15 days in New Mexico Itinerary

Albuquerque remains one of the state's secret jewels, as its tourist attractions are often overshadowed by the more popular holiday destination of Santa Fe.

Albuquerque is known for historic sites, museums, and zoos & aquariums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, examine the collection at New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at San Felipe de Neri Church, and engage your brain at The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

To see where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, read Albuquerque visit planning tool.

New York City to Albuquerque is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from New York City to Albuquerque, you'll gain 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from New York City in May, expect nights in Albuquerque to be about the same, around 51°F, while days are a bit warmer, around 77°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) so you can drive to Alamogordo.

Alamogordo is the seat of Otero County, New Mexico, United States. On the 6th (Sat), take a memorable drive along State Route 244, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Joseph Apache Mission Church, and then make a trip to Three Rivers Petroglyph Site. Keep things going the next day: do a tasting at McGinn's PistachioLand, then take in the dramatic natural features at White Sands National Monument, and then immerse yourself in nature at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park.

To see where to stay, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Alamogordo trip maker website.

Drive from Albuquerque to Alamogordo in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car; or take a bus. Traveling from Albuquerque in May, you will find days in Alamogordo are somewhat warmer (83°F), and nights are about the same (52°F). Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Carlsbad.

Carlsbad is a city in and the county seat of Eddy County, New Mexico, United States. Venture out of the city with trips to Carlsbad Caverns National Park (Giant Dome, Big Room, &more). Next up on the itinerary: explore the fascinating underground world of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and get a taste of the local shopping with The Artist Gallery.

For other places to visit, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Carlsbad holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Alamogordo to Carlsbad takes 3 hours. May in Carlsbad sees daily highs of 87°F and lows of 56°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) so you can drive to Taos.

Many residents have shunned fast-paced city living for Taos's laid-back vibe and blend of Spanish, Native American, and Anglo cultures.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Thu): take in the views from Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, see the interesting displays at Millicent Rogers Museum, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Wild Rivers Recreation Area. On your second day here, explore the ancient world of Taos Pueblo, then head outdoors with Land of Enchantment Guides - Fly Fishing Trips, and then don't miss a visit to Taos County Courthouse Murals.

To find maps, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Taos journey planner.

You can drive from Carlsbad to Taos in 6 hours. In May, Taos is much colder than Carlsbad - with highs of 67°F and lows of 35°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Fri) so you can drive to Santa Fe.

Santa Fe continuously ranks among the world's top holiday destinations, attracting visitors with its unusual combination of scenic beauty, rich history, cultural diversity, and high concentration of performing arts venues, fine restaurants, and interesting attractions.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Santa Fe: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (in Cochiti Pueblo) and Bandelier National Monument (in Los Alamos). Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of Loretto Chapel, don't miss a visit to Santa Fe Plaza, pause for some serene contemplation at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Canyon Road.

For more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Santa Fe travel itinerary planner.

Getting from Taos to Santa Fe by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In May, Santa Fe is somewhat warmer than Taos - with highs of 73°F and lows of 43°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 16th (Tue) to allow time for the flight back home.