When I first visited New Mexico, I didn’t know what to expect. But it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the state’s natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. From high desert landscapes and snow-capped mountains to adobe towns and spicy green chile dishes, New Mexico truly is the Land of Enchantment.
There’s so much to do here—whether you’re into art, outdoor adventures, historic sites, or just relaxing with great food. In this guide, I’ll share some of the best things to do in New Mexico, based on my own travel experiences. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a longer road trip, I hope this list helps you make the most of your time in this amazing state.
Explore Santa Fe – Art, History, and Adobe Charm
One of my favorite things to do in New Mexico is spending time in Santa Fe. This city is unlike any other. With its beautiful adobe buildings, narrow streets, and strong mix of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences, Santa Fe feels both historic and creative at the same time.
I loved walking around the historic Plaza downtown, visiting art galleries on Canyon Road, and checking out the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. If you’re into art, you’ll feel right at home here. Santa Fe is known for its artists, and you can find handmade jewelry, pottery, and paintings almost everywhere.
There’s also amazing food in Santa Fe. I tried local dishes like green chile stew and enchiladas smothered in red chile sauce—and they were unforgettable. For a more relaxing experience, I spent some quiet time at the Loretto Chapel and enjoyed the peaceful beauty of the adobe churches.
Santa Fe has a special charm that’s hard to describe until you see it for yourself. Whether you’re into history, art, or just exploring unique places, it should definitely be on your list.
Visit Albuquerque – Hot Air Balloons and Route 66
When I was thinking about fun things to do in New Mexico, Albuquerque quickly came to mind. It’s the biggest city in the state and has a little bit of everything—culture, outdoor fun, and that famous Route 66 charm.
One of the coolest things I got to see was the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. If you ever visit in October, don’t miss it! Seeing hundreds of colorful hot air balloons rise into the sky at sunrise was honestly magical. It’s something I’ll never forget.
I also enjoyed walking around Old Town Albuquerque. It’s full of history, cute shops, and local restaurants. I tried some New Mexican dishes here that were full of flavor and spice. After that, I took a drive along Route 66, stopping at vintage diners and quirky roadside attractions.
For nature lovers, there’s the Sandia Peak Tramway, which gives you an amazing view from the top of the mountains. I went around sunset and the view over the desert was just stunning.
Discover Taos – Mountains and Culture
When I visited Taos, I quickly realized it was one of the most special places in New Mexico. Surrounded by mountains and filled with rich culture, there are so many amazing things to do in Taos.
One of the first places I explored was the Taos Pueblo, a living Native American community that’s been around for hundreds of years. Walking through the adobe buildings felt like stepping back in time. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
I also spent some time in the downtown Taos Plaza, checking out art galleries, local shops, and cozy cafés. The town has a strong art scene—I even saw the home of the famous artist Georgia O’Keeffe nearby.
Of course, being near the mountains means there’s a lot of outdoor fun too. I went hiking and even tried skiing at Taos Ski Valley. The views were incredible no matter the season.
5. See the White Sands National Park
One of the most unforgettable places I visited in New Mexico was White Sands National Park. As soon as I arrived, I was blown away by the bright, white sand dunes stretching as far as I could see. It honestly felt like walking on another planet!
There are so many fun things to do here. I went sledding down the dunes, which was just as exciting as it sounds. You can bring your own sled or buy one at the visitor center. I also took a short hike along the Dune Life Nature Trail, where I spotted animal tracks in the sand and enjoyed the peaceful desert views.
If you visit in the evening, try to catch a sunset over the dunes. The sky turns beautiful shades of pink, orange, and purple. It’s a perfect spot for photos or just soaking in the moment.
White Sands National Park is a must-see if you love nature and want a totally unique experience in New Mexico. Just remember to bring sunscreen, water, and sunglasses—the sun reflects brightly off the sand!
Experience Carlsbad Caverns
One of the coolest natural wonders I’ve visited in New Mexico is Carlsbad Caverns National Park. If you enjoy exploring underground caves, this place is a must-see.
Walking into the caverns felt like stepping into a magical world. The huge chambers and stunning rock formations took my breath away. I especially loved the Big Room, which is one of the largest cave chambers in North America. The stalactites and stalagmites looked like nature’s own art.
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, you can take guided tours that explore deeper parts of the cave. I did the King’s Palace Tour—it was amazing to see areas that few people get to visit.
At dusk, I stayed to watch the bat flight, when thousands of bats leave the cave to hunt. It was a truly unforgettable sight.
Visiting Carlsbad Caverns was one of my favorite experiences in New Mexico. If you’re planning your trip, definitely add it to your list!
Drive the Turquoise Trail
One of my favorite scenic drives in New Mexico is the Turquoise Trail. It’s a historic route that runs between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and it’s packed with small towns, great views, and fun stops along the way.
As I drove along the trail, I stopped in the old mining town of Madrid. It’s full of colorful buildings, local art shops, and cozy cafes. I loved walking around and chatting with artists and shop owners—everyone was so friendly.
Another great stop is Cerrillos, a quiet little town that feels like stepping back in time. I explored a few art galleries and even visited a tiny museum that shared the town’s mining history.
The drive itself was beautiful, with rolling hills, desert landscapes, and wide-open skies. I took my time and enjoyed every bit of it.
If you enjoy road trips, small towns, and local charm, the Turquoise Trail is a must-do in New Mexico. It gave me a real feel for the state’s unique character and beauty.
Visit Roswell – UFO Fun and More
When I made it to Roswell, New Mexico, I knew I had to dive into the town’s famous UFO history. It’s known all over the world for the 1947 UFO incident, and the town has really embraced its out-of-this-world reputation.
I started at the International UFO Museum and Research Center. It was full of cool displays, photos, and stories about UFO sightings and aliens. Whether you’re a believer or just curious, it’s fun and super interesting.
Walking around downtown Roswell, I saw alien-themed shops, murals, and even alien statues. It felt like being in a sci-fi movie, but in a fun, light-hearted way.
But Roswell isn’t just about aliens. I also visited the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, which had some amazing local art. And the Spring River Park and Zoo was great for a relaxing walk and a little nature.
So if you’re looking for something quirky and fun, Roswell is a unique stop. It has a mix of UFO fun, art, and family-friendly attractions that make it worth the trip.
Try New Mexican Food and Visit Local Markets
One of the best parts of my trip to New Mexico was the food. I couldn’t wait to try authentic New Mexican cuisine, and it did not disappoint. If you’re visiting, trust me—you have to taste the flavors that make this state so unique.
Everywhere I went, I found dishes made with red and green chile—they’re the heart of New Mexican cooking. I learned to always answer the question: “Red or green?” Or go with both, and say “Christmas!”
Some of my favorite meals included enchiladas, tamales, and green chile cheeseburgers. I also tried posole (a hominy stew) and sopaipillas—warm, puffy breads that are perfect with honey or stuffed with meat and beans.
I didn’t just eat in restaurants. I also loved walking through local farmers markets. The Santa Fe Farmers Market was full of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and even live music. In Albuquerque and smaller towns, I found local vendors selling homemade salsa, roasted chile, and traditional baked goods.
If you love food and local culture, New Mexico’s markets and restaurants will give you a real taste of the Southwest. It’s bold, spicy, and something I’ll never forget.
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures
New Mexico is full of wide-open spaces, and I made the most of it with some amazing outdoor adventures. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something to do outside.
I started with hiking in the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque. The views were incredible, and the fresh air felt so good. One day, I rode the Sandia Peak Tramway to the top and watched the sunset—it was one of the best moments of my trip.
In the north, I explored the Rio Grande Gorge near Taos. Walking across the high bridge was exciting, and I also saw people rafting down the river below. If you like water adventures, New Mexico has some great spots for kayaking, paddleboarding, and even fishing.
During the winter, I visited Ski Santa Fe for some snowy fun. It’s not as crowded as big ski resorts, and it’s perfect for skiing or snowboarding. In the summer, those same mountains are great for camping and mountain biking.
For something peaceful, I went stargazing at night. New Mexico’s skies are dark and clear—perfect for seeing stars, planets, and even the Milky Way.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in New Mexico
Traveling with my family in New Mexico was such a fun and easy experience. There are so many family-friendly things to do that kept everyone happy—kids and adults alike.
One of our favorite stops was the Albuquerque BioPark. It’s a mix of a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, and even a beach-like park. My kids loved watching the sea creatures and running around the garden paths. We could’ve spent the whole day there!
In Santa Fe, we visited Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return. It’s a super cool, hands-on art experience that felt like walking through a dream. My kids were amazed, and honestly, so was I!
We also took a ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. It’s a real old-fashioned steam train that winds through the mountains with amazing views. It felt like we traveled back in time.
In the south, we went to White Sands National Park, where the kids had a blast sledding down the soft white dunes. It felt like playing in snow, but warm and sunny!
We found lots of kid-friendly museums too, like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque. There were dinosaur exhibits, fun hands-on displays, and even a planetarium.
Whether it’s exploring nature, learning something new, or just playing in a unique place, New Mexico has tons of things for families to enjoy together. We made so many great memories, and I’d go back with the kids any time.
Conclusion
New Mexico truly surprised me with how much it has to offer. From exploring colorful art in Santa Fe to riding a historic train through the mountains, every day brought something new and exciting. I got to hike through white sand dunes, see stunning caves deep underground, and taste amazing Southwestern food I still think about!
Whether you love history, outdoor adventures, family fun, or just soaking up beautiful desert views, New Mexico has something for everyone. It’s a place where you can slow down, take it all in, and discover hidden gems around every corner.
If you’re planning a trip, I highly recommend putting New Mexico on your list. Trust me—you’ll leave with amazing memories and a wish to come back again.
