8 Offbeat New Mexico Towns To Visit In 2025
New Mexico is a seamless blend of timeless towns, alien lore, and an enchanting history. The Land of Enchantment stays true to its nickname, offering travelers a mix of rugged landscapes, creative energy, and a touch of the unexpected around every corner. Watch the stars light up the night skies in Datil, walk through history at the ancient Aztec ruins, or dive into Roswell’s UFO heritage. Whether you’re soaring to new heights in Cloudcroft or rejuvenating in the hot springs of Jemez Springs, New Mexico delivers unforgettable adventures with an eccentric vibe.
Madrid
Madrid is an artsy town exploding with personality. Venture around the old-timey streets lined with colorful buildings, eclectic shops, and unique galleries. Check out an intriguing selection of steampunk-style items at 10PM Studio. Take home an attention-grabbing pin, lamp, or piece of jewelry. Indigo Gallery is another must-see in Madrid, featuring works from worldwide artists. Browse an impressive collection of bronze sculptures by Jill Shwaiko. This is one stop for art lovers that is not to be missed.
Formerly a mining town in the early 1800s, Madrid is a historical masterpiece. The Old Coal Town Museum gives a perfect glimpse into Madrid's mining heritage. Walk through an old mining building, take an epic photo with an old train, and see vintage vehicles and a blacksmith shop.
Roswell
Roswell is arguably one of the most famous towns in New Mexico and was put on the map after the 1947 UFO incident. Over the years, Roswell evolved, embracing its alien legacy and hosting many themed buildings and attractions. There is no better way to dive into this fascinating event than at the Roswell UFO Tour. Uncover the gripping chronological series of happenings and step into the very places where history was shaped. Continue discovering alien life at the annual UFO Festival. This summertime extravaganza commemorates the anniversary of what happened in 1947. Past festival events include a laser light show and guest speakers.
Channel your inner extraterrestrial at the UFO Space Walk. Bewitching for all ages, this memorable experience allows visitors to hop onboard an alien spaceship. The blacklight and sci-fi art make this a riveting experience for adults and kids alike. Afterward, take home a piece of Roswell with a souvenir from the Invasion Station Gift Shop. Nothing says New Mexico like an alien mug, shirt, or other adorable UFO collectible.
Taos
Taos is an off-beat New Mexico town known for its striking adobe buildings and tranquil atmosphere. Visit Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been occupied for over 1000 years. Currently housing a Native American community, Taos Pueblo hosts many events. Join them for Feast Days, San Geronimo Day, or Turtle Dance. The Earthship Visitor Center is another serene and unparalleled experience. Explore innovative homes made for off-the-grid living, built from recycled materials. The Earthship also grows its own food and harnesses the power of the sun and wind. Passionate tourists may choose to purchase their own Earthsip via the online store or by custom build.
Rich in arts and culture, Taos is a breathtaking creative hub. Spend an afternoon at the Millicent Rogers Museum. The exhibits wonderfully showcase Southwestern flair. Uncover a massive permanent collection with various works from Hispanic and Native American arts to jewelry designs by Millicent Rogers, and pottery by Maria Martinez. From time to time, the museum hosts special exhibitions such as Pastel Paintings and the journey of Chicano and Chicana artists.
Cloudcroft
Cloudcroft is a hidden treasure tucked away in the Sacramento Mountains. The village is an off-the-beaten-path town in New Mexico where the mountains meet the desert. At an elevation of 8,600 feet, Cloudcroft lives up to its name. Being one of the highest towns in New Mexico, visitors can literally roam among the clouds. Sleep among the puffy skies at The Lodge at Cloudcroft, a blend of historical elegance and sky-high thrills. Each guest room tells its own story, featuring unique decor and antiques. Continue the alpine expedition with a skating session at the James Sewell Ice Rink, the only natural ice rink in the entire state.
Surrounded by Lincoln National Forest and the Sacramento Mountains, Cloudcroft is a natural paradise with a diverse landscape. Being so high up, the panoramic views are otherworldly. Cloudcroft has an incredible selection of hiking trails. Grab a good pair of shoes and trek through the fir forest on the Osha Trail. For a more leisurely stroll, go bird-watching on the Little Apache Trail.
Aztec
Step into another era in Aztec, an old-world New Mexico city with rugged Southwest charm. The Aztec Ruins National Monument is an essential stop, boasting well-preserved Chacoan structures. Walk among the buildings formerly constructed by the Ancestral Puebloans. Visit the on-site museum for a deeper look into past Puebloan life. Continue delving into Aztec's intriguing past by heading to the Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village. The main building is filled with a peak in the early days. See old farm equipment, fossils, vintage toys, and historical photographs. Wander through over a dozen different buildings in the Pioneer Village, ranging from an old Aztec Jail, schoolhouse, blacksmith, and post office.
Aztec hosts quirky events throughout the year. Travel to Scotland without leaving the country at the annual Aztec Highland Games & Celtic Festival. Watch the strongest competitors test their skills at the Scottish Hammer Throw, the Stone Put, and the Caber Toss. Adults and children alike will enjoy the Highland Dancing and Bagpipe playing performances.
Jemez Springs
Steeped in natural beauty, Jemez Springs offers a peaceful escape. Hike in and around Battleship Rock, a 200-foot-tall geological wonder. The area is quiet and ideal for picnicking, fishing, and breathing in that clean New Mexico air. Continue basking in New Mexico's wilderness at Valles Caldera National Preserve. Catch an elk sighting and relish in the expansive landscape. Finish the day with a dip in the therapeutic mineral pools at the Jemez Hot Springs. You’ll love choosing from four different hot springs, each with a different temperature, and let the healing waters soak away stress.
Visitors can also take an adventure to Jemez Spring’s roots at the Jemez Historic Site. Many get lost in the village ruins, dating back around 700 years. The site features an old church, believed to have been built around 1621. For a complete experience, walk the interpretive trail through the archeological site and try to imagine what life was like back in the day.
Datil
Along the outskirts of Cibola National Forest lies the tiny town of Datil. With a population of less than 100, Datil feels more like a ghost town. Regardless, Datil is worth a visit, especially for those drawn to remote beauty and wide-open skies. Tourists can pitch a tent, grab some binoculars, and get ready to count thousands of stars at the Datil Well Recreation Area. Due to Datil's seclusion, the region is a hotspot for stargazing. Stay a while and trek the trails or see the mini museum at the Visitor's Center for a glimpse of Datil's past.
Small but mighty Datil showcases many alluring stops in the surrounding area. Adrenaline junkies will love climbing the Enchanted Tower. This iconic rock tower is popular among those looking for a thrilling challenge. Eccentric and ethereal, drive up to The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, located around the halfway point off Highway 60 between Magdalena and Datil. Used to study astronomy, this whimsical roadside attraction makes an out-of-this-world photo opportunity.
Silver City
Flourishing with wild west charm, Silver City is a Southwestern New Mexico destination with an enthralling background. The town is commonly associated with the legacy of the American outlaw, Billy the Kid. Although Billy's original home was demolished in 1894, tourists can visit where the log cabin once stood. Today, the location features a reconstructed 1870s-style cabin used as a film prop, offering a glimpse into the era’s rustic charm. Established in 1882, head down to the Old Silver City Cemetery. The site contains the remains of Billy the Kid's mother and the town founder.
Silver City has a distinguished art scene that attracts creative minds from all around. Choose from a large list of galleries, murals, theatrical performances, and live music, which make Silver City a bustling hub for bringing imagination to life. One can stroll through the ever-changing exhibits at the Light Art Space. From clay work to photography and paintings, the gallery has an eclectic selection of masterpieces. Take part in a workshop to hone those creative skills. Past classes include bookbinding, colored pencils, and printmaking.
Discover New Mexico's Off-Beat Towns
Magical and enchanting, New Mexico is filled with curiosity, strange oddities, and a fascinating history. Rejuvenate in the hot springs at Jemez Springs or relish in the arts in Taos or Silver City. Roswell is an essential destination with its captivating UFO backstory, and think about alien life while looking at the stars in remote Datil. Madrid's old mining heritage and the ancient ruins of Aztec are fascinating discoveries. Venture to Cloudcroft's one-of-a-kind diversity, where a mountain town is in the desert. New Mexico boasts endless quirky and eccentric adventures, perfect for all ages.
