Top Things to do in New Mexico
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What to do and see in New Mexico, United States: The Best Historic Sites
With its rich cultural heritage from Native American and Spanish settlers, New Mexico has been both a Spanish colony and a Mexican colony, and still retains a strong individual identity within the United States. The landscape is breathtaking, the food incredible, and there is a thriving cultural scene, all of which makes New Mexico, and Santa Fe in particular, a great place all year long.
Restaurants in New Mexico
1. El Morro National Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 305 reviews
Famous for its 200-foot sandstone bluff, the bottom of the monument contains seven centuries of human inscriptions.
Reviewed By waynefromcali - Yucaipa, United States
Beautiful in the fall,El Morro National Monument in the southwestern area of The United States of America is a national monument located in Ramaw New Mexico.Managed by The National Park Service El Morro was designated a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt on December 8, 1906.El Morro is also an International Dark Sky Area. Ph by Wayne Salvatti . . . . #elmorro #elmorronationalmonument #fallcolors #southwest #ilovenewmexico #nationalparkservice #pueblo #trailsofthesouthwest #theodoreroosevelt #usa #nationalparks #trees #chapparal #sunset #zuni #kokopelli #nativeamerican #route66 #visitnewmexico #unitedstatesdepartmentoftheinterior #godisgood #ilovethesouthwest #internationaldarkskypark
2. Bandelier National Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,107 reviews
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.
Reviewed By gleasonl - Cottonwood, United States
OUTSTANDING! What a GREAT Place for a Family Outing. There are GREAT Trails for hiking and exploring, Camping areas, Visitor Center Activities and Videos, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours, A Wonderful Gift Shop and So MUCH to LEARN. AMAZING! Don't miss the short .5 mile hike to the Alcove House.
3. Historical Center for Southeast New Mexico
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Fan7856
The historical center is a lovely house built in the early-1900's. Admission is free (but donations accepted). The staff are very gracious and welcoming. We opted for a guided tour. The tour includes a short film, which provides a glimpse into the rich history of Roswell and adds to the guide's in-depth knowledge of the house. It does not take long to go through the house, but is a must-do if you are visiting Roswell.
4. Norman Petty Studios
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By lyndamalia - Perth, United Kingdom
We had a great visit to the studio and were made to feel very welcome by Kenneth and Shirley. We were also thrilled to meet David, of the band "The Roses"...who toured with Buddy Holly. If you ever get to Clovis...I urge you to visit this wonderful studio.
5. 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.
6. Blumenschein Home & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By conmom828 - Falls Church, United States
I was amazed at the size of all the building in Taos. Each road and street was one where my Grandparents walked and befriended the Artist who lived there in the early 1920's My Dad was born in what is now a restaurant etc. Most important we were able to give back to the community paintings which have been gifted to our family years before. We even toured the Pueblos which are pictured often and are still lived in now!
7. Santa Fe Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,097 reviews
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Plaza is the heart and soul of the city. The gathering spot for residents and tourists alike is surrounded by city landmarks, shops and restaurants.
Reviewed By jh453
My 20-something daughters and I spent an enjoyable hour in and around the charming Plaza on a gorgeous Spring day. There is something there for every budget and many time constraints and tastes. You can sit on one of the plentiful benches, on the grass, or at one of the metal tables and relax and people watch for free. You can spend a little or a lot of money at the stores that flank the Plaza or at the sidewalk vendors who sell mostly silver jewelry (most of it, apoarently, made by local Native Americans in tribal styles). You can eat in one of the nearby restaurants. The day we were there, there was just one food truck in one corner of the Plaza, selling only fajitas and tamales. I wish I knew the name, because their food was excellent- smoky, delicious, generous, and a great bargain, with fajitas at $5 and tamales at $2 or $2.50 each. I hope that truck is a regular and that my description is enough to let you find it and enjoy a tasty (and economical) lunch. I noticed that all the tables were wheelchair-accessible.
8. El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
This living history museum, located just south of Santa Fe, recreates 18th-century ranch life. Guides, dressed in period clothing, show how people lived in early New Mexico.
Reviewed By Preraphaelite11
Walk into El Rancho de las Golondrinas and you'll open a door and step back 300 years to experience authentic Southwest history. See first-hand how people lived, the buildings they constructed and their purpose, how they made their clothes, cooked their food and worshipped. You'll get a unique taste of everyday life in a community in the 1700s, learn about the inhabitants' hardships, their hopes and fears while exploring this exceptionally, well-maintained and preserved historic ranch. I spent 4 hours walking the grounds and talking with the knowledgeable and friendly staff. I'm a historian and learned more about New Mexico's fascinating history when visiting El Rancho de las Golondrinas.
9. Loretto Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,035 reviews
This chapel contains a mysterious spiral staircase built without nails, dowels or any visible support.
Reviewed By StevenP3559 - Pueblo, United States
This small chapel is known by people world round for its "miraculous stairway" that winds to the choir loft above the church's nave. It is a beautiful little chapel and well worth a visit while in downtown Santa Fe.
10. Trinity Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
The exact spot where the first atomic bomb was detonated.
Reviewed By bmrdoc1600
This visit is history! Read about the Manhatten Project, J. Robert Oppenheimer, the story of Los Alamos and the end of WWII. Then visit the Trinity Site! Standing at the spot where history was made is overwhelming. What happened here in 1945 touches each one of us today in so many ways! Ground Zero and the MCDonald ranch house where the core of the bomb was assembled is an experience not to be forgotten. Only two days a year is the site open for visitors as it is on the White Sands Missile Range, an active government installation run by the Army. The Trinity Site is remote, the open house well organized, and an experience. Most important: you cannot get there too early!!! The lines to enter the WS Missile range are long if you wait until mid-morning - it is very well attended. First Saturday’s in April and October are the only times the public can enter the site. See the Trinity web site for details.
