Location: Albuquerque
Top Things to do in Albuquerque
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Top 10 Nature & Parks in Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM)
Whether you're into history, culture, outdoor adventures or just in need of some new and unique scenery, Albuquerque offers exciting attractions for all ages and interests, anytime of the year. In the historic section of Old Town, ancient Indian and Spanish cultures come to life through old churches, quaint shops and piazzas, winding brick paths and adobe benches. Browsers can spend a whole day making their way through the more than 100 stores, boutiques and galleries that sell Southwestern goods as well as unique products from around the world. During the winter holiday season, Old Town is adorned with small lit candles and thousands come to stroll through the streets, listen to live music and celebrate. It is truly a sight to see. But the history doesn't stop there. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Petroglyph National Monument offer a glimpse of old Indian customs and art. Families will find plenty to do at the Albuquerque Biological Park, which features a zoo, aquarium and botanic garden. Outdoor types will find ample opportunities for hiking, biking and golf. After working up an appetite, head to any number of fine restaurants that serve up a choice of hot or even hotter New Mexican cuisine. To top it all off, take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of all this vibrant city has to offer.
Restaurants in Albuquerque
1. The Eye of the Sandia's
2. Albuquerque Rose Society Rose Garden
3. Bataan Memorial Park
4. Petroglyph National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,874 reviews
Up to 15,000 petroglyphs or prehistoric rock art images have been found on the West Mesa volcanic escarpment, located along a 17-mile canyon outside of Albuquerque.
Reviewed By jbushman2017 - Fresno, United States
Perfect for Covid times. This site is an archaeologists dream as there are few places where you can see so many petroglyph's in such a place as you will see here. Visitors drive to the visitor center (which is closed) to pick up a map that shows three places within the monument area where you can visit the petroglyphs. My wife and I picked up a map and then drove 10 minutes down a road to visit one of the sites. The site included three very small walking trails (all less than 500 meters) from which you could get up close to these amazing petroglyphs. Visiting is all free and it is only about 15 minutes from downtown by car. Do wear shoes and bring water. Please "like" this review if you find it helpful.
5. Albuquerque Biological Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 988 reviews
Park complex offering three main sections the whole family can enjoy: Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden and Rio Grande Zoo.
Reviewed By P3836SMmichaelb
It was a really nice visit. grand daughter 2 1/2 really liked the bugarium (sp?), trains and heritage farm. Butterfly house had closed for season the week before we went. Older married children liked the Japanese garden. I would like to go back and spend more time.
6. Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
This 270-acre region of riverside forest and meadows offers hiking trails along the Rio Grande River and is considered an excellent spot for birdwatching and viewing wildlife.
Reviewed By LaurettaYoung - Portland, United States
Excellent interpretive center with information about geology, flora and fauna with great gift shop. Went on some of the trails which were easy to follow down to the Rio Grande. the pond right by visitor center was full of turtles and migratory ducks and even some Sandhill Cranes landed in the nearby fields. Great way to spend a few hours learning about the area.
7. Cibola National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
A 1.5-million-acre park whose elaborate trail system includes La Luz Trail, which climbs over 3,300 feet in nine miles.
Reviewed By sentimentalnomad - Albuquerque, United States
We love the Cibola Forest bordering the Sandia Mountains! As one person reported, it’s “hiking galore!” There are so many wonderful hikes in this area. Must go at sunset on the “Watermelon” mountains! Hikes range from easy to hard, great for toddlers, true hikers, bikers, & climbers. A little something for everyone!
8. Corrales Bosque
9. Volcano Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Roads take you past the volcanos that loom around Albuquerque.
Reviewed By P3650RNelaines - Edgewood, United States
One of my favorite hiking spots, especially in the winter. Most trails are easy to walk and there are some informative exhibits posted in a couple of places. You can even hike up to the top of an extinct volcano. Even though the trails are easy, they are not suitable for open toe shoes like sandals. Wear good shoes. My favorite hike is from the parking area on Atrisco Vista (Day Use Area) to the rim of the park that overlooks Albuquerque. I continue along the rim and the total length of the hike is about 12 miles. Of course, this is one of the longest hikes. If you like hiking, this really is a good place to visit. Like most places in the SW, wear sunscreen as there is no shade & bring water. I like this place best in the winter as there are rattlesnakes.
10. Foothills Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
This mountain bike trail network starts at the water tank and traverses the foothills north through Elena Gallegos to either Sandia Heights subdivision or the Tramway water tank.
Reviewed By DesertedDave - New Mexico, United States
So far, I've been on the Michael Emery and Piedra Lisa trails (several times); there are numerous smaller trails that branch off the main trail (365). Trails range from smooth and wide to narrow and technical. There are two covered picnic tables near the Menaul Trailhead parking lot, and a large rock outcropping a short walk from the Piedra Lisa Trailhead lot. (I wouldn't suggest a large group due to the current covid situation, and folks do bring their kids out here. I prefer going solo for the solitude, peace, and quiet. With cooler weather upon us, there hasn't been a whole lot of foot traffic. Which is nice.)
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