As the largest city in New Mexico, what are the best things to do in Albuquerque? Albuquerque is the most populous city in the U.S. state. This stunning metropolis is a diverse and cosmopolitan city. Along with Albuquerque’s unique diversity and high desert environment comes an eclectic collection of cultural attractions and wonderful sightseeing opportunities. So, whether you are visiting the city for some family fun, in search of some historic learnings, or looking to find yourself an exciting outdoor adventure, Albuquerque has got you covered. But with so much on offer, it’s hard to know where to start. Well, no need to worry as we’ve got you covered. Stay with us as we go through the best things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Walk a trail of ancient petroglyphs
Visit the Petroglyph National Monument for a taste of true New Mexico history. Located on the western edge of Albuquerque, this National Monument is home to one of the largest petroglyph sites in all of the United States. In fact, there are almost 20,000 Petroglyphs, which are basically ancient rock art. These specific petroglyphs, that have been hewn into volcanic rock, are between 400 to 700 years old and were made by both Spanish settlers and the original Native American inhabitants of the area.
What makes this outdoor museum extra special is the access to the images via a number of trails. One of these is Boca Negra Canyon, which seems to be the most popular. This is mostly due to the large expanse of petroglyphs that are accessible from an easy-to-hike flat trail. If you’re up to it, you can also head up the short but steep trail that leads to an outstanding view over the city.
Visit the gym that trains UFC Champions
For all you MMA and UFC fans out there, or better yet, if you’re a practitioner of mixed martial arts yourself, training at Jackson Wink MMA Academy is a must. Whether you have time to commit to a full program or can only attend a single martial arts training session, you’ll work with the athletes and coaches responsible for the training of such UFC World Champions as Jon Jones, Carlos Condit, Holly Holm, and Georges St Pierre.
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre and learn about Native American Culture
For those that may not know, the Pueblo are a Native American tribe that maintains its own distinct culture, tradition, and art. New Mexico is home to 19 pueblo reservations and some of which are open for visitors. In Albuquerque, you can visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre, which offers a terrific introduction to the Pueblo culture. You can learn about the history of the Pueblo people and even visit the center’s phenomenal restaurant for some outstanding cuisine.
Witness the motor racing legacy at the Unser Racing Museum
If you’re an avid motorhead, make sure you don’t forget to check out the Unser Racing Museum. It was named after a legacy racing family who were from the Albuquerque area and is packed with motor racing history. The museum showcases vehicles from across the last century, so not only can you learn a thing or two, but you can actually stand amongst history. If you want to step into the racing shoes yourself, you can give the racing simulator a go and get behind the wheel.
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Have a close encounter with dinosaurs at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History
Experience a different kind of history at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History. This place showcases all kinds of history in the natural world, including the giant lizards themselves, dinosaurs. While it may surprise you, New Mexico is a dinosaur treasure trove, where countless fossils have been found all over the place. This has allowed Albuquerque to show off with some excellent dinosaur exhibits.
Take your time to see what’s around in Old Town
When it comes to finding the best things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico, taking a visit to the historic Old Town Centre has to be on your list. While it’s home to the oldest building in the city, dating back to 1793, Old Town itself was founded many years before, all the way back in 1706. Old Town’s narrow streets are a hub of New Mexican eateries that serve enchiladas and sopaipilla pastries. And if you’re looking for some unique things to take home after your visit, the tiny artisan shops sell jewelry, rugs, and pottery.
With so much to see and do here, it’s good to remember to book yourself a lot of time in order to experience everything on offer. You don’t want to miss the Rattlesnake Museum or the chance to look at the beautiful photos in the Albuquerque Photographers Gallery.
Get to know the local reptiles at the Rattlesnake Museum
Speaking of the Rattlesnake Museum, this animal conservation museum boasts one of the largest collections of live rattlesnakes in the United States. Their purpose is to educate the public about the snakes who, by no fault of their own, are often looked at with less than fond eyes. The museum does its best to encourage visitors who may be frightened of snakes to encounter them in a safe and controlled environment.
The museum is home to 34 species of rattlesnakes, not just from New Mexico but from all around the world. And that’s not all. This museum is practically heaven for snake-lovers, they feature snake-related artwork, photography, and other kinds of memorabilia, to make this museum well worth a visit.
Have fun learning at Explora! Science Center
Another spot to check out while around Old Town is the Explora! Science Center. This unique learning center is the perfect adventure for the younger minds. Explora features over 250 interactive exhibits and activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math, with having fun as the goal.
Get outdoors in the Elena Gallegos Open Space
If you love to get out there in the great outdoors, head to the eastern edge of the city limits and check out Elena Gallegos Open Space. Set in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, Elena Gallegos Open Space is a massive park that spans 640 acres. Whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, or horse-rider, this park has the exact network of trails that you need. Some trails even connect to trails that lead into the Cibola National Forest.
See 11,000 square miles at Sandia Peak Tramway
The world’s longest tramway, the Sandia Peak Tramway runs to the top of Sandia Peak others absolutely incredible views, with an observation deck at 10,378 feet above sea level. No matter how much you’ve traveled and seen, that’s a sight that you won’t soon forget. For those that want to take on a challenge, hikers can take on the climb of the 7.5-mile La Luz Trail and then head back down on the tramway.
Try the coffee that fuels New Mexico
This isn’t your typical Starbucks-like chain. The nutty coffee that fuels New Mexico, and is locally roasted in Albuquerque, Pinon coffee, is a must-try when visiting the state or city. Quite frankly, Pinon coffee is a New Mexico classic. The coffee is flavored with the pinon nut, which is a staple in the diet of this part of the world. The combination of the nut and the coffee results in a smooth and creamy coffee with a natural sweetness and nuttiness you’ll fall in love with. But don’t get too used to it as you’ll certainly miss it when you leave.
Experience real New Mexico snow at the Sandia Peak Ski Resort
It sure sounds unusual to say Albuquerque, New Mexico, and downhill skiing in the same sentence. But believe us when we say that there’s some terrific skiing located in the Sandia Mountains in northeast Bernalillo County, just 30 minutes northeast of Albuquerque.
Surprisingly, Sandia Peak gets up to 10 feet of snow each season, and if that’s not enough, a state-of-the-art snowmaking operation supplements across over 30 acres of skiing space. With slopes featuring 35 runs, it is best suited mostly for intermediate and beginner skiers. Don’t forget to grab lunch at the Ten 3 restaurant, which boasts some of the most spectacular views possible of the surrounding mountains and city.
Walk amongst the wildlife of the Rio Grande Nature Centre
The Rio Grande Nature Centre State Park is a must for anyone passionate about wildlife, especially birds. Safe to say, you will be absolutely blown away by the hummingbirds. This 38-acre urban wildlife preserve was established back in 1982. With two-thirds of the grounds established as habitat for wildlife, the remaining acreage is set aside for a visitors center, two gardens, wildlife viewing areas, and a building housing the non-profit Wildlife Rescue, Inc. There are also trails that lead right to the edge of the Rio Grande river.
Do you agree with our list of the best things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or is there something that we missed? If so, what’s your favorite activity that Albuquerque has to offer? Let us know in the comments section below and don’t forget to subscribe to Viewcation for more. Click the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest content.