Although there aren't a lot of ruins to look at (many were reburied after being excavated), this is…read morestill a very nice nature walk with a small, nice museum on both the lives of the Puebloan people who lived here and the excavation efforts. The museum also has a fun seed bank. It's a very quick drive out of Albuquerque, but it feels like it's worlds away from the city. Honestly, if you're in Albuquerque, there's little reason not to visit.

From the owner: Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site is an ancient pueblo which was constructed and occupied from AD…read more1313 to 1425. It originally consisted of 200 rooms and was inhabited by perhaps 250 people. As the population waned, much of the structure deteriorated. However around 1390, there was a burst of new construction with approximately 100 rooms built on top of the original site. This structure was occupied until around 1425. Excavations of the site began in 1930, with the most recent conducted from 1971 to 1976. Upon completion of the field work, the site was back-filled to protect it from the elements and from looters. The site today includes the mound with a 1/3-mile-long trail with signage and a wheel-chair-accessible museum featuring educational exhibits. The Friends of Tijeras Pueblo provide membership, volunteer opportunities, monthly lectures, workshops, a Junior Archaeology Program, field trips, and other fun family activities. A bookstore is located in the nearby Sandia Ranger Station with maps, hiking guides, and area-related books.

We visited Pecos National Historical Park today and absolutely loved it! The scenery is beautiful,…read morepeaceful, and full of history. The trail was relatively short and very doable for us. It wasn't too difficult, and there are places along the way where you can sit, rest, and just take in the incredible views. We never felt rushed and were able to enjoy the walk at our own pace. The ruins and the surrounding landscape are absolutely beautiful, and it was fascinating to see and learn about the history of the people who lived here. This ended up being one of those unexpected stops that we were really glad we made. Definitely a thumbs up from us! If you're visiting the Santa Fe area and want something scenic, historical, and not overly strenuous, Pecos National Historical Park is absolutely worth the trip.

Sweet stop if you need a little stretch of the legs…read more This historical park is well maintained and pretty awesome. I loved the interactive parts along the route. It can get hot and sunny so bring a hat and sunscreen on the trail.

New Mexico 01-2024 ABO Ruins Salina Misson in the Mountaire area of New Mexico. Medieval…read moreArchitecture looks like castle ruins. It was extremely cold with the wind whipping wildly. It was like 6 degrees !! It's located in the mountains and it's a beautiful drive up the ruins. It's Free to check it out. Check out all the photos, it's absolutely amazing there!

We visited Gran Quivira while passing through the area. I had never heard of the Salinas Pueblo…read moreMissions and didn't know much about it. In researching it, I got the impression all 3 sites were comparable. Unfortunately having visited Gran Quivira and seeing the pictures at the park headquarters, I think the other 2 sites were better. The have larger structures still standing. Gran Quivira may be the largest of the three, but outside of the main church, there's not much left. The ruins tend to be pretty low and largely overgrown. The main church has walls maybe 15 feet tall made with local stone. This site has not just ruins of the mission, but also of a village that sprouted up around it. We walked around it and saw it in maybe 30 minutes or less; would have been less if we'd used the ramp but it was closed due to the possibility of lightning. Gran Quivira was alright, but I'd check out Abo or Quarai instead if you get the chance. The fact that we saw the impressive ruins at Chaco Culture NHP the day before may have left me less impressed. Check these out if passing through, but I wouldn't go out of my was to see Gran Quivira.

Clearly, for at least a short time, the people running San Felipe de Neri church in Old Town had no…read moreidea what was gathering dust in the back parking lot. I originally found an online post about this wood carving back in, say, 2012, researching funky, unique landmarks in the 505, and the next day I went on a hunt to find it. Sure enough, tucked away in a corner of the asphalt, this gorgeous little work of art sat, unloved. Several years ago the church moved it to a prominent spot on the property. Go to the northwest corner of North Plaza st and San Felipe and you'll see a colorful, hand carved stump featuring Our Lady of Guadalupe, grab a selfie, it's a great backdrop. Word has it that in 1970, a parishioner carved this icon into the heart of the tree. I'm happy it's back, and glad disco remains buried.

Interesting and free local attraction (a little further away from downtown Santa Fe) that drives…read moretoday's needs for environmental awareness. Ethyl isn't super huge and as well known in Santa Fe yet, but it's hopefully making Santa Fe (and the US heading in the right direction with the use of recycling! Check this free local quirky attraction out if you have some time in Santa Fe!

While planning our day trip to Santa Fe from Albuquerque, we discovered Ethyl the Whale, a…read morelife-sized blue whale sculpture made entirely from single-use plastics to raise awareness about reducing plastic waste and encouraging recycling. She's located at the end of the track at Santa Fe Community College. We parked across the street and walked over for some great photo ops. It's an impressive and meaningful sight, definitely worth a quick stop on your way to or from Santa Fe!

This is a very well taken care of trail that is very easy for people to see quite up close. You…read morecould possibly have a stroller or wheelchair here and still see a lot. There are seats all throughout the routes. The first third of the trail isn't as shaded but the entire last portion is quite shaded. There's also a bathroom available about 2/3rds of the way to alcove house. The history is amazing. Glad we are preserving this place and sharing it with the public.

One of my favorite national parks that I have ever been to and hiked! STUNNING. I love that you can…read morehike up the ladders on one of the hikes here. That hike definitely is not for the faint of heart and pushed my limits at the top (you are high and it seems scary) but it is one of my most memorable hikes all around for the scenery and unique experience. A must visit! For those who don't to do the ladder hike, you can still walk to the bottom of it and look up and get a good view. So there is something for all levels here. The scenery is gorgeous. It does get windy here sometimes (we had a lot of wind blasting us as we were climbing the ladders) so be careful and be prepared for that. The nature all around is beautiful. Additionally, there are some tables so you could bring a picnic. Staff in the visitor center is very friendly and has lots of great recommendations of what to do here or nearby. A must do! This was the highlight of my trip to this area and I can't recommend it enough :)

Great stop on the way to Bandalier National Monument. It was under construction when we were there…read moreso we couldn't see all of it but they have a museum and a map to guide you around the site.

If you want to get a little lesson in culture and go back in time, this is a nice stop to do just…read morethat. Nice walk with a lot of information on the history. I walked through kinda quick but, I should of took my time, as afterwards I realized I had enough time to see it all. The church was probably the most beautiful part of the whole site. Huge and sitting there I felt as if I would hear someone speak.

This isn't a pretty park moment or Instagram postcard. The Center of the Universe is an…read moreexperience--a blend of surprise, sound, and space that forces you into the present. It's abstract, a little mysterious, and at times perfect raw concrete taking you straight to sky. Whether you're intrigued by modern art or just curious, it delivers.Worth a walk‑through on a breezy Albuquerque morning.

It was cool but lasted about 5 mins. They charge $8 per person, not by car. Staff is super rude.read more

So many cute shops, outdoor patio restaurants, hair salons, murals, all wrapped up in art deco…read morebuildings ! Def drive thru or walk thru Nob Hill. Very enjoyable area

Keep Albuquerque Quirky! This is a weird arts district for ABQ. This is where the free thinkers,…read morethe forward looking populace expresses their local flavor, their nuances of culture that makes ABQ unique. There's all kinds of great murals, public works of art, and awesome shops to check out up in here. It's right down the way on Route 66 from University of New Mexico, so it's a younger, hip crowd that goes here for local grub, shopping, and events. You're sure to find all kinds of old Route 66 memorabilia, or stuff made by local artisans. It's all small local businesses, there are no chains around here as far as I know. You're sure to find some cool foreign grub, a nice tattoo parlor, or a kitschy gift shop that focuses on Abq pride. Parking can be challenging- keep an eye out for private lots or the back streets off of Central Ave.