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The Best 15 Experiences In New MexicoDiscover the best things to do in New Mexico, from Albuquerque hot air balloon rides and Route 66 adventures to Santa Fe food tours, art experiences, and unforgettable outdoor excursions.AuthorsPeterTaras
DestinationsNew MexicoItinerary

Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

If you're only planning one signature experience in Albuquerque, make it this one. Sunrise offers the calmest flying conditions and the most spectacular views as the Rio Grande Valley and Sandia Mountains slowly come to life beneath you. The experience finishes early enough to leave the rest of the day open for exploring Old Town, local museums, or Route 66. It's an unforgettable introduction to New Mexico's landscape and one of the state's most iconic adventures.

Racecourse half day class 3 most popular in New Mexico

This is one of the best ways to experience the Rio Grande Gorge beyond the viewpoints, combining exciting Class III rapids with incredible canyon scenery. Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides, who add local history, wildlife stories, and plenty of encouragement throughout the trip. It’s a great fit for travelers looking for an adventurous Taos experience.

Santa Fe Deep Dive History Walking Tour

This is the tour to book if you want to understand why Santa Fe feels unlike any other city in the Southwest. The small-group experience brings context to landmarks like the Palace of the Governors, San Miguel Chapel, and the oldest house in the U.S. while connecting the city’s Indigenous and Spanish histories. Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ deep local knowledge and passion, making this a great introduction before exploring Santa Fe on your own.

Rio Grande River Valley Flight

This balloon flight stands out because the launch location varies with the weather and scenery, giving guests the best chance of a memorable ride. Some of the most scenic routes travel near the Rio Grande, Los Lunas, and historic Tome Hill, with the possibility of a unique “splash and dash” landing near the river. Reviewers highlight the friendly crew and beautiful sunrise views, making this a great choice for travelers looking for a quieter, more personalized balloon experience.

Small-Group E-Bike Adventure Tour through Hidden Santa Fe

The e-bike format makes it easy to explore the city’s hills and quieter corners, including places like the Randall Davey Audubon Center and Santa Fe Railyard, without feeling like you’re rushing between stops. Reviewers frequently mention how knowledgeable and encouraging the guides are, making this a comfortable option even for travelers who haven’t been on a bike in years. Look for the smaller details along the route—the historic neighborhoods, wooded landscapes, and local stories are what make this tour feel different from a typical city ride.

Taos Half Day Cultural Tour | A Magical Taste of Taos and its Cultural Diversity

The standout stop is Taos Pueblo, where the history and living traditions of the community add important context to the entire region, but the combination of the Rio Grande Gorge, Hacienda de los Martinez, and San Francisco de Asis Church creates a much fuller picture of Taos’ cultural layers. If you’re only spending a short time in Taos, this experience helps connect the dots between Indigenous heritage, Spanish colonial history, and the creative community that still defines the town today.

ABQ Trolley Co. | Best of ABQ City Tour

The open-air trolley gives you an easy overview of neighborhoods you’ll likely want to return to, while the Route 66 focus adds extra context to the city’s nostalgic roadside character. Keep an eye out for the vintage signs, historic motels, and unique architecture along Central Avenue—the details are what make this route memorable. It’s also a fun pick for fans of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, with several recognizable filming locations along the way.

8pm ORIGINAL Ghost Tour of Old Town Albuquerque - since 2001!

This is the kind of evening experience that surprises even the skeptics. While the ghost stories are the hook, travelers consistently rave about the guides’ storytelling and the fascinating history behind Old Town’s centuries-old streets, adobe buildings, and hidden corners. The lantern-lit walk brings Albuquerque’s past to life through tales of tragedy, folklore, and reported hauntings, making it feel more like an immersive history lesson with a spooky twist.

Santa Fe Revisited

If you've visited Santa Fe before or want to look beyond the city's biggest landmarks, this tour offers fresh perspectives that many travelers miss. It explores the people, architecture, and cultural influences that continue to shape the city today, revealing details that are easy to overlook while sightseeing on your own.

One Time Wheel-Throwing Experience

This is a fun way to tap into Santa Fe’s creative spirit, even if you’ve never touched a pottery wheel before. Reviewers love the patient instructors and hands-on guidance, with many saying the experience gave them a new appreciation for the skill behind handmade ceramics. The studio setting, where you’re creating alongside working artists, makes this feel less like a class and more like a glimpse into Santa Fe’s thriving arts community.

Santa Fe Art and History Small Group Bike Tour

This is a great experience to do early in your Santa Fe visit, especially if you want local insight before exploring the city on your own. The route goes beyond the typical Plaza stops, with highlights like Canyon Road’s famous galleries, the historic La Fonda on the Plaza, and the creative Santa Fe Railyard. Reviewers especially praise the guides’ knowledge and recommendations, making this a fun way to discover hidden corners and find places to revisit later in your trip.

Private Studio Immersion in Historic Adobe Compound Near Santa Fe

This experience offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the working studio of contemporary artist Paul Seftel, rather than a typical gallery visit. Guests can explore his mineral-based paintings made with unexpected materials like marble, turquoise, and copper oxide while learning how the landscape and natural elements of New Mexico influence his work. Located along the scenic Turquoise Trail in the historic village of Cerrillos, the private studio setting makes this a memorable stop for travelers looking to experience Santa Fe’s creative culture beyond the city’s galleries.

The ORIGINAL Wander New Mexico "Sip & Savor" Plaza Tour

This is a great way to get introduced to Santa Fe’s food scene while exploring the historic heart of the city. The walking route through the Plaza includes stops near landmarks like the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Palace of the Governors, where the guide connects centuries of history to the flavors you’re tasting along the way. With visits to several local restaurants and tastings beyond just traditional New Mexican cuisine, this experience is ideal for travelers who want a mix of culture, conversation, and memorable meals.

Far Flung Adventures Scenic Half-Day Float

This is a great choice for travelers who want to experience the Rio Grande without the intensity of a whitewater trip. The float through Orilla Verde National Recreation Area highlights the quieter side of the river, with towering basalt cliffs, desert scenery, and calm stretches perfect for taking in the landscape. People consistently mention the guides as the highlight, praising their local knowledge, storytelling, and ability to make the trip enjoyable for families, first-time rafters, and anyone looking for a relaxed outdoor adventure.

Private Hot Air Balloon Flights with Elevated New Mexico

This is the balloon experience to choose if you’re looking for something more intimate than a standard group flight. With a private basket for your own group, you’ll have more space to take in views of the Rio Grande Valley, Sandia Mountains, and even Petroglyph National Monument without the crowds.