To cool off during the summer, you can paddle board along the mighty Rio Grande that runs through the city. Just outside the city, the Sandia Foothills provide ample opportunities for hikes, and you may just spot mule deer, rabbits, and the occasional rattlesnake.

Route 66 runs through the center of Albuquerque, dotted with bars and nightlife offerings casting a neon glow on the iconic highway. You’ll also find cafes and restaurants serving New Mexican staples like chile rellenos, carne adovada, and plenty of green chili-flavored dishes. As you wander the 18th-century Old Town, red brick walkways lead you to the Old Town Plaza, where the church of San Felipe de Neri towers above shops selling turquoise jewelry and artwork.

This rich heritage is exemplified in its local art and history museums, and through its Pueblo architecture with curved edges and earthen hues. Albuquerque is one of New Mexico’s cultural hubs, a desert city steeped in the history of its Indigenous peoples and Spanish heritage.

Sandia casino reopening date