geysers
    
    
    Located in the historic town of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico and near Spaceport America, Riverbend is an affordable, smoke free, hot springs spa and resort, where guests can relax in a beautiful, laid back environment. It is one of the best hot springs in the southwest for its clean, comfortable pools and its unmatched views of the Rio Grande River and Turtleback Mountain.Guests choose from various public and private pools ranging in temperature from 101 to 108 degrees. They can soak in the mineral-rich, therapeutic waters by the hour, day, or stay the night and soak for free. From newly renovated and smoke free suites, family rooms or cottages, Riverbend has accommodations for most tastes and budgets and is dog friendly.Riverbend is walking distance to eclectic downtown T or C and its historic attractions, shopping, restaurants and art galleries. Outdoor recreation is found at the nearby Gila National Forest and Elephant Butte and Caballo Lakes. Riverbend is located on I-25 between Las Cruces and Albuquerque and is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day of the year. See more..
    
48. 4.0 Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park (555 reviews)
    - A Gem
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
    
    
    Overlooking the Pecos River Valley, this fascinating park exhibits the varied plant and animal life of the arid Chihuahuan Desert region. Visitors can observe caged animals like snakes, lizards and birds of prey, plus larger animals such as bison and antelope, which are held in pens. Or walk along a nature trail past cacti, agaves, yuccas and other native plant life. See more..
    
49. 4.0 ABQ BioPark Aquarium (550 reviews)
    - Very small aquarium
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Aquariums
    
    
    We went through the aquarium in under an hour leaving the kids asking," Where is the rest of it?" What was there was interesting and well-maintained, but for budget-conscious travelers, this is a very pricey way to spend a short amount of time. The aquarium entrance fee does allow you access to the Bugarium, Butterfly Pavillion, and gardens. All three of those are worth a visit! Lots of parking is available, but we were told by security personnel to make sure and hide all belongings and make sure the car is locked. See more..
    
50. 4.5 Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (539 reviews)
    - Timing is everything...
    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 to provide "a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife" and to develop wintering grounds for greater sandhill cranes, which were then endangered.Located on the northern edge of the Chihuahuan desert, the 57,331-acre refuge straddles the Rio Grande approximately twenty miles south of Socorro, New Mexico. The heart of the refuge is 8,000 acres of floodplain where the waters of the Rio Grande have been diverted to create extensive wetlands and agricultural lands. The rest of the refuge is made up of arid foothills and mesas, which rise to the Chupadera Mountains to the west and San Pascual Mountains to the east. Most of these arid uplands are preserved in three Wilderness Areas.Bosque del Apache means "woods of the Apache," named for the Apaches that routinely camped in the riverside forest. Today, Bosque del Apache is known as one of the most spectacular refuges in North America. Each autumn, tens of thousands of birds - including sandhill cranes, Arctic geese and ducks - make the refuge their winter home. The air is filled with honking of geese and guttural call of cranes. Flocks of snow geese abandon their feeding grounds when frightened by a stalking coyote or eagle. At dusk, flights of geese and cranes return to roost tin the marshes or on the Rio Grande. In the summer, Bosque del Apache, thought quiet, remains an oasis for diversity of wildlife, both in the riparian areas and surrounding arid uplands. See more..