8 Must-Do Activities in Albuquerque, New Mexico

If you know anything about Albuquerque, it’s likely that it proudly claims the title of the hot-air ballooning capital of the world. This reputation is well-founded—this year marks the 50th anniversary of the International Balloon Fiesta, an event that attracts hundreds of balloons and over a million visitors from around the globe.

However, Albuquerque, the largest and most populous city in New Mexico, offers much more than just those nine days in October.

Here, you can explore desert adventures, gain insights into Indigenous cultures both past and present, traverse 17 miles of the iconic Route 66 (locally known as Central Avenue), enjoy a burgeoning winery scene, and appreciate a wealth of contemporary Southwestern art—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Sandia Mountains, named for their distinctive pink granite peaks.

And this is merely the beginning. Here are eight compelling reasons to visit Albuquerque, New Mexico, any time of the year.

Gain deeper insights into Indigenous culture

For countless generations, Indigenous peoples have inhabited this region of the Rio Grande Valley. There are numerous ways to explore their culture, cuisine, art, and more during your visit to Albuquerque.

The legacy of Native Americans can be seen etched into the volcanic rocks at Petroglyph National Monument. The National Park Service safeguards these designs and symbols, as they serve as both a historical record and a spiritual link for present-day Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache communities.

In Albuquerque, one of the finest ways to engage with Indigenous life is at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Here, various exhibits present the history of the Pueblo people from their own viewpoint. Most days feature performances and art displays in the courtyard. The center is also home to the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, where you can enjoy traditional and contemporary dishes, including blue corn onion rings and Navajo tacos.

We also recommend checking out Bow + Arrow Brewing, the first Indigenous-owned brewery in the U.S. Many of its beer names pay homage to Indigenous culture, with several brews incorporating traditional ingredients like blue corn. Supporting Bow + Arrow and other Indigenous-owned breweries helps to reclaim the narrative around beer and Indigenous peoples, challenging harmful stereotypes.

Get outside and explore

With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Albuquerque offers a wonderful environment for outdoor activities.

During the summer, mountain bikers flock to the Sandia Peak Ski Area, taking the chairlifts to the summit before racing down the trails. There are numerous hiking paths, including the Volcanoes Trail, a 3.2-mile loop in Petroglyph National Monument that features minimal elevation gain, and the more demanding Pino Trail, a 9-mile out-and-back trek in Albert G. Simms Park.

The Rio Grande is a favored destination for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with rentals available from Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures. Golf enthusiasts will find 14 courses to choose from, ranging from lush fairways to desert links, all open year-round.

If you prefer a more relaxed experience, take in breathtaking views from the Sandia Peak Tram. In just 15 minutes, it transports passengers to the 10,378-foot summit, offering panoramic vistas of the city and the surrounding greenery.

No matter what activity you choose, don't forget to stay hydrated—Albuquerque's high desert climate can quickly lead to dehydration, even in cooler temperatures.

Enjoy wine in the birthplace of American winemaking

Did you know? New Mexico was the first state in (what is now) the United States to produce wine, originally created by Latino communities for sacramental purposes. While it may not receive the same accolades as other wine regions—largely because most of its production remains within the state—it’s definitely worth a visit, especially as New Mexico is currently experiencing a wine renaissance.

If you're without a car (or a designated driver), don't worry—there are numerous wineries in Old Town, the historic heart of Albuquerque. Visit Sheehan Winery for wines crafted exclusively from locally sourced grapes, or Noisy Water Winery for a selection of reds, whites, and rosés produced by fifth-generation New Mexico farmers.

For a comprehensive introduction to New Mexico wines, complete with friendly instruction and generous pours, head to the tasting room at Vara Winery & Distillery. Wine classes are offered Tuesday through Thursday at 1 p.m., featuring at least six fresh and vibrant samples led by the knowledgeable Jennie. (If you just want a drink, make sure to try the bubbly!)

Experience a guided tour

One of the most sought-after tours in Albuquerque is the Breaking Bad RV Tour, where superfans can explore iconic filming locations like Walter White's house and the car wash where he laundered money—all aboard a replica RV from the series.

Fortunately, this isn't the only tour option in Albuquerque. Cyclists can enjoy a leisurely afternoon with Routes Bicycle Tours or Heritage Inspirations, exploring popular and hidden gems around the city. Art enthusiasts can embark on a self-guided tour of the vibrant murals throughout the area. For adventure seekers, there’s paddleboarding on the Rio Grande with MST Adventures or an exhilarating ride to petroglyphs and petrified forests with New Mexico Jeep Tours. If you're intrigued by the spooky side of Albuquerque, consider joining a late-night ghost tour to learn about the city's eerie history.

Explore the lavender fields at Los Poblanos

Lavender flourishes in the American Southwest due to its low water needs, and Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm offers one of the most stunning locations to admire it.

The lavender fields typically blossom from June to July. Guests at Los Poblanos Historic Inn can participate in the morning harvest, while other visitors are welcome to join guided behind-the-scenes tours. Throughout the year, the Farm Shop sells various lavender products, such as essential oils, lip balms, and infused honey.

Dining at Campo, a James Beard–nominated restaurant on the premises, is an experience not to be missed. Every ingredient is organic, with many sourced from the farm itself. Don't forget to try the lavender latte.

Choose between red, green, or both

In New Mexico, few savory dishes are complete without a generous topping of red or green chile sauce. Chiles are so integral to New Mexican cuisine, economy, and culture that local lawmakers declared “Red or green?” the state question in 1996.

So, whether you’re enjoying a blue corn chicken enchilada, a hearty breakfast burrito, or a stuffed sopapilla, be prepared to answer when the server asks, “Red or green?” To really fit in with the locals (and clear your sinuses), respond with “Christmas” instead—you'll receive both.

Attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

While we've mentioned it’s not the sole reason to explore Albuquerque, it certainly remains a fantastic draw.

Every October for nine days, ABQ hosts the International Balloon Fiesta—the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, featuring over 500 balloons that ascend in a spectacular mass launch each morning.

Throughout the day, you can enjoy various balloon-themed activities, including competitions, balloon glows (often called a “Twinkle Twilight Glow”), and “rodeos” featuring uniquely shaped balloons like Mr. Potato Head, dinosaurs, and spaceships. Additionally, there are carnival rides and vendors offering treats from funnel cakes to Navajo jewelry.

For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting local breweries, cafés, and restaurants that open their patios early for spectators, such as Steel Bender Brewyard and Canteen Brewhouse. You can enjoy breakfast burritos and mimosas while watching the balloons float across the sky.

Even if your visit to Albuquerque doesn’t coincide with the Fiesta, you’re likely to spot balloons in the sky—favorable weather and conditions allow local pilots, like Rainbow Ryders, to take guests on flights nearly every day.

Stay at Hotel Chaco

As a member of the Heritage Hotels & Resorts collection, which features minority-owned hotels based in New Mexico, Hotel Chaco serves as an excellent starting point for your Albuquerque adventures.

One key advantage is its proximity to Old Town, just a short walk away, and its location directly across from the impressive Sawmill Market, New Mexico’s first food hall, featuring a variety of merchants including taquerias, a patisserie, a pizza place, sushi spots, pasta shops, and multiple cocktail bars. More importantly, the hotel enriches travelers' understanding of the local culture. This luxurious retreat draws design elements from the great houses found in Chaco Culture National Historical Park and showcases artwork created by Indigenous artists, potters, and craftspeople (each room features a distinct piece of weaving). Even if you don’t dine there (though you definitely should), the rooftop restaurant, Level 5, offers stunning views.