9 Serene New Mexico Towns For A Weekend Retreat

Beeping horns, dogs barking, your neighbor’s obnoxious music thumping through the walls… isn’t it time to escape the chaos of the city and seek some tranquility? If you are looking for nine serene New Mexico towns that are perfect for a weekend retreat, you have found the right article.

New Mexico offers many idyllic destinations to help you unwind and find peace of mind. From cool mountain pines to desert hot springs, this list has something for every taste. Grab your overnight bag, water your plants, and prepare for a relaxing weekend away. Whether you're soaking in the quiet mineral pools of Truth or Consequences or wandering the artistic streets of Madrid, serenity is closer than you think.

Ruidoso

Do you enjoy clear mountain lakes or powdery ski slopes? Ruidoso's 6,800 elevation offers the best of winter and summer outdoor activities. This mountain community is home to 7,800 full-time residents and attracts a staggering 1.9 million annual tourists. With so many people coming in, there is also a lot to do on the weekend. Visitors can rent a kayak at Grindstone Lake or bring their fishing poles for a delicious catch. If winter sports are more your scene, grab your snowboard for a day of fun at Ski Apache. You can enjoy over 750 acres of skiable terrain. The drive to the ski area takes you up almost 12,000 feet to the peak of beautiful Sierra Blanca.

When it's time to wind down, drop your bags at the luxurious Ruidoso River Resort alongside the burbling Rio Ruidoso. It features a serene pond and waterfall to help you leave your workweek behind. Anglers will appreciate the recently reopened Bonito Lake, which is ideal for trout fishing.

Madrid

Madrid is an often overlooked stop along New Mexico's historic Turquoise Trail. It was once a busy mining town, but has transformed into a peaceful artist's community beloved for its seasonal events. Christmas can be a stressful time, but holidays in Madrid are far from conventional. Its Christmas Parade is known across the state for its awe-inspiring light displays. Visitors also enjoy walking down historic Main Street, exploring preserved mining structures, and touring famous art studios, such as Johnsons of Madrid and Firehouse Studio.

The Inn at the Mine Shaft Tavern is a cozy Airbnb within walking distance of everything Madrid offers. For example, one can stroll over to the Mine Shaft Tavern for a nightcap before returning to the Inn’s affordable rooms.

Truth or Consequences

Stress is a one-way ticket to a shortened lifespan. To melt your cares away (and possibly lengthen your life), book a spa weekend in Truth or Consequences. It's home to just over 6,000 residents who love its unusual aesthetic and funky, artistic culture. This desert town is warm and welcoming all year round, but winter is by far the best time to experience its tranquil hot springs.

Many hotels feature in-room hot mineral baths or group baths at a lower rate. La Paloma Hot Springs is a local favorite, offering affordable rates and contemporary rooms. If you are just passing through, enjoy a quick soak with an hourly rental at a place like Blackstone Hot Springs. Blackstone offers both indoor and outdoor pools for individuals or groups. The Geronimo Springs Museum features an astonishing collection of prehistoric pottery with artifacts spanning from A.D. 200 to A.D. 1350. The fossil and mineral displays are also astounding. Nearby Elephant Butte Lake State Park is a haven for boating enthusiasts and anglers alike.

Glenwood

Glenwood is nestled in the Gila National Forest, a bird watcher’s paradise. Bald and golden eagles appreciate this area’s abundant water, facilitated by the San Francisco River that runs through the valley. If you are seeking serenity, this town's few hundred residents won't disrupt your peace. One of the area’s most incredible attractions is the Cosmic Campground, home to some of the darkest skies on earth. Campers can gaze at the Milky Way with the naked eye thanks to the splendor of this rural area.

Another unusual and relaxing feature of Glenwood is the Catwalk National Recreation Trail. The elevated trail winds through a stunning canyon, a dozen feet above the creek below. Visitors enjoy watching the trout frolic in the gentle waters under the catwalk.

Jemez Springs

If you blink, you might miss the scenic drive through Jemez Springs. The road into town meanders alongside the Jemez River, where several inviting fishing areas dot the cottonwood-lined banks. Kick off your shoes at Cañon del Rio, an adobe-style inn with a large pool and beautiful surrounding grounds. It’s just a short drive to nearby Jemez Hot Springs, offering several mineral pools of variable temperatures to soak your cares away.

For a fascinating insight into the region’s past, tour the Jemez Historic Site. The 500-year-old Native American village features a 1,400-foot trail to guide you through the San Jose de Jemez Mission and surrounding ruins. Nearby Bandelier National Park is a must-see stop along your tour of northern New Mexico. Its ancient pueblo dwellings date back 10,000 years and are etched directly into the cliff faces.

Cloudcroft

Come and unwind under the cool mountain pines in Cloudcroft. Locals are fond of noting their town is “9,000 feet above stress level.” Hike the popular Cloud-Climbing Trestle Trail just south of the Trestle Recreation Area. It ends at the southern viewing area for the Mexican Canyon Trestle, a popular scenic overlook.

Burro Street is this tiny town’s main attraction, loaded with must-visit stops. From bakeries to dispensaries to tea shops, Burro Street should be a quintessential part of your Cloudcroft experience. Play a round of disc golf at Zenith Park or learn more about the area’s history at the Sacramento Mountains Museum & Pioneer Village. Cloudcroft offers many lovely Airbnbs, but if a conventional hotel is what you need, check out The Lodge. In addition to lodging, a pool, and a hot tub, you can grab a high-quality meal here before relaxing by the fire in the lobby.

Taos

The slower pace of Toas is perfect for a serene weekend retreat. Historic Taos Plaza offers mercantile stores, galleries, restaurants, and unique shops. Be sure to check out John Dunn Shops, a pedestrian shopping mall and gardens featuring street food, patio dining, clothing, and unique gifts.

The San Francisco de Asis Church is a beautiful historic site to add to your must-see list. Though Taos is renowned for its history, you don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate Taos Pueblo. It is the only living Native American community designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark.

Don’t let your immersive experience end with your hotel. The Mabel Dodge Luhan House is a historic inn and conference center that offers a rustic, relaxing ambiance in classic adobe architecture. From kiva fireplaces to arched doorways and carved pillars, this charming inn promises an authentic Toas experience just minutes from downtown.

Silver City

This historic mining town dates back to 1870 when silver was discovered above La Cienega de San Vicente. The roots of this region date back much further, as evidenced by the black-and-white pottery of the Mimbres Indians, who inhabited the area more than a thousand years ago. Tourists can learn about these stories and more at the Silver City Museum, built during the height of the silver mining boom.

Drive the Trail of the Mountain Spirits for a three-hour comprehensive tour of the area. This scenic byway will take you through the Gila Hot Springs, Pinos Altos, across the Continental Divide, and around several other local attractions. Once you have your fill of history, schedule a tee time at the tree-lined Scott Park Golf Links. When it’s time to rest, drop your bags at the Murray Hotel to immerse yourself in Art Deco style updated with all the modern amenities.

Chimayo

For those seeking serenity and perhaps some spiritual healing, Chimayo is a must-stop destination in New Mexico. It’s a national historic landmark, El Santuario de Chimayo, is a stunning Spanish Colonial shrine constructed in the 1810s. It is considered one of the most important Catholic Pilgrimage centers in America, attracting over 300,000 pilgrims each year. After a visit to its healing soils, check out the Chimayo Museum to see artifacts and photographs from this historically significant area.

Casa Escondida is an idyllic bed and breakfast in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Its warm and welcoming accommodations in central Chimayo make it an excellent spot for all kinds of travelers. After you unpack, enjoy a taste of the Southwest at Rancho de Chimayo, an authentic Mexican restaurant honored as one of New Mexico’s “Culinary Treasures” by the New Mexico Department of Tourism.

A Weekend Retreat In New Mexico

These nine towns are ideal destinations for a serene weekend retreat in New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment has so much more to offer than turquoise and green chile (though it wouldn’t be the same without them!). Whether you are seeking peaceful hot springs, fine dining at a fabulous restaurant, or a chance to reconnect with nature, these serene New Mexico towns should be at the top of your list.