Fun and Free Activities in Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Albuquerque, New Mexico, has got it all! Not only is Albuquerque close to the Sandia Mountains, which offers plenty of outdoor activity options. But there are numerous historical and cultural experiences as well. There is so much to do and see in Albuquerque that you simply can’t go wrong no matter what you decide to do. Albuquerque is the perfect getaway for both families and friends.

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When planning your trip to Albuquerque, you can find some great hotels rates here with Booking.com.

Don’t forget you can grab great rates on rental cars here!

Best Time to Visit Albuquerque

Due to the pleasant weather and festivals, such as the International Balloon Festival, September to November are ideal. Of course as the winter months roll in and skiers arrive, hotels and accommodation prices increase. Comparatively the Spring and Summer can also be a great time to visit because some weather conditions, such as the heat, keep the crowds down.

Top Things to Do In Albuquerque

Click Here to Find A Complete List of Albuquerque Tours Here

Visit Historic Old Town

Cost : Free to explore

If you’re visiting Albuquerque, then a trip tp Old Town is a must. Not only is its location near numerous museums and the ABQ Bio Park, but its where it all began. Old Town offers shopping, art galleries and lovely strolls on the historic streets of Albuquerque’s roots.  Additionally you can find enticing restaurants and some occasions entertainment. 

522 Romero St NW Albuquerque, NM 87104

Tour San Felipe de Neri Church

Cost: Free, but feel free to make a donation

Of course if you’re in Old Town, be sure to drop by the San Felipe de Neri Church. Notably a spectacular piece of adobe architecture and beautiful to admire. Due to its over 300 year history in the area it is worth taking a tour to learn more.

2005 N. Plaza St NW Albuquerque, NM 87104

Explore ABQ BioPark Zoo

Cost: $14.50 (Adults) $7.50 (65+) $6 (Youth 3-12))

Next door to Old Town is the ABQ BioPark Zoo. The 64-acre Zoo has been offering guests close encounters with exotic and native animals since 1927. Obviously this is a great activity for families with children, but anyone who loves animals will enjoy this activity.

 903 Tenth St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Hike or Bike Paseo del Bosque Trail

Cost: Free

This 17 mile trail is fun for all and includes both paved and unpaved trails. You can choose to hike, bike or just stroll as far as you want. Not to mention it runs parallel to the Rio Grande, the ABQ BioPark, and Old Town. Indeed the Paseo del Bosque Trail will be a full day adventure for many. Due to the length of the trail, there are many access points in the city, but you can find all the locations by clicking here.

Click Here to Find A Complete List of Albuquerque Tours Here

Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Cost: $160

Albuquerque is ideal for hot air ballooning due to its dry climate. They are known world wide for their International  Balloon Festival held annually in October. Rainbow Ryders is the company we toured with and we had a magical time! Not only did they provide an excellent experience, but our tour ended with mimosas and bubbles. In addition to being a fun activity for all ages, it is also a wonderful way to capture some incredible aerial photographs of Albuquerque.

Check Out Petroglyph National Monument

Cost: No fee, but there is a small fee for some parking areas

Experience more of the Albuquerque desert in this area. In addition to hiking, you can find beautiful and resilient plant life that survive in this hot, sandy and dry environment. Also you can explore and find the petroglyphs (drawings) left by people of the area thousands of years ago.

6001 Unser Blvd. NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 

Take a Ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway

Cost: $25 (Adults) $20 (Over 62) $15  (children 0-12)

The adventurous will love this activity. The Sandia Tramway is the longest aerial tram in the Americas, and the second longest in the world. It opened in 1966 and makes 10,500 trips per year. Not only will you have an exhilarating ride, but you will reach the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains in just 15 minutes. Of course your reward will be an 11,000 square mile panoramic view of the land of enchantment. Additionally you can explore and enjoy a meal at the top.

30 Tramway Rd Albuquerque, NM 87122

Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Cost: $10

Another great option is the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Here you can learn about the 19 Pueblos located in New Mexico, and their cultures. For instance you will discover their ancient way of life to the present via the museum and exhibition galleries. Additionally you can tour a collection of murals by Pueblo artists for an inspiring and personal experience.

2401 12th Street NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104

Experience Breaking Bad

Cost: Free if you take self-guided tour

Not only can you drive by Walter White’s House, but there are complete tours that take you to key filming locations. If you decider to visit the house, please remember this is a private address and be respectful.

3828 Piermont Dr NE Albuquerque, NM (Walter’s Home in the show)

Additionally you can also take a self guided tour of all locations in the show using the map below.

Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Cost: Free (Well maybe you need a little gas)

Did you know the historic Route 66 runs right through the heart of Albuquerque? Even more exciting is the fact that much of the original architecture has been maintained or restored in the downtown area and by the University of New Mexico. Definitely worth the drive.

Drive Along the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway

Cost: $3 daily use fee if you stop to hike or picnic

If you’re not quite sure about the ride up the Sandia Peak Tramway, then why not drive up. For those afraid of heights, it is a little less scary.  But you can still reach the peak for the amazing views of Albuquerque below.  Additionally you will find multiple places to hike and enjoy a picnic. Also, on your way back down, consider a side trip on the gravel Country Road 165, heading through Las Hurtas Canyon to the Sandia Cave trailhead where excavations have found evidence of humans in this area some 12,000 years ago.

Day Trip to Santa Fe on the Turquoise Trail

Cost: Free

If you have time, I recommend a day trip to Santa Fe, which is only an hour away. Of course the more interesting route is to take the Turquoise Trail which takes you through the beautiful mountain landscape. Along the way you can visit the Ghost Town of Golden or shop and eat in Madrid.

Relax and Watch a Spectacular Sunset

Cost: Priceless

One of the most beautiful and free things to do in Albuquerque is to take in the sunset. They are absolutely majestic. Undoubtedly you will see why New Mexico is called the “Land of Enchantment.”

In conclusion, I hope you enjoyed this post about Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque offers so much for everyone to enjoy. If your looking for more hiking or outdoor activities out west, then check out our Hiking in Tucson post for more inspiration.

Of course if you have any other suggestions for the best things to do in this area, please share a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

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