North Central New Mexico

Travel Guide

Albuquerque which includes street scenes
Espanola which includes mountains and tranquil scenes
Canyon Road showing street scenes
Espanola featuring mountains
Albuquerque featuring 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(1 area review)

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

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

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

Downtown Albuquerque is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to KiMo Theater and Sunshine Theater while you're in town.

Downtown Albuquerque
Default Image

Old Town Albuquerque

Unique features of Old Town Albuquerque include the historic sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Old Town Plaza or Albuquerque Museum while you're exploring the area.

Old Town 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
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! (4,005 reviews)
"We always stay at the Querque hotel. Excellent every time."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

The Querque 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 P5,468 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
P5,468
P6,322 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
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! (2,539 reviews)
"I’m town got a concert The breakfast was really good"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
Nativo Lodge
Nativo Lodge
3 out of 5
6000 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM
The price is P5,900 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P5,900
P7,965 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Good, nice and eligent"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Nativo Lodge
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.
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! (544 reviews)
"This is our second time staying here. We love coming here in the summer to stay. It’s beautiful and peaceful. The hotel staff is lovely. Our room is clean and so nice! Love this property!"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Alpine Village Suites
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! (2,168 reviews)
"We love staying at Fort Marcy. Close to downtown. Nice suites. The major downside is LOTS of steps."

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Cielo Grande
Cielo Grande
3 out of 5
442 Greg Ave, Santa Fe, NM
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and patios. Popular attractions Santa Fe Plaza and Meow Wolf are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (15 reviews)
"The property is one of many condos in a small complex. Our bottom floor, corner unit is burrowed beneath ground level on 1 1/2 sides. Kind of dark inside, coming and going. It has two bathrooms, one tub/shower. But the bathrooms are miniscule, compounded by laundry area. The parking area is sloped ..."

Reviewed on May 29, 2024

Cielo Grande
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