6 Quietest Small Towns Near Albuquerque
Between the colorful spectacle of the International Balloon Fiesta and the glowing neon of Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is certainly an exciting place to be. However, if you want some peace and quiet, you’ll have to travel an hour or two outside of the city, to some of the nearby small towns! Don’t mistake their tranquility for a lack of things to do, though. Despite some of these quiet communities having only a few hundred residents, each is home to incredible attractions, such as natural hot springs, historic Spanish missions, and wildlife refuges that will allow you to slow down and appreciate life at a different pace.
Jemez Springs
If your idea of a restful vacation includes a soak in a warm hot spring, you will find exactly what you are looking for in Jemez Springs. An hour and 10 minutes north of Albuquerque, this town is famous for the Jemez Hot Springs, a collection of four mineral pools that range in temperature between 98 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, there’s no need to leave the property during your quiet weekend away, as the hot springs even offer newly remodeled cabins and cottages to lodge in. Jemez Springs Bath House is another great option for a warm soak, a village-owned bathhouse that has been operating for over a century. You also might enjoy squeezing in a trip to the Jemez Historic Site during your time in town, a National Historic Landmark that is the site of a 700-year-old village and a 17th-century church.
Madrid
Travel less than an hour northeast of Albuquerque, and you’ll hit Madrid, a small, artsy town in the high desert. There are plenty of art galleries to browse around town, such as the Indigo Gallery, known for its bronze sculptures, traditional and contemporary jewelry, and diverse paintings. Connie's Photo Park is another example of Madrid’s artistic spirit, a quirky photo park where you can rent Western-style costumes and take pictures in front of a variety of colorful wooden cutouts. You’ll also want to dedicate an afternoon to exploring The Mine Shaft Tavern. It operates as a live music venue and bar, as well as an inn where you can spend the night. Each room features a comfortable deck area and is within walking distance of almost everything in town.
Los Cerrillos
Located just up the road from Madrid, Los Cerrillos is a perfect addition to a Madrid weekend itinerary. Although this little town was once a top contender for the state capital, its streets today feel like something more out of an old western film. Here, you’ll find gems like the Black Bird Saloon, a wild-west style joint that serves interesting dishes like venison, elk, steak, and burgers. Travelers hoping to get outdoors can head just north to Cerrillos Hills State Park, a year-round, day-use park with five miles of hiking trails that offer views of the Sandia, Jemez, Ortiz, and Sangre de Cristo Mountain Ranges. If you want to spend a night in Los Cerrillos as well, look no further than the Cerrillos Railhouse Guest Casitas, a property of two guestrooms that offers fantastic sunset views and is within walking distance of many downtown businesses.
Mountainair
Home to around 1,000 residents, Mountainair has a special small-town feel that is hard to come by in this day and age. It’s also just an hour and 15 minutes south of Albuquerque! One of the most well-known landmarks in town is the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, a complex composed of three Spanish missions that date back to the early 17th century. As you walk through the area, you can learn about the missions via an interpretive trail and wayside exhibits, transporting you to the pueblo and mission times. Heading back to town, grab a bite at Alpine Alley Cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch. A few of the items on the lunch menu include burgers, patty melts, BLTs, Italian wraps, and other types of sandwiches. Later in the day, check into The Rock Motel. This highly rated spot features a barbecue area under a covered pavilion, offering the perfect place to unwind for the evening.
Socorro
Translating to “help” or “aid” in Spanish, Socorro was named by a Spanish explorer who received assistance from the area's Pueblo people, whom he and his crew encountered during their journey. Today, this town is a lovely place to unwind, just an hour south of Albuquerque, home to historic bars, wildlife refuges, and other laid-back attractions. The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, for example, is just a short drive from town and is quite the sight for birdwatchers, designated as a critical stopover for migrating waterfowl like cranes, geese, and ducks. For a drink, you won’t find many saloons more historic than Capitol Bar & Brewery, which was established in 1896 as a saloon that served local wine. If you’re looking for a local spot to spend the night, consider making reservations at Dos Casitas En Socorro Bed And Breakfast, which is made up of two little vacation homes with private entrances and a fresh breakfast each morning.
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, which sits an hour and 45 minutes east of Albuquerque, is the ultimate destination for a calm weekend on the water. The town is renowned for being the home of Santa Rosa Lake State Park, a giant reservoir with plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. You’ll also find Blue Hole here, a small lake with clear blue water that has an impressive 100 feet of visibility. As the evening rolls around, Hotel Blue 66 will provide you with a retro-style night away, including amenities like a complimentary breakfast, heated indoor pool, and an indoor hot tub.
A Quiet Weekend Is Just Around The Corner
Regardless of where you’re from, everybody needs a change of pace now and then. And fortunately, if you’re from Albuquerque, a quiet weekend away has never been easier. Blue lakes and swimming holes, small town cafes, and historic taverns are just around the corner. A retro motel or locally owned bed and breakfast is likely in the works, as well! So get ready to recharge so that you can return to the city with a sense of newfound energy.
