North Central New Mexico, NM

Travel Guide

Albuquerque featuring street scenes
Espanola showing mountains and tranquil scenes
Canyon Road showing street scenes
Espanola showing mountains
Albuquerque which includes mountains
Discover rugged rural towns, movie-worthy landscapes, Native American history and vast national parks in the geographic heart of New Mexico.

North Central New Mexico may seem like a vast, rugged and even desolate region, but spend time here and you will discover the vibrant towns and communities who have made this wilderness their home. The region has even served as the backdrop to famous Hollywood movies and historic paintings. Go hiking through vast canyons, taste the distinctive Tex Mex cuisine and study local art in small-scale museums and galleries.

Visit Santa Fe, the oldest state capital in the United States. The city is nestled at the bottom of the Rocky Mountains next to the Rio Grande River, meaning it offers not just urban attractions but also stunning natural scenery. Marvel at the San Miguel Mission, a Spanish colonial church with a carved wooden statue of St. Michael brought from Mexico. Take the whole family to El Rancho de las Golondrinas to see a rural farming valley that doubles as a living history museum.

Not far from Santa Fe is the vast wilderness of the Bandelier National Monument. Hike through Frijoles Canyon, see petroglyphs carved into rock cliffs and spot elk roaming across the land. Nature lovers may also want to venture to the Jemez National Recreation Area.

Find out about regional history in Los Alamos, famous for hosting a top-secret World War II weapons programs. Visit the Fuller Lodge Art Center to learn about the town’s past and head to the Bradbury Science Museum for exhibits detailing local scientific achievements.

For an escape from city life, consider the remote village of Abiquiú. If you recognize the landscape, it may be because you’ve seen it in the background of movies such as Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull or Cowboys & Aliens. Many of Georgia O’Keefe’s famous paintings were also inspired by her time in Abiquiú.

To reach the region, fly into Santa Fe Municipal Airport, or drive here along the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway for a journey with incredible views.

Let North Central New Mexico’s fascinating landscapes and friendly towns inspire you during your time in this sunny state.

Where to stay in North Central New Mexico

New Mexico Museum of Art which includes a statue or sculpture and art

Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(1,990 area reviews)

Visitors to Downtown Santa Fe rave about its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries. You might also want to make some time to see Santa Fe Plaza or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
A peak inside Meow Wolf. Love this place!

Southside

4/5(1,497 area reviews)

Southside is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Meow Wolf and International Museum of Collage, Assemblage & Construction, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
Autumn at the top of the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, NM is not to be missed if you happen to visit at just the right time.  Hope you're not afraid of heights.  

#CeliaLuzPhotography #autumn #Albuquerque #NewMexico #trees #landscape #nature #Hike #Sandias #fall #travel #places #seasons #BestHikesAroundtheWorld

Northeast Heights

3.5/5(1,327 area reviews)

While visiting Northeast Heights, you might make a stop by sights like Cliff's Amusement Park and ABQ Uptown.

Northeast Heights
Default Image

Downtown Albuquerque

3.5/5(704 area reviews)

Central business district with highrise buildings, Downtown Albuquerque offers shopping, dining, and nightlife along Central and Gold Avenues. Explore landmarks like KiMo Theater and enjoy convenient public transit options.

Downtown Albuquerque
Great display of sculptures for sale. 

#sculpture
#GreatOutdoors

Tesuque

Tesuque is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shidoni Foundry and Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden.

Tesuque
Default Image

Old Town Albuquerque

Explore historic adobe buildings, dine at numerous restaurants, and shop at various stores in this popular tourist destination. Don't miss the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, and the nearby New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Old Town Albuquerque
The Querque Hotel

The Querque Hotel

3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,223 reviews)
"Such a cute hotel with a lovely staff! We will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

The Querque Hotel
The Sage Hotel

The Sage Hotel

3 out of 5
725 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM
The price is NT$2,837 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
NT$2,837
NT$3,715 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy an outdoor pool, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,797 reviews)
"Affordable and nice."

Reviewed on 2025/8/9

The Sage Hotel
Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
2400 Yale Blvd Se, Albuquerque, NM
The price is NT$2,790 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$2,790
NT$3,226 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,609 reviews)
"Nice place to stay."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

3 out of 5
321 Kearney Ave, Santa Fe, NM
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,183 reviews)
"We rented a 3 bedroom for 5 people. It was very comfortable."

Reviewed on 2025/7/25

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Alpine Village Suites

Alpine Village Suites

3.5 out of 5
100 Thunderbird Rd, Taos Ski Valley, NM
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Taos Ski Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (564 reviews)
"The service is nice and environment is excellent."

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Alpine Village Suites
Aspen Springs Angel fire

Aspen Springs Angel fire

4.5 out of 5
3080 NM 434, Angel Fire, NM
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury cabin in Angel Fire. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and concierge services. Popular attractions Lady Slipper Trailhead and Monte ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"Property was cleaned and communication during the stay was excellent I would definitely visit again"

Reviewed on 2025/7/24

Aspen Springs Angel fire
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near North Central New Mexico