Things To Do in New Mexico

New Mexico has been on our list to visit for the past two years. We finally booked our flight and I was not sure what to expect. Many of our friends asked us why we were going to New Mexico. We were going to visit my fiance's family and to also see what New Mexico has to offer. After our trip we fell in love with New Mexico. The air is clean and you can see the stars so clearly at night. The people are friendly and the food is so good. If you love Mexican food, this is your place. We also found cute places to hike with beautiful views. Follow along as I tell you the things you must do when in New Mexico.

Albuquerque, New Mexico 

The first place we visited was Old Town Albuquerque. The buildings are adobe style and have cute bright colors. I'd say very instagrammable! Many of the buildings had chili peppers hanging and also dream catchers for sale. 

Our favorite restaurant we ate at was Church St Cafe. The entrance has cactus and three mariachis on the roof. Honestly, when you walk in it looks like a little restaurant but once you tell them you want to sit in the patio, they take you to the back and you realize it is a pretty big restaurant. 

I loved sitting in the patio. It was so adorable. I could have sat there all day. Look at the colors and details.

I got their sangria margarita and it was delicious! Also, check out the cute cactus cup it came in. My fiance got their margarita and that was also very good. 

Guys, the food was soo good here! I know burritos are kinda basic but this was honestly the best steak burrito I've had. Let me tell you, I've had a couple in my life time and none beat this one. Side note: When you visit New Mexico, be prepared to indulge in Mexican food and margaritas, that is what our trip consisted of. 

As we walked around, we stumbled upon the San Felipe de Neri Church which was built in 1793. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city. You can also go inside the Church and walk around.

We did not have time to check out two museums which were on my list but it's okay we will when we go back. I highly recommend these two especially if you have children.

++ American International Rattlesnake Museum
I quote, they have "the largest collection of different species of live rattlesnakes in the world." I really wanted to come to this museum cause for some odd reason I find snakes to be really cool.

++ New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

The second place we visited in Albuquerque was the Sandia Peak Tramway. When you get to the top of the mountains the view is beautiful. I warn you it does get chilly up there so make sure to bring a jacket or light sweater with you. I highly recommend you to go up the tramway to see the sunrise or sunset. Currently, the Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest aerial tramway in the USA.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

We stayed in Santa Fe for two nights at the La Fonda on the Plaza. This hotel was cute with so much history. The service at the hotel was great. The people were friendly and very attentive. They made sure you were having a good time. We would wake up each morning and have breakfast in their indoor Plaza.

After having our breakfast, we would walk around the Santa Fe plaza. Again, we saw bright colored doors and chili peppers. There were also Native Americans selling beautiful pieces of turquoise jewelry. I wanted it all. Santa Fe is a great place to buy jewelry, cowgirl boots, hats, and ponchos. 

The buildings and the art we found were so pretty! Check out the picture below.

So after lots of Mexican food, we wanted some change for one of the nights. We decided to have dinner at Cafe Pasqual's which is an organic restaurant. Holy moly! The food was excellent here. I got the chicken breast paillard - pan-seared, parmesan and panko crust chicken with lemon white caper sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and sautéed kale greens. If I could, I would have gotten another round of the same dish. Highly recommend this spot.

Not only did we eat and shop in Santa Fe. We also drove out 55 minutes to go hiking on two different days. Our first hike was at the Bandelier Monument. On our way there, we stopped at the White Rock Overlook. This was such a beautiful and peaceful view of the Land of the Enchantment. The Rio Grande River ran along in between the Jemez Mountains. It was a magical and special moment.

Once, we were done enjoying the views, we got back on the road and continued our way to Bandelier Monument. We loved this hike so much. We were able to learn some history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. We also saw cliff dwellings and were able to go inside them. For a good time, definitely check this place out.

Oh, just chilling inside one of the cliff dwellings. 

Our second hike was at Tent Rocks. This was about an hour away from our hotel. Yes, it was a drive but I would do it again. It felt like we were in Star Wars. Such an awesome spot to hike and take pictures. We may have taken a couple pictures, but I'm sharing our top ones with you. I also hope one day you can make it out there cause pictures don't do it justice. 

Hope you all enjoyed my New Mexico travel guide. There are so many states, cities, and countries to visit. Each and every one of them has their own beauty to offer. May this post make you want to book your next flight ticket especially to New Mexico! 

xoxo, 

The Vero St.