Visitors may not remember how to spell "Albuquerque," but they don't forget this wonderful city! Like a jewel in the desert, Albuquerque is an oasis of activities for every traveler: whether beautiful scenery, educational and one-of-a-kind museums, or fun locales within the city is your idea of a perfect getaway destination, Albuquerque has it all!
Scenic sites
- Sandia Peak Tramway: One of the world's longest aerial trams, this 2.7-mile ride treats visitors to a trip to the top of Sandia Peak at 10,300 feet. With great views of native vegetation and habitats at all altitudes along the way, riders get a sense of the cactus desert, pi?on pine landscape, and juniper and fur forests. In the winter, skiers enjoy the 18-minute tram ride to all of Sandia Peak's ski runs, and in the summer, mountain bikers enjoy renting bicycles at the top.
- Petroglyph National Monument: Located just 9 miles northwest of the city, this historical treasure is both beautiful and intriguing. With 4 different hiking trails that take visitors across scenic country, this park contains 15,000 rock etchings from 1300 AD.
- KiMo Theater: This landmark building provides architectural scenery. Built in 1927, KiMo Theater is a unique blend of two kinds of architecture: Art Deco and Pueblo Deco. Throughout the years, this movie house has presented silent movies to the music of a pipe organ, "talkies," and today, modern entertainment. Located on Route 66, KiMo Theater is decked out from floor to ceiling and wall to wall in desert decor.
Museums and Educational Centers:
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: Just north of Old Town, this center is run by an association of New Mexico's 19 pueblos. Here visitors learn about the history of New Mexico's Pueblo cultures and encourages visitors to compare and contrast each one through language, customs and crafts. There is an art gallery, a children's museum, a gift shop with handmade wares and Pueblo food.
- The Albuquerque Museum: With both traveling and permanent exhibits, this museum focuses on the art and history of Albuquerque. There is also a sculpture garden, and Casa San Ysidr The Guti'rrez/Minge House.
Albuquerque locales:
- Old Town: Four blocks of history and architecture awaits visitors in this former city center. Still a center for the arts and shopping, Old Town features countless art galleries and souvenir shops. Also be sure to see San Felipe de Neri Church built in 1706, the Albuquerque Museum of Art, History & Science, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History.
- Route 66/Nob Hill-Highland District: This trendy section of town features numerous shops and cafes along the original Route 66 byway, now called Central Avenue in the city. There are over 200 antiques and collectibles dealers and three shopping malls.
- University of New Mexico: This area is a hub of activity, both educational and fun. Visit the campus museums such as the University Art Museum and the Spanish History Museum, and then stop for a bite to eat in one of the area's many restaurants, cafes and delis.
Albuquerque is just teeming with historical sites, majestic vistas and fun, eclectic neighborhoods. There is so much to be done that visitors sometimes have trouble figuring out what to do first! But don't be discouraged: no matter where you go in Albuquerque, you'll be making unforgettable vacation memories!
