When you need to get away for the weekend, but also don’t want to travel too far from Albuquerque, New Mexico, you’re in luck — there are plenty of opportunities to see historic attractions and ancient ruins throughout New Mexico. Immerse yourself in the Sangre de Christos mountains in Taos, or make the three-hour drive to the city of Roswell to take the Roswell UFO Tour to entertain your crew. Staying at one of many incredible Albuquerque vacation rentals means you’ll be situated in proximity to popular indoor and outdoor attractions in the area. Plan your next weekend getaway with these New Mexico cities in mind.
1. Taos
When you are looking for diverse attractions and historic sites, make the two and a half hour drive from Albuquerque to Taos. Nestled between the Sangre de Christos mountains and the Rio Grande Gorge, this city is a mecca for fishing, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting. Start off your weekend with a river rafting trip hosted by Los Rios River Runners before touring the ancient ruins of Taos Pueblo. Snap a selfie with the view of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge in the background or take a scenic drive along the High Road to Taos for picturesque views. You can also see all of the hotspots of the city in one day with a cultural tour with Heritage Inspirations before retreating back to your cozy vacation rental.
2. Socorro
An hour and a half drive from Albuquerque puts you right in front of flocks of waterfowl, bobcats, and peccaries when making the trip to Socorro. Home to Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge, a vacation rental in Socorro gives you the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of New Mexico. Continue your sight-seeing tour on a weekend getaway when visiting the Old San Miguel Mission religious site or the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Golfers can get in 18 holes at the New Mexico Tech Golf Course while the art enthusiasts can spend the weekend browsing the collections at the Vertu Fine Art Gallery. Top off your weekend adventures exploring the Fort Craig National Historic Site and the El Camino Real Historic Trail Site.
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3. Jemez Springs
You can enjoy the heat of New Mexico and the snow of the mountains when opting for a vacation rental in Jemez Springs, located just an hour and 20 minutes from Albuquerque. Ski the slopes at the Valles Caldera National Preserve or soak in the historic Jemez Springs Bath House on your weekend getaway. A scenic drive along the Jemez Trail National Scenic Byway provides you with stunning views of the mountains whereas a stop in at Soda Dam puts you right in front of a geological wonder. Spend your days hiking Jemez National Recreation Area before relaxing in the evening with a cold beverage and comfort food at Los Ojos Bar.
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4. Roswell
History buffs flock to Roswell to see the manned alien spacecraft legend and the General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum. You can’t miss out on the Roswell UFO Tour as well as the International UFO Museum and Research Center on your weekend getaway. Make the three-hour drive from Albuquerque to thrill the creative types with tours of the Roswell Museum and Art Center or take in a performance of the Roswell Symphony Orchestra. Family-fun is plentiful in this New Mexico City with access to the Spring River Park and Zoo where you can feed the goats or hike the trails. When you want some water adventures, opt for a boat tour at Bottomless Lake State Park for the day.
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5. Las Cruces
A three-hour drive offers you scenic views along the way until you reach the Mesilla Valley. Enjoy your Las Cruces weekend getaway by stopping in at the Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks National Monument that is adjacent to hiking and biking trails. Delve into the military’s history when treating the history buffs to a tour of the White Sands Missile Range Museum and Missile Park or let the kids explore the Mesilla Valley Maze. Adult-centered fun awaits you on the Walk of Flame on Las Cruces Green Chile Trail that is home to breweries and wineries such as the Amaro Winery.
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6. Las Vegas
While Las Vegas, Nevada, puts you in the heart of the bright lights and big city, Las Vegas, New Mexico, prides itself on scenery and peace and quiet. It only takes an hour and 45 minutes to get to this city rich with history and home to preserved historical gems from the 1800s displayed in the five Historic Districts complete with 900 historical buildings. Stop in for an entertaining performance at the Historic Serf Theatre Hall or browse the thriving arts and cultural district that includes the Home on the Range art gallery. Take your adventures outdoors with a horseback ride at Victory Ranch or a stroll through the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge to see exotic animals before taking a dip in the water at Storrie Lake State Park.
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7. Santa Fe
A short, one-hour drive from Albuquerque lands you in Santa Fe, a historic city established by Spanish colonists in the early 1600s. Soak up the history of the city with a walking tour through the historic district that houses 6,000 architectural structures. Santa Fe, the state’s capital, sits in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo foothills, offering spectacular views from your vacation rental balcony. Maximize your time on a weekend getaway when touring historical sites such as the Indian pueblos or the Camel Rock Monument, or take in a performance at the Santa Fe Opera House. Get adventurous while skiing the slopes at Ski Santa Fe or tone down the adventure with an enlightening tour of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
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