Things to do near Albuqerque

leahjade

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
We're considering a trip this summer - are there enough things to do for a week nearby?
 
Depends on what ya'll are interested in seeing and doing while on vacation...

Within the city itself there is Old Town, and there are a few museums in the same vicinity (Natural History, Art, and Childrens), the Zoo, and The Botanical Gardens (collectively known as the BioPark).
There might still be a museum on the air force base (Kirtland) where you can learn about fat Man and Little Boy (the bombs dropped on Hiroshima in WWII) and miltary history, but that may not still be around- I know they closed briefly and then restricted access after the Sept 11th attacks so not sure what its status is currently, and I no longer live there so maybe someone else can chime in...

On the West side there is Petroglyph Park but again maybe someone else can chime in with more info as I know in the past there have been problems protecting the glyphs from punks with scrapers and spray paint :sad2: ...

On the east you will find the Sandia Mountains and the tram to the Peak. There are several scenic hikes and picnic areas, and the tram ride is fun with a gorgeous view all around.

If you golf, there are many courses to choose to play. If you find yourself in the mountains headin for the back side (headin east of the city) there is a beautiful course called Paa Ko Ridge. It is challenging but the place is so so pretty. It is unfortunately a bit expensive, but if golf is something you all enjoy- go for it!

About 30 minutes to the North you will find Santa Fe and Taos- lots of art museums and galleries, and your typical outlet mall. There are also several different Pueblo's/Reservations that offer tours and education on handcrafts in the area (and there are also a growing number of Indian casinos as well).

Hope that helps a bit! :flower3:
 
You can take a driving loop through Bernalillo...San Ysidro...Jemez...Valle Grande....Los Alamos...Santa Fe. Check out the hot springs in Jemez. The Valle Grande is a giant volcano caldera with fantastic views. Los Alamos for Bradbury Science Museum, and also Bandelier Monument for cliff dwellings. Santa Fe for artsy stuff on Canyon Road....oldest church...Santa Fe Plaza for State museums, O'keefe Museum. Great New Mexican food at Tia Sophias, Tomasita's, The Shed. Hiking the Windsor Trail above the Santa Fe Ski area. Lots of stuff up here. Have fun.
 
We love the jimez trail. It takes you past Soda Dam and the largest caldera which is now a working cattle farm. I know they give tours some days. You end up in Los Alamos. We drive back down to Santa Fe and have lunch in Santa Fe old town before going back to ABQ. Stop in old town and check out the church there. It is famous for its staircase. No nails or anything holding it together.

Eat at Frontier on Centra (old Route 66) in ABQ. It is right across from the University - very famous restaurant and best cinnamon rolls and fresh tortillas around.


We love the zoo and aquarium. In old town there is a wonderful old church. There is much more to do in ABQ and surrounding area than people realize. We just moved from there and I miss all we had to do.
 


My sister lives in Los Alamos, north of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and yes, I find there is plenty to do.

Most of the great things have already been listed, but check out the Cumbres and Toltec Steam Railroad between Chama, NM (about 100 miles north of ABQ) and Antonito, Colorado. It's really beautiful!

The aquarium (as has been mentioned) is very good, shopping is EXCELLENT, food is great and if you like skiing, hiking, camping, they have it all!
 

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