Things to do in Central New Mexico

Activities, attractions and tours

Halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on New Mexico’s Highway 25, hang a left (if you’re heading north) and be prepared for some unusual and magnificent rock formations courtesy of mother nature, the Bureau of Land Management, and the American Indian Pueblo de Cochiti. The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by pyroclastic flow 6 to 7 million years ago from a volcanic explosion within the Jemez Volcanic Field; and to the gentle hand of time as wind and water smoothed the pumice, ash and tuff deposits. Bring your hiking boots along with your camera and see the tent rocks up close and personal for a $5 fee (per vehicle) via two separate trails that offer superb views of this natural wonder. Hike to the top of the Canyon Trail for magnificent views of central New Mexico only possible from almost 7,000 feet above sea level. See more pictures and commentary of our hike via my travel blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/hiking-the-stunning-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument .
Halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on New Mexico’s Highway 25, hang a left (if you’re heading north) and be prepared for some unusual and magnificent rock formations courtesy of mother nature, the Bureau of Land Management, and the American Indian Pueblo de Cochiti. The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by pyroclastic flow 6 to 7 million years ago from a volcanic explosion within the Jemez Volcanic Field; and to the gentle hand of time as wind and water smoothed the pumice, ash and tuff deposits. Bring your hiking boots along with your camera and see the tent rocks up close and personal for a $5 fee (per vehicle) via two separate trails that offer superb views of this natural wonder. Hike to the top of the Canyon Trail for magnificent views of central New Mexico only possible from almost 7,000 feet above sea level. See more pictures and commentary of our hike via my travel blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/hiking-the-stunning-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument .
The mass ascension ceremonies at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!
Definitely worth the drive to get out here!
Very interesting rock formations!
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Most popular experiences in Central New Mexico

Tours & day trips

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Santa Fe: Meow Wolf The House of Eternal Return Ticket

Santa Fe: Meow Wolf The House of Eternal Return Ticket

10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €29 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 20 activities
US Classic Southwest Adventure Self Guided Audio Tours

US Classic Southwest Adventure Self Guided Audio Tours

Activity duration is 15 days
Free cancellation available
Price is €76 per traveller*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 81 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €160 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Make Your Own Stained Glass Honeycomb

Make Your Own Stained Glass Honeycomb

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is €85 per adult
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Attractions

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Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 81 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €160 per adult
Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon RideOpens in new tab

What to do in Central New Mexico

Popular places to visit

Santa Fe Plaza which includes street scenes, religious elements and a church or cathedral

Santa Fe Plaza

Home to many landmarks in the heart of the city, this spacious square evokes echoes of the Spanish colonial era with its markets, bandstand and live music.

Santa Fe Plaza
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Balloon Fiesta Park

After visiting Balloon Fiesta Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Albuquerque. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed art galleries.

Balloon Fiesta Park
View of Jemez Mountains from Santa Fe, NM

Ski Santa Fe

Hit the slopes at Ski Santa Fe during your trip to Santa Fe. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed art galleries in this walkable area.

Ski Santa Fe
Duck Pond at University of New Mexico in Albuquerque

University of New Mexico

Enjoy the student vibe at University of New Mexico as part of your travels around Albuquerque. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries.

University of New Mexico
A peak inside Meow Wolf. Love this place!

Meow Wolf

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Meow Wolf during your trip to Santa Fe. Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this walkable area.

Meow Wolf
Aerial View of Albuquerque, The biggest City in New Mexico

Albuquerque Convention Center

Learn about the events happening in Albuquerque Convention Center during your trip to Albuquerque. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.

Albuquerque Convention Center
Loretto Chapel showing a church or cathedral

Loretto Chapel

A mysterious spiral staircase with no known origin is the highlight of this former church that now acts as a wedding chapel and museum.

Loretto Chapel
Canyon Road which includes street scenes

Canyon Road

This charming road was once lined with typical adobe residences. Now art galleries, studios, restaurants and boutiques make it the most exclusive part of town.

Canyon Road
Rio Grande Zoo showing land animals and zoo animals

ABQ BioPark Zoo

Enjoy a day filled with animal encounters as you watch exotic creatures from all over the world, including powerful and ferocious predators.

ABQ BioPark Zoo

Areas of Central New Mexico

New Mexico Museum of Art which includes a statue or sculpture and art

Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Visitors to Downtown Santa Fe rave about its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries. You might also want to make some time to see Santa Fe Plaza or Santuario De Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
Quick stop for refreshments at la cumbre brewing on girard off candelaria.

Northeast Heights

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Northeast Heights, Cliff's Amusement Park and ABQ Uptown are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Heights
San Felipe de Neri Parish Church in the old town of Albuquerque

Old Town Albuquerque

Unique features of Old Town Albuquerque include the historical sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Old Town Plaza or Albuquerque Museum while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Albuquerque
Dramatic, beautiful sunset casts purple and orange colors and hues on clouds and mountains over a neighborhood in Tesuque, near Santa Fe, New Mexico

Tesuque

Tesuque is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden and Shidoni Foundry.

Tesuque
A peak inside Meow Wolf. Love this place!

Southside

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Southside is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Meow Wolf and International Museum of Collage, Assemblage & Construction, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
San Esteban Del Rey Mission in Acoma Pueblo

Historic Eastside

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and ViVO Contemporary.

Historic Eastside
Albuquerque showing street scenes

Albuquerque

Gold post clock outdoor in Santa Fe plaza, traditional Rchitecture and blue sky at sunset background, New Mexico, US.

Moriarty

Ride the tram up to Sandia Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico to see some spectacular views. A major bonus if you do this around hot air balloon festival week and you will see balloons hovering over the city. However the line/queue to ride the tram from the base can be quite long.

Sandia Park

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