When most people visit New Mexico, they arrive at the Sunport in Albuquerque or they cut through the middle of the state on I-40. From there, they frequently explore tourist hotspots like Santa Fe and Taos, overlooking Southern New Mexico. That’s a pity because they’re missing out! Here are some of our favorite, super fun things to do in southern New Mexico. How many have you done already?

1. Carlsbad Caverns

Although New Mexico has an abundance of state monuments, Carlsbad Caverns is our only national park. Then again it’s so awesome that we don’t really need another one. Perhaps it’s already on your bucket list, but did you know about the bat flights? The optimal times of year to view the free-tailed bats are in August and September. Want to stretch your legs? We love these Carlsbad Cavern hiking trails.

2. The White Sands area

Even out-of-state tourists have heard of White Sands National Monument. But there’s more to this area than you might realize. In addition to hiking or sledding on gypsum dunes, don’t miss the White Sands Missile Range. You can wander through a fascinating collection of missiles and rockets that were tested here and learn about them at the missile museum. This is an active military base, so allow time to go through security – bring ID.

3. The city of Roswell

Sure, the Roswell Incident put this city on the map. But, when you’ve finished visiting the International UFO Museum, head on over to the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum offers a great, varied collection of contemporary art created by fellows from the Roswell Artist In Residence program.

4. The Very Large Array

If a visit to Roswell has left you with questions about the universe, stop here to view an astronomical radio observatory that is providing us with some of the answers. You can get surprisingly close to at least one of these 27 massive radio antennas located near the town of Magdalena known as the Very Large Array.

5. All the hot springs

The town Truth or Consequences changed its name to that of a popular radio show. But, before the switch, it was called Hot Springs and it remains a great place to soak. Riverbend Hot Springs (pictured) is a particular scenic resort or, if you prefer primitive hot springs, trek out to Middle Fork (also called Lightfeather) Hot Springs in the Gila Wilderness. Turns out, there are lots of hot springs in New Mexico.

6. Wilderness areas and forests

Speaking of the Gila Wilderness, did you know that it was the world’s first official wilderness area? It’s also the largest wilderness area in our state. If you’re not close to Gila, the Lincoln National Forest (pictured) also offers plenty of recreational opportunities.

7. Hiking

Whether you’re seeking seclusion, unique experiences or a challenging hike, you’ll find a trail to fit the bill in southern New Mexico. Hike through Rattlesnake Canyon (in Carlsbad Caverns National Park), attempt the Dog Canyon trail (near Alamogordo), or take the Pine Tree Trail for views of the Organ Mountains. Come see why these are some of our favorite hiking trails in New Mexico!

8. State Parks

Some of the most interesting state parks in New Mexico are in the southern portion of our state. City of Rocks State Park allows you to weave between boulders up to 40 feet high. Bottomless Lakes State Park is the ideal place to cool off during the summer months. And, if you’re in search of something a little different, check out Pancho Villa State Park (pictured) and immerse yourself in history.

9. The Wild West happened here.

Speaking of history…it’s one thing to learn about gunslingers in a classroom setting. It’s quite another to stroll through the incredibly well preserved town of Lincoln, which is so authentic that you expect Billy the Kid to swagger down the street at any moment!

10. Native American sites

Places like the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site (in Tularosa) and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument take you even further back in time.

11. Southern New Mexico is out of this world - literally.

Regardless of whether you think the Spaceport was worth the money, it’s intriguing to see the future of space travel. You can also learn how we got to a point where space tourism is a possibility (for some) at the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo. Fun fact: Ham the Astrochimp is buried at the International Space Hall of Fame in the same complex. In 1961, he was the first humanoid to ever travel into space.

12. Smokey Bear

New Mexico was home to another famous animal. Smokey Bear isn’t just the furry face of fire safety. He was a real bear cub that was rescued from the Capitan Gap Fire in 1950. He too is buried in New Mexico at Smokey Bear Historical Park.

13. Hillcrest Park Zoo

To appreciate some of our state's current animal residents, consider a visit to Hillcrest Park Zoo. You probably haven’t heard of this zoo in Clovis because it’s not in one of our country’s biggest cities, but it’s a great little place with a wide variety of animals and chatty keepers.

14. Bosque del Apache

…but Bosque del Apache is THE place to spot wildlife in New Mexico year round.

15. Churches

The San Miguel Mission in Socorro (pictured) and the Basilica of San Albino in Mesilla are especially beautiful.

16. Mining

Southern New Mexico is littered with mining ghost towns like Mogollon and Shakespeare, along with dramatic sights such as the Chino Mine in Santa Rita (pictured), which used to be the biggest open-pit mine in the world.

17. Art

Artists’ colonies are flourishing in teeny towns like Hillsboro and larger artistic hotspots such as Silver City. Pictured: Aspace Studio Art Gallery in Silver City.

18. Food and wine!

From haunted restaurants like Rebecca’s At The Lodge in Cloudcroft, to the Rio Grande Vineyard and Winery in Las Cruces, you’ll find plenty of fun foodie hangouts on your travels through southern New Mexico.

What are your favorite things to do in southern New Mexico? Tell us yours in the comments below! Getting hungry on your adventures? Make sure to stop at this tiny general store.

If you’re looking to get out and explore, make sure to sign up for AllTrails’ premium membership!