9 Amazing New Mexico Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive In 2025

If you're wanting to experience the beautiful outdoor destinations and unforgettable cultural attractions of New Mexico, starting at Albuquerque is the way to go. The largest city in the state, it's located on the Rio Grande and at the intersection of I-25 and I-40, the major north-south interstates that cross near the center of the state. Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport or take the Southwest Chief Amtrak route that runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, then rent a car. Here are 9 amazing options of New Mexico day trips starting in Albuquerque that are worth the drive.

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (2 hours 43 minutes):

Nature lovers may want to escape the city in search of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, one of the most popular destinations to visit in New Mexico. The bridge sits approximately 650 feet above the river and is among the highest in the entire United States. Originally dedicated in 1965, the bridge has since become a popular tourist destination. Views of the river and gorge make for incredible pictures. Adventurous sorts might want to set out on a guided river rafting trip. Make sure to stop by the nearby town of Taos. It's named for a nearby Native American settlement named Taos Pueblo that was settled more than a thousand years ago and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (3 hours 15 minutes):

The popular Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad operates out of the village of Chama. The railroad was originally constructed in 1880 as part of the San Juan Extension, which supported silver mining in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Silver mining in the area may have died out, but today the railroad is still going strong delighting visitors to New Mexico. The train crosses the border into Colorado as it passes along the 10,015-foot-high Cumbres Pass. Open-air platforms allow riders to take in views of the surrounding wilderness as they travel. After the ride, you can also enjoy time in Chama, whose Western-style business district includes great spots for barbecue or tacos.

Pecos National Historical Park (1 hour 20 minutes):

Pecos National Historical Park invites visitors to explore natural wonders while discovering centuries of history. Guided tours highlight the Ancestral Pueblo and Spanish Colonial past of the area, while others focus on the cowboys who once roamed the ranges and the area's role in the Civil War. Visitors may wander the grounds or stop by the museum, which showcases historical artifacts from the Native American, colonial, and Civil War eras. Notable sites include the Glorieta Battlefield, where Confederate troops invaded New Mexico. Another highlight is the Forked Lightning Ranch House, a Pueblo Revival-style building built in 1926 and once used for cattle ranching. Tours of the ranch and battlefield make Pecos a rewarding day trip for anyone seeking both nature and history near Albuquerque.

Sandia Peak Tramway (20 minutes):

Incredible views of the expansive southwest are also available within a short drive. Not far from Albuquerque is the Sandia Peak Tramway, an easy way to get sky-high views of the surrounding mountains. The tramway is a popular choice for visitors to get a bird's-eye view of the Sandia Mountains, all the way up to the 10,378-foot crest. Once at the height of their journey, visitors are treated to panoramic views of 11,000 square miles of the surrounding countryside. Those riding the tram will find hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, and some guests opt to hike their way back down. However, a popular choice for those reaching the top of Sandia Peak is the TEN 3 restaurant, where visitors can enjoy fine dining or a casual meal from the mountaintop.

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum (1 hour):

Located in nearby Santa Fe, NM, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum hosts many of the artist's celebrated works. Her artwork includes oil-on-canvas paintings, graphite on paper, white lacquered bronze sculptures, and other media. The galleries follow O'Keeffe's career from her early work as a student to the culmination of her life as an artist after she moved to New Mexico. Rotating exhibits are also on display, such as artwork from indigenous artists from the local region. Once your journey through the museum is done, you'll have your choice of dining options within walking distance at Santa Fe Plaza. If you're not "museumed-out" by then, be sure to visit the New Mexico History Museum, which features exhibits tracing the state's history back to the days of the original Native American inhabitants.

U.S. Southwest Soaring Museum (40 minutes):

Not far east of Albuquerque, the U.S. Southwest Soaring Museum is located in the town of Moriarty. The museum is a non-profit institution that showcases the history of gliders in the United States. Visitors will find a variety of glider models and sailplanes as well as the "Hall of Legends" honoring individuals from the American Southwest who were among the first to popularize this kind of flight. Visitors are encouraged to watch Cloudstreet: Soaring the American West while at the museum, which portrays the beauty of soaring over the American West, from New Mexico to Wyoming and across the Rocky Mountains. The museum is located along the famed U.S. Route 66. So, for visitors who want a bite to eat before making the drive back to the city, there are plenty of places to dine along the famous highway.

International UFO Museum and Research Center (3 hours):

It should come as no surprise that the International UFO Museum and Research Center is located in no other place than famed Roswell, NM, which is well known as the site of an alleged UFO crash. The museum operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and preserving materials related to the 1947 Roswell Incident. Today, the museum preserves written, audio, and visual records of the alleged crash. Guests can expect to find information on the crash itself as well as Area 51, crop circles, alien abductions, and other phenomena related to aliens. Afterward, visitors to Roswell will find plenty of places to eat within walking distance of the museum. U.S. Route 285, which runs through the center of town and has plenty of places to eat as well as shops featuring everything from antiques to, yes, all the alien-themed souvenirs your heart desires.

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (1 hour):

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to visit Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, situated south of the city. Your first stop should be the visitor center to learn about the refuge and make the most of your time there. You'll find that the refuge is one of the largest in the United States, encompassing 230,000 acres of land that spans four distinct biomes: grasslands, desert, steppe, and woodlands. Local vegetation includes sagebrush, saltbush, pinyon pine, and creosote bushes. Animal lovers may spot snakes, lizards, deer, coyotes, and pronghorn. The Nature Loop Trail is popular for those making a short trip to the refuge, while those with at least half a day available can travel into the San Lorenzo Canyon. Make sure your phone battery is charged because the photo ops will blow your mind.

Ghost Tour of Old Town (0-30 min.):

Lovers of the spooky take note! Albuquerque has a long and tumultuous Old West history. As a result, it should come as no surprise to learn that there are several spots around town rumored to be haunted. Ghost tours have popped up as a fun way to explore the town, and learn a little about the scary side of its history. Old Town Albuquerque Ghost Tours offers both adult-only and family-friendly tours. Lantern-lit ghost tours in the evening give the best ambiance for this experience. Guests can expect to hear about Civil War-era ghosts and victims of tragic events. Tour guides recount eyewitness testimonies of the hauntings, ranging from hearing ghostly voices to seeing full-body apparitions. Let's just say... you'll be laughing, but also looking over your shoulder on your way home.

So Many Places To See

New Mexico is a beautiful state with numerous natural and manmade wonders to explore, whether you're enjoying panoramic views from a mountaintop, rafting the whitewater, exploring the state's culture and history in museums, or musing on the possibilities of aliens and the supernatural. If you are visiting the state, consider making one of these nine destinations your next day trip spot. You're guaranteed to have stories to tell when you get home.