Albuquerque is a city found in New Mexico in the United States of America. This city is blessed with various museums, zoos, recreational parks, and sites that you can visit during your stay in the region. In this city, you will find different species of wild animals and plants that you will enjoy watching during your tour. Besides, the city is home to various artifacts, drawings, and designs that you will enjoy during your tour and stay.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico:
# 10 – American International Rattlesnake Museum
Have you seen all the different types of snakes? Do not worry. Visiting this museum will allow you to see over 34 species of rattlesnakes from all over the world. If you are afraid of snakes, you can see them in a controlled, safe environment. Additionally, you will be able to entertain yourself with snake-related artwork, photography, and other various memorabilia. You will be able to see the rare species of the albino snakes, a Gila monster (the snake that chews on its prey to inject as much poison as possible into its victim’s bloodstream), and beautiful assortments of snake skeletons among others during your visit. Finally, in the museum, there is a beautiful opium jar that was curved in the shape of the skull with a viper woven through the eye sockets to indicate poison.
# 9 – Cliff’s Amusement Park
A visit to Albuquerque without having amusement in Cliff’s amusement Park is not an amusement at all. When you visit this amusement park, you will get entertained in a range of thrilling rides, roller coasters, and even adventure rides for your whole family. Riding in the renowned ‘New Mexico Rattler’ will be entertaining. Besides, you will have a great time in the wooden roller coaster. With 13 times spins per minute in the ‘Super Fire Ball’ you will have a memorable visit in the amusement park while in the region.
# 8 – Rio Grande Zoo
If you love viewing animals and want to take your children to have a fan in a zoo, you must check out the Rio Grande Zoo while in Albuquerque. This zoo was founded in the 1920s, and it is a home for over 200 species of animals. While entering this zoo, an island holds its collection of the Caribbean flamingos that you will enjoy seeing. Additionally, this zoo is a home of big cats. And if you love the big cats, visiting this zoo while in the region will give you a good chance to see the African lions, mountain lions, leopards, jaguars, and other kinds of cats.
Have you ever seen a polar bear in real life? If not, then while in the region, do not fail to pay a visit to Rio Grande Zoo since it houses them. You will be able to see the polar bears through the underwater viewing windows, or you can walk over the bridge and watch them as they lounge about or play in the water.
# 7 – Albuquerque Museum of Art and History
Do you love art? Well, during your visit to Albuquerque, do not fail to visit this museum. A visit to this museum will give you a chance to a spectacular collection of cultural items from the past 400 years. You will be able to understand the local culture, the rich heritage, and the history of Albuquerque when you visit this museum. Additionally, there are alluring and informative local, regional, national, and international art exhibitions in this museum that you will enjoy seeing during your visit to the museum. The museum hosts even the arts from Georgia O’Keeffe that you will enjoy viewing during your visit. Last, this museum host traveling and temporary exhibits that you will enjoy seeing during your visit.
# 6 – Petroglyph National Monument
The national monument stretches up to 27 km along the volcanic basalt escarpment, commonly known as the West Mesa. This national monument is home to one of the largest petroglyphs in North America. There are symbols, drawings, and designs carved into the volcanic rock in the national monument, which are believed to be spiritual and cultural importance to the area that you will enjoy viewing during your visit to the region. Additionally, volcanic cones and archaeological sites in this monument document the history and culture of the people living in the area 12,000 years ago. Further, you can enjoy having a peaceful walk and quality time in the monument thanks to the availability of the self-guided walking trails, shady sitting areas, and drinking fountains.
# 5 – The ABQ BioPark
Do you love nature? Well, if you do, do not fail to visit this BioPark during your visit to the region. You will enjoy seeing different plant species and different many different climates while exploring through the over one and a half miles of paths in this BioPark botanical gardens. Additionally, in the BioPark, there is a butterfly pavilion that features a beautiful section of butterflies that you will enjoy during your visit. You can visit the BioPark any day from 9 am to 5 pm. The paths in this BioPark are accessible for wheelchairs. Finally, you can catch a bite during your tour in the BioPark when hungry.
# 4 – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque has a dry climate, making it one of the best spots for hot ballooning. During October, a visit to this region will give you a chance to witness an international balloon fiesta in the city. You will be able to see hundreds of balloons that are launched every morning for almost a week from the 78-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. Additionally, you can visit the Anderson-Abruzzo international balloon museum that is always open the entire year to learn about the ballooning history and enjoy viewing the exhibits.
# 3 – Sandia Peak Tramway
Visiting Albuquerque without visiting the Sandia Peak tramway is not considered to be in Albuquerque at all. There are cable cars that you can board to carry you for nearly 3 miles along a suspended cable between the 10,378-foot-high summits of Sandia Peak and eastern Albuquerque. During your travel, you will have the privilege of viewing the Rio Grande Valley and the enchantment land from above. On a clear day, you may be lucky to view a distance of up to 11000 square miles. Additionally, you can enjoy multiple recreational activities like hiking, backpacking, and watching wildlife in the summer once you are at the top. During the winter, you may visit this area to ski.
# 2 – Albuquerque Old Town
The old town is located between the old route 66 and mountain road. During your visit to the town, you will be able to entertain yourself by watching multiple beautiful old buildings over 100 years old. Additionally, you may get the chance to interact with the natives while taking a walk along the old town. When strolling along old town, you will get the chance to see the famous old San Felipe de Meri church that was built in the year 1793. Several restaurants prepare Albuquerque’s traditional meals that you may decide to enjoy when hungry along Old Town.
# 1 – Ride A Hot Air Balloon
Getting a chance to ride in one of these hot air balloons while in Albuquerque will be a blessing. You will get the chance to view the city and the surrounding states for long duration while riding on the hot air balloon. In the morning, while onboard on the hot air balloons, you will get the chance to enjoy watching the city come to life and watch the sunset in the evening if you board the sunset balloon flight. However, If your afraid of heights this is something you might want to take a pass on.
Conclusion
Visiting the above places and doing the above thing with make your tour and stay in Albuquerque, New Mexico, very interesting, enjoyable, and memorable. American International Rattlesnake Museum, Albuquerque Old Town, and Sandia Peak Tramway, among others, are the best things that if you do, you are assured of a memorable and enjoyable tour and stay while in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
