7 Best Towns In New Mexico to Visit In 2024
Known as the Land of Enchantment, the southwestern state of New Mexico offers vast landscapes, cultural events, and heritage sites for visitors to explore. In 2024, several towns throughout the state boast anniversary celebrations, vibrant art shows, and enchanting hot-air balloon rallies. From celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Gila Wilderness in Silver City in the southwest corner of the state to enjoying the 50th Taos Fall Arts Festival in northern New Mexico, there is much to explore. Whether taking a walking tour in Los Alamos of sites from the Oscar-nominated movie Oppenheimer or viewing spectacular meteor showers in Ruidoso, here are the seven best towns in New Mexico to visit in 2024.
Taos
One of the best towns to visit in New Mexico in 2024 is Taos, where art, culture, and history come alive. In 2024, the town will celebrate the 50th Taos Fall Arts Festival. From September 4 to 15, works from local artists will be on display around town. More splendor will be showcased at the 41st Taos Mountain Balloon Rally from October 25 to 27. The balloon rally features approximately 50 colorful hot air balloons against the blue sky and autumn foliage in the high country of New Mexico. For historical views, visitors can explore the Taos Pueblo, which is made up of adobe buildings that have been occupied for more than 1,000 years. The site is the only living Native American community that is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.
Taos also boasts incredible outdoor adventures year-round. In the winter, Taos offers world-class skiing at Taos Ski Valley in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Throughout the year, visitors enjoy hiking the scenic trails along the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge, which offers breathtaking views of the Rio Grande River while crossing the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. At 650 feet above the river, the bridge is the fifth tallest bridge in the country.
Silver City
Located in southwestern New Mexico is Silver City, a charming town that blends history, natural beauty, and memorable events. Marking the 100th anniversary of the Gila Wilderness, 2024 is a great time to visit Silver City. From September 27-29, nature enthusiasts can celebrate the centennial of America’s first designated wilderness area at the Gila River Festival with workshops, art, and entertainment. The Gila Wilderness is part of the 3.3 million-acre Gila National Forest, which offers scenic outdoor adventures and history to discover. The forest is home to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, which showcases Mongolian homes from the late 1280s through the early 1300s. Outdoor enthusiasts can also hike along hundreds of miles in the forest, including the Continental Divide Scenic Trail, which covers 3,100 miles from Montana’s border with Canada to New Mexico’s border with Mexico.
In 2024, the town will also host the annual Fiesta Latina cultural event at Western New Mexico University, celebrating the town’s Latino heritage. The school is also home to the Western New Mexico University Museum, located in historic Fleming Hall, which was built in 1917. The museum showcases Southwestern pottery and artifacts, such as Upland Mogollon ceramics, parts of Mimbres pueblo rooms, and works by current artists.
Los Alamos
Located 30 miles west of Santa Fe is Los Alamos, one of the best towns in New Mexico to visit in 2024 for history, science, and art. Situated in the Santa Fe National Forest, the town is well-known for the role it played in the Manhattan Project when atomic weapons were secretly built in the town during World War II. Visitors can explore the sites in the Manhattan Project National Park, including the Oppenheimer House. The building was home to Manhattan Project Scientific Director J. Robert Oppenheimer and was used in the filming of the movie Oppenheimer. More history can be discovered at the Los Alamos History Museum, which offers guided tours of some of the sites that were part of the Manhattan Project. Continuing with its scientific heritage, the town hosts the annual Los Alamos ScienceFest. From July 12-16, 2024, visitors can participate in interactive events, concerts, and science demonstrations at the festival.
Beyond its scientific history, Los Alamos is also renowned for its vibrant art scene. On October 5, 2024, Los Alamos will host the annual Day of Arts and Culture. Visitors can enjoy art demonstrations, live music, and dance performances throughout the town at the event. More music can be enjoyed outdoors during Tuesdays at the Square, featuring live music every Tuesday evening in June and July at Central Park Square.
Ruidoso
Ruidoso is one of the best small towns in New Mexico for outdoor adventures, art shows, and mountain views in 2024. The town is known for its dark sky and offers optimal viewing for several meteor showers in 2024, including the Eta Aquarids on May 4 and 5 and the Draconids on October 8 and 9. For more incredible views, outdoor enthusiasts can hike, camp, and view wildlife in the Lincoln National Forest. The forest also offers breathtaking vista views, the most famous being Windy Point Vista near Ski Apache in the Sierra Blanca Mountains. The southernmost ski resort, Ruidoso, is a great base for those who want to ski in the winter or explore the biking trails and zip line at Ski Apache during warmer months.
The enchanting town is also home to an eclectic art community. From July 5 through 7, 2024, Ruidoso will be part of the 29th Annual Lincoln County Art Loop. The art festival features dozens of artists and galleries in town, including Earth-n-Stone Gallery. Later in the month, July 26-28, art lovers can enjoy the 53rd Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival. Hundreds of artists from around the country participate in the juried art show, which features jewelry, collectible art, and various visual artworks.
Truth Or Consequences
Once known as Hot Springs, the eclectic town of Truth or Consequences is a great town to visit for natural hot springs, outdoor activities, and memorable annual events. In 2024, the town will host the annual Truth or Consequences Fiesta from May 3-5. The fiesta features a rodeo, live music, and a parade through town. Also in town is the Historic Hot Springs and Downtown District, where visitors can enjoy hot springs at local spas, such as the Fire Water Lodge. Nearby is the Geronimo Springs Museum, where visitors can explore pottery that dates back nearly 2,000 years. Other than prehistoric pottery, the museum showcases fossils, minerals, and an authentic miner’s cabin that was originally built in the Gila National Forest.
For those looking for outdoor activities, Truth or Consequences offers water sports, fishing, and camping nearby at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Each year, New Mexico’s largest state park also hosts the annual Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta. From August 2 through 4, 2024, visitors can witness incredible views of hot air balloons in the high desert over the Rio Grande. More outdoor excitement will take place from October 3 to 6, 2024, at the Sierra County Fair, where travelers can enjoy local food, arts and crafts, and livestock shows.
Mesilla
Located within a one-hour drive from Mexico, the historic town of Mesilla will celebrate its 170th anniversary as part of America in 2024. The town was transferred from Mexico to the United States during the Gadsden Purchase on November 16, 1854, witnessed in the town’s plaza. The Mesilla Plaza is known as the heart of Mesilla and the site of several traditional events each year. In 2024, the plaza will host the annual Cinco de Mayo festival on May 4 and 5. Mesilla will also celebrate Mexican Independence Day on September 14 and 15 during the annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiestas in the plaza. The celebration includes exciting mariachi music, traditional folkloric dances, and authentic Mexican cuisine for all to enjoy.
Located near Mesilla Plaza, visitors can learn more about the town’s past and view historic architecture, such as the Basilica of San Albino, which still rings the bells from the 1870s. Nearby is the eclectic Gadsden Museum, featuring Native American art, a reproduction of the Gadsden Purchase, and Old West memorabilia. For those wanting to explore the outdoors, the town is home to Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park along the Rio Grande. The park is one of the stops along the Statewide Birding Trail, and an Audubon-designated Important Birding Area.
Farmington
Situated in the Four Corners area of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona is Farmington, one of the best towns to visit in the state during 2024. From August 30 through September 1, Farmington will host the 35th Annual Totah Festival & Indian Market. The festival features Native American art, a Cultural Dance Expo, and an authentic Navajo Rug Auction. Later in the month, from September 27-29, visitors can view the breathtaking Four Corners Balloon Rally. The balloons take flight in the morning and then light up the night skies during the evening Balloon Glow from Lake Farmington. The lake is also a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing, kayaking, and camping.
For those looking for more water adventures, the town sits at the junction of the Animas River, the La Plata River, and the San Juan River, which offers world-class trout fishing. Located along the Animas River is the Farmington Museum, where visitors can test how well they would survive in eight different extreme environments from February 3 through May 4, 2024, at the Survival Exhibition. Another exhilarating event in town is the annual Southwest Apple and Chile Fest, October 3 to 5, in historic Farmington at Orchard Plaza Park. The festival celebrates Farmington’s apple heritage and vibrant art community with an art walk through downtown.
New Mexico’s Enchanting Towns
In 2024, these seven New Mexico towns are ideal for engaging in southwestern cultural events, anniversary celebrations, and annual festivals. Whether witnessing the Balloon Glow in Farmington, joining in Mesilla’s 170th anniversary of being part of the US, or exploring the Sierra County Fair in Truth or Consequences, these seven towns offer something for everyone. For those seeking an authentic southwest getaway in 2024, these towns will provide an unforgettable experience.
