There are times when you’re driving along, glancing at your surroundings, when you spot something out of the corner of your eye. Something that definitely doesn’t belong in the New Mexico landscape, or which is just too fascinating to ignore. Before you’re consciously aware of your decision, you find yourself hitting the breaks in order to investigate. Numerous roadside attractions will seize your attention as you travel around New Mexico. Here are some of the weirdest roadside attractions in New Mexico to check out ASAP:

1. The World's Largest Chile Pepper In Las Cruces
2160 W Picacho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88007, USA
Yelp/Angela F. W.
Where else would you expect to find the planet's biggest chile pepper other than in New Mexico? This sculpture is outside the family-run Big Chile Inn, one of the best places to stay in New Mexico.
2. The Giant Robot Sculpture In Santa Fe
1352 Rufina Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87507, USA
Flickr/julie francois
This massive metal robot dominates the parking lot outside a converted bowling alley that is now the interactive art complex known as Meow Wolf. While far from the only huge sculpture outside the building, there's something about this robot that makes you want to pose for a selfie with the metal giant.
3. The Space Murals In Las Cruces
Las Cruces, NM, USA
Flickr/Mark Goebel
A detailed mural adorns the water tower marking this teeny but informative space museum.
4. The World's Biggest Pistachio Nut In Alamogordo
7320 Hwy 54 70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA
Facebook/PistachioLand: McGinn's Pistachio Tree Ranch - Arena Blanca Winery
This mega nut serves as a memorial to Tom McGinn, the man who founded this farm. In addition to posing by the sculpture, you can also tour the pistachio farm and browse the gift shop for fruit wines and flavored pistachios and nut brittle.
5. Camel Rock In Santa Fe
17486a US-84 #285, Santa Fe, NM 87506, USA
Flickr/wplynn
This rock formation, which resembles a resting camel, is situated just down the highway from the Camel Rock Casino. Although the address is listed as Santa Fe, it's actually closer to Tesuque.
6. The Street Sculptures In Artesia
Flickr/Glen Campbell
The bronze statues in Artesia form a public, outdoor sculpture gallery. Some are dramatic...
Artesia, NM 88210, USA
Flickr/Chuck Coker
...while others feel more laid back and intimate.
7. Tee Pee Curios In Tucumcari
24 E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari, NM 88401, USA
Flickr/meltedplastic
There are many reminders of the heyday of Route 66 in Tucumcari. TeePee Curios is one such store. If you want to do a little shopping and simultaneously travel back in time to the 1950s, pop in here to browse for Route 66 merchandise.
8. Roadrunner Sculpture In Las Cruces
Las Cruces, NM, USA
Flickr/Lionel & Heidi
This statue was originally created as a way to encourage recycling - the bird has Volkswagen headlights for eyes. Standing 20 feet tall and 40 feet long, it's located at a rest area near exit 135, off I-10 (going eastbound).
9. Fox Cave In Glencoe
Yelp/Carol I.
According to legend, Fox Cave has hosted the Apache leader Geronimo and also Billy the Kid.
Fox Cave, 26897 US-70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346, USA
Yelp/Jeri H.
Nowadays, it's an entertaining roadside attraction with giant hands reaching out of the earth and a large cowboy statue. You can also mine for gemstones here!
10. Roswell
Flickr/Jennifer Kirkland
Roswell, New Mexico has cornered the market on kitsch. You're greeted by little green men on almost every corner.
Roswell, NM, USA
Flickr/bigdeadbat
Even the city's streetlights are shaped like aliens!

What’s your favorite piece of New Mexico kitsch? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

For more examples of offbeat attractions, read about the weird and wacky museums in New Mexico!

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More to Explore

Roadside Attractions in New Mexico

Tori Jane | July 04, 2022

Which attractions in New Mexico are worth visiting?  

New Mexico is a wonderful place; it’s really no wonder it’s called the Land of Enchantment! It really is quite enchanting and full of magic. There are plenty of attractions in New Mexico worth visiting, like the amazing lake known as the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa. It’s one of the most popular destinations in the entire state and it’s obvious why: it’s a true natural wonder in New Mexico for its depth, clarity, beauty, and amazing blue color. Another awesome attraction in New Mexico is the legendary art installment known as Meow Wolf. This attraction is so incredibly epic that you’ll want to allow yourself at least a few hours to explore it all. That’s all we’ll say about that one – it's one of those places that are simply indescribable. You just have to experience it!  

What are some of the best roadside attractions in New Mexico?  

With 465 miles of Route 66 in New Mexico alone, there are lots and lots of miles of roadside attractions well worth stopping for. Some of our favorite roadside attractions in New Mexico include the big pink flamingo, in Abiquiu, which is 12 feet tall and lives in the parking lot of a general store. It’s just as hot pink as you’d expect it to be! Then, in Albuquerque, you can find a memorial for fictional meth kingpin Walter White of Breaking Bad fame, and in Rodeo, you can find the world’s largest rattlesnake rattle. Weird New Mexico is the best New Mexico, in our opinion. 

What are some of the strangest roadside attractions in New Mexico?  

Does “the entire city of Roswell” count as the strangest roadside attraction in New Mexico? In one little city, you’ll find seemingly endless extraterrestrial-themed businesses, museums, eateries, hotels, motels, and so much more. Check out the International UFO Museum, which is as wildly interesting and offbeat as it sounds, and then spend some time at the Roswell Spacewalk. You’ll also find some delightful murals, silly alien grey-themed shops, and so much more. We love New Mexico in all its delightfully weird glory!  

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