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| attractions in Southwest US |
If you’re visiting Albuquerque on a day trip, or short vacation, one of the first places to explore in the city it’s Albuquerque Old Town district, which boasts lovely adobe buildings, cobblestone streets and Pueblo Revival houses.
There is no doubt that some of the best things to see and do in Albuquerque are located in the downtown area, particularly in the historic district of Old Town Albuquerque, which is home to many of Albuquerque’s top attractions.
Old Town Albuquerque
Albuquerque Museum
The Albuquerque Museum is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Old Town Albuquerque, and easily one of the top things to see and do in Albuquerque with the family.
The Albuquerque Museum is both a history and art museum with loads to see and do such as seeing Spanish armor and weaponry artifacts on display, as well as enjoying programs and activities such as the cool “Adventures in Art” program where kids get to make art and enjoy fun games.
Besides these, you can book various tours at the museum such as guided gallery tours and walking tours of Albuquerque Old Town with one of the museum’s docent guides.
You’ll also be able to book tours of Casa Ysidro and Sculpture Garden. the latter one features the famed sculpture by D.Duncan - “Untitled”.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History is next door to the Albuquerque Museum, and it’s another attraction that you must add to your list of things to see and do in Albuquerque.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History boasts lots many things to see and do such as cool dinosaur and science exhibits, as well as a 3-D Theatre and a Planetarium.
The museum also offers tours of the museum and exhibits, which are free to join, as well as many other regular events such as the “Solar Sunday” workshop, which is aimed at families with kids and offers interactive and fun hands-on activities.
Explora
If you’re looking for more things to see and do in Albuquerque with kids, be sure to visit Explora, which is also located next door to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History.
Explora is easily one of the best attractions for kids in Albuquerque, and a fun and educational place where kids can learn about technology and science through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
Rattlesnake Museum
The Rattlesnake Museum is another great family attraction located nearby the Albuquerque Museum, Explora, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science.
The Rattlesnake Museum is a great place to spend a morning with kids seeing interesting exhibits on rattlesnakes and other popular snakes around the world on display, while learning about them through interactive videos.
Turquoise Museum
The Turquoise Museum is also located in Old Town Albuquerque near the Old Town shopping center, and it’s another gem attraction worth adding to your list of things to see and do in Albuquerque.
If you’re curious about turquoise, this museum boasts all kinds of info and some of the best collections of turquoise on display you'll ever see. The museum also offers interactive movies and demonstrations on how turquoise is shaped.
Kimo Theatre
The Kimo Theatre is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular landmarks in Albuquerque and another attraction worth adding to your list of things to see and do in Albuquerque.
Kimo Theatre is one of the best examples of Pueblo Revival style architecture in Albuquerque and makes for a great photo opportunity.
Besides taking pictures of the Kimo, the theatre is a popular place in downtown Albuquerque to catch live performances and regular concerts, so be sure to check what’s on when in town.
Albuquerque Convention Center
The Albuquerque Convention Center is another popular spot where you can catch regular events all year long such as:
-the New Mexico International Auto Show(15-16 April)
-New Mexico RV, Boat and Travel Show (25-27 March)
-Albuquerque Comic Expo (24-26 June)
Rio Grande Zoological Park
If you’re traveling with small kids, or would like to see wildlife, the Rio Grande Zoo is another great downtown Albuquerque attraction worth checking out, if anything, to see the charming koalas there!
By the way, while in the Rio Grande Zoological Park don't miss the Albuquerque Biological Park (ABQ BioPark), which is a lovely place where you can see stunning gardens and beautiful flowers.
University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico is another of the top things to see and do in Albuquerque and it’s home to the UNM Art Museum and the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology.
The UNM Art Museum boasts nice collections on African art, American and Mexican art; while the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology features cool artifacts on display and interesting exhibits on Pueblo cultures.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is one of the top interesting places to visit in New Mexico, and a nice place to learn about the Pueblo people.
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is located in Los Jardines neighborhood (just north of the downtown area) and offers lots to see and do such as seeing on display lovely murals, old artifacts such as vases and bowls, as well as artworks produced by national Native American artists.
You’ll also be able to enjoy talks and watch live demonstrations on old-weaving traditional techniques in New Mexico.
Sandia Peak
There is no doubt that one of the most popular things to do in Albuquerque in winter is enjoying some skiing and snowboarding at Sandia Peak Ski Area, which is one of the top places to ski in the US.
If you’re traveling to Albuquerque during the warm months of the year, visiting Sandia Peak is also one of the fun things to see and do in Albuquerque since you'll be able to enjoy fun outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
Though best of all, you get a chance to ride on the Sandia Peak tramway, which takes you right to the top of the peak, and allows you to see memorable views of the Sandia Mountains.
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