9 Ideal New Mexico Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024
New Mexico, known as the Land of Enchantment for its captivating culture, breathtaking scenery, art scene, and authentic cuisine, is ideal for a three-day weekend in 2024. The state is a paradise for adventure seekers who love the great outdoors. Enjoy nature's beauty and explore recreational activities at popular sites like City of Rocks State Park near Silver City and Storrie Lake State Park in Las Vegas. In New Mexico, you will find fascinating museums, like the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe and Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos, annual events, like the New Mexico State Fair and Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and New Mexican cuisine at local eateries and restaurants. Discover why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment in the best New Mexico weekend getaways for 2024.
Albuquerque
Put Albuquerque at the top of your list for a three-day weekend getaway in 2024. First up on your itinerary should be Old Town, a popular place among tourists with several eateries, shops, and galleries. It is also home to the Albuquerque Museum, which has rotating exhibits, a sculpture garden, a gallery store, and a café. Other top attractions in Albuquerque include the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and the Explora Science Center and Children's Museum. Explore ABQ BioPark's zoo, botanic garden, and aquarium areas, or retreat to Tingley Beach to enjoy wildlife, fishing, and hiking. Albuquerque also hosts several events, like the New Mexico State Fair, held each September with livestock exhibits, live entertainment, rides, games, and vendors.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park, which takes place every October, is another popular event. It is the largest annual international festival in the United States, offering a magical world of uniquely designed balloon rodeos, colorful balloon skies, and evening balloon glows. During your time in Albuquerque, relax in luxury and style at Sandia Resort & Casino, Isleta Resort & Casino, or Hotel Chaco, which are some of the city's top resorts with a collection of restaurants, spas, entertainment, and nightlife.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe, the state capital, is an ideal destination for your next vacation. Depending on lodging preferences, Santa Fe offers everything from quaint bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, which features a full-service spa, stunning pool, and fine dining options. Make the most of your trip by checking out the city's diverse culinary scene and upscale boutiques and shops, in addition to historical sites like the Camel Rock Monument and Indian Pueblos, the Santa Fe Opera, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, and the Santa Fe National Forest, for fun outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping.
If you are into film festivals, then you should plan your trip in October for the annual Santa Fe International Film Festival, one of the biggest film competitions in the United States.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is another option for an exciting three-day weekend getaway in 2024. During your vacation, be sure to visit one of the many art galleries, catch a movie at a classic drive-in theater, go on a historic walking tour, attend a cultural event, enjoy the great outdoors at Storrie Lake State Park, or stroll through the Old Town Historic District, which has many shops, boutiques, bookstores, and coffee shops.
For lodging, consider the El Porvenir Campground, a bed and breakfast or cabin, or a hotel like the Historic Plaza Hotel with Victorian-style rooms overlooking Old Town Plaza Park.
Taos
Taos is a historic town in New Mexico nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. For your weekend getaway, choose from plenty of accommodations. Stay at the cozy Dreamcatcher Bed & Breakfast, which is close to Taos Plaza, or choose luxury lodging at Edelweiss Lodge and Spa, a top-rated ski resort with one, two, and three-bedroom options, on-site dining, a spa, and a ski shop. Many galleries and museums in Taos are worth exploring, such as the Harwood Museum of Art, Taos Art Museum, and Millicent Rogers Museum, which showcases the town's arts and culture scene.
Taos Pueblo, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and the Río Grande del Norte National Monument are other main attractions that make Taos an exciting place to visit. Taos hosts the Las Fiestas de Taos at the Historical Taos Plaza annually. This event celebrates Spanish culture with authentic food, parades, and musical and dance performances.
Las Cruces
From a vibrant cultural scene to outdoor recreation, there is plenty to see and do in Las Cruces. You should attend the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market, one of the country's top farmer's markets. Held every Saturday in downtown Las Cruces on Main Street, the market has everything from art and jewelry to produce and baked goods. In addition to the famous weekly farmer's market, Main Street is home to breweries, cafés, coffee shops, shops, and popular restaurants.
Las Cruces has incredible galleries, public art displays, theatrical productions, and cultural centers. Other places of interest are Prehistoric Trackways National Monument and White Sands National Park. Top accommodations include Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, Hacienda de Mesilla, and Lundeen Inn of the Arts.
Roswell
Roswell is a city filled with mystery and wonder. It is home to the International UFO Museum and Research Center, which features an extensive library and exhibits focused on the history of UFO encounters. If the existence of aliens piques your interest, then add this museum to your itinerary. The city also hosts the annual Roswell UFO Festival over the 4th of July weekend. The out-of-this-world event takes place over three days with guest speakers and panels, live entertainment, costume contests, and a parade. Roswell's Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, Roswell Museum and Art Center, and the Walker Aviation Museum may also pique your interest.
Attractions, like the Roswell Visitor Center, Roswell UFO Spacewalk, and Spaceport Roswell, make the city unique. Many traditional hotel options are available in Roswell, such as Comfort Suites, the Holiday Inn, and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott.
Los Alamos
Los Alamos, located 45 minutes from Santa Fe, is home to ancient village sites, scenic views, diverse wildlife, art and cultural activities, and abundant recreational options. Book a guided tour at the Los Alamos History Museum or explore the fascinating Bradbury Science Museum. A Los Alamos walking tour is also worth doing if you want to check out the city's historic downtown area. For outdoor fun, Los Alamos is close to three national parks, as well as the Larry Walkup Aquatic Center, the Los Alamos Golf Course, the Los Alamos Ice Rink, the Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and the Los Alamos Nature Center.
Accommodations range from cozy bed and breakfasts, such as North Road Inn and Pueblo Canyon Inn and Gardens, to hotels like Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express at Entrada.
Silver City
Silver City is a great destination known for its Old West charm and high desert location. Surrounding the town is 3.3 million acres of forested hills, stunning mountains, and range terrain that make up the Gila National Forest. Silver City is near the City of Rocks State Park, where you can enjoy hiking trails, a botanical garden, and a public night sky observatory. The Catwalk National Recreation Area is also a relaxing way to spend the day enjoying the scenic views.
Silver City's historic downtown district has a vibrant arts, culture, and culinary scene worth checking out. Stay at the Serenity House, a historic bed and breakfast in the heart of the downtown area, or LuLu Silver City, which provides comfort and convenience with modernized rooms and continental breakfast.
Gallup
Gallup's art and cultural scene, recreational activities, and culinary offerings make it an excellent city for a three-day weekend getaway in 2024. Explore events like the Gallup Native Arts Market and the Gallup Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial, one the largest exhibitions of Native American arts and culture in the country, held every August. Another popular event is the Gallup Arts Crawl, a downtown arts festival held on the second Saturday of every month (through spring and fall). The event allows you to explore art demos, book signings, galleries, live music, and vendors. You will also find several trading posts, shops, and galleries in Gallup. The Gallup Cultural Center is also a place of interest where you can learn about the Native American heritage and culture.
Spend the day outdoors at Red Rock Park or Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Gallup is a city where culture meets cuisine with a mix of authentic New Mexican and Native American-inspired dishes offered at local restaurants. Plan your stay at the historic Hotel El Rancho, one of Gallup's most unique lodging options.
These nine New Mexico destinations present a fun three-day weekend of exploration, leisure, adventure, and cultural diversity in 2024. Outside of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, the top destinations to visit in the state, there is much more to New Mexico. Whether exploring the beautiful desert landscapes in Los Alamos, visiting the historical Indian Pueblos in Santa Fe, attending a cultural event in Taos, or learning about UFOs in Roswell, each city offers something intriguing for everyone. Now that you have a glimpse of New Mexico, it is time to plan a trip there in 2024 to experience it for yourself.
