A rich Spanish heritage intermingles with the traditions of Native American tribes still living in the region. From natural wonders to historic sites and much-anticipated festivals, the Land of Enchantment enthralls all who visit. And, celebrating its centennial this year, Route 66 bisects the state, delivering nostalgic experiences along New Mexico’s stretch of the Mother Road.
Popular Demand
High Road to Taos Scenic Byway
Departing charming Santa Fe, with its abundance of galleries and museums, the High Road to Taos crosses the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The road passes alpine meadows, crosses dense forests and winds through traditional Spanish and Pueblo villages. Stop at local art studios, wood-carving workshops in Cordova and the historic plaza of Truchas or time the drive around late-September’s “High Road Art Tour.” Historic churches include the National Historic Landmark of El Santuario de Chimayo, which is famous for pilgrimages, and the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church in Ranchos de Taos, depicted in Georgia O’Keeffe’s 1930 oil painting, “Ranchos Church.” The byway ends at the outdoor mecca of Taos where Native American culture and art come together.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
In the early mornings of October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta releases waves of hot air balloons — 550 in all. The 2026 theme, “The Scenic Route,” reflects Route 66’s centennial. Globito Glow in the Village features 66 “globitos” along a half-mile stretch of the original Route 66 in Los Ranchos, creating a glowing balloon display. The Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum traces the history of ballooning from 1783 to balloons that have crossed oceans in contemporary times. During Balloon Fiesta, breakfast or dinner on the museum’s observation deck features local chefs. Lunch Aloft on the balcony features a docent-led introduction to ballooning.
White Sands National Park
Miles of pure white sand tower into rippling dunes at White Sands National Park just 45 miles east of Las Cruces. As the world’s largest gypsum dune field, these 275 square miles can be seen from space. Gypsum doesn’t absorb heat, which makes the dunes comfortable to walk on year-round. Groups can venture out on a trail, slide down the dunes in a saucer purchased at the visitor center, go on a ranger-guided moonlit hike or take the Lake Lucero tour to the “birthplace of the dunes.” The park’s “Dunes Drive” offers 8 miles of turnouts, wayside exhibits and photo ops.
Up and Coming
Roswell UFO Festival
Gaining momentum in its 30th year, Roswell’s UFO Festival spans four days during the July 4th weekend. Commemorating the “Roswell Incident,” it celebrates the recovered 1947 crash of an unidentified flying object. Events include speakers with Q&A at the International UFO Museum and Research Center’s “UFOlogist Invasion;” a parade; pet and human alien costume contests; live music; and more. The Invasion Station gift shop sells alien-related clothing and accessories and offers photo ops next to its alien spaceship and giant alien. More extraterrestrial fun occurs at the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium, the festival’s drone show and tours at the UFO museum.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Deep below the Chihuahuan Desert, the limestone formations of Carlsbad Caverns have long captivated adventurers. This year, the ranger-led Lower Cave Tour returns. Visitors don helmets, headlamps and gloves before descending 60 feet on ladders, navigating tight squeezes and walking uneven terrain in total darkness. The self-guided Big Room Tour features North America’s largest single cave chamber by volume, while the historic 1.25-mile Natural Entrance Trail boasts an elevation equal to a 75-story building. Groups can watch the film “Hidden World” at the visitor center and attend the free Bat Flight Program, April through October, to watch the bats emerging from the cavern in search of food.
Route 66 Centennial
East to west, Tucumcari lights up Route 66’s centennial. Abundant neon signs along its 7-mile stretch illuminate icons such as the Blue Swallow Motel and Tee Pee Curios. Outside Tucumcari, Art City is a new immersive sculpture park and glamping destination featuring internationally renowned artists. Albuquerque claims the longest intact urban stretch of Route 66, renamed Central Avenue, totaling 18 miles with five nostalgic motels and eateries in renovated buildings. Happenings include Route 66 Summerfest on July 18 and downtown’s 1927 KiMo Theatre premiering a Route 66 documentary in October. Further west, Gallup’s Indigenous culture, history and art lend their own spin to the Route 66 celebration.
Overnight Sensations
La Fonda on the Plaza
Centuries of history await guests at La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe. Guest rooms in this Spanish Pueblo Revival hotel showcase custom-painted headboards, and each is unique. The lobby boasts hand-hewn beams and original Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter-designed furniture. Complimentary docent-led art and history tours highlight the $3 million art collection, featuring over 1,200 objects that span Native American artwork, paintings, sculptures and hand-painted glass panes. The rooftop Bell Tower Bar frames red-orange sunsets, while La Plazuela restaurant features innovative Southwestern cuisine. Nightly, La Fiesta Lounge hosts local musicians and serves as a hub for relaxation, much as it did during the 1940s Manhattan Project.
Hotel El Rancho
Situated on historic Route 66 and built in 1937, Hotel El Rancho in Gallup became a base for major movie productions and stars such as Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn and John Wayne. No two guest rooms are alike; each is furnished with eclectic Western decor and dedicated to the stars who stayed there. Rumors suggest several rooms are haunted. The lobby’s dramatic red-carpet staircase has walls filled with signed photos of more than 100 movie stars. Rustic cowboy decor embellishes the original Silver Screen dining room, and the 49er Lounge — the gathering spot for movie stars — serves killer margaritas.
Memorable Meals
Doc Martin’s and The Adobe Bar
Tucked into downtown’s Taos Inn and identified by its neon thunderbird sign, Doc Martin’s lies in the heart of historic Taos. Named after the county’s first physician in the 1890s, this original conglomerate of adobe homes, where Thomas Paul “Doc” Martin and his wife lived, became the meeting place for the Taos Society of Artists. The restaurant incorporates locally sourced ingredients, and menu highlights feature the legendary chili rellenos and margaritas. Nightly live music entertains at the adjoining Adobe Bar, known as “the Living Room of Taos.” In 1982, Taos Inn was placed on the National and State Register of Historic Places.
Sparky’s
Featured on New Mexico’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, Sparky’s in Hatch delivers classic Americana. As the “Chile Capital of the World,” Hatch Valley is renowned for growing green and red chile peppers in its volcanic soil and arid climate. Diners chow down on Sparky’s award-winning green chile cheeseburgers accompanied by live weekend music. “Chile-fied” versions of tried-and-true dishes include chocolate or strawberry chile milkshakes. Labor Day weekend’s Hatch Chile Festival transforms the town into a chile extravaganza, where the smoky aroma of fresh-roasted chiles wafts over chile-eating contests and live entertainment.
