7 Towns in New Mexico With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
New Mexico is full of small towns that await the arrival of visitors. From Taos' artsy vibe to Silver City's Old West charm, New Mexico's small towns are among the best places to visit and create beautiful memories. Whether it is strolling around Taos Plaza, exploring the Silver City Museum, or hiking on the Ruidoso River Trail, these destinations mean relaxation and enrichment.
Taos
At the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on one side, Taos has a lively downtown filled with historic adobe buildings. The Taos Plaza is in the middle, surrounded by galleries, shops, and coffee houses. One can stroll through the Harwood Museum of Art or take a quiet walk in Kit Carson Park. The Taos Historic District tells its rich Native American and Spanish legacy, containing such landmarks as the San Francisco de Asís Mission Church. Other must-visit places to put on the list include the Taos Art Museum and the Taos Pueblo, which bears a UNESCO World Heritage site designation.
Silver City
Silver City is one of the most scenic small towns in New Mexico. This old frontier town boasts Wild West flair and an inviting downtown with colorful storefronts. The Silver City Museum provides information about the town's mining history. Big Ditch Park offers a unique green space, which is a remodeled drainage ditch. Many galleries feature local talent, with accommodations flavored by history in the Murray Hotel. Other attractions include the Silver City Farmers' Market and the Western New Mexico University Museum. Visitors can also take a history-rich excursion to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. The Silver City MainStreet Project coordinates local activities, and directly next door is the Continental Divide Trail for hiking.
Ruidoso
Ruidoso's downtown pairs up-to-date comfort with natural beauty seamlessly. Within the Midtown Shopping District are boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. Grindstone Lake is just a few minutes away, and it is great for kayaking and fishing. The Ruidoso River Trail provides a serene hike. The Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts and nearby Ski Apache provide entertainment and outdoor adventure. Horse racing is available through the Ruidoso Downs Race Track, while Cree Meadows public golf course provides a scenic backdrop for golf. Pillow's Funtrackers amusement park provides family fun, and the Lincoln National Forest has kept hundreds of miles for hiking and biking.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, New Mexico, is an underrated small town that has a historic downtown area with over 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The Plaza Hotel, which dates from 1882, is one of the best-known landmarks of the city. Guided nature walks and birdwatching are available from the Las Vegas Wildlife Refuge. The Rough Riders Memorial Collection has exhibits on local history. Other attractions are the Las Vegas City Museum and Montezuma Hot Springs. Not missing from the list is the historic Castaneda Hotel and Storrie Lake State Park. The Fort Union National Monument expresses Civil War history, while the Gallinas River Park provides a serene outdoor experience.
Socorro
Socorro is one of the most beautiful small towns in New Mexico. Its downtown combines historic locations with more modern points of interest. Among the most impressive places is the San Miguel Mission, dating from the late 16th century. Various engaging geological exhibits are exposed at the New Mexico Tech Mineral Museum. Socorro's Plaza is small and unassuming, yet a very nice place to sit and sample local restaurants. Other places of interest include the Socorro Historic District and the Hammel Museum. The Very Large Array of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory offers tours, while the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge can also be visited. Other historic attractions include the Garcia Opera House and Escondida Lake.
Carlsbad
Downtown Carlsbad has a mix of cultural and natural attractions. The Carlsbad Museum and Art Center hosts regional art exhibits that showcase the history of the locals. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park provides a unique encounter with local wildlife and flora. Historic Stevens Inn offers comfortable accommodations in the heart of downtown. The Carlsbad Water Park is a good venue for family fun, and Sitting Bull Falls provides a beautiful water-falling experience. Other points of interest are the Halagueno Arts Park and the Cavern City Air Terminal Museum.
Artesia
Artesia is known as a town perfect for retirement. Its downtown area is dynamic with its public art and historic buildings. The Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center provides a view of the town's history. On the main street of Artesia, there are beautiful stores and small cafes. Other places to visit include the Artesia Public Library, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, and Bulldog Bowl Stadium. Fun for the entire family can be had at the Artesia Aquatic Center. Eagle Draw Park boasts some beautiful green space, while a local skate park provides an area to get in some recreational time.
Small towns in New Mexico come with beautiful downtown areas that are full of history and culture that visitors will cherish for years to come. From Taos' adobe buildings to the Old West character of Silver City to the artistic vibrancy of Ruidoso, these towns are full of uniqueness. Museums, beautiful parks to relax in, and a very rich heritage make everything available to help the visitors learn more about history, art, and the outdoors.
