Whether you’ve lived in New Mexico your entire life or just had the good sense to relocate here, you know that the Land of Enchantment is full of amazing places. Here are several experiences (numbered, but not ranked in any order!) that you should add to your New Mexico bucket list:
In New Mexico, life happens on the plaza. Stroll, attend an event, listen to music, or just people-watch. Many cities and towns have plazas so you have plenty of options.
As you’d expect, New Mexican cuisine is available throughout the Land of Enchantment. Rancho de Chimayo, which just won a James Beard Award, serves authentic New Mexican food. Many more such New Mexican restaurants are scattered throughout the Land of Enchantment.
Be one of the thousands of people who flock to the world’s largest ballooning event and you’ll understand why it’s a must-see. Learn more about the International Balloon Fiesta.
Because how can you not? Try the apple and red chile pie.
Exploring Carlsbad Caverns is great. Taking a New Mexico cave tour is even better.
It’s the only round one in the country.
The best time of year to explore this route, which passes through Taos, is in fall.
There are clusters of primitive and developed hot springs near Jemez Springs and also in Truth or Consequences. Let the stress melt away at one of these wonderful hot springs in New Mexico. (Pictured: San Antonio hot springs.)
Hatch is the Chile Capital of the World for a reason.
The river snakes along the valley floor 800 feet below.
Bonus points if you can go during the annual Festival of the Cranes, held each November. You won’t forget a sight like this. Find out more about the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
While you’re on the way to or from Bosque del Apache, stop at San Antonio for a juicy green chile cheeseburger at either Buckhorn Tavern or Owl Bar and Café.
This elevated catwalk trail in the Gila National Forest steers you through Whitewater Canyon, along the route of an old water pipeline that once supplied mines in the area.
Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while Acoma Sky City is situated on top of a mesa, affording astounding views.
You can even go sand sledding at the world’s largest gypsum dune field in New Mexico.
The section that runs through Albuquerque is pretty neat. Alternatively, head to Tijeras to make some music on the singing highway in New Mexico.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is massive. In fact, right up until the 19th century, the structures here - which in their heyday amounted to 600 rooms piled four stories high - were the largest in North America. Discover more about the Chaco Culture National Historic Park.
The views are well worth any vertigo! Here is the Sandia Peak Tramway website with more information.
How else can you be in more than one place at the same time?
Get close to the hoodoos, hike a slot canyon, then ascend to a mesa that offers panoramic views. Check out the official Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument webpage.
It’s officially the best train ride in the USA.
No one has ever been able to explain how it functions without any discernible means of support.
Gila, in the south, and Bandelier and Puye to the north are all sites with well-preserved cliff dwellings.
The Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos and the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History are both very informative. Learn more at the Nuclear Museum website.
Lava flows can be found at El Malpais National Monument and in Valley of Fires Recreation Area. Visit the El Malpais National Monument website to learn more.
This is part of the Albuquerque Biopark. The Japanese Garden here is lovely. Here is the Rio Grande Botanic Garden website for more information.
This spring fed pool has the clearest water in the state. Check out all the best swimming holes in New Mexico for more ideas.
Wonder at the creativity of crafters around the world. Visit the Museum of International Folk Art's website to learn more.
Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque and Three Rivers Petroglyph Site near Tularosa are packed with rock art.
This is where the Lincoln County Wars took place. Walk in the footsteps of some of the most infamous folk in the Wild West in this perfectly preserved town.
Have you already made a New Mexico bucket list? What spots in New Mexico do you want to see in your lifetime? Feel free to add your suggestions on the Only In New Mexico Facebook Page or our nominations page. Need a place to stay while doing all your exploring? Check out the amazing options from our friends at VRBO.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
