3 New Mexico Tourist Spots I Tried to Hate (But Ended Up Loving)

There are certain must-see attractions in New Mexico that you just don't question—unless you're me, apparently. Several of the most famous tourist destinations in the Land of Enchantment weren't necessarily on my bucket list, but I decided to visit anyway and fell in love with them. You're welcome to judge me for my initial feelings, but at least I came around in the end!

1. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

This is kind of embarrassing to admit, but I never understood the hype surrounding the International Balloon Fiesta. How exciting could it really be to watch hot air balloons floating around in the sky? I probably wouldn’t have attended the festival if I hadn’t already been in Albuquerque visiting a friend, and I’m grateful for the perfect timing. I’m sure you all know this already, but even though the balloons are the main event, there’s so much more to the festival. It’s basically a giant carnival with food, games, entertainment, and so much more. And the balloons themselves are anything but boring. From the mass ascension at sunrise to seeing their ethereal glow at night, the event is nothing short of magical. I was pleasantly surprised in so many ways, and I’ll definitely return to witness the beloved spectacle again.

2. Sandia Peak Tramway

I’m claustrophobic and afraid of heights, so it’s safe to say being packed like sardines with a bunch of people in a tiny space over 10,000 feet in the air wasn’t my idea of a good time. But after seeing pictures of the views from the summit of Sandia Peak, I knew I had to face my fears—and I’m so glad I did. The ride was a bit nail-biting, but luckily, it only lasted 15 minutes. I tried not to pay attention to how high we were going and instead focused only on the beautiful scenery. It really is stunning; lush aspen and fir forests cover the hillsides, and the majestic peaks of the Sandia Mountains soar into the clouds. Once we reached the top and I could fully exhale, I was in awe. There are simply no words to describe the 360-degree views spanning 11,000 square miles. It’s hard to believe you’re in Albuquerque! There’s even a restaurant at the summit where you can enjoy specialty cocktails, craft beer, and local cuisine amid the beautiful surroundings. I almost didn’t want to leave and come back down (and not just because I was afraid to get back on the tram).

3. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

I'm even more ashamed of this than the Balloon Fiesta, but I wasn't overly excited about visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park. I've toured many caves in my life, and after a while, they all start to look similar—so I assumed the same would be true of Carlsbad (I was wrong). The vastness of the underground chambers and the size and number of stalactites and stalagmites were beyond anything I had ever seen. Being here feels like exploring another planet, and the longer you spend in the caverns, the more you start to lose all sense of time and direction. Twisting and turning pathways weave through the subterranean labyrinth, evoking a sense of wonder that doesn't abate until you reach the surface.

Do you think these must-see attractions in New Mexico are underrated, overrated, or given just the right amount of attention? What other tourist destinations in the Land of Enchantment are worth the hype?