First 25 Places to Visit in Albuquerque

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1.      KiMo Theatre, Albuquerque, NM

Two architectural styles, Art Deco and Pueblo Revival were combined into an architectural style known as Pueblo Deco. The use of the style was used for a short while in the mid 1920’s, but if fell out of favor because the material used to build in this style cost too much. The materials used include brass, marble, and terracotta. Once the Great Depression hit, the style faded away. However, in Albuquerque, NM, there is one example of the Pueblo Deco architectural style that still stands today. It is the KiMo Theatre. It features ornamental southwest styling coupled with smooth Deco features.

The KiMo was built during the height of the Pueblo Deco era of the 1920’s by Carl Boller.  The theatre was in use until the 1960’s. Sadly, the building’s stage burned down in a fire at some point in that decade.  It sat for several years in disrepair until 1977, when the people of the city of Albuquerque, NM, voted in favor of a bond issue to pay for the restoration of the theatre. The bond issue paid for the restoration and happily, in 2020 the KiMo Theatre is still in use for stage productions to this day. The business and phone number are as follows:

 2.      American International Rattlesnake Museum

The American International Rattlesnake Museum is home to the most diverse collection of rattlesnakes in the world, with live displays of 34 different species.

The museum also features rarities like albino snakes, a Gila Monster (which chews on its prey  to inject as much poison into of the victim’s bloodstream as possible), a beautiful assortment of snake skeletons,  and artifacts from snake appearances in pop culture. The business and phone number are as follows:

  

3.      The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This museum is the official United States atomic museum. It is dedicated to exploring the history of this controversial repository of powerful energy. 

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NUCLEAR Science & History was established by the United States Air Force in 1969 as a repository of information about the Atomic Age, from  the early days of atomic weapons development through more modern, and peaceful, uses of nuclear technology.

The museum presents, through a series of exhibits, displays, artifacts, and hands-on models, the history of  nuclear energy research, biographies of the pioneers of the field, a look at life in Los Alamos during the days of the Manhattan Project, the effects of the Atomic Age on society and pop culture, the moral quandaries nuclear weapons can create, as well as a diverse array of other subjects ranging from nuclear waste disposal, to the evolution of computers.

One of the most popular attractions of the museum is the five-acre outdoor Heritage Park, a sprawling exhibit of military aircraft, decommissioned rockets, missiles, cannons, and a nuclear sub sail.

 4.      Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

Founded in 1967, the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History is world-renowned for being one of the leading institutions of art, history, and culture in the Southwest. The museum celebrates the diverse local culture, rich heritage, history, and art through a variety of alluring and informative local, regional, national, and international exhibitions.

The Museum also features live performances in its state-of-the-art amphitheater, educational workshops for visitors of all ages, as well as docent-guided tours through the Museum, its beautiful sculpture garden, and the historic Old Town. The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History is one of the top Albuquerque points of interest. Do not miss a visit to the exquisite Casa San Ysidro: The Gutiérrez-Minge House, which is also part of the museum. It is a pristine example of Greek Revival architecture. The business and phone number are as follows: 2000 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, Phone: 505-243-7255

 5.      Albuquerque Old Town

Located between Mountain Road and the Old Route 66 (now Central Avenue), Albuquerque Old Town is a historic district in Albuquerque that is home to a variety of beautiful old architecture, shops, cafés, restaurants, hotels, and churches. Spanning ten blocks, which are grouped around a central Plaza, Old Town is home to some beautiful examples of adobe architecture. Many of these buildings have been converted into small galleries, shops, and restaurants, offering public services while retaining the cultural identity of the area. If you are wondering what to do in Albuquerque NM today, this is a great area to explore. 

 6.      New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science documents the natural history of the earth from the birth of the Universe to New Mexico’s Ice Age through eight interactive display halls. Travel through the ages as you explore the galleries, beginning with ‘Origins’ and the ‘Dawn of the Dinosaurs’, followed by ‘Jurassic’s Super Giants’, ‘New Mexico’s Seacoast’, and the ‘Age of Volcanoes’, to ‘Evolving Grasslands’, ‘Cave Experience’, and finally, ‘New Mexico’s Ice Age’.

The museum is also home to a planetarium dedicated to astronomy and the study of space, and interesting exhibits such as ‘The History of the Personal Computer’, and ‘Rise of the Machines’, as well as the IMAX-sized Lockheed Martin Dyna-Theater.  The business and phone number are as follows: 1801 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104, Phone: 505-841-2800

7.      Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center displays and celebrates the culture and achievements of the Native American Pueblo people of New Mexico. The center features informative historical artifacts, objects, sculptures, and artworks. The center also features an evolving exhibit that displays the work of living traditional and contemporary artists, as well as a mini theater for educational presentations and workshops like the Pueblo Artist Workshop Series. The business and phone number are as follows: 2401 12th ST NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104, Phone: 505-843-7270

8.      Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway

Located in the Sandia Foothills on the eastern edge of Albuquerque, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway is North America's longest aerial tram, riding high above breathtaking terrain and offering spectacular views. Stretching from the northeast edge of the city to the crest of the magnificent Sandia Mountains, the tramway is a popular tourist attraction throughout the year.

The tram ride takes about 15 minutes to ascend the steep western side of the Sandia Mountains, with around four trips leaving every hour from the base and top departure stations. Once at the top, some recreational activities can be enjoyed, from hiking and backpacking, bird and wildlife watching in the summer and skiing in the winter. The business and phone number are as follows:  30 Tramway Road NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87122, Phone: 505-856-7325

9.      Explora in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Explora is a family friendly science center near Old Town that offers an interactive way of learning math, science, and art through 250 fantastic hands-on exhibits and displays. Boasting over 250 displays, presentations and exhibits covering science, technology and art that require a ‘touch and feel’ approach, visitors are encouraged to explore, discover, and learn through the art of touch.

Renowned exhibits include a high-wire bike, and an experiment bar – complete with white lab coats, a laminar fountain, and a fun arts and crafts area. The museum also features a modern performance theater, which hosts educational programs and presentations, an in-house exhibit workshop, and a gift store. The business and phone number are as follows:

10.  Albuquerque Trolley Company

Operated by Jesse Herron and Mike Silva, ABQ Trolley Co. is a unique tour service that offers sightseeing trips around Albuquerque on a beautiful custom-made, open air trolley. Tours are led by Jesse and Mike who share their passion for Albuquerque’s history and heritage, as well as a wealth of interesting facts.

If you are wondering what to see in Albuquerque, ABQ Trolley Co. will let you visit some of the the best places in town. The 18-mile ‘Best of ABQ City Tour’ lasts around 85 minutes and visits Nob Hill, Old Town, Museum Row and the historic Route 66, as well as the Barelas Neighborhood and the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the Rio Grande Zoo and Botanic Gardens, Tingley Beach and more.

11.  Albuquerque Biological Park

The Albuquerque Biological Park is a large environmental museum that is made up of four different facilities, namely the Albuquerque Aquarium, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, the Rio Grande Zoo, and Tingley Beach. The Albuquerque Aquarium is a vast salt-water ocean tank, boasting diverse species of fish, sea mammals, and other creatures from a variety of habitats, including coral reefs, surf zones, shallow waters, and estuaries.

Covering 36 acres, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden features a magnificent glass conservatory, which houses plants from the Mediterranean and desert climate zones. Home to over 250 species of animals, ranging from elephants, tigers and giraffes, to polar bears, gorillas and snow leopards, the Rio Grande Zoo is spread over 64 miles of landscape, and offers a variety of habitats for the animals and birds to reside in. Tingley Beach is one of Albuquerque’s most popular recreational spots, with pristine picnic areas, a fishing & model boating lake, and a network of paths for walking, hiking, running, and cycling. The Albuquerque Biological Park is one of the top family attractions in Albuquerque, NM.  The business and phone number are as follows: 903 10th St SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102, Phone: 505-768-2000

12.  History and Ghost Tours of Albuquerque Old Town

Get to know Albuquerque with an interesting and fun-filled Tours of Old Town adventure. The company specializes in engaging, entertaining, and informative outdoor walking tours, led by professional guides that share a wealth of interesting facts and historical trivia. Take a step back in time with the fascinating ‘History, Legends & Lore’ tour, brave dark alleys and mysterious avenues with the terrifying ‘Ghost Tours’ or venture across the Plaza by night with the ‘Moonlight Ghost Tour’.  The phone number is as follows: Phone: 505-246-8687

13.  Elena Gallegos Open Space

The Elena Gallegos Open Space is made up of the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area and Albert G. Simms Park, a beautiful expanse of open landscapes and wild terrain where visitors can enjoy an array of outdoor activities against a backdrop of spectacular vistas of the Sandia Mountains.

Spanning 640 acres at an elevation of over 6,500 feet, the park offers wonderful hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, scenic covered picnic areas with barbeque grills, and breathtaking views of the Jemez Mountains to the north, the massive Tijeras Arroyo to the south and Mt. Taylor to the east. Family-friendly activities and unique environmental and educational programs are offered throughout the year, where you can learn about the natural and cultural history of the region with guided walks and talks.

 14.   Casa Rondena Winery

Casa Rondeña Winery is one of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque's premiere wineries, owned and operated by John Calvin since 1998. The lovely winery serves as both a tasting room and a hub for the arts in the New Mexico region, hosting annual special events such as the Festival de Música Rondeña, which has presented performances by members of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. Award-winning red and white wine varietals and blends are sold throughout the year at the winery's tasting room, which is open to the public daily during the afternoon hours. Wine tastings are available for a nominal fee, complemented by a selection of cheese boards, chocolates, and house made spreads. The company's 1692 Club offers exclusive member benefits such as opportunities for picnics on the winery's grounds. The business and phone number are as follows: 733 Chavez Rd, Los Ranchos De, Albuquerque, NM 87107, Phone: 505-344-5911

15.  Unser Racing Museum

Racing fans will love the Unser Racing Museum, which ‘honors the past and prepares for the future’, through the exciting world of racing. The museum celebrates the accomplishments of New Mexico’s native racing family, the Unser’s, by offering visitors a multi-dimensional and interactive experience that puts them in the driver’s seat. The museum is located at 1776 Montano Road NW Los Ranchos de, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107. To find out about hours call 505-341-1776

 16.  Sadie’s of New Mexico

Albuquerque New Mexican cuisine restaurant, Sadie’s of New Mexico, serves award-winning enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and bold, breakfast dishes like huevos rancheros and sopaipilla sliders, all created in their kitchen using the freshest and healthiest ingredients. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Betty Jo and her husband Bob Stafford now manage the restaurant with several family members pitching to run all the restaurant locations. There is a Sadie’s on Fourth, a Sadie’s on Academy and a Sadie’s East.

17.   Petroglyph National Monument 

Stretching for 17 miles (27 km) along the volcanic basalt escarpment known as the West Mesa, Petroglyph National Monument is a protected area that is home to one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. This rugged landscape features symbols, drawings and designs carved into the volcanic rock which are of extremely high spiritual and cultural importance.  6001 Unser Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87120, Phone: 505-899-0205

18.  Green Jeans Farmery

Green Jeans Farmery happens to be on of the hottest dining and retail spots in Albuquerque. It was created using old railroad cars, which were converted into occupiable business spaces.  The center focus is both retail shops and cool dining establishments. Iconic brewpub, Santa Fe Brewing Company, is one of the anchor businesses in the center. There are several choices when it comes to dining including Rockin’ Taco, Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria and Chumley’s Southwestern.  It also features medical cannabis dispensary, Sacred Garden.   Green Jeans Famery is located at the corner of San Mateo Blvd. NE and I-40 in Albuquerque, NM. Its address and phone number are as follows: 3600 Cutler Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, Phone: 505- 401-1000.

19.  Duke City Pedaler

Sightseeing in Albuquerque is available through Duke City Pedaler. The company’s tours are done with its 14-passenger party bike. Tourists joining in on the fun traverse Albuquerque streets and boulevards during the tour and stop at predetermined restaurants, bars, and brewpubs along the way. The tours are perfect for a variety of occasions including bachelor/bachelorette party activities, birthday celebrations and anniversaries. The Duke City Pedaler tours’ bike seats 10 pedalers and it features a built-in electric motor to help out along the way.

20.  Hinkle Family Fun Center

People looking for fun things to do in Albuquerque are in luck because Hinkle Family Fun Center serves up fun by the truck load. There is entertainment galore there for everyone including paintball, laser tag, a go-kart track, and bumper boats. The business opened in 1994 and its entire goal is providing a place for families to come, get together and enjoy themselves in a safe family-oriented setting. There are two buildings on the property. One building features laser tag and paint ball and the other building has a game room with tons of video games and skills challenge games and a party room for birthday parties and family celebrations.  The business is located at 12931 Indian School Rd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87112, Phone: 505-299-3100.

21.  Farm & Table

People looking for a clean dining experience with exquisite cuisine need look no further than Farm & Table, a nice local restaurant situated in Albuquerque’s North Valley. The dining establishment has a restaurant menu made up of food, beverages and produce that are made and grown locally. The food menu is a complete synergistic orchestra with area grocery suppliers, farmers, and ranchers. The dishes are created using local vegetables grown at local nearby farms, with meats harvests from local grass-fed livestock, locally made organic cheeses and honey from local beehives.  The address and phone number of the restaurant are as follows: 8917 Fourth Street NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114, Phone: 505-503-7124

22.  Albuquerque Little Theatre

Albuquerque Little Theatre has been an entertainment mainstay since its founding in 1930. It features complete stage productions of plays each year. The goal of the theatres is to showcase, grow and motivate the local community regarding the intrinsic value and quality of arts, offer a place for local artists to showcase their skills and to provide a selection of programs and workshops focusing on education about acting.  The address and phone number of the theatre are as follows: 224 San Pasquale Ave SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104, Phone: 505-242-4750

23.   Artichoke Café

The discerning palate is in for a treat in Albuquerque, NM when they visit the Artichoke Café for a meal. It is located along Central Blvd in the center of Albuquerque, NM, on the old Rt. 66 thoroughfare. The food menu is a wonderful creative selection of Italian, French, New American dishes, created with the best, fresh ingredients available in the local marketplace. The dining experience is relaxed in an avant-garde bistro atmosphere kind of way diners are sure to enjoy. The address and phone number of the restaurant are as follows: 424 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102, Phone: 505-243-0200

24.   Routes Bicycle Tours

Time almost stands still on the bicycle tours of Albuquerque, NM offered by Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals. Tours offered by this inventive creative company include specialty bike tours which is an informational tour covering cool facts, local points of interest and attractions, gourmet tours featuring diners, cafes and restaurants offering food samples at the places visited and finally, scenic bike tours, which showcase Albuquerque’s beauty and incredible stunning vistas and glorious views of its river valley and mountain range. To schedule a tour call 505-933-5667.

25.  Cliff’s Amusement Park

Albuquerque is home to wonderful local landmark and family fun center known as Cliff’s Amusement Park. The park features a variety of thrilling rides, swings, roller coasters and amusement park games.  The address and phone number of the park are as follows: 4800 Osuna Road Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109, Phone: 505-881-9373