Exploring Albuquerque, NM, and the Land of Enchantment.
What to do in Albuquerque:
Albuquerque is a fascinating melting pot that’s steeped in Native American and Spanish history. Surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes, pink-hued mountains, and a legendary river,
Albuquerque is a gorgeous green oasis with its unique architecture, amazing museums, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Albuequerque is the cultural hub of the American Southwest. Take a road trip on Route 66. Hike the stunning Sandia foothills. Kayak the waters of the Rio Grande. Immerse yourself in history in Old Town. There are numerous restaurants featuring local cuisine, casinos, shopping and FUN.
(Maybe not as much fun as we are having at the 20th USAWest Square Dance Convention but worth your exploration.)
Visit & Explore Albuquerque, NM
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is inspired by tradition, steeped in culture. With 24,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor spaces that can accommodate anywhere from 12 to 500 guests, the IPCC is an unexpected, artistic and inspiring venue for your next meeting, event or celebration. Enjoy on-site catering prepared by the Indian Pueblo Kitchen’s award-winning culinary team against a backdrop of Native American pottery, murals, art and Southwestern décor.
2401 12th St. N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87104
Phone: (505) 843-7270
Toll-free: (866) 855-7902
Old Town Plaza
Old Town Plaza has been the heart of Albuquerque. Old Town was established in 1706, when a group of Spanish families settled here. The plaza is anchored by the San Felipe de Neri Church, which was built in 1793 after the original structure collapsed. Most of the architecture in Old Town is adobe, but the arrival of the railroad brought new architectural styles. You’ll find numerous Victorian buildings as you walk around Old Town.
Albuquerque Old Town
Historic Old Town has been the heart of Albuquerque since the city was founded here in 1706. Old Town was the first neighborhood in 1706, when a group of Spanish families settled here, not far from the Rio Grande.
Visit enchanted Old Town Plaza and discover over 100 unique shops, galleries, boutiques and fine restaurants offering spicy local and regional cuisine, all smothered in the old-world charm of historic Albuquerque. Explore museums and enjoy seasonal entertainment from folk art to Flamenco dance to Mariachi music and more.
San Felipe de Neri Church
Take a walk through history around Albuquerque’s Old Town, the serene village that has been the focal point of community life since 1706.
Quiet hidden patios, winding brick paths, gardens and balconies are waiting to be discovered. Wrought iron and adobe benches beckon you to rest in the shade and watch people stroll by. Visit historic San Felipe de Neri Church and relax in the Rose Garden.
Turquoise Museum
The museum has moved to a castle at 400 2nd St SW. The new larger location will have several full-on exhibits, a research library, a cafe and a flower shop.
400 2nd St. S.W., Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 433-3684
Arroyo del Oso Park
Located off Morris Street and Osuna Road, this path follows the perimeter of El Oso Grande Park’s sports fields, making for great open visibility. The full-length trail stretches from Juan Tabo Boulevard to the Arroyo del Oso Golf Course.
Sandia Peak Tramway
The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway transports you above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain. See nature’s dramatic beauty unfold before you. At sunset the desert skies produce a spectacular array of color from the observation deck atop 10,378 foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest an 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of the “Land of Enchantment”.
30 Tramway Road N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87122
Phone: (505) 856-7325
Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument is alive with the sights & sounds of the high desert- a hawk spirals down from the mesa top, a roadrunner dashes into fragrant sage, a desert millipede traces waves in the sand.
The monument contains more than 20,000 images pecked in stone. Some are recognizable as animals, people or crosses & other more mysterious. All are inseparable form the landscape & from the spirits of the people who created them. The images carved onto these black rocks provide an opportunity for people today to share the cultures of those who long ago inhibited & traveled through the Rio Grande Valley.
6510 Western Trail N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87120
Phone: (505) 899-0205
Albuquerque Museum
Albuquerque Museum is a leading institution for art, history and culture in New Mexico and the American Southwest. This family-friendly museum has interactive spaces, a sculpture garden, store, and café.
2000 Mountain Rd. N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87104
Phone: (505) 243-7255
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Mon-Sun 9-5pm. Lots of dinosaurs! Lodestar Astronomy Center.
An innovative, hands-on experience that explores NM’s unique natural history. Experience its origins, dinosaurs, & ancient seacoasts. Walk through a “live” volcano! Meet the 30-ton, 110-ft long Seismosaurus, the world’s largest dinosaur.
1801 Mountain Rd. N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87104
Phone: (505) 841-2800
Toll-free: (866) NM-DINOS
National Museum of Nuclear Science
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early development and the Cold War to today’s peaceful uses. The permanent displays and changing special exhibits present history, science applications, and future developments of nuclear energy. Adults and children alike will be fascinated by this important part of New Mexico’s history. Exhibits include The Atomic Pioneers; Nuclear Medicine; Energy Encounters; the Manhattan Project; Atomic Pop Culture; Little Albert’s Lab; and more. Visit the outdoor in the Heritage Park to see aircraft and other large artifacts.
601 Eubank Blvd. S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87123
Phone: (505) 245-2137
Explora
New Mexico’s premier hands-on, innovative learning center that welcomes families, children/people of all ages. Exhibits, activities, programs, theater performances and events in science, technology and art. Gift shop with educational and unique items for all ages.
1701 Mountain Rd. N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87104
Phone: (505) 600-6072
Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum
Since it opened in 2005, the museum has welcomed over one million visitors from Albuquerque and many other communities in New Mexico, as well as from across the country and around the world. Through its extensive collection of artifacts, interactive special exhibitions and engaging educational programs, the museum is a gateway to science, exploration and discovery.
The Balloon Museum is open year-round and hosts many community-oriented special events, features unique art and architecture
La Luz Trail
One of the best known trails in the Sandia Mountains, the La Luz Trail runs from the base of the Sandia Peak Tramway, all the way to the top of the Sandia Crest. The lower portion, beginning at the base of the Tram, is one of the most scenic trails in the foothills open space – offering views of the city from a multitude of vantage points. Make this hike as long or as short as you want, and enjoy the scenery from every angle. See below in the Sandia Mountains/Cibola National Forest section of this article for more information on the entirety of the La Luz Trail.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
2901 Candelaria Rd. N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87107
Phone: (505) 344-7240
Alt: (505) 343-1373
Albuquerque Bio Park includes:
Botanical Garden, Tingley Beach, Aquarium and Zoo
BOTANIC GARDEN
Explore more than 1.5 miles of paths through both formal and whimsical gardens designed to delight. This lush state-of-the-art conservatory showcases Desert and Mediterranean climate zones, a Children’s Fantasy Garden, Railroad Garden, BUGarium, Sasebo Japanese Garden and seasonal Butterfly Pavilion. This popular, immersive butterfly exhibit features 40 species of native butterflies and moths, as well as other important pollinators like non-stinging native bees and fig beetles.
The Travel Channel called the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden as one of the top 12 in the country!
TINGLEY BEACH
Enjoy fishing, boating, picnics and hiking just minutes from downtown Albuquerque near the Rio Grande.
Located adjacent to the Rio Grande Bosque, Tingley Beach consists of three fishing ponds that are open to the public, free of charge.
Tingley Beach also offers wildlife watching, paths for running and walking, and boating opportunities.
AQUARIUM
Featuring marine habitats of the Rio Grande and Gulf of Mexico, with coral reefs, stingrays, jellyfish and a 285,000-gallon shark tank.
Among the Albuquerque Aquarium’s many interesting, colorful, immersive exhibits, is the popular river otters experience. The two female river otters, Chaos and Mayhem, and male river otter Dixon, exhibit distinct personalities and share a close bond. Visitors will often catch them tumbling around on the land and in the water, and cuddling up together during nap time.
In addition to exhibits and displays, the Aquarium offers hands-on experiences and activities including the Aquarium Theatre, divers in the water, story time and much more.
ZOO
Located on 64 acres next to the Rio Grande offering guests close encounters with over 250 exotic and native animals from six continents.
From lions and elephants, to kangaroos and cobras, the Albuquerque Zoo offers a naturally amazing experience with their educational exhibits. Visitors learn more about wildlife conservation efforts while showing animals in naturalistic habitats. Visitors are able to see Sub-Antarctic penguins right here in the high desert at the Penguin Chill Exhibit.
Albuquerque’s zoo is home to many baby animals. Zoo babies are always exciting to visit, and some of the newest baby inhabitants include a baby orangutan named Bulan and a female baby hippo named Matilda. Visit the Zoo today to see what other babies have recently arrived!
Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball Club
Dates: April 1, 2023 – September 24, 2023
Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Location:
Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park
1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87106
Price: $19-$28+
New Mexico is, after all “The Land of Enchantment” Please explore!