Albuquerque is one of New Mexico’s cultural hubs, a desert city steeped in the history of its Indigenous peoples and Spanish heritage. This rich heritage is exemplified in its local art and history museums, and through its Pueblo architecture with curved edges and earthen hues. As you wander the 18th-century Old Town, red brick walkways lead you to the Old Town Plaza, where the church of San Felipe de Neri towers above shops selling turquoise jewelry and artwork. You’ll also find cafes and restaurants serving New Mexican staples like chile rellenos, carne adovada, and plenty of green chili-flavored dishes.

Route 66 runs through the center of Albuquerque, dotted with bars and nightlife offerings casting a neon glow on the iconic highway. Just outside the city, the Sandia Foothills provide ample opportunities for hikes, and you may just spot mule deer, rabbits, and the occasional rattlesnake.

To cool off during the summer, you can paddle board along the mighty Rio Grande that runs through the city. Come winter, you’ll find skiing and snowboarding less than an hour away in the Sandia Mountains.

With more than 300 days of sun throughout the year, bright days and blue skies are never in short supply here. The desert climate may imply constant heat, but seasonal weather conditions and temperatures can vary drastically. Albuquerque offers the Downtown Growers’ Market during the summer months, which can reach points of sweltering heat, but frequent afternoon showers — July through October is the rainiest time — help keep things comfortable. Winter conditions see temperatures often plummet to freezing. However, the area is relatively arid during this period, at least in the city. The surrounding mountains get inundated with snow during this time, providing excellent skiing opportunities.

The shoulder seasons in Albuquerque are popular due to mild temperatures for exploring the city and surrounding nature parks. Fall is a particular favorite for vacation rentals partly due to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October. This nine-day event attracts nearly a million visitors and more than 500 hot-air balloon operators from around the world. The celebration includes twilight balloon runs, balloon competitions, chainsaw carving, vendors, street food, and fireworks.

Petroglyph National Monument

This anthropological site on the edge of town is one of the continent’s largest petroglyph sites, with more than 25,000 basalt etchings dating back to nearly 2,000 B.C. Miles of trail systems cut through the stark and beautiful landscape filled with scrub brush and volcanic rock that is home to several species of lizards and snakes, and fields of wildflowers.

Albuquerque Museum

Located just off Route 66, the Albuquerque Museum focuses on the region’s unique style of art and storied history. Permanent exhibits showcase Indigenous art styles in the form of paintings and hanging sculptures. Photo galleries detail the region’s local history, peoples, and cultures.

La Luz Trail

For a strenuous adventure in the Sandia Mountains, the La Luz Trail is a popular challenge. The path runs less than nine miles with an elevation gain of 3,200 vertical feet. Along the way, you’ll be treated to dramatic views of the Albuquerque landscape, particularly at the end, where you can grab a bite with a panoramic view at 10,300 feet above sea level before taking a tram down the mountain.