New Mexico is known as the “Land of Enchantment”. From its vast rose-hued deserts, tall mesas, and the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo mountains, New Mexico boasts breathtaking scenery.
It is also home to the Navajo, Pueblo, and Apache. With ties to Spain and Mexico, as well as its roots in the American frontier, the state is rich in culture and history. This diversity is reflected in its unique cuisine and musical styles.
When planning a visit to New Mexico, there are several cities that should make the top of your list. To truly enjoy your stay, look for a local hotel, Airbnb, or b and b in residential neighborhoods.
Santa Fe
New Mexico’s capital is for art lovers. Here, you will find the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, dedicated to one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.
There are also galleries featuring the works of Peter Hurd, Miro Kenarov, and Gustave Baumann, among others.
Set against a backdrop of 16th-century Spanish architecture and Gothic cathedrals, it’s no wonder the city is a visual delight, while the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide opportunities to hike and ski.
Check out this article on Things to do in Santa Fe
Albuquerque
The largest of New Mexico’s cities, Albuquerque sprawls out from its Old Town. This central neighborhood was founded in 1706 as a traditional Spanish colonial town.
Community life revolved around a central plaza with its Catholic church. After the original adobe building collapsed, the San Felipe de Neri Church was built in 1793.
In addition to this distinctive building, with its tall white towers and five-foot thick walls, Old Town boasts independent artist communities, traditional restaurants, and unique boutiques.
You may be able to find a bed and breakfast in one of the newer Victorian-style buildings that mix with the traditional Pueblo-Spanish architecture in the neighborhood.
If you’re a night owl, you’ll enjoy Albuquerque’s exciting nightlife. Be careful when you order the traditional cuisine – it’s delicious but features spicy hot chile peppers!
Check out Visit Albuquerque
Taos
This is the ultimate vacation destination if you love winter sports. In addition to the many ski resorts, there are also activities like rock climbing, hiking, ballooning, fishing, and llama trekking that you can enjoy when there is no snow on the ground.
There is also an artsy vibe to this fun town, as Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keefe were both drawn to the scenic landscapes in the area. For history buffs, the Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a visit.
Plan your next weekend in Taos
Roswell
For a truly unusual vacation, take a trip to Roswell and check out the site of the spaceship crash in 1947. The town has a UFO museum as well as paranormal-themed boutiques along its Main Street. One of these, the Alien Zone, has a variety of stations where you can take a selfie with an alien. Once a year, the self-proclaimed UFO Capital of the World hosts a UFO Festival.
For more traditional entertainment, you can check out the Roswell Museum and Art Center which includes the Goddard Planetarium, or pay a visit to the Bottomless Lake State Park.
Plan a far-out experience: https://www.tripsavvy.com/things-to-do-in-roswell-new-mexico-4135291
Silver City
Located near the Arizona border, Silver City was established in the late 19th century by miners working the region’s rich silver deposits. It’s a great place to learn about Wild West history.
Native Americans also mined this region. They used to excavate copper, silver and turquoise as early as 20 A.D. About 15 miles east of town you can find what was once the world’s largest open-pit mine, the Chino.
At the Silver City Art Market, you can find beautiful turquoise jewelry made from local forged copper and silver as well as handmade ceramics and tapestries.
Learn about more destinations by visiting: https://www.visitsilvercity.org/
Los Alamos
If you’ve always been fascinated by the advancement of science, then you must visit Los Alamos. Dubbed the Atomic City, here is where Oppenheimer, Feynman, and many others worked on the Manhattan Project that created the atomic bomb.
Los Alamos is also a gateway to pristine wilderness areas such as the Valles Caldera National Preserve where you can find a 13-mile wide volcanic crater and miles of hiking trails.
Visitor Guide to Learn More: https://visitlosalamos.org/
Make Your Way To New Mexico
As you can see, there are many great places to visit in New Mexico. Whether you crave an adventurous outdoor vacation, a relaxing time spent exploring art and history, or have an interest in science or the paranormal, you can find your dream vacation here.