3 Days in New Mexico You Will LoveNew Mexico is the kind of place that sneaks up on you.One minute you're exploring centuries-old ruins, the next you're eating a meal you'll be thinking about for weeks! The perfect weekend of history, scenery, and incredible food. 🙌🏽Authorsdallasfoodiefix
DestinationsNew MexicoItinerary

Stay

Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque, Curio Collection by Hilton
We loved our stay at Hotel Andaluz in downtown Albuquerque! It's historic, full of character, and has one of those cozy boutique hotel feels that makes you want to hang out in the lobby a little longer than necessary. Most of our stops were super close, so the location is perfect. Plus, the rooftop is a nice bonus.
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Day 1

Frontier
The very first thing we did after landing in Albuquerque was head straight to Frontier! Everyone told us we had to try it, and now I get the hype. The huevos rancheros smothered in green chile were the perfect introduction to New Mexican food, and that giant cinnamon roll definitely lived up to its reputation. If you're visiting Albuquerque for the first time, this feels like a rite of passage.
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Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
One of the highlights of our trip was the cultural dance at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. We stopped by after breakfast at Frontier and got to watch an incredibly talented youth dance group perform traditional Pueblo dances. The performances are included with museum admission and ended up being the perfect introduction to New Mexico's history, culture, and traditions.
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New Mexico Beef Jerky
No trip to New Mexico is complete without beef jerky! We stopped by New Mexico Beef Jerky Company and found rows and rows of jerky flavors, local snacks, and gifts. We tried the lemon pepper beef jerky! Bonus: it's also a full restaurant with burgers, BBQ, sandwiches, and more, so you can grab lunch while you're there.
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El Modelo Mexican Foods
We stopped by El Modelo and quickly understood why people recommend it. It's more of a pickup spot than a dine-in restaurant, but the food is made fresh to order, so it was still piping hot when we got back to the hotel. Those tamales were SO good and definitely one of the highlights of our Albuquerque food tour.
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Level 5
Our first night in New Mexico ended exactly how I like to travel: good food, great cocktails, and a beautiful view. We had dinner at Level 5, enjoyed dessert, then took our drinks out to the terrace overlooking downtown Albuquerque. Between the food, the atmosphere, and the rooftop views, it was the perfect way to settle into the trip.
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Day 2

Downtown Growers' Market
The Downtown Growers' Market was definitely a must-do for us! We spent the morning shopping from local vendors, supporting small businesses, and eating our way through the market. The highlight? A breakfast burrito that was so good I'm still thinking about it days later.
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Jemez Soda Dam
One of the easiest stops we made in Jemez, and one of the most photo-worthy. Soda Dam is just minutes from Jemez Hot Springs, making it the perfect little detour while you're exploring the area. It's a quick stop, but the unique rock formations and scenery make it worth hopping out of the car for a few photos.
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Jemez Hot Springs
If relaxation is on the itinerary, Jemez Hot Springs is a must. It’s about 1.5 hours from Albuquerque, and the property is super peaceful and features several mineral soaking pools surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. We spent a few hours here during our trip and it was the perfect break from all the exploring. Pricing is around $50 for a 2-hour soak, and honestly, it was one of the most relaxing parts of the entire weekend.
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Los Ojos Restaurant & Saloon
After a soak at Jemez Hot Springs, we headed over to Los Ojos Restaurant & Saloon for lunch. It's just a short walk from the hot springs, and the building itself is part of the experience. Los Ojos has been around for decades and feels like stepping back in time, with historic adobe buildings, old photos, and tons of New Mexico character throughout the property. As for the food, I ordered the green chile cheeseburger and y'all...it was SO flavorful.
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Jemez Historic Site
One thing I loved about New Mexico was how much history is woven into everyday travel. We stopped by the Jemez Historic Site and got to explore ancient pueblo ruins, beautiful mountain scenery, and a piece of history dating back hundreds of years. Such a cool stop if you're road-tripping through the area.
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Tin Can Alley ABQ
This ended up being one of our favorite casual stops in Albuquerque. It’s basically a food hall, rooftop hangout spot, and mini arcade all rolled into one. We grabbed pizza from Amore and pho from Phở Kup, but there are tons of other options too, so it's perfect when everyone wants something different. Such a fun, laid-back spot to grab food, hang out, and enjoy the views from the rooftop.
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Day 3

Curious Toast Cafe
Our last breakfast in New Mexico was at Curious Toast and it was the perfect way to end the trip. It’s a cozy house-turned-restaurant that somehow feels like you're having breakfast at a friend's place. Their menu is built around creative toast combinations, with everything from sweet options to more savory, loaded creations. I also tried a Dirty Red Bull for the first time and now I totally understand the hype. Such a fun spot if you're looking for something a little different from the typical breakfast restaurant.
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Rail Yards Market
Honestly, I could spend all day at a market like this. The Rail Yards Market is full of local vendors, good food, handmade goods, and cool finds, all set inside Albuquerque's historic rail yards. It was one of the few markets open on a Sunday and it was such a fun way to support the local community.
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66 Diner
You can't visit Albuquerque and not make at least one Route 66 stop. 66 Diner was our final stop before heading to catch our flight back home. It has all the retro vibes, vintage memorabilia, and classic comfort food! We grabbed the Classic 66 Burger with green chile, the chicken fried steak, and finished it all off with ice cream and a root beer float because when in a retro diner...you commit.
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