6 Best New Mexico Towns For A Weekend Trip
Situated in the American Southwest between Arizona and Texas, the state of New Mexico has so much to offer those seeking a great weekend getaway destination. Home to some of the country’s most dramatic desert scenery, New Mexico also serves up no end of small towns bursting at the seams with sightseeing opportunities and that also serve as great bases to explore the surrounding scenery.
From towns located in the state’s high desert regions to attractive mountain retreats, these fun locations provide an ideal mix of activities sure to please history buffs, art enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers alike. For ideas, inspiration, and tips and tactics to make the most of your getaway, check out these great New Mexico towns for a memorable weekend trip.
Taos
Taos is a wonderful New Mexico getaway destination and is popular for its art, history, and natural beauty. At the heart of the Taos Downtown Historic District, Taos Plaza is a must-visit for its attractive old adobe buildings, now housing everything from boutique shops to trendy art galleries, including those run by members of the Taos Galleries and Studios group. Art enthusiasts will also enjoy the Harwood Museum of Art, established in 1923 and the state’s second oldest art museum. Just a few miles outside of town, the Millicent Rogers Museum with its collections of Native American and Southwestern art is also worth visiting.
Just a short walk from Taos Plaza is another top attraction: the Kit Carson Home and Museum. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the legendary frontiersman in a preserved Spanish colonial home built in 1825. An easy 10-minute drive away is the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. Over 1,000 years old, tours are available, along with opportunities to meet artisans and purchase handmade pottery or jewelry. Enjoy the outdoors? Head to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, just a short drive from town, or hike the trails of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico.
For accommodations, consider the 4-star El Monte Sagrado Resort or The Historic Taos Inn for its charming, pueblo-style lodging and an award-winning restaurant.
Silver City
Located at the edge of the Gila National Forest, Silver City is a great weekend retreat for those who enjoy mixing their love of culture with nature. Start your cultural adventure with a visit to the Silver City Museum. Housed in a restored 1881 home, it chronicles the town’s history from its mining roots to its evolution into an arts community. Speaking of art, Silver City Main Street and its surrounds feature murals, galleries like the Blue Dome Gallery, and eclectic shops selling local arts and crafts, and is well worth a stroll.
The nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument offers a unique window into the Mogollon culture, with cave dwellings built over 700 years ago. Guided tours are recommended and provide historical context and insights into the lives of the people who once inhabited this area. For accommodations, Bear Mountain Lodge offers rustic, affordable rooms, while the Murray Hotel, a 1930s Art Deco gem, is centrally located for those who enjoy being close to the action.
Truth Or Consequences
Yes, you did read correctly: New Mexico does indeed have a small town called Truth or Consequences. Originally known as Hot Springs, this small town changed its name in 1950, drawing inspiration from the then-popular radio show, Truth or Consequences. Often simply abbreviated as “T or C,” it’s still known for its geothermal hot springs. In fact, the town’s Hot Springs Historic District is a big draw and features several bathhouses, including Riverbend Hot Springs, offering private soaking pools overlooking the Rio Grande that are perfect for a weekend of relaxation and pampering.
Another popular spot, Sierra Grande Lodge, provides luxurious accommodations and access to natural mineral springs, while the Pelican Spa offers colorful, retro-inspired lodging. You can learn more about the region’s geothermal history at the Geronimo Springs Museum, which also displays Native American artifacts and local historical exhibits. Consider yourself an outdoor type? Head to Elephant Butte Lake State Park, just a short drive away, for its boating, fishing, and hiking activities.
Hatch
As the self-proclaimed "Chile Capital of the World," Hatch is certainly a quirky New Mexico getaway destination. The town celebrates its reputation as the world’s chile hot spot (pun intended!) during the Hatch Chile Festival in September. Around since the early 1970s, visitors flock here from far and wide to sample chile-infused cuisine, tour farms, and purchase fresh or roasted chiles. And if you can’t make it for this fun event, Sparky’s Burgers and BBQ, a beloved local diner, serves up its legendary green chile cheeseburgers year-round. The Hatch Chile Store is another spicy attraction and offers souvenirs and tours.
Nearby things to do include exploring the Jornada del Muerto, a 90-mile-long desert trail that’s popular with hikers and bikers and which passes the historic Fort Selden State Monument with its 19th-century ruins. Accommodations are limited but good, with the St Francis de Sales Hatch and Grajeda's Motel offering comfortable stays for weekend travelers.
Ruidoso
Ruidoso is located in the Sierra Blanca mountain range and offers weekend warriors a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural activities. Highlights include the Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino where the annual All American Futurity horse race has been a major event since 1959. Nearby Lincoln National Forest provides ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking, while snow fans will want to visit Ski Apache, one of the southernmost ski resorts in the U.S. when the snow flies (it also features summer activities like ziplining, too).
For a dose of history, travel to nearby Lincoln, famous for its role in Billy the Kid's life and the Lincoln County War. Ruidoso also hosts its AspenFest every October featuring a parade, arts and crafts, and wine tastings. Accommodations include the luxurious Inn of the Mountain Gods, set on a pretty lake with casino gaming, and the rustic mid-century Shadow Mountain Lodge, which offers cozy cabins surrounded by nature.
Madrid
Named after the capital of Spain, Madrid is a quirky and artistic enclave with a big personality. Once a bustling coal-mining community, it now thrives as a haven for artists and creative types with a main street lined with galleries, boutiques, and cafés like the hip Java Junction, which also offers B&B style accommodations. Start your adventure at the Madrid Old Coal Town Museum, a fascinating attraction providing a glimpse into the area’s mining history through an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Hungry? The Mine Shaft Tavern, originally opened in 1946, is a great spot for live music and hearty New Mexican fare.
Madrid is also home to the annual Madrid Christmas Parade, a fun December event featuring decorated floats and carolers that draws crowds from across the state. Nearby attractions worth visiting include Cerrillos Hills State Park, offering hiking and equestrian trails with views of the high desert landscape.
The Bottom Line
New Mexico’s small towns offer a wealth of experiences for weekend travelers. From artistic enclaves to mountain retreats and historic hot spring communities, there’s no end of options. Whether you're soaking in Truth or Consequences, savoring the flavors of Hatch, or exploring the art and history of Taos, these destinations demonstrate the state’s cultural and geographic diversity, as well as the amazing hospitality of its smaller communities. Whatever your preferences, these six New Mexico towns are ideal for a weekend trip.
