What to do and see in Los Alamos, New Mexico (NM): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

Bandelier National Monument is 50 square miles of the Pajarito Plateau, on the slopes of the Jemez Volcanic field in the Jemez Mountains. Over 70% of the Monument is Wilderness, with over 1 mile elevation change, from about 5000' along the Rio Grande to over 10,000' at the rim of the Valles Caldera, providing for a wide range of life zones and wildlife habitat. There are only 3 miles of road, but over 70 miles of hiking trails. The Monument, founded in 1916, protects Ancestral Pueblo archeological sites, a beautiful landscape, and the country's largest Civilian Conservation Corps National Landmark District.

Perched on a canyon with exceptional views of the Jemez Mountains, the Los Alamos Nature center is the perfect place to start your exploration of the spectacular Pajarito Plateau. The award-winning building is filled with interactive, hands-on exhibits including live animals, a large-scale 3D topo map of the plateau, a Children's Discovery Area, wildlife observation room, information about the formation of the Valles Caldera, a planetarium with star shows and full-dome feature films, and much more! Browse the demonstration gardens, get dirty in the nature play area, climb to the top of the Rotary Treehouse, find your next adventure on the Los Alamos Trails App (for iOS and Android). Explore local nature at the Naturalists' Desk, meet local critters, play on the model Pajarito Plateau for kids, put on a puppet show or cuddle up with a book in the Children's Discovery Area, or just relax on our comfy chairs and admire the breathtaking views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Do you need to get away from life's stresses? Do you suffer from chronic pain, fatigue or arthritis? Are you having trouble sleeping, feeling anxious or depressed? Are you pregnant and uncomfortable? The float is designed to reduce and remove external stimuli allowing you to reach deep awareness and relaxation...your muscle tension, joint pain and discomfort will melt away. Come float with us today!

Canyon in the Bandelier National Monument offering spectacular scenic beauty and ancient ruins.

Favorite park of tourists and residents alike provides magnificent views of the Rio Grande and facilities for outdoor sports and picnicking.

With more than 280 acres of ski-able acreage and 37 named trails of varying skill levels, this ski area is ideal whether you're a beginner or expert on the slopes.

Approximately 60 interactive exhibits trace the history of the WWII Manhattan Project, highlight Los Alamos National Laboratory's current and historic research projects related to defense and technology, and focus on Laboratory research related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and global security concerns. These exhibits together with extensive educational and community programs draw nearly 80,000 visitors a year. Admission is FREE and open to the public. We are open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday & Monday: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

COVID-19 Update: The museum is closed until April 6, unless otherwise modified. The latest news releases from Los Alamos County are here: https://www.losalamosnm.us/government/departments/emergency_management___e_m_/pandemic_and_coronavirus The Los Alamos Historical Society preserves, promotes, and communicates the remarkable history and inspiring stories of Los Alamos and its people for our community, for the global audience, and for future generations. These stories are told in the multiple buildings of the Los Alamos History Museum through exhibits on the Ancestral Pueblo people, the homestead era, the Los Alamos Ranch School, the Manhattan Project, and the Cold War. The museum includes a gift shop and is open from 9-5 weekdays and 10-4 on weekends.