Nestled between the towering Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley, the city of Albuquerque is rich with culture and heritage. Albuquerque began as a railroad era town of 5,000 in the 1880s, and has since grown to more than 550,000 in the metro-area. Albuquerque attracts skiers, museum-goers, balloonists, and adventure-seekers of all kinds. The city's proximity to mountains and rivers and central location along both old Route 66 and I-40 makes it a great and easily accessible vacation destination. Best Western Albuquerque New Mexico.
Things to do in Albuquerque
Albuquerque Aquarium
A moray eel cave and a shark tank are just two of the exhibits found here to trace the Grande water from the Rockies to the Gulf Coast. Best Western Albuquerque lodging is nearby. Call 505-764-6200 for more information.
Albuquerque Museum of Art and History
Enjoy the traditional and contemporary art of New Mexico. One of the largest collections of Spanish Colonial art in the nation can be found here. Also experience our outdoor sculpture garden, Middle Rio Grande River artifacts, children's exhibits, traveling exhibits and photo show from our extensive archive, and the museum school. Free Admission. Best Western Albuquerque lodging is nearby. Call 505-243-7255 for more information.
Casa Rondena Winery
Beautiful winery and vineyards, create a charm and gracious environment in which to relax. Located in the serene valley north of Albuquerque. It offers some of New Mexico's most unique architecture, amidst adobe, stone, Moorish tile and ancient timbers, Casa Rondena specializes in Bordeaux style Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and a Proprietor's blend of fine white wines. Call 505-344-5911 for more information.
Explora!
A hands-on Science Center and Children's Museum. Enjoy hands-on exhibits and creative activities that encourage discovery in arts and sciences. Call 505-842-1537 for more information.
Geology Museum
This Meteoritic Institute houses the sixth largest meteorite collection in the U.S. Moon rocks, minerals and fossils are on display. Call 505-277-4204 for more information.
Gruet Winery
Originally from the Champagne region of France, the Gruet family founded their first Champagne House in 1952. In 1984 they opened the winery and today the Gruet wines - Brut, Blanc de Noirs, Demi-Sec, Blanc de Blancs, Vintage Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are available throughout the U.S. Tours and tastings are available. The tasting room is open Monday - Saturday from 12 - 5pm. Tours daily at 2pm. Call 505-821-0055 for more information.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Experience Pueblo Indian life and culture from pre-history through to contemporary times. Our gallery and performances offer additional learning venues. Our gift shop and restaurant are provided for your convenience. Call 505-843-7270 for more information.
Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
Located on the University of New Mexico Campus, learn about the native cultures of the Southwest, Mimbres and Pueblo pottery, American Indian baskets, kachinas and Navajo weavings. Call 505-277-4404 for more information.
National Atomic Bomb Museum
Follow the story of the making of the atomic bomb through stories and military exhibits. Located on the Kirtland Air Force Base. Check in at the Wyoming gate office. Call 505-284-3243 for more information.
National Atomic Museum
Learn about the history and science of atomic power. View exhibits on the scientific pioneers, arms control, nuclear medicine, robotics, weapons history, aircraft and missiles. Scientific tours available. Call 505-284-3243 for more information.
National Hispanic Cultural Center of New Mexico
Hispanic arts and life ways with visual arts, drama, traditional/contemporary music, dance, literary arts, film, culinary arts, library research and genealogy are all displayed here. Galleries, performing arts, restaurant, gift shop and artists studios are available for your convenience. Call 505-246-2261 for more information.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History
Experience 12 billion years of natural history. Dinosaurs, Elevator high-tech time machine, living forest and a 3,000-gallon shark infested aquarium. Do not miss the rumbling volcano and ice age cave. Call 505-841-2800 for more information.
Old Town
Historic district with gift shops, restaurants, galleries and the San Felipe de Neri Church. Located 2 miles west of downtown Albuquerque. Call 505-243-3215 for more information.
Rio Grande Botanical Gardens
Visit the beautiful Victorian-style glass conservatory where you will see diverse plant species from the arid desert to the wet Mediterranean. Call 505-764-6200 for more information.
Rio Grande Zoological Park
More than 1,000 animals call this Park their home. Come visit them in their natural habitat including an African savanna and an Amazon rain forest. Call 505-764-6200 for more information.
Salt Mission Trails
Enjoy the scenic and historic loop tours along the eastern slopes of the Manzano Mountains. Located 15 miles east of Albuquerque near Tijeras at US 66. Call 505-384-2418 for more information.
Sandia Crest
Experience the highest scenic drive in the Southwest. The summit of the Sandia Mountains with an elevation of 10,678 feet, located east of Albuquerque. Call 505-243-0605 for more information.
Sandia Peak Ski Area
Snowmaking throughout the season with 25 intermediate ski runs and an uphill lift capacity of 4,500 skiers per hour. Alpine and snowboard lessons, rentals are available. Restaurants are located at both the base and top of the Sandia Peak Tramway. Enjoy chair lift rides, hiking and mountain biking during the summer season. Located along the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway. Call 505-242-9052 for more information.
Sandia Peak Tramway
Experience the longest aerial tram in the world to the top of the Sandia Mountains. Call 505-856-6419 for more information.
Wild West Nature Park
A park for all ages to enjoy. This 122-acre park has a variety of wildlife that includes bobcats, coyotes, raptors and mountain lions. Trails throughout have been constructed in the natural habitat. Located 19 miles east of Albuquerque. Call 505-281-7655 for more information.