Looking for things to do in New Mexico this weekend? Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right spot.
New Mexico boasts several popular destinations that include national parks, museums, and wineries, to name a few. Other things to do include horseback riding, kayaking, biking, and much more. We’ve compiled a list of ideas for a memorable weekend out with family and friends.
Best of all, these weekend activities are easily accessible to our luxury New Mexico hotel accommodations.
Check out everything there is to do in New Mexico for an unforgettable weekend!
Take a Hike
New Mexico is known for its natural beauty, so why not get outside and enjoy the views? You will find some of New Mexico’s best hiking trails at these state parks:
Elephant Butte Lake State Park | Elephant Butte, NM | (575) 744-5923
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park | Carlsbad, NM | (760) 346-5694
Navajo Lake State Park | Navajo Dam, NM | (505) 632-2278
Cimarron Canyon State Park | Eagle Nest, NM | (575) 377-6271
See more New Mexico hiking opportunities.
Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding with a view is what you’ll find in New Mexico. Weather permitting, horseback riding is a unique way to make new memories and enjoy the New Mexico landscape with family and friends, or a perfect romantic outing with your loved one. Learn more about New Mexico horseback riding.
Enjoy the Thrills of Apache Eagle Ziprider
The Apache Eagle Ziprider takes riders on a breathtaking journey across 2,668 feet over Lake Mescalero. This thrilling attraction can reach speeds up to 55 miles per hour! You can even enjoy the excitement with a friend with side-by-side ziplines. Learn more about Apache Eagle Ziprider.
Kayak or Paddle Board
Enjoy the tranquility of being on the lake when you visit any one of New Mexico’s 1200 lakes and 200 miles of rivers. Several New Mexico State Parks have water activities that can be enjoyed. Plus, Inn of the Mountain Gods offers lake activities on Lake Mescalero.
Hook a Trophy Fish
Hook a Trophy FishNew Mexico has several state parks that allow fishing, most notably trout fishing in the north and bass, catfish, and sunfish in the south. Visit Navajo Lake State Park, Cimarron Canyon, Eagle Nest Lake, and Bluewater Lake for great trout fishing opportunities.
Or head to Sumner Lake, Caballo Lake, or Ute Lake in southern New Mexico for warm water fish.
If you don’t have your own fishing rod, no need to worry. You can acquire your own pole rental and purchase a fishing permit and bait at Inn of the Mountain Gods for fishing at Lake Mescalero.
Bike through New Mexico
Explore New Mexico on two wheels this weekend. Bicycling is not only fantastic exercise, but it also makes for quicker transportation. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent your own bike this weekend, with bike rentals starting at $12 per hour.
See a Show
If live entertainment is your thing, just check the events schedule to see who’s performing this weekend! From live music acts to stand-up comedy shows, you’ll discover the best New Mexico entertainment.
Ski the Slopes
Dependent on the time of year hit the slopes for an unforgettable day of skiing, snowboarding, ziplining, entertainment, and more! Ski Apache in Alto, NM is a New Mexico favorite and is the country’s southernmost ski area. The difficulty of slopes range from easy to hard, so all skill levels will find something to enjoy. Ski Apache also offers ski lessons for all ages and equipment rentals. Find out more about Ski Apache.
Win Big at the Casino
Win Big at the CasinoGo big or go home this weekend when you visit the Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino! Located in Mescalero, our New Mexico casino boasts poker tables, blackjack, slots, bingo, and much more! Seasonal tournaments and casino promotions are common, giving guests the best chances of hitting a big day. Other casinos include Casino Apache, with slots open 24 hours Sunday through Saturday.
See a Western Show at Flying J Ranch
Take a step back in time to the era of the great American cowboy with live Western shows, a delicious chuckwagon meal, pony rides, gold panning, and much more at Flying J Ranch! Chuckwagon meals and live shows have been exciting visitors of all ages since 1982 at his Alto destination. Kids love the Deputy Training School and the Bonita City Gunfight will leave viewers thrilled and full of laughter. For more information, call (575) 336-4330.
Visit a Museum
New Mexico’s cultural splendor lends itself to many great museums and points of interest throughout the state. Come face-to-face to dinosaurs at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, discover the rich history, arts, and culture of Native Americans at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, or take a detour to Roswell to visit the International UFO Museum and Research Center. Check out these New Mexico museums:
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science | Albuquerque, NM | (505) 841-2800
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture | Santa Fe, NM | (505) 476-1269
International UFO Museum and Research Center | Roswell, NM | (575) 625-9495
Hubbard Museum of the American West | Ruidoso Downs, NM | (575) 378-4142
Visit a Historical Park
Visit a Historical ParkSmokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, NM combines the beauty of New Mexico’s forests with historical and educational exhibits, lessons, and programs for all ages to enjoy. A Little Ranger program gives kids the opportunity to become an official ranger, the onsite theater projects short films on forest health and fire safety, and there are several areas to enjoy the outdoors with picnic tables, an amphitheater, and Capitan’s original train depot. Learn more about Smokey Bear Historical Park.
Other New Mexico historical parks include:
Chaco Culture National Historic Park | Chaco Canyon | (505) 786-7014
Pecos National Historic Park | Pecos, NM | (505) 757-7241
Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Carlsbad, NM | (575) 785-2232
An Attraction for All Ages
If you’re searching for a place for all ages to have fun, visit Pillow’s Funtrack Family Fun Center, located in Ruidoso. This fun-for-all destination includes go-karts, miniature golf, bumper cars, and an arcade! Contact (575) 257-3275 for more information.
Tour a Winery
New Mexico boasts many well-known wineries, tasting rooms, vineyards, and distilleries across the state, each offering its own unique flavor and touch to creating and perfecting this popular drink. Check out a handful of popular New Mexico wineries below:
St. Clair Winery & Tasting Rooms | Deming, NM | (575) 546-1179
Noisy Water Winery | Ruidoso, NM | (575) 257-9335
Rio Grande Vineyard & Winery | Las Cruces, NM | (575) 524-3985
Gruet Winery Santa Fe Tasting Room | Santa Fe, NM | (505) 989-9463
Black’s Smuggler Winery | Bosque, NM | (505) 388-8117