Where should you go for the holidays? Try Las Cruces, New Mexico. Get the most out of your vacation by exploring the best things to do in Las Cruces, New Mexico and the best places to visit in Las Cruces, New Mexico below. As a Web 3.0 travel startup, Wondrous Drifter aspires to make a huge impact on the world.
Table Of Content
- Amaro Winery
- Corralitos Trail Rides
- Dripping Springs Natural Area
- Farmers and Crafts Market
- Fountain Theater
- Lake Valley Historic Townsite
- Leasburg Dam State Park
- Museum of Art
- Museum of Nature & Science
- New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
- Old Mesilla Village
- Prehistoric Trackways National Monument
- Railroad Museum
- Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture
- Red Hawk Golf Club
- Regional Aquatic Center
- Rio Grande Theatre
- Rio Grande Vineyard and Winery
- Soledad Canyon Day Use Area
- Zuhl Museum
- Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Amaro Winery
Wine lovers wouldn’t want to miss out on Amaro Winery!
Las Cruce’s tourists may visit the family-owned Amaro Winery to learn about the many tastes developed in the fertile soil of the southern part of New Mexico and sample a variety of wines.
There is a winery on site where guests are welcome to take a tour and witness the professional winemaker in action on their selection of white or red, dry or sweet, variety of wines.
Afterward, guests may kick back into the sampling room or on the terrace with a glass of wine. Both sites provide wine tastings.
Additionally, Amaro Winery organizes daily themed activities including Karaoke nights, Open Mic on Thursdays, and salsa lessons on the weekends!
This winery is a terrific opportunity to enjoy quality New Mexico wines that are made from grapes produced directly in their local southern backyard.
Be sure to check this winery out if you’re in Las Cruces this weekend!
Address: 402 South Melendres Street, Las Cruces, NM 88005
Corralitos Trail Rides
Looking for a place that offers exciting activities and stunning views?
Look no further! The Corralitos Trail Rides is just the place!
For more than a thousand square miles, the Corralitos Ranch is a functioning farm situated west of Las Cruces.
Corralitos Ranch’s Corralitos Trail Rides are a great way to spend the day. For both residents and visitors, it is a popular spot for adventures.
The secluded landscape provides breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains, as well as amazing sunsets and intriguing historical sites, such as the old remains of garrisons and villages, ranch buildings, deserted farmlands, Indian rock art, and ruined mines.
Ranch rides take you 25 kilometers north of the mountainous Sierra de las Uvas, where you’ll be able to see stunning vistas of the Rio Grande Valley.
Trail horses and donkeys with a lot of trail training are accustomed to working with riders of various ability levels. The average trip lasts between two and three hours.
For those who enjoy horseback riding, book your reservation with Corralitos Trail Rides prior to your visit!
Address: 3000 Corralitos Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88005
Dripping Springs Natural Area
Dripping Springs Natural Area is the right place to go if you’re looking for something to do in the wilderness.
Nearby Las Cruces, this attraction is about 10 miles outside the Organ Mountains.
Nature lovers will be in their element here, as there are 4 miles of paths to explore.
Easy-to-walk Dripping Springs Trail is bordered by juniper, oak trees, and pinon, making it a popular hiking destination.
If you’re fortunate, you could see a Gambel’s quail, golden eagle, rock squirrel, or perhaps a red-tailed hawk, all native to the region.
Additionally, you’ll be able to observe year-round cactus wren, desert mule deer, coyotes, and black-throated sparrows.
There is a chance that you will witness a cougar.
Visitors to the Dripping Springs Natural Area may enjoy 12 picnic areas, including a big one for families.
If you love adventure, you should visit this attraction in Las Cruces!
Address: 15000 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces, NM 88011
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Farmers and Crafts Market
If you are a souvenir collector and would like to commemorate your visit to Las Cruces, go to the Farmers and Crafts Market!
Numerous vendors provide a wide range of items at the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market.
Dozens of sellers and crafters gather at the marketplace to offer anything from organic vegetables to unique foodstuffs and gifts.
You may browse and enjoy live music at the same time.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, arts, jewelry, and clothing, as well as a wide variety of delectable culinary alternatives such as baked delights and numerous vegan selections, are available.
You may discover local handicrafts and encounter the people who make them while you’re there. The overall encounter is a one-of-a-kind experience due to the ethnic variety of the Las Cruces area.
As far as regional souvenirs go, this is one of the greatest locations to search.
Be sure to stop by the market and check out their goods if you’re in Las Cruces this weekend!
Address: 221 N Main St, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Fountain Theater
If you are a history and film buff, the Fountain Theater is for you!
The history of the Fountain Theater is just as intriguing as the building’s design.
One of New Mexico’s most iconic landmarks, The Fountain Theater has been showing motion pictures since 1905.
Albert Fountain Jr. acquired the theatrical structure in 1905 and it was utilized to host plays, light operas, lantern displays, and other performances for the citizens of La Mesilla.
In addition to being a historic New Mexico landmark, the theater is still operational and routinely plays movies for guests to watch, featuring classics that film aficionados will appreciate.
The facility was altered over time to show pictures. Albert often adds live entertainment to the films, inserts Spanish translation notes, and performs whenever the projectors stop working for many years.
Fountain Theater guests may now watch a movie with their families while taking in the restored beautiful design of the theater.
This is a great place to watch classic films in Las Cruces. Be sure to catch one!
Address: 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla, NM 88046
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Lake Valley Historic Townsite
The Lake Valley Historic Townsite is a must-see in Las Cruces for history buffs, located just outside the city.
The Lake Valley Historic Townsite was a bustling mining village in the 18th century but has since faded into obscurity.
Over 3,000 people lived and worked in Lake Valley in the 18th century when it was a booming mining town. The Bridal-Chamber vein alone produced about 2 million precious ounces of silver.
By restoring the classrooms and church, the Bureau of Land Management has given visitors an insight into society in the early twentieth century.
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the golden days of this ancient town, which has several old and primitive structures to visit.
Exploring the outdoors is always enjoyable, and who knows? You could even come across some animals.
History lovers shouldn’t miss this attraction in Las Cruces!
Address: Lake Valley, Las Cruces, NM
Leasburg Dam State Park
You will never run out of activities to do in Leasburg Dam State Park!
Located along the Rio Grande, the Leasburg Dam State Park encompasses 293 acres.
Visit the Leasburg Dam State Park near Las Cruces, New Mexico, and you’ll find a slew of exciting activities.
In this magnificent park, you may enjoy a wide range of sports, both on dry ground and in the cool waters of the lake.
It provides amenities such as campsites, educational activities, picnic spaces, hiking paths, and more to make your stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
You may go fishing, picnics, swimming, kayaking, birding, hiking, camping, canoeing, mountain biking, and a host of other things in this area.
At this park, which has an observatory, night sky activities are a big draw. However, the observatory is only available once per month.
If you want to experience the night sky event, time your visit to Las Cruces!
Address: Buffalo Soldier Trail, Las Cruces, NM 88007
Museum of Art
If you’re an art buff visiting Las Cruces, there’s no other place to go but the Museum of Art!
For an enjoyable family outing in Las Cruces, the Museum of Art in Las Cruces has a variety of programs and events, including the Reading Art Book Club and the Japanese dance style.
Exhibitions at the museum’s modern art galleries change often. Regional, statewide, and worldwide displays are all represented here.
Thanks to the wide range of exhibits, there is never a dull moment at the Museum of Art.
In the museum’s art gallery, guests of all ages can join various classes and programs.
A specific program enables guests to explore their artistic nature while learning about technology and innovation, such as Science, Nature & Art Program, or SNAP for short.
Exciting activities, ample parking, and knowledgeable tour guides are just a few of the many perks of visiting this institution.
Art lovers shouldn’t skip this destination in Las Cruces!
Address: 491 N Main St, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Museum of Nature & Science
Explore the desert, travel back in time, and go to the cosmos in the Museum of Nature and Science!
This museum’s purpose is to promote environmental responsibility in the Chihuahuan Desert and the southern part of New Mexico and to arouse a lifetime interest in science among its visitors.
The museum’s three main displays are light & Space, Desert Life, and Permian Trackways.
Moreover, there are desert creatures, almost 30 live animals and taxidermied birds, and several photographs of the most significant plant groups.
Permian Period roadways, models of a dimetrodon, fossils, and immersive activities are included in the Permian Trackways exhibit.
If Las Cruces is your destination during your vacation, be sure to stop by this museum!
Address: 411 N Downtown Mall, Las Cruces, NM 88001
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum is one of the top attractions in New Mexico.
Wondering about how agriculture and livestock came to be in Las Cruces?
The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum has a plethora of exhibits and educational opportunities for you to learn about Las Cruces’ colorful past.
Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum honors the state’s 4,000-year legacy of agriculture and livestock.
Hundreds of hands-on activities may be found at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, which opened its doors in 1998.
The museum’s regular and occasional exhibitions are shown in 6 exhibits and hallways in the Bruce King Building, including tools, works of art, and architectural buildings.
The Eagle Ranch Museum store and auditorium are located in the main structure.
Blacksmith Shop, Beef Barn, Sheep and Goat Barn, Greenhouse, Skaggs Dairy Barn, Historic Green Bridge, and a variety of barn livestock are all part of the gallery’s extensive grounds.
If you’re into agriculture, visit this attraction in Las Cruces! You might learn a thing or two.
Address: 4100 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 8801
Old Mesilla Village
History buffs curious about New Mexico’s history will find this place interesting!
The ancient town of Mesilla, located in southern New Mexico, has a lot to offer visitors.
Mesilla, founded in 1848, had a significant part in Mesilla Valley’s history, economy, culture, and politics.
Las Cruces, New Mexico’s Old Mesilla Village, is a little historical village.
Mesilla’s current people are descended from Mesilla’s early settlers and represent a diverse mingling of Mexican, Spanish, Anglo-American, and American Indian cultures.
Due to the town’s rich cultural heritage and distinctive art, architecture, and traditions, Mesilla is a popular tourist destination in the region.
If you’re courageous enough, you may take a guided tour of the downtown square area, which is supposed to be haunted by workers and historical individuals who formerly lived and perished in the region.
Afterward, grab a cup of joe to keep you going while you explore the remainder of the old plaza.
Be sure to visit the village in Las Cruces, New Mexico!
Address: 2385 Calle de Guadalupe, Las Cruces, NM 88046
Prehistoric Trackways National Monument
Follow the path that ancient animals took in the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument!
A number of previously undiscovered types of amphibians, reptiles, and insects may be found at the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument.
The monument was founded in 2009 and is one of the finest valuable track locations around the globe.
This comprises fossilized footprints from the Paleozoic Era and preserved wood from almost 300 million years ago.
For the benefit of future generations, the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument works to preserve and safeguard this area.
Also, it provides to study and learn more about the ecosystem and the species that call it home.
Located in the Robledo Mountains in the south of New Mexico, the monument provides a place for people of all ages to learn and have fun, regardless of their interests.
This monument is a must-visit if you’re in Las Cruces this weekend!
Address: 1800 Marquess Street, Las Cruces, NM 88005-3370
Railroad Museum
Train lovers visiting Las Cruces should stop by the Railroad Museum!
Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley’s growth and culture would not have been possible without the influence of railroading.
In addition to the regular exhibits that chronicle the history of the railways all across Las Cruces, there is also a collection of vintage artifacts.
The exhibit, which is situated in the Santa Fe Depot, has been included on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
Model railroads are also on display, featuring track models and diagrams of the train network.
Guests may learn about the history of the railroad business in Las Cruces, the people who worked in it, the building’s development, and the changes that have occurred in railroad connections throughout time.
The museum features a caboose made of wood and a prototype train area where guests can operate the locomotives firsthand.
If you’re in Las Cruces, be sure to visit the Railroad Museum!
Address: 351 N. Mesilla Street, Las Cruces, NM 88004
Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture
Did you know that the official bird of New Mexico is a roadrunner?
This is why Olin Calk built a roadrunner statue out of junk and waste!
In the early 1990s, designers Dan Smith and Olin Calk collaborated on a recycling awareness campaign, and the recycled roadrunner statue was the ultimate outcome.
Guests and tourists from across the country have been drawn to the 20-foot-tall, 40-foot-long artwork since it was unveiled in 1993.
As a symbol of waste reduction and recycling, it loomed tall above a garbage dump for the first time.
Known as a symbol of Las Cruces, the Roadrunner was relocated to the Scenic View Rest Area in 2001.
However, the sculpture’s components, which were never intended to be durable, have degraded over time due to the extreme desert environment.
The Roadrunner Statue was disassembled and transferred to Olin Calk’s property in 2012 so it could be renovated.
When the repairs were finished in 2014, a massive foundation intended to appear like a gigantic boulder was put in position for the statue at the I-10 Scenic View Rest Stop.
If you’re along this road in Las Cruces, don’t forget to stop by!
Address: I-10 (between mile markers 134 and 135), Las Cruces, NM
Red Hawk Golf Club
If golfing is your cup of tea, then make your way to the Red Hawk Golf Club!
The Red Hawk Golf Club is one of the best places in the country to play a round of golf.
There is a cafe on-site, spectacular views, pleasing amenities, and a slew of additional features.
As a result, the Red Hawk Golf Club was built to accommodate a wide range of ability levels.
Guests who are inexperienced golfers can enjoy themselves in the course’s well-manicured surroundings.
An ASGA-certified golf course designer, Ken Dye developed the Red Hawk’s golf resort as part of his professional obligations to the organization.
Spanning over 5,000 to 7,000 yards, the golf course has 5 tees for different skill levels and five picturesque lakes with varying yardages.
In addition to hosting weddings, performances, and gold classes, the venue’s pub and restaurant is a favorite spot for casual get-togethers.
Golf lovers shouldn’t miss this golf club in Las Cruces!
Address: 7502 Red Hawk Golf Road, Las Cruces, NM 88012
Regional Aquatic Center
Want to escape the heat while in Las Cruces?
Cool down in the Regional Aquatic Center!
Courses and activities for people of all ages are available at the Regional Aquatic Center.
A leisure pool with a diving board and play elements like a lap swimming pool, a lazy river, and lots of potential for future leisure amenities are all included in the aquatic center’s 5,500 square feet of surface area.
In addition to year-round leisure usage, the Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center provides swimming classes, aquatic fitness courses, private bookings, lap swimming, and water security teacher training.
The amount of natural light provided by the external windows reduces energy consumption and increases the general health of employees subjected to natural daylight.
One of the most advanced technologies for filtering swimming pool water is used.
Aquatic experts have upgraded the outdated flushing systems in older pools with a more efficient, water-saving alternative.
If you can’t take the heat in Las Cruces, dip yourself in one of the pools in this aquatic center!
Address: 1401 E Hadley Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Rio Grande Theatre
The Rio Grande Theatre is one of the best things to do in New Mexico.
Live shows and performances are always a thing of beauty.
The Rio Grande Theatre is a beautiful performing arts venue with high-tech amenities.
The Rio Grande Theatre, which houses the Dona Ana Arts Council, has been open intermittently for the past seven decades.
Reopened to the public in 2005, it is now a cutting-edge performing arts center with more than 400 seats.
The Arts Council sponsors many of the activities that take place in the theatre, so everyone is welcome to attend one of them.
The Vienna Boys Choir, George Winston, the Moscow Ballet, and the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra have all performed at the Rio Grande Theatre.
To better understand the background of the two-story brick theater, guests can book a trip to the facility’s architectural and historical significance.
If you’re planning to watch live shows and performances in Las Cruces, this is the theatre to go to!
Address: 211 N Main St, Las Cruces, NM 8800
Rio Grande Vineyard and Winery
Traveling to Las Cruces with your significant other?
Visit Rio Grande Vineyard and Winery for a romantic tour!
In terms of quality, Rio Grande Winery is one of the best in the state.
A wide selection of fine, hand-crafted wines may be found at this winery.
It’s been more than two decades since Gordon and Sandi Steel first dreamed of opening their family vineyard and winery.
As a result of their military service, they were able to take advantage of the several vineyards throughout Europe while on deployment.
Over a ten-acre plot of land in New Mexico, they planted a dozen kinds of European grapes.
Moreover, you can arrange a trip to the winery to learn more about the process of making these scrumptious wines.
Additionally, you can choose to stroll through the beautiful grounds and talk with the founders regarding their adventures and love of wine.
After that, unwind in the sampling room and enjoy the delectable choices on the site.
If you’re looking for a romantic tour, you should definitely check out this winery in Las Cruces!
Address: 5321 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces, NM 88005
Soledad Canyon Day Use Area
The Soledad Canyon Day Use Area is one of the best places to visit in New Mexico.
There is no better place to spend a day in nature than the Soledad Canyon Day Use Area.
The Soledad Canyon Day Use Area extends between Bar Canyon and Soledad Canyon in the undulating slopes of the majestic Organ Mountains.
Attractions include the 3-mile Bar Canyon Trail circle, which takes in stunning vistas of the Organ Mountains and Mesilla Valley in central New Mexico.
There are also mountain biking and horseback riding paths in Soledad Canyon.
Also, you’ll find a lovely waterfall at the end of a shrinking canyon. Deer and other animals may be spotted from time to time.
This is one of the best places to be one with nature in Las Cruces.
Ultimately, you must visit Soledad Canyon Day Use Area for an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
If you’re going to be in Las Cruces this weekend, this canyon should be on your itinerary!
Address: 13300 Soledad Canyon Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011
Zuhl Museum
If you’re into fossils, you will definitely love the Zuhl Museum!
The Zuhl Museum, which is part of New Mexico State University, is an art exhibition and a history museum.
Over 1,700 unique fossils, fossilized woods, and rocks are housed in the Zuhl Collection.
Gifts from Joan Zuhl and Herb have made this collection possible.
The Zuhl Library, the Zuhl Museum, and Gardiner Hall house the vast majority of items from the Geological Sciences department.
A large portion of the inventory comprises petrified wood, ranging in size from a couple of inches to several meters long.
These souls of the tree, as Zuhls referred to them, are thousands of years old.
Moreover, the most spectacular are Zuhl’s collections of repurposed quartz, rhodochrosite, and malachite, which he obtained from all over the globe.
Among the specimens in the Zuhl collection are a variety of species from throughout the world, including corals, insects, fish, trilobites, and ammonites.
If you’re planning to visit Las Cruces, this museum should be on your list!
Address: 775 College Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88003
Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Volunteer at animal shelters to help abandoned pets in your community. Animal shelters are important to our communities. Because they work hard to reunite lost pets with their owners, protect those who need them and find new homes for homeless and abandoned animals.
Overpopulation, neglect, and abuse of pets are serious problems. By volunteering, you may help bring attention to these issues and contribute to finding a solution.
When you think about helping animals, adoption or donations will probably come to mind. But there’s a more direct way of offering your assistance. Simply head over to an animal shelter nearby and volunteer your services! There are many ways you can help, from more labor-intensive activities like cleaning and grooming to advocacy, public relations, and even photography.
Check out the list of animal shelters in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where you can help animals in need. Lend a helping hand today!
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