Why Visit New Mexico?
Imagine a place with…
- the Southwest charm of Arizona, free from the constant raging heat
- the pristine alpine mountains of Colorado, without the unreasonable prices
- the frontier-cowboy culture of Texas, minus the 10+ hour drive
That place is New Mexico. Here you can wake up in a colorful desert, eat breakfast burritos under the cottonwoods, drive through volcanic country, walk into a centuries-old plaza, and end the day under some of the clearest night skies in the nation.
A Culture Unlike Any Other
New Mexico is rich in culture, no single identity can define it. Its distinctive heritage has been shaped by its 23 sovereign Native American tribes, its historic Spanish communities, and the Anglo frontiersmen who arrived more recently.
New Mexico is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other U.S. State.
The Best Food in the Southwest
New Mexicans put chile (NOT chili) on anything and everything. The combination of intense UV exposure, high elevations and dramatic temperature swings produce peppers that differ significantly from Mexican varieties and cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world (especially Colorado). New Mexico is also famed for its traditional desserts such as Natillas, Biscochitos, and Sopapillas with honey.
Mountains, Deserts, and Everything Between
When most people think of New Mexico, they picture a desert. They may be surprised to learn that New Mexico contains an impressive variety of habitats and landscapes.
The Northern regions of New Mexico host dozens of lakes and ski resorts, and the entire state is sprinkled with hot springs, campgrounds, and prime hiking country. A distinctively New Mexican habitat is the Bosque, a warm cottonwood forest that accompanies the Rio Grande, the large river running through the middle of the state.
Roadside America at Its Weirdest
New Mexico is the quintessential road-trip state, filled with beautiful destinations and memorable towns, but there’s much to see along the way. The state is dotted with rustic ghost towns, peculiar roadside attractions, and quirky museums.
Pick any two places in New Mexico, and there’s likely to be something worth seeing in between. Yet some of the state’s treasures are known only to locals. That’s what this website is for.
The Locals
New Mexico supports far more wildlife diversity than its arid reputation suggests.
The state has played a central role in the recovery of the Mexican gray wolf, the rarest subspecies of gray wolf. Additionally, more than 550 bird species have been recorded here, giving New Mexico the fourth-highest bird diversity in the United States. Among the most beloved is the roadrunner, regarded by some to be a symbol of good luck. Keep an eye out during your travels - you might spot one darting across an Albuquerque neighborhood or racing over the open mesa.
Ready to Start Exploring?
New Mexico is bigger, stranger, and more diverse than most visitors expect. Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking for places beyond the usual tourist stops, there’s plenty more to discover.
Or browse the map to find hidden gems across the state.