7 Friendliest Towns To Visit In New Mexico In 2024
New Mexico is a beautiful state known for its natural wonders and vibrant, friendly culture. While people normally associate the warm ambiance of New Mexico with big cities such as Santa Fe, New Mexico's smaller towns will make you feel right at home. Towns like Gallup will draw you in with their cultural heritage and historic charm. Taos will make you want to stay longer because of the beautiful scenery and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or a family vacation, the state's smaller towns are the places that will make you feel right at home. Here are seven small New Mexico towns to consider checking out on your next trip in 2024.
Gallup
Gallup is a cute small town that combines outdoor adventure, cultural heritage, and historic charm. It's sometimes referred to as "The Heart of Indian Country" since it's set on the edge of a Navajo reservation. You can learn more about the indigenous culture at the Navajo Code Talker Museum and the community center. Other ways to learn about the history of the town are by visiting historic buildings. The El Morro Theater is a fully restored theater from 1928. It's a great spot to catch a movie. The El Rancho Hotel is another historic spot. The hotel is just off Route 66 and dates back to the 40s and 50s. The hotel's claim to fame is that famous people such as Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, and Katherine Hepburn all stayed at the hotel. Beyond the historic sites in Gallup, there are a lot of outdoor sites to enjoy. Church Rock and the High Desert Mountain Trails are two great spots to hike and have an adventure.
Galisteo
Galisteo is a cute community near Santa Fe that is filled with art studios, beautiful scenery, ranches, and good eats. The town has many events throughout the year, such as taco breakfast and a rodeo parade, bringing the community together. There are cute art galleries in Galisteo that you can explore. A couple of great ones to check out are the Allan Houser Sculpture Gardens and Gallery and Hat Ranch Gallery. The Black Bird Saloon is a great spot to stop for a bite to eat. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the Galisteo Basin Preserve, which boasts several hiking paths and mountain bike trails. Learn about the history of Galisteo at the Casa Grande Trading Post, which shows the town's history. Galisteo is also a famous filming location. It's been the backdrop for several Western films, including Young Guns, Silverado, and Crazy Heart. Watch your favorite film before visiting the town so you can take photos at the location where your favorite film is being shot.
Tucumcari
This charming town is a well-loved stop on Route 66 for weary travelers. The town is perfect for a weekend getaway with unique art displays, beautiful landscapes and historic buildings to enjoy. A great way to enjoy the art scene in Tucumcari is by taking photos of the murals around town. There are 40 murals to see on a walking or driving tour.
If you're curious about the past, check out Tucumcari's Historical Museum. Housed in the old Schoolhouse from 1903, check out the building's unique history and see artifacts from the town's past. The Tucumcari Railroad Museum is another great spot to learn about the town's history. The Railroad Museum shows the people who had a significant role in creating the railroads in the town. You can go even further into the past at the town's Mesalands Dinosaur Museum. Located on Route 66, the museum shows off fossils and lots of cool rocks.
Madrid
Once a busy coal mining town, Madrid is now a town with a vibrant art scene and breathtaking scenery. To step back in time and visit the town's coal mining past, check out the Mine Shaft Tavern and Cantina. Originally built in 1895, the site burned to the ground and was rebuilt in 1947. The tavern is famous for having the longest bar in the state. Behind the tavern is the Madrid Old Coal Town Museum. This museum shows more of the town's coal mining past with a collection of old mining tools. To see the artistic side of Madrid, pay a visit to the Johnsons of Madrid Galleries to see the work of local artists. Stop at the Gifted Hands gallery for a one-of-a-kind gift made by local artists to take home. Madrid is also a great spot to explore some of New Mexico's epic landscapes, such as the nearby Oritz Mountains.
Ruidoso
Located in Lincoln County, Ruidoso is another town with Wild West history and serene scenery. There are several historic buildings to visit around Ruidoso, including The Fort Stanton State Historic Site, Lincoln State Historic Site and the White Oaks Ghost Town. Inside White Oaks, stop for a visit to the No Scum Allowed Saloon. This is arguably the best cowboy bar in America. The atmosphere inside the bar is friendly and old-fashioned. Stopping here, you will feel like you have stepped back in time.
A unique historic spot to explore in Ruidoso is Smokey Bear Historical Park. The park shows the history of Smokey Bear, the famous mascot of the United States Forest Service. To feel like you're part of the towns wild west history, wander around in Fox Cave. Inside the cave it's easy to imagine being an outlaw froma wild west film. The cave also has interesting artifacts to see inside, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex head and Indian artifacts.
Taos
Taos is another friendly town in New Mexico with an abundance of natural beauty. Taos is near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, one of the best hiking spots in the state. Many of the state's highest peaks are in this mountain range. Some popular hikes include the 5.6-mile Devisadero Peak, the 3.3-mile Traders Trail, and the 14.5-mile Ojitos Canyon Trail. Stop at the Black Rock Hot Springs to relax after a day of hiking. This is the ultimate relaxation spot to unwind and enjoy mountain views. If you're visiting Taos in wintertime, check out the Taos Ski Valley. The snow-covered slopes are perfect for skiing and enjoying a winter walk. On the outskirts of Taos, there is another hidden gem, Williams Lake. The stunning landscape is the perfect picnic spot. For those who prefer to explore the culture of the town, check out The Blumenschein Home & Museum and the Taos Art Museum. Both museums showcase stunning local talent.
Santa Rosa
Located in the rolling hills of wine country, Santa Rosa is a relaxing town with a warm, welcoming ambiance. There are many wineries around the town where you can enjoy a glass of wine and the surrounding scenery. To explore the wine country without having to worry about driving, consider checking out the wine tours at Pure Luxury Transportation. Besides the rolling hills of the vineyards, Santa Rosa also has views of the water. The town is close to Bodega Bay, a great spot to enjoy the waves on the shore.
History buffs and art lovers, will love visiting the Museum of Sonoma County. Here you can see the historic exhibits in the old 1910 post office. There is even a sculpture garden around the building. A unique museum to visit in Santa Rosa is the Charles M. Schulz Museum. This features original comic art, a re-creation of Schulz’s studio including the original Peanuts comic work.
Planning Your Visit
Any of the towns on this list make a great weekend getaway. All of them have a strong sense of culture and community, making for a warm, welcoming ambiance. While all the towns on the list are friendly, they are all attractive vacation spots for different reasons. Ruidoso will entertain anyone with its Wild West vibes and unique attractions such as the Smokey Bear Historical Park. Santa Rosa is the perfect spot for wine lovers to enjoy a glass of wine and stunning views. Madrid is a great spot to explore history and enjoy the nearby Oritz Mountains. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or wine enthusiast, there is a small town in New Mexico for you to enjoy.
