People travel to New Mexico from far and wide. After all, it’s one of the most beautiful states in the US. Many of them rely on top websites to help them figure out where to go and what to do in the Land of Enchantment. Based on their most frequent searches, these are the most visited cities in New Mexico for 2022:

1. Albuquerque
Albuquerque, NM, USA
Mike Tungate/Flickr
With a population of more than 550,000, Albuquerque is the state's largest city. While Albuquerque is the "landing place" for the thousands who fly into the Sunport headed to other New Mexico destinations, Albuquerque has a flavor of its own with attractions like historic Old Town, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, world-class museums, the BioPark, and the Sandia Peak Tram. Fun Fact: The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon event in the world.
2. Santa Fe
Santa Fe, NM, USA
Visit Santa Fe/TripAdvisor
Perennially a favorite with tourists and New Mexicans alike, Santa Fe is the perfect blend of outdoor beauty, history, and art. Support those features with top-notch accommodations, unique shopping opportunities, and stellar dining choices, and you have a combination that makes "the City Different," one of the top travel destinations in the world. Fun Fact: Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in North America.
3. Las Cruces
Las Cruces, NM, USA
V8637LQjohns/TripAdvisor
Anchored by the majestic Organ Mountains, Las Cruces is a New Mexico crossroad, serving travelers on Interstate 25 and Interstate 10. The city is also home to New Mexico State University. With plenty of sunshine, visitors can enjoy hiking the nearby Dripping Springs Natural area or exploring the historic Old Mesilla Village. Fun Fact: In 2000, Las Cruces earned a Guinness World Record for creating the world's largest enchilada.
4. Ruidoso
Ruidoso, NM, USA
Beatnik Photos/Flickr
Set in the Sierra Blanca range, the mountain resort town of Ruidoso is known for horse racing at the Ruidoso Downs and for the Inn of the Mountain Gods casino. Winter sports enthusiasts also appreciate the town as a base for ski and snowboard trips to Ski Apache. Fun Fact: Ruidoso got its name from the Spanish, noisy river, recalling the sound of the creek that flows through the town.
5. Taos
Taos, NM 87571, USA
Jenni Konrad/Flickr
Taos is another New Mexico town with a dynamic combination of multicultural history, art, and ambiance. At the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the scenery in this laid-back arts community is astounding, especially the 800-foot-deep Rio Grande Gorge, cut into the landscape by the river. The town is also home to the long-enduring Taos Pueblo. Fun Fact: Legendary mountain man and U.S. Army officer, Kit Carson lived in Taos. He is buried in Taos (next to his third wife Josefa), at the aptly-named Kit Carson Park.

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6. Angel Fire
Angel Fire, NM, USA
AstroZombie/TripAdvisor
This resort town, tucked high in the mountains, is a popular ski destination in winter and a summer haven outdoor adventurers (think fishing, mountain biking, and a zip line). Along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, the landscape is indeed scenic, with mountain overlooks ringed by dense trees. Angel Fire is also home to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park. Fun Fact: It's said that Angel Fire got its name from the "fiery afternoon light" that plays off the surrounding peaks.
7. Roswell
Roswell, NM, USA
Larry Roth/Flickr
When most people think of Roswell, they think about aliens and UFOs. While the city takes advantage of its otherworldly fame, there is more to the town than little green men. No matter what suits your fancy, there is probably something for you in Roswell, from art, history, and museums to cultural activities. As well, outdoor adventure is right at your feet, with Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge and Bottomless Lakes State Park. Fun Fact: Angel Fire Roswell has a McDonald's restaurant that looks like a UFO.
8. Farmington
Farmington, NM, USA
Farmington, New Mexico Tourism/TripAdvisor
Farmington is part of the Four Corners Region. While technically a small city, Farmington retains the more intimate feel of a town. That, paired with its abundance of lakes and rivers, makes it an ideal place to visit during summer. Also, the town is close to many of the state's cultural and outdoor destinations like Bisti Badlands and the Salmon Ruins. Fun Fact: The Farmington Public Library ceiling is designed to be a sundial; sunbeams shining on the floor mark the summer and winter solstices.
9. Gallup
Gallup, NM, USA
JulieElisabeth/TripAdvisor
Gallup is the heart of Native American New Mexico. It's notably home to the Navajo people and other nations like Zuni and Hopi. As well as showcasing native arts, ceremonies, jewelry and cuisine, Gallup is on the Trail of the Ancients, the scenic byway to prehistoric archaeological and geological sites in the northwestern part of the state. Fun Fact: Because of its rugged landscape, scores of old Hollywood Westerns were filmed in and around Gallup.
10. Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
Mike Tungate/Flickr
Located just north of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho is New Mexico's third largest city – and still growing. The city began in the 1960s and was incorporated in 1981. Since then, the city has worked to establish an identity separate from its Albuquerque neighbor. To that end, Rio Rancho has become home to emerging New Mexico businesses and industries. Rio Rancho visitors can look forward to outdoor spaces, two colleges, and a casino. Fun Fact: Rio Rancho is home to the New Mexico Stars, a professional indoor football team.

What do you think of this list of most visited New Mexico cities? How many have you been to? Share your experiences in the comments!

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More to Explore

Most Visited Cities in New Mexico

Tori Jane | August 03, 2022

What are the best cities in New Mexico for visitors to explore?  

New Mexico is a beautiful place with so many things to do, see, and experience that it’s hard to know where to begin. You can always begin with some of the best cities in New Mexico, as ranked by its tourist numbers. Some of the most popular cities in New Mexico for visitors to explore include Santa Fe (where there’s always something artsy going on), Roswell (UFO crash landing capital of the universe), Taos (an incredibly awe-inspiring mountain town that really comes to life in the winter), and Albuquerque (a favorite day trip destination in New Mexico even for locals).  

Which New Mexico cities are the most popular?  

Well, to begin, all of the cities listed above – Santa Fe, Roswell, Taos, and Albuquerque – are among the most popular places to visit in New Mexico for both tourists and locals alike. There are destinations in the Land of Enchantment – lots of natural wonders – that make for popular tourist spots as well, like White Sands National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Petroglyph National Monument, and Bandelier National Monument. Who knew that New Mexico is one of the most scenic places in the United States? Now you do.  

What are the best cities to visit in New Mexico for a long weekend?  

We think the best place to visit in New Mexico for a nice, long weekend is a tie between Santa Fe and Taos. Santa Fe is great for artists and creative types looking to get away for a bit; it’s home to an absolutely amazing hostel that will feel like your home away from home from the very first night you stay. Taos is wonderful for nature lovers; a world-famous ski resort in New Mexico by winter and a paradise of greenery and lower temperatures by day, you won’t ever forget a long weekend spent in Taos, Santa Fe, or any other wonderful places in New Mexico you’re sure to fall in love with. 

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