Top Ten Things to Do in New Mexico

New Mexico truly embodies its nickname, “The Land of Enchantment.” With breathtaking landscapes, a rich tapestry of Native American heritage, and renowned art communities, the state offers a sensory feast for every visitor. Whether you’re drawn to its captivating natural wonders or the vibrant cultural festivals, New Mexico promises experiences that are both memorable and transformative. Explore these ten unmissable highlights and discover why New Mexico is a destination that continually captivates and inspires. 

 1. White Sands National Park

Located in the Tularosa Basin of southern New Mexico, White Sands National Park offers a truly unique outdoor experience. The park is famous for its vast white gypsum dunes, which stay cool even in the heat and create stunning, otherworldly views. These dunes formed over thousands of years as rainwater dissolved gypsum from nearby mountains and trapped it in the basin, creating the world’s largest gypsum dunefield. This rare landscape supports a variety of wildlife, including over 3,000 African oryx—striking antelopes originally introduced in the late 20th century. 

Visitors can explore the park by hiking, sand sledding, photographing the scenery, or driving the eight-mile Dunes Drive through the heart of the dunes. White Sands also protects rare geological features, Ice Age fossilized footprints, and over 10,000 years of human history. White Sands National Park is not just a feast for the eyes—it’s a journey into a world where geology, wildlife, and history combine for an unforgettable adventure. 

 2. Sandia Peak Tramway 

The Sandia Peak Tramway offers an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting Albuquerque. This renowned aerial tramway provides a smooth, 15-minute ride to the summit, where passengers are treated to sweeping panoramic views that capture the essence of New Mexico’s breathtaking landscape. As you ascend above deep canyons and dramatic terrain, the tramway reveals the region’s natural splendor, perfect for photography and those wishing to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Southwest. Upon reaching the 10,378-foot summit of Sandia Peak, visitors are rewarded with truly spectacular vistas. 

The observation deck, perched high in the Cibola National Forest, affords an 11,000 square-mile panorama of the “Land of Enchantment.” Sunset is particularly magical, as the desert sky transforms into a dazzling canvas of color. Whether you’re seeking exceptional views of Albuquerque, the surrounding Sandia Mountains, or exploring the array of hiking trails at the summit, the Sandia Peak Tramway is a must-see attraction that perfectly showcases the remarkable scenery of New Mexico. 

 3. Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Road 

The Santa Fe Plaza stands as a National Historic Landmark, embodying the rich heritage of Spanish-American colonial architecture and serving as the historical and cultural centerpiece of the city. This vibrant square is a cherished gathering spot for both locals and visitors, hosting a variety of events, concerts, and markets throughout the year. Surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Palace of the Governors—the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States—the Plaza offers an immersive glimpse into Santa Fe’s storied past. 

Canyon Road is renowned for its unparalleled concentration of art galleries—over 100 in a compact, walkable half-mile stretch. Here, visitors can explore a diverse range of art, from traditional Native American pieces to contemporary works by artists from around the globe. The area also features unique boutiques, renowned restaurants, and historic adobe churches, including the celebrated Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. The tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly Canyon Road has transformed charming former residences into vibrant galleries, making it the highest-density gallery district in the United States and a true epicenter of Santa Fe’s thriving art community.

4. Bandelier National Monument 

Bandelier National Monument stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Encompassing over 33,000 acres of scenic canyon and mesa terrain, the monument features well-preserved petroglyphs, intricate rock-carved dwellings, and standing masonry walls—each offering invaluable insights into a thriving culture that flourished here between 1150 CE and 1550 CE. These early inhabitants ingeniously constructed their homes from volcanic tuff and cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and squash on the mesa tops, supplementing their diet with native plants and game. 

Through oral traditions, we know that by 1550 CE, the Ancestral Pueblo people had relocated to communities along the Rio Grande, driven by environmental challenges and protracted drought. The modern-day Cochiti Pueblo, situated nearby, is recognized as the direct descendant community of those who once called Frijoles Canyon home.

Today, visitors to Bandelier National Monument have the unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of these early inhabitants. The park’s network of trails guides guests to ancient dwellings carved into the cliffs, with reconstructed ladders providing access to explore the interiors firsthand. This immersive experience offers a profound connection to the past and a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of the Ancestral Pueblo people. 

5. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Nestled in the foothills of the Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns National Park stands as a testament to nature’s artistry and geological history. This renowned World Heritage Site encompasses a vast network of more than 100 limestone caves, expertly carved over four million years. These subterranean marvels are celebrated worldwide for their immense size, unique origins, and breathtaking diversity of decorative rock formations. 

Among the park’s most famous attractions are Carlsbad and Lechuguilla Caves. Lechuguilla boasts rare calcite and gypsum formations, including the world’s largest accumulation of gypsum "chandeliers"—some stretching over 18 feet in length. Carlsbad Caverns itself is renowned for its colossal chambers and intricate mineral features, creating a spectacular underground landscape. To date, scientists have mapped over 30 miles of passageways in Carlsbad Cavern alone, with three miles accessible to visitors via paved trails. 

Above ground, the park offers even more to explore. The 9.5-mile Desert Loop Drive and the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail provide scenic vistas and an up-close look at the region’s unique landscape. 

 6. Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return

For those in search of an immersive art experience, this extraordinary attraction is truly unmissable. Housed within a repurposed bowling alley, the installation was made possible thanks in large part to initial sponsorship from Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin. Blending elements of puzzle-solving, interactive artistry, and blacklight spectacle, this exhibit offers a unique journey where there is no prescribed path—visitors are encouraged to wander and discover at their own pace.  The exhibit features a mysterious, interwoven narrative and a maze-like environment filled with secret passages, hidden rooms, and otherworldly landscapes. Each twist and turn presents new surprises, ensuring that every visit is a one-of-a-kind exploration into the unknown.

7. Roswell and the International UFO Museum

Renowned as the epicenter of America's most famous UFO event—the 1947 Roswell Incident—this unique city draws both dedicated ufologists and curious travelers from around the globe. The incident, involving the alleged crash of an unidentified flying object just outside of town, sparked decades of speculation, conspiracy theories and has since become a cornerstone of pop culture.

Roswell fully embraces its otherworldly legacy. Visitors are greeted by themed architecture, whimsical alien statues, and eclectic gift shops. Central to the Roswell experience is the International UFO Museum & Research Center, an institution renowned for its life-sized alien dioramas, interactive exhibits, and comprehensive timeline of global UFO encounters. 

8. Taos Pueblo

Nestled at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico lies Taos Pueblo—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark that offers one of the most authentic looks into the rich heritage of Native American life in the United States. Taos Pueblo, a striking multistoried adobe complex, is home to the Taos-speaking (Tiwa) Native American tribe of Puebloan people. It is one of the only continuously inhabited communities in the country, with residents still living according to traditional ways that have been passed down for well over 1,000 years. The pueblo structure consists of buildings made of earth, straw, and water, and sun-dried into bricks that are coated in smooth earthen plaster. 

9. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Every October, the world’s largest and most photographed ballooning event takes flight at the expansive 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. This renowned festival draws visitors from across the globe to witness the breathtaking spectacle of over 500 vibrant hot air balloons ascending into the sky during the iconic Mass Ascension. Unlike other aviation events, guests have the unique opportunity to walk among the balloons on the launch field, engage directly with pilots, and experience the thrill of takeoff up close, making each attendee an integral part of the excitement.

The festivities extend into the evening with stunning Glowdeos and balloon glows, where balloons illuminate the desert night like giant lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. A highlight of the event is the Special Shape Rodeo, featuring an awe-inspiring array of uniquely designed balloons, from giant cows and dinosaurs to rockets and beloved characters. 

10. Cruise the Turquoise Trail

Officially designated as a National Scenic Byway, this storied stretch of road connects Albuquerque and Santa Fe, offering 50 miles of stunning landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, and historic mining towns turned artist enclaves. Every town is brimming with stories — from Spanish explorers and Pueblo tribes to outlaw legends and Hollywood film crews. There is Golden, a near-forgotten ghost town that whispers tales from New Mexico’s gold rush past, Madrid, a once-booming coal-mining town now transformed into a vibrant hub for artists, and Cerrillos, which has remnants of turquoise mines waiting to be explored.

New Mexico is a state of contrasts—natural beauty meets handcrafted art, ancient Native American history blends with modern innovation, and a blend of cultures offers a completely immersive travel experience, found nowhere else.

Explore the Magic of Custer State Park: From Granite Spires to the Buffalo Round-Up

Nestled in the southeast corner of South Dakota’s iconic Black Hills, just a stone’s throw from Mount Rushmore, lies the breathtaking Custer State Park—a place where the Old West and New West come together in perfect harmony. This isn’t just any park—Custer State Park proudly holds the title of South Dakota’s first and largest state park, and it’s brimming with history, wildlife, and wide-open adventure.

Dating back to 1897, the park's story is as rich as the landscape it protects. From early land exchanges to the passionate efforts of Governor Peter Norbeck, the land was carefully curated and eventually transformed from state school lands into the awe-inspiring Custer State Forest, and later, into the beloved park we know today. Stretching over a vast and varied terrain of rolling prairies and rugged mountain peaks, Custer State Park is home to a thriving array of wildlife—including majestic bison and long-horned sheep—and was officially designated as a game preserve in 1913.

Highlights of Custer State Park

If you're heading into the park, chances are your journey begins on the unforgettable Needles Highway. This 14-mile stretch is more than just a road; it’s a scenic adventure packed with jaw-dropping views and natural wonders at every turn. You’ll wind through narrow granite tunnels, navigate thrilling hairpin curves, and cruise past the striking, needlelike rock formations that give this iconic route its name.

Natural Wonders Abound on Needles Highway

There are so many photogenic spots along the way, making this scenic ride a favorite for both sightseers and shutterbugs alike. Whether you're in it for the views, the thrill of the drive, or simply a great photo op, Needles Highway is a must-see experience that sets the tone for an epic day in the park.

Needles Highway is an engineering marvel

Once believed to be an impossible feat of engineering, Needles Highway is now one of South Dakota’s most breathtaking drives, all thanks to the vision and determination of Governor Peter Norbeck. He scouted the entire route himself, not from behind a desk, but by trekking on foot and horseback through the rugged Black Hills terrain. What he helped bring to life is nothing short of a masterpiece: a winding road that showcases both natural wonder and human ingenuity.

The Tranquil Beauty of Sylvan Lake

Tucked away along the scenic Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake is truly a hidden gem—or, as many call it, the crown jewel of Custer State Park. Surrounded by stunning granite rock formations that appear to cradle the water like a natural bowl, this man-made lake offers a peaceful and unforgettable experience. Whether you're dipping your toes into the crystal-clear water or simply soaking in the tranquil setting, it's easy to see why this spot is a favorite for so many visitors.

Eye of the Needle... can you thread it?

Another of the standout moments on this scenic journey is the Needles Eye Tunnel—a narrow passage just 8 feet 4 inches wide and 12 feet high, carved directly through solid granite. Driving through it is a heart-pounding thrill that feels like threading a needle with your vehicle! It’s a bit of a squeeze, but once you're on the other side, you'll feel like you've just completed an epic adventure.

After you've had your fill of rock spires and snaking turns, slow things down with a relaxing cruise along the park’s Wildlife Loop Road. This 18-mile stretch offers wide-open views of rolling grasslands and pine-dotted hills—plus, it's prime real estate for spotting wildlife. From massive herds of bison (up to 1,400 of them!) to whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, prairie dogs, and even the occasional eagle, it’s like driving through your own personal nature documentary. Just remember: while the bison may look calm and friendly, it's best to admire them from the safety of your vehicle!

Begging Burros of Custer State Park

One of the most amusing—and surprisingly heartwarming—sights along the Wildlife Loop is the appearance of its unofficial greeters: the begging burros! These gentle, uncommonly friendly donkeys have made quite a name for themselves, charming visitors with their bold personalities and curious snouts. Most often spotted near the southeastern tip of the loop, these furry locals have a habit of blocking traffic just to say hello.

Though it’s tempting to share a carrot or cracker, it’s important to remember that park rules prohibit feeding wildlife. Even though generations of visitors have shared apples, carrots, and other snacks with them (despite park rules), it’s best to admire these fluffy freeloaders with care and good judgment. That said, the burros have been part of the park’s charm for over a century. Originally brought in as pack animals for visitors climbing Black Elk Peak, they were released after their services were no longer needed. Now, their descendants continue to roam freely and delight visitors with their friendly antics.

Be on the lookout for Big Horn Sheep

Winding through the heart of Custer State Park, Iron Mountain Road is a 17-mile stretch of pure scenic wonder. Once deemed impossible to build by engineers, this road has since earned a reputation as one of the most captivating drives in America. Designed with purpose, its dramatic switchbacks, graceful S-curves, and unique pigtail bridges aren’t just engineering feats—they’re invitations to slow down, take it all in, and truly connect with the beauty around you.

Often nicknamed “the road to Mount Rushmore,” this route treats drivers to occasional, peek-a-boo views of the iconic monument as they approach the end of the journey. Every trip down Iron Mountain Road feels a little different. With constantly changing landscapes and the surprise chance of spotting bison, antelope, deer, or even bighorn sheep, it’s more than just a drive—it’s an experience.

The Buffalo Round-Up

Buffalo Round-Up is a 50+ year-old tradition

Every September, something truly magical happens in Custer State Park—an event that brings together the rich heritage of the Old West and the awe-inspiring power of nature. It's the annual buffalo roundup, where over 1,300 American bison thunder across the prairie in a breathtaking display of strength and tradition. Although we often use the terms buffalo and bison interchangeably, it's important to note that the stars of this roundup are actually American bison, not buffalo. These majestic creatures, with their shaggy coats and iconic humps, are a powerful symbol of the American frontier.

Step into the Wild West @ the Buffalo Round-Up

Every fall, the rolling hills of South Dakota come alive with the thunder of hooves across the vast prairie during the Buffalo Roundup and Auction—a tradition that’s been going strong for over 50 years. With more than 20,000 spectators gathering each year, it's more than just an event; it's a spectacle straight out of a classic western. Picture cowboys and cowgirls in wide-brimmed hats and fringed chaps, riding horseback as they skillfully guide a massive bison herd across streams and rugged terrain into waiting corrals. But the roundup isn’t just for show — it plays a vital role in the health and sustainability of both the bison and the park’s ecosystem. Once in the corrals, the bison are checked, sorted, and some are selected for the fall auction. Since the park can only support about 1,000 bison through the winter months, around 400 surplus animals are sold, helping to maintain a healthy balance and support the South Dakota Park System’s operations.

The thrill of the round-up for conservation

In addition to the thrilling Buffalo Round-Up, visitors can enjoy the lively and colorful Custer State Park Arts and Crafts Festival—a celebration of creativity, culture, and community! Held on the festival grounds right across from the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center, this annual event brings together over 150 talented vendors who showcase everything from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to unique artwork and home décor.

Under the big top, you’ll find Western and Native American entertainment that adds a rich cultural flair to the festivities. Live music, artisan demonstrations, and hands-on activities create a welcoming, interactive atmosphere.  And let’s not forget about the delicious local eats—food and beverage vendors serve up regional favorites that are sure to satisfy any craving. Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Custer State Park, this festival is a truly unforgettable part of the Buffalo Round-Up experience. 

With its jaw-dropping landscapes and abundant wildlife, it’s easy to see why Custer State Park is ranked among the World’s Top Ten Wildlife Destinations. Whether you're here for the granite wonders or the unforgettable animal encounters, there’s truly something magical around every bend.