Looking for the best things to do in Albuquerque in the winter? I gotchu. Whether you’re heading to the largest city in New Mexico for business or pleasure, there are a plethora of adventures to expand your mind, satisfy your appetite, and get your heart racing.
I decided to visit Albuquerque in the winter because of a flight deal. That and traveling in the shoulder season usually leads to cheaper prices, less crowds, and more temperate weather.
When I started researching for things to do in Albuquerque in the winter, I had a hard time finding adventures that fit my style and budget. So instead of complaining, I’m writing this article.
Things to do in Albuquerque in the Winter
Most of these adventures are things you can do at any time of the year, but when the weather is cooler and the crowds are thinned out, these are ideal for winter.
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is an interactive museum that focuses on the 19 pueblos or villages of indigenous people that make up New Mexico.
Although I have my degree in history and love learning about the histories of people, locations and cultures, I’m not a huge museum buff. I get bored after reading little plaques and shuffling a few feet at a time to the next display case. I’ve always been like this.
But the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center made me fall in love with it the moment I entered.
Sure, there are artifacts on the wall and in little glass containers with plaques. But there is also a replica kitchen, complete with recipes, a partial adobe house, things to touch, listen to, and a restaurant to sample local fare.
One exhibit that got me really excited to learn more about was called “Pueblo Decks.” This exhibit showcased dozens of painted skateboards by local Pueblo artisans. From the plaque:
The Pueblo artists who painted these decks have used this medium as a voice to connect with the next generation, our children, our youth. The importance of sharing traditions with the next generation, in any format, is an important way to keep them connected to their traditional culture by utilizing tools that are familiar.
Another one of my favorite exhibits was an audio guide to the Puebloan languages. There was a dark room (hence no pictures) where you could sit in front of a digital map of the 19 Pueblos. Once seated, you had the ability to select an icon on the console indicating the name of the Pueblo. With one tap, you heard a greeting in the indigenous language and the map highlighted where the Pueblo was and the language spoken.
As someone who has spent years studying foreign languages, it was extremely touching to hear the spoken languages. It made me think of the Navajo Code Talkers and the importance of maintaining knowledge of these lesser-known languages.
Even if you’re not interested in the center, you can still come to the kitchen and eat delicious food made with traditional ingredients. And it’s not just a touristy thing to do – while I was there, I saw multiple local groups eating as well.
One of the reasons this is one of the best things to do in Albuquerque in the winter specifically has to do with the weather. During the hot summer and fall months, visitors often seek shelter from the blazing sun and soaring desert heat. Museums and libraries are usually the first to fill up. You don’t have to worry about too many crowds during the winter!
Get out of Albuquerque
Sometimes the best part of visiting a place is taking a day trip away from it. After exploring the same city for a few days, a quick break away is the ticket to reigniting that adventurous spirit and desire to keep exploring.
The solution for Albuquerque? Rent a car and go on a road trip adventure to another city, such as Santa Fe or Taos to the north, or Las Cruces to the south.
Got some time and a desire for adventure? Check out the Four Corners monument in the northwest corner of the state, where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado all meet up.
I love a good road trip, and after a few days in Albuquerque, I headed north to Santa Fe for the day. Not only is Santa Fe the state capital, but often associated with the dream of “heading west.”
Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway
I love getting a bird’s eye view of a new area, and riding the Sandia Peak Tramway is the perfect adventure. Let me explain why this is one of the best things to do in Albuquerque in the winter.
Sandia Peak is a mountain top on the Sandia reservation on the edge of Albuquerque, and the best way to reach the top is via the tramway. Not only do you get to ride a fun cable car-looking thing up a mountain, but there’s so much to do at the top.
Did you know you can have an elegant dinner with a clear view of the whole of Albuquerque? Or, snow permitting, ski, snowboard, or go snowshoeing on the back side of the mountain?
During the winter, the air is clear, the colors on the mountains pop, and the cold winds offer a different sensation than most visitors are prepared for, being in the desert and all.
For $29 round trip, you can ride the gondola up and stay until the last ride if you wanted. The peak sits at over 10,000 feet in elevation and offers some of the most stunning views of the sunset I could imagine.
But, if you don’t want to shell out the $29, no worries. The view from the parking lot is worth the drive up and has some tables if you want to have a picnic!
Wander around Old Town Albuquerque
Old Town Albuquerque is so cute and has a ton of little local shops that can make any shopaholic cry. But for those of us who aren’t big shoppers, there’s still a ton to do, like people-watching, checking out the local historical points of interest, and taking all the pictures.
Every corner offers a picture-perfect backdrop, a kitschy unique store, a historical building, or a delicious restaurant to patron.
My last few hours in Albuquerque were spent just sitting on a bench in the center of the old town and watching the local classic car club cruise around the square. It had all the feelings of that quintessential small town where the square was the place to be on a Sunday afternoon.
Cruise Down Route 66
Did you know that Route 66 runs through Albuquerque? And that you can cruise down the highway and relive that “Cars” moment?
One of the best things to do in Albuquerque in the winter is cruise down Route 66, windows down, without worrying about overheating or getting too sweaty in the process.
Cruise down Central Avenue and pass by neons signs illuminating the historic route. Head out of Albuquerque to follow the route further into the desert, stopping to take pictures along the way and sing “Life is a Highway.”
If you don’t have a rental car or are uninterested in driving, you can opt to take the bus down Central Avenue for a bit, while still feeling the thrill of riding down history.
To be honest, I wasn’t planning on visiting Petroglyph National Monument when I was planning my trip to Albuquerque. But the more I researched the site, I realized how perfect of an adventure it would be…AND IT WAS! I’m so glad I checked it out and am now happy to include it on my list of best things to do in Albuquerque in the winter.
Visitor Center Location: 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
Open: 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: Free, except Boca Negra Canyon – parking is $2/vehicle on weekends, $1/vehicle on weekdays, cash only at the entrance
Petroglyph National Monument is a 17 mile stretch of land that protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, featuring designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks over 400 years ago. Native Americans and Spanish settlers created this valuable record of cultural expression which is still visible today.
Crazy to think how that happened, even as a historian. And the fact that the national monument is literally within the Albuquerque city limits still boggles my mind.
The layout of the monument is unique – the visitor center is centralized with a handful of trails that start in different locations, based on the types of petroglyphs you’re going to see.
Some trails offer petroglyphs immediately at the start of the trail, while others might take a mile or so to access. It’s up to you how much you want to see. I opted for the Boca Negra Canyon (most popular) and the Piedras Marcadas Canyon, but didn’t get far into Piedras due to the fact that I ran into a coyote about 1/4 of the way in.
The reason this is the best activity to do during the winter is simple – who wants to hike in the blazing sun in the desert? Visit during the cooler winter months for a more temperate experience.
Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is world-famous. Chances are strong that you’ve heard about this festival that takes place each October. Countless hot air balloons fill the sky and turn spectators into little kids again. But if you want a hot air balloon fix, and you don’t want to shell out over $200 for a hot air balloon ride, check out the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.
I know I mentioned earlier that I’m not typically a museum person, but I spent over 2 hours in this place without ever checking the time. Hear me out.
When I first heard of the museum, I wasn’t super excited. I mean, the thought of wandering around and staring at deflated balloons pinned against the wall didn’t sound exciting. At all. Because what else would the museum have?
I have never been more excited to be wrong about a museum. From the outside, the museum looks kinda janky. Some of the paint is peeling and a few panels are missing from the roof. The ticket office is outside, which was weird.
But as soon as I walked in, my mind was literally blow away. My eyes soared up to the sky with the tall ceiling, while simultaneously being assaulted with all colors of the rainbow.
Not only do you learn about the Fiesta, but the history of hot air balloons, their use in wartime and exploration, and how hot air ballooning became a part of Albuquerque’s identity. There were kids’ sections, a place to learn about how the weather plays a major part in ballooning, and a basket you can step into and pull the cord to simulate inflation. Talk about a hands-on experience!
Figure out if you’re team red or team green
Chilies make you warm. So, in the colder months, it would make sense to eat more chilies, right? So when you’re looking for the best things to do in Albuquerque in the winter, you need to figure out if you’re team RED or team GREEN. Or, if you’re like me, you’re team CHRISTMAS. Allow me to elucidate.
New Mexico is known as the chile capital of the world, and chiles have been growing in New Mexico for at least the last 400 years of recorded history. According to several accounts, the chile was first introduced to New Mexico in the late 1500s by the conquistador Don Juan Oñate, when he brought crops from Mexico.
Over the course of a century, the ancestral Puebloans adopted the crops, cultivated their own varieties that flourished in the harsh landscape, and made chiles an integral part of their diets.
Now, whenever you dine at a New Mexican restaurant, you will be asked if you want red or green, referring to the 2 types of chiles offered. They’re asking you what kind you want, not IF you want it smothered on your food.
When you’re going around to different restaurants during your visit, get a variety of options. Try green chile on your enchiladas. Taste the red on your relleno. Or, if you’re like me, have them mix the two together to make Christmas on your plate.
I hope this helps you decide which things to do in Albuquerque in the winter! Adventure really is never far away, especially in places that aren’t overrun with visitors!
