Top 8 New Mexico Towns To Visit In 2025
Each year, over 40 million people visit New Mexico—and many are surprised by the diversity beyond its major cities. Outside of Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe, most towns across the state maintain smaller populations while offering rich history, striking geography, and vibrant events. Farmington, for instance, is the nearest city to the only point in the U.S. where four states converge. Roswell draws visitors not just for its UFO legacy but also for its art and outdoor attractions. The following towns stand out for their distinctive culture, landscapes, and landmark experiences.
Roswell
One of the most famous towns in New Mexico, Roswell gained notoriety in 1947 when a UFO with aliens aboard was said to have crashed in the town. Or did it? A conspiracy and coverup allegedly ensued and still remain a mysterious curiosity. Tourists interested in UFOs and alien life travel to Roswell to see for themselves and are welcomed at the International UFO Museum and Research Center.
The Roswell Museum and Art Center's Robert H. Goddard Wing houses information about the scientist's rocket launch experiments and technology. The town of 47,109 residents also explores the arts with an Artist-in-Residence Program, whose work is showcased at the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. Kids will love Spring River Park and Zoo! Bottomless Lakes State Park has something for everyone, from water sports to swimming and fishing. Pop into Taqueria Jalisco for Mexican fare all day or steak at the Cattle Baron.
Carlsbad
In the southeast part of the state is Carlsbad, home to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Regardless of how many caverns you have seen around the US, you will be amazed by the more than 119 caves, ancient sea ledges, flowering cacti, and bats in flight. Park admission (or pass) and a timed ticket are required. Take a guided ranger tour when available, or explore at your own pace. Choose between two hiking trails in The Big Room, one 1.25 miles long and the other a shortcut at .6 miles.
Visitors to the town (population 31,499) also enjoy Lake Carlsbad along the Pecos River and its Beach Park for swimming, water sports, fishing, and relaxing. For a different kind of adventure, see wildlife, including bison and mountain lions, at Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. Stay in Carlsbad at the quaint Fiddler's Inn, Trinity Hotel and Restaurant, or an all-suites hotel. Guadalupe Mountain Brewing has pizza, subs, and salads to go with your brew, plus live entertainment, karaoke, and open mic nights.
Farmington
In the heart of the state's Four Corners region, where New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah meet, is the town of Farmington (pop. 46,237). A great photo op is at the Four Corners Monument, the only spot in the US where four states meet. Live horse racing at SunRay Park & Casino begins Friday, April 18, and runs Friday through Sunday every weekend through May 25, from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Check out the Museum of Navaho Art and Culture's two exhibits that run through December 31: Visions of Shiprock and Dine (Navaho) Weavings. The Heart Gallery showcases local artists every week through September 12. Visit the downtown Maker's Market on Thursdays in Orchard Park from June 5 through September 25. For a unique overnight, rent Kokopelli's Cave, a B&B 70 feet below the cliff top, where temperatures stay between 68 and 73 degrees year-round. All the comforts of home with the Four Corners view, desert sunsets, and a waterfall shower. Relax in the casual environment at Three Rivers Eatery and Brewhouse, where food is eclectic and fun.
Taos
It is difficult to say whether more travelers love Taos for its amazing ski opportunities or for its renown as an Art Colony. Fortunately, you do not need to choose one or the other, for both coexist beautifully. If first-timers at the Ski Valley are intimidated by the steep terrain that greets them, the legendary "DON'T PANIC" sign reassures them that beginner and intermediate slopes are plentiful, too. Returning skiers and snowboarders appreciate that snow conditions are well-preserved since ski runs mostly face north.
Below Ski Valley lies the town of Taos (pop. 6,427). In 1915, six artists formed the Taos Society of Artists, which operated until 1927, laying the groundwork to establish Taos as an Art Colony that has continued to evolve. The work of these early artists and more recent Taos artists can be seen at Harwood Museum of Art and the Taos Art Museum. Visit Taos Pueblo, the oldest continuously inhabited community in the country, which is over 1,000 years old. Stay at Hotel Luna Mystica or a tiny home surrounded by spectacular landscape views.
Los Alamos
Once known as Site or Project Y, the top secret location where atomic bombs were researched and developed during World War II, Los Alamos (pop. 13,471) today is still a center for scientific research. Visit the Los Alamos National Laboratory to learn about The Manhattan Project, new research into tracking satellites without GPS, how stars may dissolve and forge heavy elements, and more cutting-edge findings. Check out events at the Bradbury Science Museum during your visit, like their annual High-Tech Halloween with hands-on science experiments.
Just outside of Los Alamos is Valles Caldera National Preserve, a 1.25-million-year-old geologic indentation 13 miles wide where visitors can go hiking, mountain biking, trout fishing, horseback riding, and enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The preserve houses a large elk population, golden eagles, wild turkeys, prairie dogs, and black bears. Try the Blue Window Bistro's vegetarian dishes and El Parasol's authentic New Mexican dishes.
Ruidoso
If you are seeking adventure, Ruidoso has it to spare. Start with a Ski Apache Zip Tour 11,000 feet in the air, on parallel ziplines with a fellow adventurer if you like, at speeds of up to 65 mph, traveling 8,900 feet on one of the most extended, fastest zip lines you will ever experience. Another day, you might decide to go hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding on the trails. Families enjoy a day at Pillow's Funtrackers with go-karts, bumper boats and cars, mini golf, and even panning for gems.
See the horse races at Ruidoso Downs from May 24 through September 2, Fridays through Sundays, and holidays. Whenever you plan to visit Ruidoso, it's likely there will be a festival in town, like the Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire from May 16 through May 18, the HighRollers Tattoo Festival from June 13 through June 15, and the Art and Wine Festival from July 25 through July 27. Try your luck at Billy the Kid Casino any time you are in Ruidoso.
Chimayo
Every year, 300,000 Catholic pilgrims make their way to the town of Chimayo (pop. 2,726), especially during Holy Week, to experience what they believe to be the healing powers of the soil. Specifically, El Santuario de Chimayo, also called "Lourdes of America," is a shrine that includes a small church, a gated garden, and the surrounding paths. It sits roughly upon the site where healing and miracle cures were said to have occurred when mud made of soil mixed with water was applied to the skin. The Pueblo and Tewa tribes also considered the area to be sacred long before the Spanish came.
Whether you visit Chimayo on a pilgrimage or vacation, the shrine is beautiful. Also, visit Centinela Traditional Arts gallery for hand-woven rugs, blankets, and clothing. Check out El Potrero Trading Post's religious items, green and red chiles, and folk art by local artists. For overnight stays, look into Casa Escondida B&B or Inn at the Delta for cozy rooms with fireplaces.
Silver City
Forget anything you may have heard about Silver City being a ghost town. While the town was abandoned after the silver and gold rush, today Silver City is a vibrant, bustling town (pop. 9,377) that relishes its historic ties but makes the ost of its magnificent location. Explore the Gila National Forest, hike along the Continental Divide Trail and wander among the huge monolithic rocks in City of Rocks State Park.
Visit the Silver City Museum to find out how the town's history shaped what it is today. Prepare to be welcomed by the friendly merchants, artists, performers, and residents downtown. Consider planning your visit around the Silver City Blues Festival May 2; Fiesta Latina June 5 through June 8 with music, dance, and its juried artisan market; the Clay Festival July 14 through July 30 with workshops on clay styles and details; the car show in August; the Gila River Festival in September, first Friday gallery tours, and other events throughout the year. Campgrounds, RV parks, quaint B & Bs, and hotels like The Murray featuring family accommodations give you lots of choices for your stay in Silver City.
Summing up New Mexico's Top Towns
New Mexico is full of mysteries to ponder, from contemplating UFOs in Roswell to miracles in Chimayo. The state abounds with options for indulging an adventurous spirit, whether exploring Carlsbad Caverns National Park or double ziplining in Ruidoso. The Gila National Forest is right in Silver City's backyard, and in many parts of the state, outdoor lovers can ski in the mountains one day and fish along a river the next. With such magnificent scenery as a backdrop, it is not surprising that the arts are so revered. The breathtaking landscape is often depicted in paintings and photographs, with its vibrant colors displayed in weavings and pottery. The only dilemma visitors face is where to go first!
