North Central New Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Albuquerque featuring street scenes
Espanola featuring mountains and tranquil scenes
Canyon Road which includes street scenes
Espanola showing mountains
Albuquerque which includes mountains

Discover rugged rural towns, movie-worthy landscapes, Native American history and vast national parks in the geographic heart of New Mexico.

North Central New Mexico may seem like a vast, rugged and even desolate region, but spend time here and you will discover the vibrant towns and communities who have made this wilderness their home. The region has even served as the backdrop to famous Hollywood movies and historic paintings. Go hiking through vast canyons, taste the distinctive Tex Mex cuisine and study local art in small-scale museums and galleries.

Visit Santa Fe, the oldest state capital in the United States. The city is nestled at the bottom of the Rocky Mountains next to the Rio Grande River, meaning it offers not just urban attractions but also stunning natural scenery. Marvel at the San Miguel Mission, a Spanish colonial church with a carved wooden statue of St. Michael brought from Mexico. Take the whole family to El Rancho de las Golondrinas to see a rural farming valley that doubles as a living history museum.

Not far from Santa Fe is the vast wilderness of the Bandelier National Monument. Hike through Frijoles Canyon, see petroglyphs carved into rock cliffs and spot elk roaming across the land. Nature lovers may also want to venture to the Jemez National Recreation Area.

Find out about regional history in Los Alamos, famous for hosting a top-secret World War II weapons programs. Visit the Fuller Lodge Art Center to learn about the town’s past and head to the Bradbury Science Museum for exhibits detailing local scientific achievements.

For an escape from city life, consider the remote village of Abiquiú. If you recognize the landscape, it may be because you’ve seen it in the background of movies such as Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull or Cowboys & Aliens. Many of Georgia O’Keefe’s famous paintings were also inspired by her time in Abiquiú.

To reach the region, fly into Santa Fe Municipal Airport, or drive here along the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway for a journey with incredible views.

Let North Central New Mexico’s fascinating landscapes and friendly towns inspire you during your time in this sunny state.

Where to stay in North Central New Mexico

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Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Visitors to Downtown Santa Fe rave about its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries. You might also want to make some time to see Santa Fe Plaza or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
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Southside

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Southside is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Meow Wolf and International Museum of Collage, Assemblage & Construction, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
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Northeast Heights

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Northeast Heights, Cliff's Amusement Park and ABQ Uptown are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Heights
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Downtown Albuquerque

4/5(3 area reviews)

Downtown Albuquerque is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Albuquerque Civic Plaza and Sunshine Theater while you're in town.

Downtown Albuquerque
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Tesuque

Tesuque is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shidoni Foundry and Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden.

Tesuque
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Old Town Albuquerque

Unique features of Old Town Albuquerque include the historical sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Old Town Plaza or Albuquerque Museum while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Albuquerque
The Querque Hotel

The Querque Hotel

3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,203 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

The Querque Hotel
The Sage Hotel

The Sage Hotel

3 out of 5
725 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM
The price is Rp1.572.200 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp1.572.200
Rp2.057.013 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy an outdoor pool, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,791 reviews)
Nice hotel with a fees
"The hotel was $73 a night until you check in and get a $15 for amenities with a $50 deposit. For the most part it was quiet until a neighbor used the shower. I would stay again but didn’t like the surprise fees."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

The Sage Hotel
Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
2400 Yale Blvd Se, Albuquerque, NM
The price is Rp1.505.448 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp1.505.448
Rp1.740.674 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,606 reviews)
"Great staff.Also shuttle was prompt and easy (even at 1 am)"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

3 out of 5
321 Kearney Ave, Santa Fe, NM
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,183 reviews)
"We rented a 3 bedroom for 5 people. It was very comfortable."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Alpine Village Suites

Alpine Village Suites

3.5 out of 5
100 Thunderbird Rd, Taos Ski Valley, NM
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Taos Ski Valley. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (562 reviews)
"Nice ski resort that has several amenities outside the ski season."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Alpine Village Suites
Aspen Springs Angel fire

Aspen Springs Angel fire

4.5 out of 5
3080 NM 434, Angel Fire, NM
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury cabin in Angel Fire. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and concierge services. Popular attractions Lady Slipper Trailhead and Monte ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"Property was cleaned and communication during the stay was excellent I would definitely visit again"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Aspen Springs Angel fire
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near North Central New Mexico