Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque is a city in New Mexico with a population exceeding half a million. The city boasts numerous natural wonders, including the Sandia Mountains to the east and the Rio Grande flowing through it. Each year, Albuquerque hosts an international balloon festival that draws visitors from across the globe.

As you navigate through the city, the pervasive influence of Spanish culture is evident at every turn. Much of the original Spanish heritage endures, contributing to the city’s vibrant character. Let us explore the top attractions in Albuquerque!

1. Go Fishing At Tingley Beach

Tingley Beach comprises a series of ponds, initially named Conservancy Beach, developed in the 1930s by diverting water from the Rio Grande. Originally designed for swimming, the area closed off swimming sections in the 1950s, transitioning primarily to fishing.

You can easily spend several hours at Tingley Beach, featuring a restaurant, paddle boats, nature trails, a model boating pond, and fishing ponds suitable for both adults and children.

2. Get Educated At The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center provides visitors with an exceptional opportunity to learn about the Pueblo Indian culture. The center hosts a diverse collection of pottery and art, along with various hands-on activities. You can observe traditional Native American dances honoring Mother Earth or browse through the gift shop offering original artwork.

For those interested in engaging directly, pottery-making classes and gourd painting sessions are available. Before departing the center, consider enjoying an award-winning Tewa Taco.

3. Learn About The History Of Albuquerque

Located in Old Town Albuquerque, the Albuquerque Museum focuses on preserving the city’s history as well as the artistic heritage of the American Southwest. The museum offers over 400 years of Albuquerque’s history through its permanent exhibits as well as a dynamic array of temporary exhibitions.

Exhibits include artifacts representing colonial life in New Mexico, such as armor, maps, textiles, and other historical items. Visitors can also enjoy a sculpture garden outside the museum, where an app is available for guiding your tour of the sculptures.

4. Don’t Look Down!

For those who are not keen on heights, it may be wise to consider skipping this next attraction. The Sandia Peak Tramway operates from the northeastern edge of Albuquerque to the crest of the Sandia Mountains.

As the longest aerial tram in the United States, it travels at a speed of 12 mph, taking approximately 15 minutes to traverse from one end to the other. The view from the highest point encompasses the entire city as well as 11,000 square miles of New Mexico.

Upon reaching Sandia Peak, guests can dine at The High Finance Restaurant or engage in hiking activities in the mountains.

5. See Over 15,000 Historic Petroglyphs

The Petroglyph National Monument features over 15,000 prehistoric and historic petroglyphs created by Native Americans and Hispanic settlers. A petroglyph is defined as an image carved into rock, providing insight into the 12,000-year history of human life in the region.

The monument includes a visitor center offering extensive information, temporary exhibitions, and educational resources. With elevations reaching over 5,000 feet, the area experiences mild weather for most of the year, with only a couple of hot and dry summer months.

6. View The Dinosaurs At New Mexico Museum Of Natural History And Science

Embark on a journey through time to explore the origins of the universe, dating back 13.6 billion years. The museum offers eight exhibitions that begin with the formation of the universe and extend to the Ice Age, highlighting the emergence of dinosaurs and volcanic processes.

The museum further houses a planetarium, as well as two floors dedicated to astronomy and space exploration. Notably, Microsoft was founded in Albuquerque, and a section of the museum is devoted to the history of personal computing.

7. Take The Kids To Explora

Explora serves as an interactive science museum that captivates children of all ages. Spanning 20,000 square feet across two levels, it features 250 interactive exhibits covering a wide array of topics, designed to educate children in an engaging manner.

Recognized for its commitment to educational excellence, Explora hosts adults-only nights on select occasions, allowing grown-ups to enjoy the fun as well.

8. Ride The Rides At Cliff’s Amusement Park

Cliff’s Amusement Park offers entertainment for all ages, featuring 23 thrilling rides divided into categories for thrill-seekers, families, and young children. A notable attraction is the New Mexico Rattler, recognized as one of the top 25 roller coasters worldwide.

For those desiring a splash, Cliff’s Watermania promises hours of aquatic fun for the entire family.

9. Meet The Animals At ABQ BioPark Zoo

Established in 1927, ABQ BioPark Zoo is home to over 200 species of animals, organized by continent. Visitors are greeted by an island housing the collection of Caribbean flamingos upon entry.

For big cat enthusiasts, “The Cat Walk” showcases African lions, mountain lions, leopards, jaguars, and more. Another highlight is the polar bear exhibit, offering underwater viewing windows and a bridge showcasing their playful nature.

10. Explore The ABQ BioPark

ABQ BioPark Botanical Gardens offer over one and a half miles of pathways through various climates and plant species, featuring a Mediterranean and desert conservatory, a 1920s farm, formal gardens, and a Japanese garden.

For butterfly lovers, a butterfly pavilion showcases a captivating assortment of butterfly species. The BioPark operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including a restaurant on-site with full wheelchair accessibility.

11. Watch Out For The Snakes

The American International Rattlesnake Museum caters to those without a phobia. Featuring the largest collection of living rattlesnakes from various species across South, North, and Central America, the museum recreates natural habitats to showcase these fascinating creatures.

Visitors can explore the myths surrounding rattlesnakes while being educated on their significance, and a gift shop offers various snake-themed memorabilia to take home.

12. Cheer On The Albuquerque Isotopes

The Albuquerque Isotopes are a minor league baseball team that play their home games at Isotopes Park, affectionately known as The Lab. With a capacity of 13,279, including 11,154 fixed seats, the park features a small hill reminiscent of the Houston Astros Stadium.

Due to its elevation (over 5,300 feet above sea level), baseballs have a tendency to travel farther, resulting in an increased number of home runs. The stadium occupies the former site of the Albuquerque Sports Stadium, which was demolished to make way for the new venue and team.

13. Preserve The Hispanic Culture Of Albuquerque

The National Hispanic Cultural Center aims to promote and preserve the diverse Spanish-speaking world. Regularly, the center hosts performing arts events and exhibitions for the public.

Situated in Barelas, a traditional Hispanic neighborhood where many residents of New Mexico have settled, the center offers programs encapsulating various artistic styles from Spain, Mesoamerica, and early New Mexico.

14. See Albuquerque From A Hot Air Balloon

Rainbow Ryders have offered hot air balloon rides above Albuquerque and beyond for many years. As a recognized TripAdvisor Hall of Fame member, safety remains their top priority.

There are various options available, including sunrise and sunset balloon rides, or a private experience tailored to your liking. A popular offering is the Dawn Patrol Flight, which launches 30 minutes prior to sunrise, providing an exceptional vantage point to witness the city awaken as the sun rises.

15. Watch A Show At The Haunted Kimo Theatre

The Kimo Theatre first opened its doors in 1927, constructed by a liquor dealer who immigrated to the United States in 1885. Over time, he became a wealthy businessman with various enterprises in the region.

In 1951, a tragic accident occurred when a boiler in the basement exploded, resulting in the death of a six-year-old boy named Bobby who was in the lobby at the time. It is said that his spirit continues to haunt the theatre. In subsequent years, the theatre has undergone restoration and still hosts regular shows, engaging delighted audiences.

16. Enjoy The San Felipe De Neri Church

The San Felipe de Neri Church stands as one of the city’s oldest structures, built in 1793 and originally named Francisco Cuervo y Valdez, before adopting its current designation.

Over the years, the church has undergone numerous enhancements including the addition of towers, a parish school, and a convent. Current extensive renovations are underway both inside and outside the building, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

17. Come Face To Face With A Shark At Albuquerque Aquarium

The Albuquerque Aquarium features a plethora of marine life species from the Gulf of Mexico and the South Pacific. The main attraction is a massive 285,000-gallon tank, aptly named Jellies: Aliens of the Sea.

Brightly colored fish provide entertainment for both children and adults alike as they explore the aquarium. Upon exiting, visitors are greeted by another large tank housing six different shark species, along with stingrays and sea turtles.

18. Spend A Night At Hotel Andaluz

Hotel Andaluz was the fourth Hilton hotel developed and the first high-rise hotel in New Mexico. Recognized for its design and significance, it is listed on the U.S. Register of Historical Places, the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties, and as an Albuquerque Historic Landmark.

Renamed in 2008, the hotel features a rooftop bar, a restaurant named Mas, and extensive conference facilities. It is distinguished as the only full-service boutique hotel in Downtown Albuquerque.

19. See The Thrill Of Motor Racing At The Unser Racing Museum

Your visit to the Unser Racing Museum includes a guided tour illuminating the storied history of the Unser family. The museum traces the early days of racing, including significant events such as Pikes Peak and Indianapolis, and showcases contemporary racing technology.

Visitors can try their skills on a racing simulator, enjoy a display of vehicles ranging from antiques to championship-winning race cars, and admire an extensive trophy room exhibiting milestones from various years of racing.

20. Shop Till You Drop At The Coronado Center

The Coronado Center is the largest shopping mall in New Mexico, initially conceived as an open-air mall upon its opening in 1965, it was enclosed a decade later after a significant remodeling.

Featuring 150 stores, including prominent establishments such as Macy’s and Sears, visitors can explore the various shops before enjoying a meal in one of the many restaurants available.

21. Learn About Culture At The Maxwell Museum Of Anthropology

Renowned as one of the finest anthropology museums in the United States, the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology focuses on various cultures globally, with an emphasis on the Southwest.

Visitors can uncover the richness of human existence and its diverse expressions within the museum. Founded in 1932, it holds the distinction of being the first public museum in Albuquerque.

22. Watch An Outdoor Show At The Isleta Amphitheater

Since its inauguration in February 2000, the Isleta Amphitheater has become a favored destination for outdoor entertainment, originally named the Mesa del Sol Amphitheater.

Over the years, various companies have acquired naming rights, and the theater’s capacity has increased to accommodate 15,000 spectators. During the summer months, national artists frequently perform to sell-out crowds, ensuring a continuous lineup of entertainment for locals and visitors alike.

23. Watch A Live Performance At The Sunshine Theater

Situated in downtown Albuquerque, the historic Sunshine Building originally served as a 920-seat movie theater accompanied by some offices. It was the first movie theater in the city, debuting with Scaramouche, featuring an orchestra.

Although the theater closed in the 1980s, it has since transformed into a popular music venue, hosting renowned artists such as Snoop Dogg and The Smashing Pumpkins before enthusiastic audiences.

24. The Holocaust And Intolerance Museum Of New Mexico

The Holocaust and Intolerance Museum of New Mexico was established to educate visitors about historical genocides worldwide and various forms of bullying across cultures.

The museum provides a comprehensive examination of genocide history, enriched with a blend of permanent and traveling exhibitions, addressing a serious subject matter with thoroughness and sensitivity.

25. Ski Near The Sandia Peak Tramway

The Sandia Peak Tramway provides a scenic route from Albuquerque to the Sandia Mountains. Operating since 1966, the tram makes an average of 10,500 trips annually.

With two trams operating between the locations, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, backpacking, and skiing upon arrival at Sandia Peak during the winter months.