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New Mexico Travel Guide – What to Do, See, & Pack
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items I've traveled all over the USA and have been to New Mexico more than once. In my opinion, New Mexico is such an underrated state. I love the food and there is so much culture and history there. This list has inspiration for what to visit in New Mexico if you don't know where to start. It also goes over the best cities to visit, national parks, and essentials to pack for a New Mexico trip.
Sections
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New Mexico Travel Inspiration
New Mexico Cities
New Mexico National Parks
New Mexico Trip Essentials
New Mexico Travel Inspiration
Visiting New Mexico and not sure what you want to see? This section shows the best New Mexico has to offer so you can start planning what you want to do on your trip.
Tourism New Mexico's website for recommendations.
New Mexico Tourism & Travel - Vacations, Attractions & Things to Do
My Pinterest board with all things New Mexico after visiting there.
New Mexico Travel
This Youtube video can help you decide what you want to see in New Mexico.
10 Best Places to Visit in New Mexico - Travel Video
I've done this road trip and here is my guide for what to see and where to stop. It makes the journey from Albuquerque to Santa Fe more enjoyable.
Albuquerque to Santa Fe Drive: 6 Stops on the Turquoise Trail - Map Getaways
This is one of my favorite solo travelers! Watch this video for many of New Mexico's top attractions to decide if it is something you want to do.
My Solo Trip to New Mexico
I like to use bucket list when I start planning a trip. I'll pick 2-3 top attractions I want to see and then plan my trip from there.
New Mexico Bucket List Printable
New Mexico Cities
This section shows you want the top cities to visit in New Mexico are. Each city offers something unique for visitors.
I've been to both cities and love them both! Read to learn the biggest differences and what each city highlights best in this blog post.
Santa Fe vs. Albuquerque: Which is Better to Visit? - Map Getaways
This guide was written after my visit to Santa Fe. Get an idea of what not to miss!
What Are the 16 Best Things to do in Santa Fe for Your First Visit? - Map Getaways
Santa Fe is the capital city of New Mexico. Here is the Santa Fe Tourism website for recommendations.
Santa Fe
Albuquerque is known for the world famous Balloon Festival. Albuquerque Tourism website recommendations.
Albuquerque
Taos is known for its art and historic Taos Pueblo. Taos Tourism website recommendations.
Taos
Roswell is known for UFO's so you will see the alien and space theme all over the city. Roswell Tourism website for recommendations.
Roswell
Las Cruces is a city surrounded by mountains with a rich history. Las Cruces Tourism website for recommendations.
Las Cruces
After being to Albuquerque twice here is a list for what not to miss when visiting!
15 Fun Things to Do in Albuquerque
Old Town is my favorite part of Albuquerque. If you only have time for one stop in Albuquerque, go to Old Town! Here is a guide for what to do.
10 BEST Things to Do in Old Town Albuquerque
Albuquerque has some fun different options to stay at!
The 10 BEST Hotels in Albuquerque
I've traveled to Albuquerque twice, once being as a solo female traveler. Here is a guide about safety and how to stay safe when visiting.
Is Albuquerque Safe? Everything You Need to Know
New Mexico National Parks
New Mexico has 2 national parks: White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns. Learn all about these parks in this section.
White Sands is the world's largest gypsum dunefield. It is a small, but fun park to visit. Sunset or sunrise are the best times to visit it.
White Sands National Park
This national park is a massive cave near the Texas border. If you are visiting late May-October make sure to watch the bats emerge from the caverns.
Carlsbad Caverns - National Park Service
I loved White Sands! I went to both sunrise and sunset, my favorite was sunset! Just know after sunset unless you are camping you have to leave the park. It does have a closing time unlike most national parks.
White Sands National Park: The Ultimate Guide
Yes even as an adult I tried sand sledding! It's one of the top things to do in the park so I didn't want to miss out.
White Sands National Park Sledding: Complete Pro Guide 2025
New Mexico Trip Essentials
Wondering what some must have items are for traveling to New Mexico? Here are some essentials to take with you on your trip!
Danner is the brand I use for hiking boots. I've loved all the pairs I've used from them.
Danner Women's Hiking Boots
Polarized sunglasses are great because they reduce glare. This is helpful when visiting places like White Sands National Park because the white sand can be so bright.
Best Polarized Sunglasses For Women
When I travel or do short hikes I always carry a Patagonia backpack.
Travel & Carry-on Backpacks by Patagonia
This water bottle seems to hold up well from getting dents and dings if you drop your water bottle frequently.
Insulated Water Bottle with Straw - Classic Sport Canteen - Corkcicle.
These wide brim sun hats are good when getting out in the New Mexico sun. On one of my New Mexico trips I went in July and I wore my hat like this most everyday.
Sun Brim Hats for Women - San Diego Hat Company
I've been sunburned when traveling and it's not fun. This is even in a fun travel size!
Travel Size Products - Sun Bum