Albuquerque, NM capitalizes on its assets. Nestled at the base of the Sandia Mountains on the banks of the Rio Grande, the city enjoys 310 days of blue skies, breathtaking natural scenery and unique-to-Albuquerque attractions and activities. Ranked in the Top 50 Best Places to Live and Play by National Geographic Adventure and the Top 25 Most Memorable Summer Vacations by Women’s Day, Albuquerque is consistently praised for fiestas, food and fun. It is the ballooning capital of the world, drawing almost 700 hot air balloons and 750,000 visitors to the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in early October each year.
Most visitors to Albuquerque arrive at the Albuquerque International Sunport, located just three miles from the city center. It is also a stop on the scenic Amtrak Southwest Chief rail route between Chicago and Los Angeles. Albuquerque transportation offers local bus service and a commuter rail service connecting the airport with downtown and outlying stations. However, most visitors enjoy getting around Albuquerque by car. Major rental car agencies offer reasonable car rental rates and traffic is typically light.
Things to Do in Albuquerque
For a short trip to Albuquerque, a guided tour makes the most of limited time. An Albuquerque travel guide helps plan local must-see itineraries and day trips within a one- or two-hour drive, including a ride along historic Route 66.
Albuquerque attractions and activities are divided into four diverse quadrants of the city. The northeast quadrant is the largest and most affluent district of the city. Ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tram (the longest of its kind) for a 360˚ view of the city from Sandia Mountain. The northwest quadrant is home to historic Old Town Albuquerque. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Petroglyph National Monument. The southeast quadrant is home to Kirtland AFB, Sandia National Laboratories, University of New Mexico, University Stadium, Isotopes Park and The Pit (University Arena). And, the southwest (South Valley) offers the National Hispanic Cultural Center and Albuquerque Biological Park with the Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque Aquarium and Tingley Beach. It is also the site for the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, a must-do experience in 1000 Places to See Before You Die.
Outdoor enthusiasts can ski in the morning and be on the greens for a round of golf by afternoon. Other popular outdoor adventures include: rock-climbing, biking, hiking around dormant volcanoes and hot air ballooning.
When it’s time to dine, plates pop with pizzazz and palates are pleased at Albuquerque restaurants. Expect chilies with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cool down the tasty fire with a bottle of chilled wine from one of 19 local wineries.
Places to Stay in Albuquerque
According to Runzheimer International, travelers enjoy some of the lowest rates and most diverse choices in the U.S. at Albuquerque hotels. With more than 16,000 rooms available in the area, Albuquerque accommodations offer luxury hotels, haciendas and hostels and resorts, ranches and retreats. Get a taste of the Wild West at an Albuquerque guest ranch like Double E Guest Ranch. Indulge in all the luxuries of award-winning Albuquerque golf and spa resorts. Stay for a while with all the comforts of home and more at an Albuquerque vacation home rental. Enjoy the personal hospitality of an Albuquerque bed and breakfast. Bring your own lodging and rough it smoothly under the stars at an Albuquerque RV Campground.
Note: When taking a trip to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, plan ahead. There are tempting Fiesta travel packages, but Albuquerque accommodations are typically booked a year or more in advance.
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