Moving to or traveling to Albuquerque–New Mexico’s largest city–can be as exciting as it is overwhelming.
If you’re just visiting: You’ll have to research the best restaurants in the city, all while building an itinerary of activities that will keep everyone (of all ages) happy and entertained. For those moving with kids, you’ll be too busy wrangling in your little ones and keeping tantrums at bay, so you won’t have time to scope out the latest and greatest things to do in Albuquerque. Let us help!
If you’re moving to Albuquerque, NM, permanently, it’s your job to find a new doctor’s office, a new dentist’s office, and potentially a new school for your kids. These moving to-dos will leave you with very little time to research fun things to do in your city. That’s where this guide comes in handy.
Traveling, especially moving, can drain even the most energetic families. But with some moving tips and tricks and itinerary planning, your Albuquerque trip will run much smoother.
Well-Known Activities, Places, and Experiences In Albuquerque, New Mexico
You may know Albuquerque for the University of New Mexico, but the area is also famous for plenty of other things!
1. Cultural Diversity
Albuquerque, NM, is celebrated as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the U.S.
Albuquerque is home to several Native American communities, including the Pueblo tribe, which has resided in New Mexico for hundreds of years.
If your goal is to learn more about Albuquerque’s unique heritage, add the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to your itinerary.
This center is located on around 80 acres of Pueblo land. During your trip to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, you’ll attend exhibitions and live performances centered on Indigenous history and the traditions of 19 local Pueblos.
If festivals and museums are your favorite travel activities, the Petroglyph National Monument is another place to put on your list. Here, you’ll have an unobstructed view of 24,000 ancient petroglyphs and volcanic rock carvings from up to 700 years ago, crafted by early Spanish settlers and Native Americans.
The monument spans the length of an entire national park and is often referred to as a “living museum.”
2. Historic Old-Town Charm
Step back to 1706 with a visit to Old Town Albuquerque, where history and old-town charm collide. During your visit here, you can stroll through 10 blocks of historic structures.
You can shop, grab lunch, or visit the Old Town Plaza, which is home to the San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in Albuquerque (originally constructed in 1793).
If you consider yourself a history buff, the Albuquerque Museum is a must-see with its historic collections, art installations, community-made exhibits, and more!
3. Vibrant Downtown Albuquerque
Not surprisingly, Downtown Albuquerque, NM, is one of the more lively areas of the city. It is packed with restaurants, shops, and fun nightlife options along Central Avenue (also known as former Route 66).
If one thing’s clear, it’s that residents of downtown Albuquerque are committed to promoting local New Mexican artists through exhibitions, performances, and classes. With breathtaking murals plastering the city, a walk around downtown will feel like a trip to an outdoor art museum.
For those artsy visitors and new residents, attend events like the Albuquerque Artwalk and ARTScrawl, which will give you a taste of the city’s art community.
Downtown Albuquerque is also home to the historic KiMo Theatre, a popular, beloved landmark with its distinctive Pueblo Deco architecture. It hosts performances ranging from dance to live theater, and even film!
4. The Scenic Sandia Mountains
If you’re a nature lover, the Sandia Mountains are truly a sight to see, providing a stunning backdrop to Albuquerque!
As one of the city’s most “Instagramable” sights, Sandia Mountains offer plenty of photo opportunities–not to mention hiking, birdwatching, and even winter sports like skiing at the Sandia Peak Ski Area.
For those who don’t like hiking but still enjoy looking at nature, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway can take you for a 15-minute ride (per way) over the mountains. You’ll get a breathtaking aerial view in just about half an hour!
5. Outdoor Recreation in Rio Grande Valley
The Rio Grande Valley State Park is for outdoor lovers of all kinds, offering activities for all ages and interests on over 4,000 acres of land.
Locals often call it “the Bosque” (Spanish for forest). It’s a floodplain and forest that’s great for birdwatching, hiking, and kayaking.
The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is another beautiful park to visit that spans almost 40 acres.
But what should you do on your trip to the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park? Here are just a few of the many options:
- Hiking (just over one mile of trails)
- Picnicking
- Birdwatching and wildlife viewing
- Occasional education programs and festivals
Year-round fishing is another popular activity in Albuquerque, with hot spots like Tingley Beach and parts of the Rio Grande River being favorites for fishers. (Here, you’ll find an abundance of Rainbow trout and catfish).
Keep in mind that the state parks are open from dawn to dusk, so plan your fishing trip accordingly.
6. Unique Southwestern Cuisine
Albuquerque’s culinary scene is bursting with flavor thanks to the thriving Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican communities in the area.
Green chile is the star of many dishes, ranging from enchiladas and burgers to even ice cream. It offers a balanced mix of sweetness and heat, making it a staple of New Mexican cuisine. You’ll often find that New Mexican food also focuses heavily on meats like pork and beef and vegetables like beans and corn.
If you need some suggestions as a visitor or new resident of the Albuquerque area, here are some local restaurants with a New Mexican flare.
7. National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is a must-see for those interested in the impact of nuclear science and technology. This New Mexico museum offers an in-depth look into the evolution of nuclear science, covering both the early days of nuclear weapons and modern advancements.
8. Kirtland Air Force Base
Kirtland Air Force Base is a vital component of Albuquerque’s military presence and plays a large role in our country’s overall national security strategy.
Kirtland is one of the largest Air Force installations in the United States and supports operations for over 100 mission partners. It also was the original home of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History before its move in 2009.
This base sits on over 50,000 acres of land and serves as a hub for research, particularly in the non-conventional weapons field. The Kirtland Partnership Committee is to thank for the base’s success and continual growth.
9. Hot Air Balloons: The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
For nine days each October, the skies above Albuquerque come to life with dazzling colors during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
This festival is the biggest hot air balloon event in the entire world! It all started in 1972 with just 13 hot air balloons, and it eventually grew to what it is now, with around 600 balloons in attendance each year!
Beyond the regular balloon viewing at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, you’ll also find that the festival offers other events like the following:
- Twilight Twinkle Glow (nighttime hot air balloon shows)
- Skydiving shows
- Fireworks
- Drone light shows
- Chainsaw carving exhibits
You can attend the event at the over 350-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. The massive outdoor venue accommodates thousands of people. Here you can snap some photos as hundreds of balloons fill the sky. There’s also the option to take your RV on the site for camping.
10. Expo New Mexico and State Fair
Expo New Mexico hosts the annual New Mexico State Fair every September. With thrilling rides, animal exhibits, live performances, and competitions, it’s the perfect place for locals and tourists of all ages.
The New Mexico State Fair started in 1938 and attracts over 500,000 visitors annually. Agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, and a wide range of local business booths are just some of the things that attract visitors every year.
Pro tip: If you aren’t able to visit during fair time, Expo New Mexico also hosts concerts, trade shows, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
If you plan on packing up all your things and making the big move to this beautiful city, Neighbor Storage can help.
Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace that offers self-storage options in all 50 states. Prices are often up to 50% cheaper than other storage options. You’ll even find choices in your very own neighborhood.
Once you’ve settled in, you can also sign up to become a Neighbor host to help generate some passive income while looking for a new job or acclimating to the area.
Frequently Asked Question
What does Albuquerque mean in Spanish?
Albuquerque means “white oak” in Spanish. This name speaks to the city’s natural beauty.
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