Most of us don’t get as much vacation time as we’d like, but anyone can take a day trip. All you need is some money for gas and food and a day off. These excursions vary in cost but you can reach each destination within 90 minutes (three hours round trip). So, the next time you want a mini escape, hit the road and try one of the 11 best day trips from Albuquerque. (Prices are listed when applicable, but are subject to change.)
- Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge, Socorro
Flickr/J. N. Stuart Although Bosque del Apache is most impressive when blanketed by flocks of waterfowl, it’s a great spot to view wildlife any time of year. In addition to birds, creatures as diverse as bobcats and peccaries have been spotted here. Just bear in mind that, during the summer months, birds and animals are most active in the mornings and evenings.
Cost of admission: $5 per vehicle.
Drive time: Roughly 75 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
- Sky City, Acoma Pueblo
Flickr/Virginia DeBolt The Acoma have been living in this spot, on top of a mesa, for at least 800 years and visitors can embark on a 90-minute guided walking tour of the pueblo.
Tip: Research the rules on photography and dress code before visiting.
Cost of a full tour: $25 for an adult; condensed tours of just the mission $17 per adult.
Drive time: Approximately 75 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
- Hot springs, Jemez Springs
Facebook/Jemez Springs Bath House From the town of Jemez Springs, you can hike to the primitive San Antonio Hot Springs, soak at the historic Jemez Springs Bath House, or relax at Giggling Springs Hot Springs.
Cost: The San Antonio Springs are free; it’s $25 for an hour-long soak at the Jemez Springs.
Drive time: 80 minutes in each direction.
Learn more here.
- Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Flickr/mwwile For a unique hike that culminates in mind-blowing views, try the slot canyon trail at Tent Rocks – a spur off the cave loop trail.
Cost: $5 per vehicle.
Drive time: 70 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
- Quarai Ruin, near Mountainair
Flickr/Jasperdo This area was once one of the most populated regions in the Southwest. In the 17th century, Franciscan missionaries converged on the pueblos here and orchestrated the construction of large churches. The ruins of the one at Quarai are fairly well preserved.
Cost: Free!
Drive time: 90 minutes each way.
Tip: If you don’t mind driving a little further, there are two other missions that make up this monument: Abó and Gran Quivira.
Learn more here.
- Wildlife West Nature Park, Edgewood
Facebook/Wildlife West Nature Park This nature park is big enough to satisfy your desire to see wildlife, but small enough to be manageable. All of the animals and birds here are rescued and, for one reason or another, cannot be returned to the wild.
Cost: $9 for an adult ticket.
Drive time: 33 minutes in either direction.
Tip: Call and make a dinner reservation for one of the chuckwagon dinners held here during the summer months, which include a falcon show and hayride.
Learn more here.
- The City of Santa Fe
Flickr/Paul Sableman Santa Fe boasts wonderful galleries, churches, restaurants, a botanical garden, and even a bug museum! Whatever your interests, there’s something in New Mexico’s capital city to entertain you.
Drive time: 60 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
- The Luna Mansion, Los Lunas
Flickr/teofilo Steak, booze, and a ghost – it’s pretty much the trifecta of a great night out! Some claim that the spirit of Josefita Otero, a previous mistress of the house, continues to roam these halls. In fact, the bar is named the Spirit Lounge in her honor. Check out the live music schedule to make the most of your visit.
Drive time: 30 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
- Explore the Manzano Wilderness, near Manzano
Wikimedia Commons/Mark Tyra The Manzano Mountains are often overlooked in favor of the Sandia Mountains. Mix things up by heading southeast of Albuquerque to explore this 36,664-acre wilderness area, which offers 64 miles of trails. Amenities are sketchy, so bring supplies along with you.
Drive time: It depends on which portion you visit. It’s 66 minutes each way to the trailheads at the Fourth of July Campsite and 77 minutes in either direction to Manzano itself.
Learn more here.
- Belen Harvey House Museum, Belen
Facebook/Belen Harvey House Museum Harvey House was the name of a chain of restaurants and hotels situated next to railroads – this was actually the first restaurant chain in the nation. Today, you can tour the Harvey House in Belen, constructed in 1910, which now contains information about the company and the heyday of the railroads. While you’re in Belen, grab a bite to eat at Montano’s or the Rio Grande Diner.
Cost: Free (although donations are appreciated).
Drive time: 46 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
- The Turquoise Trail, from Albuquerque to Cerrillos
Flickr/Robyn Gallant The Turquoise Trail is an excellent day trip for anyone who loves ghost towns, mining history, dinky galleries, or small New Mexico towns. Highlights include expansive scenery, the town of Madrid, and a visit to Cerrillos Hills State Park.
Drive time: 69 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
Which of these places have you been to? What other ideas do you think belong on a list of the best day trips from Albuquerque? Here are some great ideas for trips all across New Mexico.
Flickr/J. N. Stuart
Although Bosque del Apache is most impressive when blanketed by flocks of waterfowl, it’s a great spot to view wildlife any time of year. In addition to birds, creatures as diverse as bobcats and peccaries have been spotted here. Just bear in mind that, during the summer months, birds and animals are most active in the mornings and evenings.
Cost of admission: $5 per vehicle.
Drive time: Roughly 75 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
Flickr/Virginia DeBolt
The Acoma have been living in this spot, on top of a mesa, for at least 800 years and visitors can embark on a 90-minute guided walking tour of the pueblo.
Tip: Research the rules on photography and dress code before visiting.
Cost of a full tour: $25 for an adult; condensed tours of just the mission $17 per adult.
Drive time: Approximately 75 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
Facebook/Jemez Springs Bath House
From the town of Jemez Springs, you can hike to the primitive San Antonio Hot Springs, soak at the historic Jemez Springs Bath House, or relax at Giggling Springs Hot Springs.
Cost: The San Antonio Springs are free; it’s $25 for an hour-long soak at the Jemez Springs.
Drive time: 80 minutes in each direction.
Learn more here.
Flickr/mwwile
For a unique hike that culminates in mind-blowing views, try the slot canyon trail at Tent Rocks – a spur off the cave loop trail.
Cost: $5 per vehicle.
Drive time: 70 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
Flickr/Jasperdo
This area was once one of the most populated regions in the Southwest. In the 17th century, Franciscan missionaries converged on the pueblos here and orchestrated the construction of large churches. The ruins of the one at Quarai are fairly well preserved.
Cost: Free!
Drive time: 90 minutes each way.
Tip: If you don’t mind driving a little further, there are two other missions that make up this monument: Abó and Gran Quivira.
Learn more here.
Facebook/Wildlife West Nature Park
This nature park is big enough to satisfy your desire to see wildlife, but small enough to be manageable. All of the animals and birds here are rescued and, for one reason or another, cannot be returned to the wild.
Cost: $9 for an adult ticket.
Drive time: 33 minutes in either direction.
Tip: Call and make a dinner reservation for one of the chuckwagon dinners held here during the summer months, which include a falcon show and hayride.
Learn more here.
Flickr/Paul Sableman
Santa Fe boasts wonderful galleries, churches, restaurants, a botanical garden, and even a bug museum! Whatever your interests, there’s something in New Mexico’s capital city to entertain you.
Drive time: 60 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
Flickr/teofilo
Steak, booze, and a ghost – it’s pretty much the trifecta of a great night out! Some claim that the spirit of Josefita Otero, a previous mistress of the house, continues to roam these halls. In fact, the bar is named the Spirit Lounge in her honor. Check out the live music schedule to make the most of your visit.
Drive time: 30 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
Wikimedia Commons/Mark Tyra
The Manzano Mountains are often overlooked in favor of the Sandia Mountains. Mix things up by heading southeast of Albuquerque to explore this 36,664-acre wilderness area, which offers 64 miles of trails. Amenities are sketchy, so bring supplies along with you.
Drive time: It depends on which portion you visit. It’s 66 minutes each way to the trailheads at the Fourth of July Campsite and 77 minutes in either direction to Manzano itself.
Learn more here.
Facebook/Belen Harvey House Museum
Harvey House was the name of a chain of restaurants and hotels situated next to railroads – this was actually the first restaurant chain in the nation. Today, you can tour the Harvey House in Belen, constructed in 1910, which now contains information about the company and the heyday of the railroads. While you’re in Belen, grab a bite to eat at Montano’s or the Rio Grande Diner.
Cost: Free (although donations are appreciated).
Drive time: 46 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
Flickr/Robyn Gallant
The Turquoise Trail is an excellent day trip for anyone who loves ghost towns, mining history, dinky galleries, or small New Mexico towns. Highlights include expansive scenery, the town of Madrid, and a visit to Cerrillos Hills State Park.
Drive time: 69 minutes each way.
Learn more here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1001 NM-1, San Antonio, NM 87832, USAAddress: Indian Service Rte 38, Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034, USAAddress: Jemez Hot Springs, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USAAddress: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, 0 NM-22, Cochiti Pueblo, NM 87072, USAAddress: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument (Quarai unit), 122 Manzano Quarai Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036, USAAddress: 87 N Frontage Rd, Edgewood, NM 87015, USAAddress: Santa Fe, NM, USAAddress: 110 Main St SW, Los Lunas, NM 87031, USAAddress: Los Lunas, NM 87031, USAAddress: 104 N 1st St, Belen, NM 87002, USAAddress: NM-14, New Mexico, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips From Albuquerque June 03, 2020 Leah What are the most unique things to do in New Mexico? There are many unusual, yet totally fun things to do in New Mexico. Meow Wolf, located in Santa Fe, may intrigue based on the name alone. It’s an interactive art experience that will take you through the House of Eternal Return. The place is full of unusual and quirky things and a story you’ll follow - all in an old bowling alley. Did you know that you can drive on a musical highway in New Mexico? On a specific stretch of Route 66 near Tijeras, if you drive at just the right speed, you’ll hear a song created by specifically-spaced grooves in the road. There’s no other place in the state that you can do the same. Which hidden gems in New Mexico should I visit? If you need ideas for more day trips in New Mexico, there are some places that are little known but equally as worthy to visit. For example, there is a town known as “the most authentic old west town remaining in the United States.” Lincoln, New Mexico is seemingly stuck in the past and you can visit it for yourself to get a real sense of the old west. If you love natural areas, visit the Plaza Blanca near Abiquiu. There are strikingly bleached white rock formations that have inspired artists. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera for that one - they almost seem too pretty to be real. What are the coolest attractions in New Mexico? With so many places to visit in New Mexico, it can be hard to narrow down the coolest ones. Some people would say the Earthships near Taos would be one of them. The eco-architecture that were created with things like recycled materials are unusual yet beautiful. They were made in the 1970s and still attract many visitors to this day. The Rio Grande Gorge is a must-visit attraction in New Mexico that you can experience by walking over a bridge. The gorge itself is full of beauty and easily worthy of being on your bucket list. For some other-worldly fun, try visiting Roswell, famous for its UFO sightings. Today, the town is full of quirky alien imagery, shops, museums, and more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips From Albuquerque
June 03, 2020
Leah
What are the most unique things to do in New Mexico? There are many unusual, yet totally fun things to do in New Mexico. Meow Wolf, located in Santa Fe, may intrigue based on the name alone. It’s an interactive art experience that will take you through the House of Eternal Return. The place is full of unusual and quirky things and a story you’ll follow - all in an old bowling alley. Did you know that you can drive on a musical highway in New Mexico? On a specific stretch of Route 66 near Tijeras, if you drive at just the right speed, you’ll hear a song created by specifically-spaced grooves in the road. There’s no other place in the state that you can do the same. Which hidden gems in New Mexico should I visit? If you need ideas for more day trips in New Mexico, there are some places that are little known but equally as worthy to visit. For example, there is a town known as “the most authentic old west town remaining in the United States.” Lincoln, New Mexico is seemingly stuck in the past and you can visit it for yourself to get a real sense of the old west. If you love natural areas, visit the Plaza Blanca near Abiquiu. There are strikingly bleached white rock formations that have inspired artists. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera for that one - they almost seem too pretty to be real. What are the coolest attractions in New Mexico? With so many places to visit in New Mexico, it can be hard to narrow down the coolest ones. Some people would say the Earthships near Taos would be one of them. The eco-architecture that were created with things like recycled materials are unusual yet beautiful. They were made in the 1970s and still attract many visitors to this day. The Rio Grande Gorge is a must-visit attraction in New Mexico that you can experience by walking over a bridge. The gorge itself is full of beauty and easily worthy of being on your bucket list. For some other-worldly fun, try visiting Roswell, famous for its UFO sightings. Today, the town is full of quirky alien imagery, shops, museums, and more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are many unusual, yet totally fun things to do in New Mexico. Meow Wolf, located in Santa Fe, may intrigue based on the name alone. It’s an interactive art experience that will take you through the House of Eternal Return. The place is full of unusual and quirky things and a story you’ll follow - all in an old bowling alley. Did you know that you can drive on a musical highway in New Mexico? On a specific stretch of Route 66 near Tijeras, if you drive at just the right speed, you’ll hear a song created by specifically-spaced grooves in the road. There’s no other place in the state that you can do the same.
Which hidden gems in New Mexico should I visit?
If you need ideas for more day trips in New Mexico, there are some places that are little known but equally as worthy to visit. For example, there is a town known as “the most authentic old west town remaining in the United States.” Lincoln, New Mexico is seemingly stuck in the past and you can visit it for yourself to get a real sense of the old west. If you love natural areas, visit the Plaza Blanca near Abiquiu. There are strikingly bleached white rock formations that have inspired artists. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera for that one - they almost seem too pretty to be real.
What are the coolest attractions in New Mexico?
With so many places to visit in New Mexico, it can be hard to narrow down the coolest ones. Some people would say the Earthships near Taos would be one of them. The eco-architecture that were created with things like recycled materials are unusual yet beautiful. They were made in the 1970s and still attract many visitors to this day. The Rio Grande Gorge is a must-visit attraction in New Mexico that you can experience by walking over a bridge. The gorge itself is full of beauty and easily worthy of being on your bucket list. For some other-worldly fun, try visiting Roswell, famous for its UFO sightings. Today, the town is full of quirky alien imagery, shops, museums, and more.
