Explore Las Cruces, a Walkable City in New Mexico Famous for Its History and Beauty

If you're someone who likes to explore new cities, towns, and other places on foot instead of by motor vehicle, you may find yourself looking for walkable cities in every state to visit. Some places are indeed more walkable than others; things like compact downtown areas and wide sidewalks can really make a difference when you're a pedestrian.

New Mexico is a beautiful state, but due to the speed at which many of its cities and towns grew over the past century, many places are not built for people who prefer walking. Fast-moving highways cut through popular areas, making it difficult to cross roads in some places; neighborhoods may seem isolated and disjointed in others. Even in some smaller towns, it seems like walking around was an afterthought.

You might find it surprising that one of New Mexico's most walkable cities is also its second largest. Las Cruces has a population of nearly 117,000 residents, but due to its great organization and compactness, it feels much smaller. There's lots to see and do there, and it's the gateway to White Sands National Park. Read on to learn more about this very cool, very accessible, very far south city that is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year.

Las Cruces is beautiful and welcoming. This city was first settled in 1849 when it was surveyed by the U.S. Army. It was added to the United States as part of the New Mexico Territory thanks to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 at the end of the Mexican-American War.

A century later, in 1944, the White Sands Missile Range was established nearby, followed by the White Sands Test Facility in 1963. The federal government is still the area's main employer, and many local people are employed at these two sites. New Mexico State University is another major employer in this area.

Las Cruces lacks a true central business district because much of the original downtown was demolished in the 1960s during an urban renewal project, but there is a historic downtown neighborhood around Main Street. This six-block-long stretch is a wonderful place to stroll and shop.

Residents and visitors can enjoy the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market twice weekly; this area also has dozens of businesses, including museums, restaurants, bars, galleries, theaters, and shops. Also near this area, you can enjoy the free Museum of Nature and Science and the Branigan Cultural Center. Not far away, you can also enjoy the Las Cruces Railroad Museum.

People who love visiting parks might like to visit and walk around city parks near downtown, including Pioneer Women's Park, Unidad Park, Young Park, and Apodaca Park. You'll find wide sidewalks and easy navigation throughout much of the city. You'll find even more to see near the university on the south side of town.

Explorers who wish to check out this part of Las Cruces on foot can not only explore the university's campus in general but can also specifically check out campus features like the NMSU Art Museum, the University Museum, and the incredible Zuhl Museum. All are free. Then, follow University Avenue to the Landscape Demonstration Garden at the Fabian Garcia Science Center to learn about native plants in a botanic garden also owned and operated by the university. It's a lovely place to wrap up your day.

Of course, if you also find that you want to get out of the city a little bit, there are plenty of beautiful places to walk in the adjacent White Sands National Park, too. It's only about 45 minutes away!

Las Cruces is a lovely place to visit at any time of the year, and it's a fantastic city to explore on foot. You're going to love everything about this southern city, and you'll love checking out all its beauty and history at a pedestrian pace. Be sure to bring water on your adventures. It can get quite hot in Las Cruces in the summertime, of course — but you'll love investigating all this city has to offer at your own mellow pace. And if you're looking for more things to do in the area, be sure to visit our itinerary planner, where you can find nearby recommendations!