Location: Socorro
Top Things to do in Socorro
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Top 10 Things to do in Socorro, United States
Socorro is a city in Socorro County in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is in the Rio Grande Valley at an elevation of 4,579 feet (1,396 m). In 2012 the population was 8,906. It is the county seat of Socorro County. Socorro is located 74 miles (119 km) south of Albuquerque and 146 miles (235 km) north of Las Cruces.
Restaurants in Socorro
1. National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
This site is home to the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array astronomical radio telescope, one of four major telescopes operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). The VLA is the most scientifically productive ground-based telescope in the world. Our visitor center and interpretive film will get you oriented to the purpose and function of the telescope, and a self-guided tour path will take you up close to one of the VLA's 27 230-ton dish antennas.
Reviewed By streich - US
We visited the VLA in February, and were awestruck by the sheer scale of the facility.
Each "leg" of the array extends out 13 miles from the center. Each of the 27 dishes is wide enough to hold two city buses.
Other than seeing this site in films (Contact was one we knew), we had no idea where it was, until a friend told us we could adjust our route across NM and pass by.
It was WORTH IT.
The visitor center is almost always open (except for a few holidays), and includes a 20-minute film, a few short films for those in a rush, and a gift shop (has pre-made sandwiches and treats if you're a little hungry).
The lady staffing the center told us much about the facility, was friendly, and clearly enjoyed being the ambassador for the VLA.
You should try to adhere to the rules about turning off all electronics, as they impact the observations made. You're able to take pictures with your digital camera, and your phone camera (as long as it's in airplane mode, and you turn on/off quickly).
Certainly worth the visit if you're anywhere near the area.
2. Old San Miguel Mission
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Rita B
This is still the active Catholic church in Socorro. This is all the more exciting given that it was build in the early 1600s. I have always found this church to be a peaceful and serene spot.
It is still lovely and well worth a visit. Though I am not a Catholic, I was welcomed to the Sunday service.
The church is always involved in community activities - which is a huge plus.
So, history, serenity, beauty and a place of great spirituality!
3. Vertu Fine Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 35 reviews
Affordable cards, gifts, fine art, sculpture and more from nationally known artists, many of them local to the area.
Reviewed By twoscratchy - Culebra, Puerto Rico
We always visit loca galleries and went to this one. Good selection of local artists but i found it to be overpriced. Tried to buy something, but could not justify the prices.
4. Fort Craig National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By mrlabelman - Portland, OR
I never realized there was such Civil War history in New Mexico. This was a significant fort in its day. Adobe ruins of some of the buildings, etc. still here.
5. El Camino Real Historic Trail Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By LMS39 - Jim Thorpe, PA
Sadly, this wonderful museum is permanently closed according to the latest online newsletter. "Budget issues" was the only explanation. Artifacts that had been housed are being dispersed. This is such a sin! The museum was unique in every way. We visited at least twice yearly for the special events that were held.
6. Mineralogical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Jonathan J - Albuquerque, New Mexico
This museum is right on the New Mexico Tech campus which is a neat little college in its own right. This is a growing museum with new ideas for more interesting exhibits. Little room to view exhibits under black light. I really liked the mixing of some art and tools interspersed with the exhibit of rocks. Small museum store. Can buy some samples.
7. Socorro Historic Plaza
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Juanito_Hayburg - El Paso, Texas
I had begun my pedaling journey the previous day, immediately after work at 8600 Alameda, El PasoTX-USA. Since I was already close to the "International Ft. Hancock - Las Cruces I-10 Bicycle Bypass", it was an easy cycle onto Davis Drive > Elvin Way > Independence Drive > Mecca Drive > Padilla Drive > Zaragoza > Ysleta/Zaragoza POE > Ruta Dos East. My continued movement was greatly aided by a strong Westerly, which pushed me for the next few hours until my departure from magnificent Mexico at the Cazeta-Tornillo POE. My re-entry into the USA was immensely facilitated by my valid passport, but it was my unique Doublevision which earned extra-time by the agents. Regardless, the near-complete darkness was well illuminated by my superb lights, and, far better, the winds has lessened considerably.
I've been pedaling for over 40 years/100,000 miles/160,000kms, both commuting & touring, and KNEW that I had to take advantage what I like whilst cycling: no (head)wind.
Anyway, I finally arrived in San Eli quite late at night--had to ingest ibuprophen & meloxicam to keep my body functioning. Regardless, it was a less-than-restful night (raucous birds!) in the gazebo at World-famous San ElizarioTX-USA (established 1598, incorporated 2010), first county seat & jailhouse (the only that Billy the Kid had ever broke INTO!) it certainly gets 5 stars and my "Wheel of Approval!"
8. New Mexico Tech Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
MexicoReviewed By uckbuck - Fredericksburg, Virginia
18 holes in 3:12, only had to wait at 2 holes on front, sailed throught the back... staff was very friendly and helpful... course had several challenging holes and rolling hills made for some interesting lies... a jewel in the desert
9. Capitol Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Stacey D
Classic cool bar. Great selection of beer and every hard liquor you could want. Great old building with lots of history. Comfortable place to sit and kick back. Pool tables in the back. Cool place!
10. Quebradas Backcountry Byway
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Travelin_Bear - Placitas, New Mexico
The Quebradas Backcountry Byway is an interesting place to visit when in the vicinity of Socorro, New Mexico. Check out its web site for details. It's a 24-mile dirt road that travels through some fairly dramatic landscapes. The topography is quite colorful with reds, yellows, whites, and even green hues in the rock. We visited on the 21st of May, which seems to have been a great time of the year. The weather was beautiful and not too hot, and the Dept of the Interior has done a terrific job on maintaining the road; again, at least this was the case on our visit. I have a high-clearance vehicle but it's not really necessary. Figure two to three hours, depending on how many times you choose to get out of the car to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. We had an added bonus of going at this time of the year in that there are a lot of ocotillo in the area, and most of them were in full bloom. I suspect that Quebradas is a place to avoid immediately after a rain since parts of the dirt road will be slimy and slick from the wettened clay. As is always the case in the Southwest, use sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring water.
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