New Mexico is sometimes called "the Land of Enchantment," It won't take long on any of these weekend road excursions from Albuquerque to see why. Albuquerque, the state capital and most populous city, serves as a convenient starting point for day travels around New Mexico.
These weekend road excursions from Albuquerque will take you to some of the top destinations in the state, whether you're searching for recreational experiences in the mountains or an artist's hideaway with galleries and museums abounding.
Santa Fe
Travel to Santa Fe if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The downtown plaza area of the capital city of New Mexico, which is smaller by population than Albuquerque, is a popular tourist destination due to the abundance of shops, galleries, and restaurants that can easily keep visitors occupied for an entire weekend.
Take a stroll across town and keep an eye out for historic buildings to help fill in the gaps in your knowledge of the area's past. Santa Fe is most famous for its southwestern art, history, cuisine, and culture, but the city also offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Acoma Pueblo
The Acoma Pueblo has been inhabited for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest settlements in the United States. The ancient clay dwellings of Acoma, also known as Sky City, perched on a rocky mesa, are sure to captivate visitors.
If you take a stroll through the town, you'll immediately grasp the inspiration for the city's moniker. Booking a 1.5-hour guided tour with the Acoma Tribal Council is required to see Sky City. Please read the rules and regulations in advance of your visit. The village is also home to the historic San Estévan del Rey Mission, founded in 1640.
Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument is a great destination for an adventurous weekend in the canyon and mesa area of New Mexico. On the weekends, you may choose a trek to suit your mood, whether it be exploring the region's ancient ancestral Pueblo ruins or the gorgeous lowlands along the Rio Grande.
The Upper Falls on Frijoles Creek is a favorite tourist spot because of how stunning they are in any season. Remember that the Frijoles Canyon free shuttle service is only available during the peak summertime visiting hours.
If you'd want to pitch a tent or park your RV for the night in the great outdoors, the national monument has two established campsites and backcountry camping opportunities. The Milky Way is visible, and it makes for a stunning skyscape.
Jemez Springs
A weekend away might be just what the doctor ordered when you need to unwind. Jemez Springs, a little hamlet not far from Albuquerque, features a tranquil atmosphere and natural hot springs, making it an ideal weekend getaway.
There are several natural hot springs in the region, some of which are rather remote and can only be reached by taking a trek of varying difficulty. Those who don't feel like putting on their hiking boots to relax can visit one of the town's many commercial hot springs, spas, or bathhouses, such as the century-old Jemez Springs Bath House or the more modern Jemez Hot Springs.
Madrid
After its coal mining days, Madrid became a decaying ghost town. The "ghost" town isn't so ghostly now that it's been transformed into a thriving community for artists. Over 20 shops and galleries, in addition to restaurants, a spa, and a museum, have recently opened in the charming downtown area.
The town is known for its art galleries and charming downtown, but it also offers many interesting attractions that pay homage to its mining and ghost town past, such as the Ghost Town Trading Post and the Mine Shaft Tavern. The community, hidden in the Ortiz Mountains' small canyon, is easily accessible by the magnificent Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway.
White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park in New Mexico is a fantastic weekend trip destination if you're up for it. There are 275 miles of pristine white gypsum dunes in the park and five well-established paths. From one of the park's routes, you may take in the breathtaking scenery of the mountains surrounding the sand dunes.
This is the desert, so bring lots of water and try to avoid the hottest part of the day. Those curious about the military history of the Tularosa Basin may also go to the White Sands Missile Range Museum and the Trinity Site, where the first atomic bomb was detonated in 1945.
