9 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In New Mexico

From otherworldly landscapes and extraterrestrial sightings to some of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States and a vibrant contemporary art scene, visiting New Mexico delivers an incomparable journey through space and time. Aptly nicknamed “The Land of Enchantment”, this state boasts some of the highest diversity in climate and landscapes in the United States as well as a plethora of diverse cultures. This large and sparsely-populated state borders Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, and Mexico, making it not only a great destination in itself but an ideal jumping-off point to explore the Southwest United States and beyond. 

White Sands National Park

You may have been to beaches and deserts before, but you’ve never seen anything like the pure white, shimmering dunes at White Sands National Monument. Over 4.5 billion tons of gypsum sand make up 275 square miles of dunes, making this the largest gypsum dune field in the world! Take the 8-mile scenic drive or bike ride, stopping to marvel and snap photos of the otherworldly landscape and the strange creatures that live there. If you’re up for something more adventurous, try dune tobogganing or back-country camping under the clear, starry skies. When you’ve had your fill of the desert sun, head into nearby Las Cruces or Alomogordo to grab some authentic New Mexican cuisine, and make sure to try the signature green chile and a prickly pear margarita!

Roswell

If you’ve heard anything about New Mexico, it might be about this infamous site, which inspired decades of conspiracies and TV shows. Just outside the city of Roswell in 1947, conspiracy theorists allege that a UFO crashed and was covered up by the government. Today, you can visit the Roswell International UFO Museum and Research Center which houses materials related to the Roswell incident and other unexplained incidents, alongside models of aliens and UFOs. The rest of the town has also embraced this odd claim to fame. Head to the Roswell historic district to walk the streets and gawk at the UFO and alien-themed murals that line the walls. Or if you want to get more hands-on with the extraterrestrial experience, the UFO spacewalk is an interactive art exhibition and amusement center that’s fun for the whole family! If you are craving a late-night snack after a day of alien encounters, round out the day at the one-of-a-kind UFO-themed McDonald’s.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

One place you won’t have to worry about the desert heat is deep underground in the Carlsbad Caverns. While many caves are formed by rainwater eroding limestone, these caves formed in more extreme and fast-acting conditions when sulfuric acid dissolved the limestone. Over the past million years, stalagmites, stalactites, and many other weird and wondrous formations have decorated the caves. For beginners and those a little wary of tight spaces, the “Big Room” cave offers an expansive cave chamber, the largest in North America, and accessibility for wheelchair users. For those who want to venture further into the underground wilderness, the ranger-guided tours lead you through more intricate cave trails, with more tight squeezes and ropes required. Turn off your headlamp to experience the most complete and utter darkness imaginable. If you’re more of a surface-dweller, you can head above ground to explore the Guadalupe Mountains and the Chihuahuan desert. In the evening, make sure to catch the spectacle of hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats flying out to hunt. Back-country camping is permitted for those who want to sleep under the starry skies. Whereas, those who want a more luxurious sleep can choose from lodging options for any budget in the nearby city of Carlsbad.

Sante Fe

If the bustling city is more your scene, you will feel right at home in the vibrant, artsy atmosphere of Santa Fe. Stroll down Canyon Road, an eclectic arts district bursting with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Art appreciators and collectors of all stripes will find something they love, while directly supporting the local Native American, Latino, folk, and contemporary artists. At the heart of the city is the Sante Fe Plaza, a popular venue amongst locals and tourists alike, where you can experience free live music, shop at local flea markets, and dine at a variety of top-tier restaurants. If you’re feeling especially spicy, you can head along the Sante Fe Margarita trail, which will take you on a tasting tour of top-notch margaritas, and reward you with stamps in your Margarita passport!

Taos Pueblo

It’s one thing to visit an ancient cultural site, and it's another to visit one where the people and ancient traditions continue to thrive. Taos Pueblo is a spectacular area that has been an important site for the Taos people for 1000 years and has been continuously inhabited ever since, maintaining its indigenous cultural integrity while adopting new customs from the Spanish and Anglo-American cultures post-contact. Managed by the sovereign nation of the Taos people, and designated as a UNESCO heritage site, this pueblo has been remarkably preserved. You will be awestruck by the thousand-year-old multistoried adobe buildings, which have inspired countless photographers, artists, and architects throughout the years. You can show your appreciation for your visit by supporting the local artisans in purchasing one-of-a-kind wares such as moccasins, drums, silver jewelry, and mica-flecked pottery.

Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

If you are a nature lover, you cannot travel to this part of the country without paying a visit to the wild Rio Grande. This powerful water source and fertile valley system are vitally important in these dry, arid southern states as well as northern Mexico. The Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Refuge protects a rare ecologically intact section of the Rio Grande, which is home to many wildlife species. As such, this oasis in the desert provides unparalleled wildlife viewing, with tens of thousands of migratory cranes, geese, and ducks wintering at the refuge each year. Grab your binoculars and your bird guide and hit the trails to experience this natural wonder. 

Truth or Consequences

For those looking for a more relaxing vacation, or that need to unwind after caving, hiking, and alien encounters, the small resort town of Truth or Consequences is a must-visit. This region has been a healing destination for centuries, with people “taking the waters” (i.e. soaking in the hot, mineral-rich springs) for purported therapeutic effects. A 50 million-year-old fault line on the Rio Grande pumps out hot thermal water, which can be enjoyed in public bath houses or private baths. Sink deeper into relaxation by indulging in mud wraps, massage, reiki, and more therapeutic offerings. Once known more fittingly as Hot Springs, New Mexico, in 1950 the town voted to change the name to Truth or Consequences for a radio show by the same name.

Santa Fe Trail National Scenic Byway

Put yourself in the sturdy boots of the pioneers and travel through history along the Santa Fe trail, a 19th-century trade route that connected Missouri to New Mexico. When you picture the 6,000-pound Conestoga wagons rambling along these treacherous dusty routes at 15 miles per day, you’ll be happy to have the modern convenience of a vehicle for a 3-day weekend on the trail! Stop in the town of Cimarron, which lives up to its Spanish namesake, meaning “wild and unruly”. The mythos of the American West is apparent here, with a storied history of pioneering, mining, ranching, and a reputation for violent gunplay. If you’re feeling brave, you can stay at the St. James Hotel rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of Wild West murder victims. If you’re not superstitious, this hotel is still a fun stop to soak in the Wild West atmosphere graced by the likes of Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Buffalo Bill, and Annie Oakley!

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Rising out of the surrounding grasslands, the Capulin Volcano is a spectacular sight to behold! Hike or drive to the volcano rim to get 360 views of the surrounding volcanic field. You can even see geologic formations in four different states from the top (New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado). If you’re an archaeology buff, you won’t want to miss the nearby Folsom Man site, one of North America's most important archaeological sites. Giant Bison fossils and spearheads found here were made by prehistoric humans dating back ~12,000 years. This field-changing discovery was made by George McJunkin, a formerly enslaved cowboy and amateur archaeologist, who was only credited with this discovery after his death.

The Takeaway

With its vast deserts and Indigenous, Spanish, and American Western influences, New Mexico is emblematic of the Southwest region. Yet its natural and cultural diversity and unique, quirky towns make it an eclectic and stand-out state. Whether you appreciate nature, art, history, or unexplained mysteries, this state has no shortage of impressive locales and activities for an epic 3-day weekend. So pack your sunscreen, water, and your sense of awe as you embark on your exploration of this striking state.