17 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In New Mexico

I spent a month and a half traveling around this intriguing state, and it quickly became clear why it was chosen as the setting for one of TV’s most iconic series! From mesmerizing geological wonders and white desert sands to ancient pueblos and colorful adobe towns, these are the places that made me fall for the Land of Enchantment…

1. Santa Fe

I fell hard for this ancient U.S. city, with its glowing adobe walls, maze of art-filled streets, and rich history set beneath crisp mountain skies. Although, I personally thought the real magic was in the atmosphere – it had this soulful, creative pulse with an undercurrent of calm that made it feel both alive and peaceful! 

It took just over an hour to reach Santa Fe from Albuquerque via the scenic Turquoise Trail, a drive filled with desert landscapes and quirky little towns – I stayed for three days and loved every moment.

I spent my time wandering the historic Plaza, exploring Canyon Road’s galleries, visiting the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and San Miguel Chapel, and browsing interesting Native crafts at the Palace of the Governors. I also loved seeing the mix of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences in the buzzy markets, flavorful cuisine, and colorful festivals!

• Location: northern part of the state
• Map Location
• Size: population around 90,500
  

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the unique La Fonda on the Plaza Hotel – I loved the rooftop hot tub and decor which included locally crafted tin chandeliers, colorful Talavera tiles, and original Pueblo-style artwork! 
• Dining on a veggie burrito smothered in red and green Christmas chile and paired with creamy pinto beans and saffron-tinged rice at the fun Shed Restaurant!

2. White Sands National Park 

This was actually one of the most dazzling natural wonders I’ve ever seen—an endless sea of wave-like white gypsum dunes that shimmered and changed color under the desert sun, giving it a dreamy, otherworldly vibe!

I drove 3.5 hours southwest from the Blue Hole of Santa Rosa, cutting through quirky Roswell and down to the glowing white gypsum dunes near Alamogordo, where I spent a day exploring and a night at the nearby quirky Classic Desert Aire Hotel. 

From hiking the Dune Life Nature Trail and sledding the glowing dunes to joining a ranger-led walk and watching the sunset set the desert aglow – it was a day I won’t forget in a hurry that’s for sure!

My favorite highlights…

• The ranger-led walk from the visitor center, we spotted rare wildlife like the white sands incredibly hardy pupfish (which survived in desert harsh conditions!), yucca plants adapting to the moving dunes, and even saw a half-buried picnic table being swallowed by the shifting sands!

3. Albuquerque

Albuquerque really surprised me – New Mexico’s biggest city was far more scenic than I expected, with the Sandia Mountains rising behind it, rich Southwestern light, and a blend of adobe-style buildings, Spanish churches, and bold murals that gave Old Town and downtown so much color and character.

I loved the vibe most though – it was effortlessly cool and creative, blending Southwestern heritage, retro Route 66 charm, and a dash of modern city energy.

I landed at Albuquerque International Sunport, grabbed a rental car to start my road trip, but stuck around for three days to explore – wandering the adobe-filled Old Town, riding the Sandia Peak Tramway (the views were epic!), visiting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and spotting bold murals down Central Avenue.

As a huge Breaking Bad fan, I also spent time visiting all the familiar backdrops as this city was the show’s iconic filming location – I stood outside Walter White’s real-life car wash (Octopus Car Wash), drove past his actual house, saw Saul Goodman’s old office, and stopped by The Dog House Drive-In!

• Location: central New Mexico along the Rio Grande
• Map Location
• Size: population around 560,300 

My highlights… 

• Staying at the unique and trendy 4-star ARRIVE Albuquerque – I loved how they checked me in at the onsite coffee shop and bar – not a traditional lobby desk with a cup of fiery Chile Mocha in hand!

4. Bisti Badlands 

I thought this remote desert landscape felt totally otherworldly and surreally beautiful – filled with jagged hoodoos, rippling rock layers, and strange formations like the “Cracked Eggs,” all carved by time and wind into dramatic shades of red, grey, and beige. The silence and raw beauty gave it a haunting, alien-like vibe.

I drove two hours northwest from Chaco Culture National Historical Park and stayed for the weekend at the charming Casa Blanca Inn and Suites, hiking from the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness parking area to see the Cracked Eggs, photographing the hoodoos at sunset, and exploring the fossil-rich De-Na-Zin area nearby.

• Address: Bisti Access Road, Farmington, NM 87401
• Location: northwestern part of the state
• Map Location
• Size: over 45,000 acres

My favorite highlights…

• Exploring the surreal “Cracked Egg” formations east of the Bisti/De-Na-Zin parking area – these smooth, split boulders looked like giant fossilized eggs, with weathered ridges and marbled patterns that glowed in the desert light! 

5. Taos Gorge Bridge

One of the highest bridges in the U.S., this spot totally wowed me – its dramatic span across the 650-foot-deep Rio Grande Gorge made for seriously Insta-worthy views, with sheer cliffs, wide desert plains, distant peaks, and that dreamy Southwestern light.

After a 2.5-hour drive from the Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway, I reached Taos and my base in the cool and quirky Dreamcatcher B&B. From there I headed to just outside town to the Gorge Bridge, the bridge felt bold, beautiful, and a little vertigo-inducing with those jaw-dropping canyon views.

I took my time walking across the bridge’s pedestrian walkway – gazing down into the dramatic gorge, watching the light play across the cliffs, and checking out the charming local crafts being sold at the rest area nearby.

• Address: NM-570, Taos, NM 87571
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring, summer, fall and winter
  

My highlights…

6. Bandelier National Monument

I thought this protected archaeological site was an absolute gem! Set in a dramatic canyon framed by volcanic cliffs, it was filled with ancient cave dwellings carved into soft tuff rock, stone ruins like Tyuonyi Pueblo, and forested trails winding through a landscape rich in history and natural beauty. I loved its peaceful, almost mystical vibe – steeped in ancient culture and surrounded by nature.

I made the 1.5-hour drive northwest from Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks to my Bandelier base, the quirky and cozy Pueblo Canyon Inn – winding through the Jemez Mountains and stopping along the way to soak up views of pine-filled valleys and dramatic red rock formations

My day was spent hiking the Main Loop Trail, climbing into the cliff dwellings of Frijoles Canyon, tracing petroglyphs near the Tyuonyi Pueblo ruins, and checking out the fascinating displays at the visitor center.

• Address: 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544
• Location: northern part of the state
• Map Location
• Size: over 33,000 acres

My favorite highlights…

• Climbing the wooden ladders into the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings carved into the canyon wall – I loved seeing the soot-stained ceilings, stone rooms, and hand-carved alcoves that were an intriguing insight into daily life centuries ago! 

7. Blue Hole of Santa Rosa

I was totally in love with this natural artesian spring! The Blue Hole was a perfectly round pool of startlingly clear, turquoise water, set right in the middle of the desert – it created such a vivid contrast with the arid surroundings that it felt almost otherworldly!

It had a fun, refreshing, and slightly surreal vibe – like stumbling upon a hidden oasis in the middle of the desert!

It was a scenic three-hour drive southeast from Wheeler Peak Wilderness across wide-open plains and mesas to the strikingly blue waters of Santa Rosa’s Blue Hole, where I enjoyed a peaceful afternoon and then stayed nearby at the funky Hotel Blue 66 (which was just a 5 minute drive away). 

I swam in the cool, clear spring, watched scuba divers descend into the vivid blue depths, lounged under the trees at the picnic area, and visited the nearby center to find out what makes this place so special.

• Address: 15 Blue Hole Rd, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
• Location: eastern part of the state
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring, summer or fall
• Size: 80 feet deep, 60 feet wide

My personal highlights…

• Picnicking in the shaded area near the parking lot was ideal – I grabbed a spot under the cottonwood trees at one of the sturdy sandstone tables and watched brave cliff jumpers plunge into the Blue Hole!

8. Shiprock

I thought this towering volcanic rock was something truly special – formed around 30 million years ago, its jagged spire shot up from the flat desert like a natural monument, glowing with shifting colors. It felt powerful and sacred, with a raw, remote beauty that gave it a deep spiritual energy.

I drove an hour west from the Bisti Badlands, winding through remote Navajo Nation lands and striking desert scenery, and spent an inspiring morning taking it all in.

My morning was spent hiking the Shiprock Peak Trail, taking a fascinating Navajo-guided tour with Navajo Tours USA, and shopping for locally made rugs, jewelry, and crafts at roadside stalls.

• Address: Shiprock, NM 87420
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring and fall (for cooler temperatures)

My favorite highlights…

• Going on a Navajo Tours USA guided tour – my friendly guide shared legends of the rock, pointed out hidden petroglyphs and ceremonial sites, and along the way, they even pointed out native plants like juniper, sagebrush, and yucca, explaining how each has been used in traditional healing rituals for generations.

9. Wheeler Peak Wilderness

I visited while I was exploring the Taos Mountain Trail and set out on the Wheeler Peak trails right from the base of Taos Ski Valley where I was staying for two nights in the trendy 4-star Blake at Taos Ski Valley – no extra driving was needed bonus!

I hiked the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail from morning till late afternoon—picnicked beside Williams Lake, spotted elk and bighorn sheep in the wildflower-filled meadows, and paused often just to admire the incredible views from the top.

• Address: NM-150, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525
• Map Location 
• Size: 1,583 feet above the surrounding desert

My favorite highlights…

• Exploring the challenging 5-hour Wheeler Peak Summit Hike which took me past wind-twisted bristlecone pines, blue columbines and Indian paintbrushes – the incredible view from the summit of Wheeler Peak (the highest point in the whole state) made it worth it!

10. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

I thought this surreal geological wonder was jaw-dropping – cone-shaped formations carved by ancient volcanic eruptions, set against high desert mesas and narrow slot canyons. It felt striking, otherworldly, and full of adventure.

I made the 25 minute drive southwest from Santa Fe to my two day stay at the unique and wonderful Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, and from there I took a day trip driving to the park from here in 50 minutes.

My day was packed – hiking the narrow Slot Canyon Trail, climbing to epic vistas on the Summit Trail, and diving into the area’s volcanic history at the visitor center.

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the steep 3-mile Summit Trail took me two hours, but the incredible ridge-top views over the monument made it worth it, I spotted a scurrying desert spiny lizard and a cute canyon wren calling from the cliffs along the way!

11. A Road Trip Along the Rio Grande River

Following the river through New Mexico on this drive was one of the most photo-worthy experiences I had here – every turn revealed red rock canyons, peaceful valleys, desert plains, and mountain peaks, with charming towns, hot springs, and jaw-dropping overlooks along the way.

I followed the Rio Grande north from Carlsbad, passing through Truth or Consequences and quiet riverside towns – it had a laid-back, adventurous vibe that was perfect for slow travel and scenic detours. I particularly loved how driving along these desert highways reminded me of those epic wide-angle shots in Breaking Bad—empty roads, big skies, and lots of cinematic drama!

Over a few days, I crossed the soaring Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, relaxed in the hot springs in the quirky town Truth or Consequences, hiked the ancient trails of Frijoles Canyon, and admired the colorful cliffs at Ghost Ranch.

• Location: West of the state
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring, summer, fall or winter

My personal highlights…

• Staying overnight at the peaceful mountain hideaway The Inn at Ten Thousand Waves – it was a great experience soaking in the open-air Japanese onsen beneath the stars, slipping into a yukata robe, and relaxing by my room’s cozy kiva fireplace after a blissful hinoki oil massage!

12. Acoma Pueblo Village

Perched on a high desert mesa, Sky City felt like a step back in time as well as being a unique kind of beauty spot – its timeworn adobe homes, ancient footpaths, and panoramic views gave it a powerful, peaceful presence that felt both sacred and very still!

My highlights…

• Seeing inside a village home – it had thick adobe walls for insulation, tiny windows, exposed wooden vigas, and shelves filled with handmade pottery, woven baskets, and strings of dried red chilies.

13. The Taos Mountain Trail

I thought this high-altitude trail up to New Mexico’s highest peak was absolutely stunning—lined with wildflower meadows, dense pine and aspen forests, and nonstop views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It felt wild, peaceful, and wonderfully remote.

The drive from the bridge to Taos Ski Valley took just 30 minutes, but it was gorgeous—alpine meadows and dramatic peaks lined the way to the trailhead and I stayed for two nights at the cool 4-star Blake at Taos Ski Valley.

I spent my time here spent hiking from Taos Ski Valley to Wheeler Peak’s summit—through wildflower dotted meadows, pine-lined switchbacks, and panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. I did the 7.5-mile route in about four hours, but chatted with hikers doing the full 15-mile round trip, which they said took 6 to 8 hours.

• Address: 6 W. D. Road, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525
• Location: northern part of the state
• Map Location
• Length: 7.5 miles one way (or 15 miles round trip) 
  

My highlights…

• Finally reaching the summit – I was blown away by the 360-degree views – jagged Sangre de Cristo ridgelines, glimmering alpine lakes, the distant deep Rio Grande Gorge, and golden meadows which stretched out like an Insta-worthy patchwork quilt!

14. Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway

I was in awe of this historic steam train – the journey was pure nostalgia and stunning too, with its vintage cars winding through breathtaking mountain landscapes, ancient forests, green meadows, impressive canyons, and high-altitude passes that made it feel like a ride through a picturesque postcard! 

I drove 3 hours east from Shiprock to the mountain town of Chama, where I based myself for two nights at the charming and unique Sterling & Sage Guest House.

I rode the Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway for a full day, spending six scenic hours in the open gondola car – stopping for lunch at Osier Station, crossing the towering Cascade Trestle, and watching the steam engine carve its path through the dramatic Toltec Gorge. It had a charming, old-fashioned vibe that was perfect for slowing down and just kicking back and soaking in New Mexico’s mountain scenery.

I was also blown away by the views – the rugged Rocky Mountains and deep canyons all rolled past. The experience seemed to charm everyone, from kids on family outings to romantic couples on unique date adventures! 

My highlights…

• Dining in the buffet cart when we stopped at Osier Station – I especially loved the hearty Green Chile Enchiladas, the perfectly seasoned Pinto Beans, and the sweet potato salad which had a hint of cinnamon and crunchy pecans!

15. El Malpais National Monument

I thought this vast protected area was a striking beauty spot for its huge, rugged landscape of ancient lava flows, towering sandstone cliffs, hidden ice caves, and dramatic volcanic craters, all shaped by fiery eruptions and erosion. It had a wild, untamed feel – to me it felt remote, raw, and humbling,

I continued 40 minutes west from Acoma to reach South West Motel in Grants – just 25 minutes from the monument – driving through rugged terrain with glimpses of ancient lava fields, then spent the entire day exploring this wild, volcanic landscape. 

I tackled the Lava Falls Trail, stepped into the chilly Bandera Ice Cave, marveled at the soaring La Ventana Natural Arch, and found ancient petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls of Cebolla.

My favorite highlights…

• Going inside the Bandera Ice Cave lava tube was freezing, but seeing the thick green-tinged ice, misty air, and giant icicles hanging from the jagged walls made it feel otherworldly (and worth a visit for sure)!

16. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

I thought this family-friendly attraction was absolutely extraordinary—an enormous, otherworldly underground world with towering chambers, intricate limestone formations, glistening stalactites and stalagmites, and a dramatic descent through its ‘natural entrance’. I loved how the whole place had a mysterious, awe-inspiring vibe!

I drove from White Sands to my Carlsbad base Hyatt House which took three hours and wound through the sweeping Chihuahuan Desert, with endless views of sun-scorched hills, craggy outcrops, and bright pockets of desert flowers along the way.

It was just a 30 minute drive from my hotel and I spent the day exploring the Big Room’s towering limestone formations, hiking the steep Natural Entrance Trail, watching thousands of bats swirl into the sky during the Bat Flight Program, and walking the peaceful Rattlesnake Springs Trail.

• Address: 727 Carlsbad Caverns Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring, summer or fall
  

My highlights…

• Seeing thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the cave at dusk – it was both a seriously surreal and slightly scary moment! 

17. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Dating from 900 to 1150 AD and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this surreally beautiful gem was set in a vast desert landscape dotted with ancient sandstone ruins, intricate kivas, and grand ceremonial structures – all framed by rugged mesas. I loved how sacred, remote, and contemplative it felt here!

I drove 3.5 hours north from El Malpais National Monument—along a mix of paved and gravel roads—and spent a full day exploring this remote spot.

I spent the day exploring the huge 600-room ruins of Pueblo Bonito, hiking up the Pueblo Alto Trail for incredible views, visiting the ancient Great Kiva at Casa Rinconada, gazing at the spiral petroglyphs etched into Fajada Butte and then finally driving an hour and 45 minutes to my overnight stay in the Best Western Territorial Inn & Suites. 

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the 5.4-mile Pueblo Alto Trail took me three hours, but I personally thought the rocky climb was worth it for the awesome views of ancient ruins, scattered pottery shards, and detailed Chacoan petroglyphs along the way!

Related