11 Charming New Mexico Towns For The Perfect Getaway
When looking for charming getaways, New Mexico’s dry and often rural landscape might not be the first destination to drift across your mind. But the Land of Enchantment has much more to offer than just turquoise and chile!
Our list of 11 charming New Mexico towns for the perfect getaway is curated to delight your senses with romantic hot springs, gorgeous hiking trails, and delectable dining. This picturesque state is situated along historic Route 66, so roll down the windows and gas up your car for a trip you won’t soon forget.
Cloudcroft
A ghost haunts the historic halls of The Lodge at Cloudcroft. Though her spirit roams restlessly through the hotel, the spirit of Rebecca shouldn’t stop you from staying in this grand old lodge. It offers one of the area’s best restaurants, a pristine golf course, plus a pool and hot tub for guests.
From there, it’s easy to branch out to explore the rest of Cloudcroft and its many scenic hiking trails. Stroll down Burro Street, the village’s main strip, to gear up at High Altitude Outdoor Store or grab a curiously tasty confection at Eight the Cake. History buffs shouldn’t miss the Sacramento Mountains Museum and Pioneer Village to experience relics and artifacts from the area’s early settlers.
Ruidoso
Did you know the word “ruidoso” is Spanish for “noisy”? The town’s name derives from the little river that snakes through the village, called Rio Ruidoso or “noisy river.” Don’t let the name fool you, though. Ruidoso’s streets are quite peaceful and lined with charming shops, restaurants, and pubs. The Noisy Water Winery offers an idyllic way to spend a Saturday. It features dozens of wine options paired with tasty nosh plates, and it's close enough to the river to hear the water murmuring.
Water lovers should book their getaway at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino, overlooking the stunning Mescalero Lake. Visitors here can take their pick of golfing, kayaking, or even ziplining amid the trees in the lush Lincoln National Forest. If you’re bringing the kids on this tour of New Mexico’s most charming getaways, stop into Pillow’s Funtrackers for go-karts, mini-golf, and bumper boats.
Taos
Few New Mexican towns are as charming as Taos. From unique architecture to unmistakable culture, Taos offers something for every taste. Skiers enjoy over a thousand acres of world-class caliber powder in the Taos Ski Valley, more than 50 percent of which is expert-level terrain.
If whitewater rafting is part of the charming experience you had in mind, check out the Taos Box, a 17-mile section of the Rio Grande Gorge. Eleven commercial outfitters offer day trips through the area where fast-moving water and steep drops will keep you on the edge of your seat.
When you’re ready to wind down, check out the stunning El Monte Sagrado Hotel and Resort. The Resort’s Wellness Center offers two hydrotherapy tubs and a saltwater pool. The Wellness Center is an excellent complement to the hotel’s scenic adobe exterior, surrounded by waterfalls and cottonwood trees.
Jemez Springs
Amid towering Ponderosa Pine trees and lush aspen leaves sits the tiny town of Jemez Springs. The Rio Guadalupe burbles gently next to the road, and every pull off seems to hide a secret fishing hole or picnic spot.
Cozy up at the Cañon del Rio Inn for an authentic insight into New Mexican style. Its adobe fireplace, Saltillo tile floors, and eclectic artwork from several Pueblos will transport you to the New Mexico of the early 1900s. Dive into the pool or hike through the Inn’s three acres of stunning natural beauty. The Jemez hot springs are nearby for an afternoon escape.
Just a short drive up the road is the Valles Caldera National Preserve. This gorgeous meadow was created from an earth-shattering volcanic eruption over a million years ago. The resulting 14-mile-wide crater is home to massive herds of elk and deer. Its meandering streams and lush meadows will lure you in and keep you hiking well past lunchtime.
Truth or Consequences
Main Street “T or C” (as the locals call it) is loaded with quirky rock shops, funky galleries, and tasty eateries. Try Outer Edge Pizzeria for artisan-quality eats in an unassuming atmosphere. Geologists and rock enthusiasts will appreciate the Miner’s Claim rock shop, loaded with raw stones, beads, and other rockin’ goodies. However, the main draw of this unusual desert town is the hot springs.
Take a dip for an hourly rate at Indian Springs Bath Houses or enjoy a full evening of soaks at any one of the city’s charming historic hotels. If you’re looking for a modern style, check out Blackstone Hotsprings Hotel and Baths. Each room has a hot spring tub, so you can soak as much as you want in the comfort of your private room.
Silver City
This charming getaway is nestled against 3.3 million acres of the Gila National Forest. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails and endless opportunities for exploration, the Gila is a nature lover’s dream. One special spot you won’t want to miss is the Catwalk Recreation Area, built in the 1930s. The suspended trail takes visitors over a sparkling creek into the Mogollon Mountains.
Downtown Silver City is highly walkable, with galleries, restaurants, and theaters lining its historic district. Be sure to swing into the Silver City Museum to learn about the rich history of this southwestern mining town. Wrap up your day with a stay at the undeniably charming Bear Creek Motel and Cabins. Each private cabin offers modern amenities with a rustic feel. It’s surrounded by lush forest, so you can forget your city stressors and unwind to the sound of birdsong and wind through the leaves.
Mesilla
This little town is just a few minutes outside the bustling city of Las Cruces. It’s a favorite stop for tourists, college kids, and Las Cruces locals thanks to its fantastic food and indelible charm. For tasty Mexican cuisine, try Andele’s Restaurant or La Posta De Mesilla Restaurant and Cantina.
Stretch your legs on the one-mile Historic Mesilla walking tour featuring some of the district’s most notable sights. Each of the nine stops is noted on the National Register of Historic Places due to outstanding architecture or cultural significance. Points of interest include the Gadsden Museum and the Fountain Theater, to name just a few.
When you’re all walked out, kick up your feet at Hacienda de Mesilla Inn. Not only can you grab a bite and a margarita, but this gorgeous hotel also boasts a pool and several rooms with mountain views.
Farmington
Pack your bags and book a stay at Farmington’s most unusual hotel, Kokopelli’s Cave. The unique lodging offers 1,700 square feet of gorgeously furnished cavern to call your own. The cave house is built into the cliffs overlooking the La Plata river valley. It's 70 feet underground and offers all the modern amenities plus a luxurious water-fall-style shower and jacuzzi tub.
When you emerge from your underground lair, check out SunRay Park and Casino for live horse racing, dining, and drinks. If sky-high adventure is more your thing, time your visit with the Four Corners Balloon Rally for three days of unforgettable hot air balloon action. Don’t forget to grab some tacos from Sinalokas on your way out!
Socorro
Deep in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley sits the small town of Socorro. Kick off your visit with a walking tour of the historic plaza to learn about the San Miguel Church, the Church-McCutcheon District, and the Kittrel Park-Manzanares District. Drop your bags at the Socorro Old Town Bed & Breakfast for 1900s charm with updated amenities.
Hikers may lose themselves in the beauty and remarkable geology of nearby San Lorenzo Canyon. It’s a great pitstop on the way to Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, an area known for its incredible bird and wildlife viewing opportunities. Each winter, bald eagles and thousands of sandhill cranes flock to this marshland on their way South.
The area’s biggest attraction (pun intended) is the Very Large Array (VLA) Radio Telescope Facility. Developed in the 1950s, the VLA is the world’s most productive radio telescope. It features an array of 27 radio dishes that work in unison to create a single telescope many miles across. It's an impressive feat of engineering you won’t want to miss when visiting this rural part of New Mexico.
Tucumcari
This little gem is located just off Route 66 and is a must-see for dinosaur lovers. The Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum and Natural Science Laboratory features life-sized bronze dinosaur sculptures and an array of pristine fossils.
History buffs will love the unique style of the Tucumcari Historical Museum. It’s set up like an attic full of treasures with diverse displays ranging from bootleg liquor stills to antique roulette wheels and railroad artifacts.
If you’re looking for neon lights and iconic Route 66 lodging, the Blue Swallow Motel is it. The motor lodge has been welcoming visitors since the 1930s and hasn’t lost any of its historic charm. Before you get back on the road, grab a bite at Kix on 66 for that old-school booth-and-counter diner vibe and some amazing American cuisine.
Roswell
Nearly everything in this charismatic town is space-themed, and you can’t escape without an alien keychain or a UFO sticker. You could grab a bite at the extraterrestrial-themed McDonald's (yes, it is shaped like a UFO), but if you’re looking for something a little less kitschy, check out Sara’s Mediterranean Café and Grill. Locals love its fresh food and inviting atmosphere.
When you’re ready to crash, try the Resting Pods at Roswell Inn. Its newly renovated rooms are clean, quiet, and conveniently located in the heart of downtown. It’s just a short drive to the UFO Museum, another Roswell favorite. When you’re done with alien-themed oddities, drive out to the Bottomless Lakes for a swim and some incredible rock hounding.
The Land of Enchantment is home to many charming towns, each with its own unique appeal. Gas up the car put some cold beverages in the ice chest, and start your tour of this Southwestern state today. You’ll find friendly folks, unforgettable landscapes, and more than a few getaways you’ll want to revisit again and again.
