10 Amazing Weekend Getaways in New Mexico for 2026
In 2026, towns across New Mexico continue to showcase the best of New Mexico’s Pueblo and Spanish colonial history, adobe-plaza town life, and chile harvest celebrations. From historic plazas in Mesilla to ancient cliff dwellings near Silver City and winter recreation in mountain towns like Ruidoso and Red River, these destinations offer memorable weekend escapes year-round. New Mexico’s landscapes shift dramatically with the seasons, supporting everything from snow-covered alpine adventures to warm-weather desert events. Together, these towns are alive with variety, culture, and scenery that make New Mexico an especially rewarding place for a short getaway.
Taos
As one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States, Taos creates a unique glimpse into Native American life and traditions. Start exploring the town on foot at Taos Plaza, where visitors and locals shop at the farmers' market while listening to live music. There is also a lot of local art in the plaza and throughout all of Taos, which has been a vital sanctuary for creatives since the 20th century.
Artists continue to thrive in this New Mexican town, where there are over 80 art galleries and several museums, including the Millicent Rogers Museum and the Taos Art Museum. These painters and sculptors used to stay at an artist lodging facility. Now, guests can stay at the same facility, now known as the Taos Inn. What started as a collection of adobe homes and a community well is now an inn and cocktail lounge that is wonderfully suited for a cozy vacation.
Ruidoso
For winter travelers, Ruidoso is the perfect destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking a cozy retreat in fire-lit cabins. Dare to ski the slopes at Ski Apache, where 55 runs catering to all skill levels slide down the range of the tallest mountain in Southern New Mexico. The alpine peak of Sierra Blanca towers over 12,000 feet and offers breathtaking views and trails to explore on skis or a snowboard. Warm up inside at the nearby Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts (in Alto), a stunning venue integral to the local cultural scene, hosting a variety of performances, including concerts and dances. The most suitable accommodation for this winter wonderland is the Shadow Mountain Lodge, a cozy cabin with large bathtubs warmed by the fireplace.
Red River
This former mining town within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is a great destination for outdoor adventurers. The white-capped mountains offer the opportunity for skiing and snowboarding to winter visitors. Tourism is a substantial industry in this town due to places like Red River Ski & Summer Area providing skiing and snowboarding in winter, then hiking and mountain biking once the snow melts.
After having fun in the snow, complete this winter wonderland by staying in a cabin at Three Bears Lodge and warming up by the fire before heading back to the rolling landscape that makes travelers from all over stop here. A Cowboy Evening awaits tourists at Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures, an outdoor escape offering a thrilling evening of music and food inspired by the wild west.
Santa Rosa
Stop along Route 66 in Santa Rosa, where desert landscapes meet natural springs and scenic beauty. Visit the Route 66 Auto Museum, home to an impressive collection of vintage cars that celebrate the iconic route. For a truly authentic experience, book a stay at Hotel Blue 66, a spot that perfectly complements the area’s specific nostalgia.
While in town, don't miss the Blue Hole, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and a consistent temperature of 62°F (16°C), making it a popular spot for scuba diving, swimming, and cliff jumping. The Blue Hole's unique geological formation and vibrant blue hue make it an unforgettable attraction. For a peaceful stroll, explore the Park Lake Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This picturesque area features a serene lake and playing fields.
Silver City
Silver City is a weekend getaway that boasts dramatic natural experiences with a lively arts culture, all within a town’s mining-era past. Just outside the city, Gila National Forest is home to Cosmic Campground, an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. On clear nights, photographers and astronomy enthusiasts gather here to experience skies nearly untouched by light pollution. This creates a striking contrast to the town’s daytime energy. During the day, trails within the Gila lead through forested terrain to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, ancient Mogollon cliff dwellings that offer a powerful glimpse into the region’s deep history.
Back in town, Silver City’s creative spirit comes to life through its active arts scene. Organizations like the Mimbres Region Arts Council host events throughout the year, including the Silver City Blues Festival, where music, local food, and handmade crafts draw both residents and visitors together. For Art Deco lodging close to galleries, restaurants, and nightlife, stay at the Murray Hotel.
Truth or Consequences
A weekend in Truth or Consequences begins in the town’s compact downtown, where local cafés and shops connect visitors to community life. Travelers often gather at spots like Passion Pie Cafe, a longtime favorite for baked goods and coffee that invites conversation with locals. Throughout the year, arts-focused events such as the Truth or Consequences Fiesta fill the days with music, visual art, and community celebration in the streets.
After time spent exploring downtown, the restorative side of Truth or Consequences comes into focus. The town is widely known for its hot springs culture, with soaking destinations like Riverbend Hot Springs providing river-facing pools and spa-style amenities. Many visitors stay at Blackstone Hot Springs, where on-site lodging pairs with private mineral soaking tubs, making it easy to enjoy the town’s hot springs culture without leaving the property.
Chimayo
Chimayó is a desert village shaped by faith and tradition that can still be experienced today. Set along the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, the village is surrounded by rolling hills, badlands, and views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. At the heart of Chimayó stands El Santuario de Chimayó, a National Historic Landmark built in 1813. The adobe church is internationally known as a pilgrimage site and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, both for its spiritual significance and its striking architecture.
Beyond the sanctuary, Chimayó’s artistic heritage is also defined by its long tradition of weaving. Visitors can explore working studios such as Ortega’s Weaving Shop, where artisans continue centuries-old techniques in the Chimayó style. Lodge at the Casa Escondida Bed and Breakfast, a peaceful place to stay with expansive mountainous views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Abiquiú
For travelers drawn to expansive desert scenery and a slow, reflective pace, Abiquiú is an ideal destination. Many visitors choose to stay at Abiquiú Inn, which includes an outdoor sculpture garden featuring more than 140 works. From this base, it’s easy to step into the open terrain that defines the region, with wide skies setting the tone for a quiet yet visually powerful getaway.
Outdoor exploration is central to a short visit, particularly at Ghost Ranch, where guided hikes and horseback rides lead through colorful rock formations and stretches of high desert shaped by deep cultural and spiritual history. Back in the village, Abiquiú’s creative identity comes into focus. The Georgia O’Keeffe Welcome Center highlights the painter’s personal connection to the area through an artist-designed sanctuary, while local stops like Abiquiú Gallery and the Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish add architectural and cultural depth to the weekend experience.
Hatch
Hatch makes for an unforgettable two-day getaway centered on food and tradition. Widely known as the “Chile Capital of the World,” the village gives visitors a chance to experience one of New Mexico’s most iconic ingredients at its source. Stop at the Hatch Chile Store to experience the flavors of the region by sampling roasted green chile grown locally in the Hatch Valley.
Planning a trip around the Hatch Chile Festival adds extra spice to a weekend trip. The annual festival is held on Labor Day weekend, bringing live music, parades, food vendors, and the hottest cooking demonstrations to celebrate the harvest season. For lodging, travelers can stay at the Historic St. Francis de Sales, a restored church converted into a hotel. The hotel offers a variety of accommodation options, from kitchenette-equipped rooms to a unique bell tower suite.
Mesilla
The heart of Mesilla is Mesilla Plaza, a National Historic Landmark surrounded by signature adobe buildings, galleries, shops, and cafés. Strolling the plaza and its surrounding mural-clad streets makes it easy to fill a weekend with exploration, from gorgeous landmarks to locally owned businesses. The Reynolds Store Visitor Center offers guided tours as well, for those who want to learn about the streets they walk with a Historic Site Ranger.
To stay somewhere equally inspiring and cozy, book a room at the Hacienda de Mesilla. Inspired by the grand haciendas of the Old West, the hotel pairs traditional architecture with modern comforts, while its on-site restaurant reinterprets regional flavors with a contemporary twist. Head back outdoors at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, where riverside trails wind through cottonwood bosque along the Rio Grande. With an elevation of approximately 3,900 feet, this is a pleasant spot to explore the Chihuahuan Desert’s unique ecosystem.
An unforgettable weekend in New Mexico doesn’t require a packed itinerary or a long stay. Across the Land of Enchantment, these destinations offer a wide range of experiences, from winter sports and high-elevation adventures to desert festivals, prominent landmarks, and peaceful retreats under dark skies. Whether you are planning a seasonal escape or a spontaneous weekend trip in 2026, these towns showcase the variety, beauty, and cultural depth that make New Mexico a rewarding place to explore year-round.
