Southwestern New Mexico

Travel Guide

Magdalena showing a sunset, farmland and land animals
Socorro featuring touring and farmland
Magdalena featuring an observatory
Socorro which includes farmland
Southwestern New Mexico featuring vehicle touring and tranquil scenes

Explore rugged desert terrain, relax in spa towns, learn about Hispanic heritage and find out more about this region’s obsession with outer space.

Southwestern New Mexico is a place for the pioneers of yesterday and today. See the mining towns where miners used to strike it rich in gold and silver as they headed west and follow the trails of the Spanish explorers. Take a tour of the launch pad that was built to provide commercialized trips to outer space as leading scientists work to explore the next frontier.

Visit Las Cruces, a historic city with views of the Organ Mountains. Learn about the history of the settlers at the Fort Selden Historic Site, which once played a role in keeping the area safe. Stop by Silver City for authentic Mexican food and plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities at Bear Mountain Lodge.

Take a walking tour of the Very Large Array Telescopes, 27 bright white telescopes in the Plains of San Agustin that are used by astronomers to map out the sky. Experience astronaut simulators and meet the experts who are working to advance space exploration at Spaceport America.

The Southwestern New Mexico region is home to vast natural areas including the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Hike the nature trails along the Rio Grande and bring a picnic to enjoy while birdwatching. Next to Whitewater Creek, explore the Catwalk National Scenic Trail, which leads through Whitewater Canyon and past hidden waterfalls. Elephant Butte Lake State Park offers a variety of water-based activities, including kayaking and swimming.

For a uniquely named spa town, visit Truth or Consequences and dip your feet in its warm mineral waters. Relax downtown at Las Palomas Plaza and attend a performance in Ralph Edwards Park.

Southwestern New Mexico typically provides sunny skies. If you are traveling between May and September, be sure to keep hydrated as the dry heat can be intense. For mild weather and lovely sunsets, consider traveling from September to November.

Start your next adventure in Southwestern New Mexico, a popular vacation destination offering a mix of history, outdoor activities and innovation.

Where to stay in Southwestern New Mexico

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Picacho Hills

Picacho Hills might not have many top sights, but Paisano Pete and Recycled Roadrunner Statue are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Picacho Hills
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Talavera

When in Talavera, you can plan a visit to Dripping Springs Natural Area and New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Talavera
Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces

Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces

3.5 out of 5
705 S Telshor Blvd, Las Cruces, NM
The price is €136 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€136
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Las Cruces. Enjoy 3 bars/lounges, a nightclub, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,439 reviews)
"Love this place. Feels like a retreat on the road. Will stay again."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Las Cruces Organ Mountain

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Las Cruces Organ Mountain

3 out of 5
1500 Hickory Dr, Las Cruces, NM
The price is €59 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€59
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Las Cruces. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,203 reviews)
"Good and clean rooms, close to Walmart and other restaurants. The only thing needs some improvement is breakfast option. You get what you pay for, will go back if in the area again."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Las Cruces Organ Mountain
Days Inn by Wyndham Las Cruces

Days Inn by Wyndham Las Cruces

2.5 out of 5
755 Avenida De Mesilla, Las Cruces, NM
The price is €49 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
€49
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Las Cruces. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,193 reviews)
"Not too much around the property, but overall, it was clean good stuff I was late for breakfast"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Las Cruces
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy pet friendly house with a great outdoor space, and fully stocked kitchen.

Cozy pet friendly house with a great outdoor space, and fully stocked kitchen.

Las Cruces
Stay at this vacation home in Las Cruces. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Branigan Cultural Center ...
10/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
"Clean, real grass backyard area, cable & pet-friendly-checks all our boxes."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Cozy pet friendly house with a great outdoor space, and fully stocked kitchen.
Josefina's King Suite in Historic Old Mesilla Plaza.

Josefina's King Suite in Historic Old Mesilla Plaza.

2 out of 5
Mesilla
Stay at this apartment in Mesilla. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions San Albino Basilica and Mesillia Plaza are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Historic luxury
"Beautiful property in an historic building. Private and beautiful greenhouse surrounds room entry. Walking distance to all shops and many restaurants."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Josefina's King Suite in Historic Old Mesilla Plaza.
New Casita/Suite No cleaning fee.

New Casita/Suite No cleaning fee.

Las Cruces
Stay at this apartment in Las Cruces. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Red Hawk Golf Club and Sonoma Ranch Golf Course ...
10/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
"Super cute and clean casita. Great shower. Has all the essentials. New and safe neighborhood. Owners gave clear directions and were responsive. The only thing I would recommend is a foam topper for the very firm bed. I’d stay again."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

New Casita/Suite No cleaning fee.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit