Most people drive through Albuquerque without stopping. That would be a mistake. Tonya, my wife, and I spent several days in the city and found more to do than we expected, from hot air balloon rides over the desert to ancient petroglyphs just minutes from downtown. Here are 10 things to do in Albuquerque that are worth building a trip around.
1. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Albuquerque (Rainbow Ryders)
Taking a hot air balloon ride was at the top of my list for Albuquerque. Tonya is afraid of heights, so I wasn’t sure how she’d feel about it. She jumped at the chance. That’s one of the many reasons I love her.
There are several companies offering balloon rides in Albuquerque, but we went with Rainbow Ryders and I’m glad we did. Our pilot was Troy Bradley, who holds 64 world records in ballooning. Knowing that before we lifted off made a real difference.
We flew in the morning, which is the best time to go. The air was surprisingly calm up there. Troy took us just over 1,100 feet above the ground and we were in the air for close to an hour. The views of the city and the surrounding desert were worth every minute. It is something that we would both love to do again.
What to know before you go:
- The whole experience including setup and post-flight celebration runs about 3 hours.
- Book tickets online in advance. Slots fill up fast, especially in peak season.
- Morning flights are standard. Plan for an early start.
- Budget around $180 to $250 per person depending on the package.
By the way, Tonya and I saved over $7,700 on this Albuquerque trip using credit card points and miles. If you want to see exactly how we did it, here is the full breakdown.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
If you want to take the balloon experience further, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs nine days every October and draws over 500 balloons. There are mass ascensions, night glows, and competitive events throughout the week. It is one of the most photographed events in the world. If your trip lines up with it, do not skip it.
2. Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
Right after our Rainbow Ryders flight, we headed down the street to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. If you just did a balloon ride, this is the perfect next stop while you are still in that headspace.
The best part? Admission is free on Sundays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and all day on Fridays. Plan your visit around those days and it costs you nothing.
The museum covers the art, science, culture, and history of ballooning. Walking through it took me back to my childhood. Several of the gondolas on display were from famous balloon flights I remembered growing up. Tonya and I both walked out more impressed than we expected to be.
There are exhibits and interactive displays built for both kids and adults, so it works whether you are traveling as a couple or with a family.
What to know before you go:
- Gift shop on site.
- Free admission Sundays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and all day Fridays.
- Paid admission other days. Check current pricing before you go.
- Located just down the street from Rainbow Ryders. Easy to combine into one morning.
3. Old Town Albuquerque
Old Town is the original neighborhood of Albuquerque, founded in 1706. Most of the buildings have a classic adobe style and the whole area has a different feel from the rest of the city. You will find shopping, museums, parks, art galleries, and gardens all within walking distance of each other.
There are over 100 shops in Old Town, so if you like to browse you could spend a full afternoon here. I am not much of a shopper, but Old Town Plaza won me over. The plaza has big shade trees, benches to sit on, and a large gazebo in the center.
When we were there, several bands were playing. Tonya and I grabbed some Dole Whip and sat on one of the benches just taking it all in. It was a simple thing but one of my favorite moments from the whole trip.
Right across the street from the plaza is San Felipe de Neri Church, an 18th century church you can walk into. When we visited a wedding was taking place so we did not go inside, but it is worth a stop if timing works out.
For food, Tonya and I ate at the Central Grill and Coffee House. It is just a few minutes walk from the plaza and the food was really good. I would go back.
What to know before you go:
- Best visited in the morning before it gets crowded and hot.
- Old Town is walkable. Wear comfortable shoes.
- The plaza area is free to explore.
- Parking is available near the plaza but can fill up on weekends.
4. Albuquerque Trolley Tour
The first thing we did when we arrived in Albuquerque was take a tour with the Albuquerque Trolley Company. We took the Best of Albuquerque City Tour and it was a smart way to get oriented quickly.
The trolley has wood benches, a roof, and open sides. The tour runs an hour and forty-five minutes. Along the way we drove past filming locations from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, through Nob Hill, past Sawmill Market, Museum Row, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and the Rail Yards. One of my favorite things to spot was the spaceship house. It looks exactly like what it sounds like.
The narrator was great. He used TV clips to illustrate stories and kept things interesting the whole ride. My favorite detail was learning how the Albuquerque Isotopes got their name. It had nothing to do with nuclear history. It came from a Simpsons episode. I would not have guessed that.
What to know before you go:
- Multiple tour options available depending on your interests.
- Book in advance, especially in summer.
- The tour is a great first activity. Do it on arrival day to plan the rest of your trip.
5. Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball Game
Since the trolley tour brought up the Isotopes, it only made sense to go see a game. They happened to be in town our last night in Albuquerque and we went.
The Isotopes are the AAA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies and they play at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. The ballpark seats 13,500 people and is genuinely nice. There is a berm in right field where you can sit on the grass and a play area for kids above it.
Pricing is minor league all the way except for the food. Tickets behind the visitors dugout ran us just over $20 each. Parking across the street was $7. The concessions prices caught me off guard on the high end.
We sat in the last row behind the visitors dugout. Temperatures were in the upper 90s but our seats were in the shade and there was a nice breeze. It did not feel that hot, which is saying something because Tonya does not do well in that kind of heat. We both had a great time and would go back.
What to know before you go:
- Check the schedule at milb.com before your trip.
- Tickets and parking are affordable. Budget $25 to $30 per person before food.
- Bring cash or a card for concessions and budget accordingly.
- Shaded seats sell out. Look for sections behind the dugouts.
6. Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument is about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Albuquerque and most people have no idea it exists. The park covers 7,236 acres and contains over 24,000 petroglyphs carved by Pueblo Indians and Spanish settlers. That number still gets me every time I say it.
There is a visitor center near the main entrance where you can talk to a park ranger and pick up a map. There is also a gift shop inside.
The park has three main petroglyph viewing areas. We went to Boca Negra Canyon, which is 70 acres and has three short self-guided hikes where you can see around 100 petroglyphs. The hikes are easy but there is zero shade on the trails, so go early and bring water.
Boca Negra Canyon is the only area in the park with restrooms, a drinking fountain, and covered shade structures. If you are going with kids or older family members, this is the section to visit.
If national parks are your thing, I also have a complete Yellowstone itinerary that walks you through the whole park day by day.
What to know before you go:
- Admission to the monument is free. There is a small parking fee at Boca Negra Canyon on weekends.
- Go early. Heat and sun exposure on the trails are no joke.
- Bring more water than you think you need.
- Boca Negra Canyon has the best facilities and is the most accessible section.
7. Street Murals
I will be honest. I am not someone who goes to art museums. I am not that cultured. But walking the streets of a city to find murals is something I genuinely enjoy, and Albuquerque is one of the best cities in the country for it.
The city has over 500 street murals spread across building sides, alleyways, and underpasses. The earliest known mural dates back to 1983. You can explore them on your own using this mural map or join an organized Artwalk in the downtown area, which happens once a month and includes background on the murals and the artists behind them.
We did our own walking tour and stumbled across murals we were not even looking for. That is part of the fun.
What to know before you go:
- The Nob Hill and downtown areas have the highest concentration of murals.
- Self-guided exploring is free.
- Downtown Artwalk happens monthly. Check the schedule before your trip.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water if you are going in summer.
8. The Dog House Drive In
I have to be upfront. I never watched Breaking Bad. My daughters did. But when the trolley tour took us past the Dog House Drive In, one of the filming locations from the show, Tonya and I decided to go back for our daughters’ sake.
You can order from your car or go inside. We went inside. The restaurant is small with a bar area that seats around six people and six or seven booths. It has exactly the kind of atmosphere you would expect from a classic drive-in that has been around for decades.
I got a couple of chili dogs and we shared an order of onion rings. The chili had a nice spicy kick to it. The onion rings were not overly battered and were really good. The hot dogs themselves were on the small side, not as big around or as long as I was hoping. I would give it a 4 out of 5. Better hot dogs and it is a 5.
What to know before you go:
- The chili is the highlight. Do not skip it.
- Cash and card both accepted.
- Small inside. Expect a wait during peak hours.
- Breaking Bad fans will want photos outside.
9. Sandia Peak Tramway
If you want the best view of Albuquerque, get to the top of Sandia Peak. You could drive up, but the Sandia Peak Tramway is a much better option.
Two trams run continuously to the summit at 10,378 feet. The ride takes about 15 minutes and the tram is all windows so you get great views the whole way up and down. On a clear day you can see 11,000 square miles from the top.
When we went, temperatures at the base were in the low 90s. At the summit it was in the low 70s. Plan your layers accordingly.
At the top there are hiking trails and the TEN 3 restaurant if you want to eat with a view. We really enjoyed the whole experience and would go back without hesitation.
What to know before you go:
- Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for the full experience.
- Buy tickets online in advance. They do not sell tickets at the tram.
- Dress in layers. The summit is significantly cooler than the city.
- The last tram down runs at a set time. Check the schedule before you go.
10. Drive the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway
I love a good scenic drive. Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is one of my all time favorites. The Turquoise Trail did not reach that level, but it was still worth doing.
If you want to know what makes Going-to-the-Sun Road so special, I put together a complete guide on 22 stops you need to make on Going-to-the-Sun Road. It is one of my favorite drives I have ever done. I also have a full Glacier National Park itinerary if you are ready to plan the whole trip.
NM Highway 14 runs 52 miles from the east side of Albuquerque up to Santa Fe. Along the way you will pass through hills covered with pinion and juniper trees, rock outcroppings, and several small historic towns.
Tonya and I stopped at Cerrillos Hills State Park, just outside the town of Cerrillos. We did a couple of short hikes including one that overlooked the town. As you get closer to Santa Fe the rock formations get more dramatic.
It is not the most jaw-dropping scenic drive I have done, but it is a genuinely pleasant way to get to Santa Fe if that is your next stop. It beats driving the highway.
What to know before you go:
- Pairs naturally with a day trip to Santa Fe.
- The full drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe takes about 1.5 to 2 hours with stops.
- Cerrillos Hills State Park is worth a stop. Easy hikes and good views.
- Fill up on gas before you start. Services are limited along the route.
Other Things to Do in Albuquerque
If you have extra time, these are worth a look:
- Explora Science Center – Best if you are traveling with kids.
- National Museum of Nuclear Science and History – One of the more unique museums in the country given New Mexico’s role in the Manhattan Project.
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center – Excellent for understanding the history and culture of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.
- ABQ BioPark – Includes a zoo, botanic garden, and aquarium all in one area.
- Paseo del Bosque Trail – A paved multi-use trail along the Rio Grande, great for an easy morning walk or bike ride.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is best known for hot air ballooning, the annual International Balloon Fiesta, its Pueblo and Spanish colonial history, and as the filming location for Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
Three to four days gives you enough time to cover the highlights without feeling rushed. You could add a day trip to Santa Fe via the Turquoise Trail if your schedule allows.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit. Summers are hot with temperatures regularly in the 90s, though evenings cool down. The Balloon Fiesta runs every October and is worth planning around.
Yes. The views from 10,378 feet are hard to match and the tram ride itself is part of the experience. Buy tickets online in advance.
Like any city, some areas are safer than others. The main tourist areas including Old Town, Nob Hill, and the Balloon Museum district are generally safe. Use common sense, especially at night.
Final Thoughts
Albuquerque is the kind of city that rewards you for actually showing up. The history goes deep, the food is good, and there are experiences here you genuinely cannot find anywhere else. Tonya and I both left wanting more time.
If the idea of using points and miles feels overwhelming, I put together a beginner’s guide that breaks the whole thing down in plain language. You can read it here: A Beginner’s Guide to Credit Card Points and Miles: How to Save Money, Travel Better and Take More Trips. It is a good starting point if you are just getting into this.
