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300 Ways to Have Fun in Albuquerque!

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  1. A hike through the Petroglyphs is always a fun excursion.
  2. A hotspot downtown is our new Library Bar & Grill.
  3. A long day of Albuquerque adventure needs an evening of soothing massage at Casa Verde Spa/Salon.
  4. A short drive south brings you to the Jerky Store and Gift Shop. Pick up a pound of jerky and other unique gifts.
  5. A short drive west will bring you to the land of fire and ice at the Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano.
  6. Check out Los Equipales for exquisite Mexican cuisine and delicacies of the sea.
  7. A trip down Central Avenue would not be complete without stopping at Skip Maisel's Indian Jewelry and Crafts.
  8. A visit to Old Town would be incomplete without lunch at Church Street Cafe. Watch out for the resident ghost!
  9. A walk down Central Avenue would not be complete without stopping for a bite at the Artichoke Cafe.
  10. Acquire your own custom guitar from Pimentel & Sons Guitar Makers to commemorate your Albuquerque trip.
  11. After people watching at UNM's campus, you have to stop for a slice or a calzone at student favorite, Saggio's.
  12. Aim for a perfect '300' at Leisure Bowl. One pin for every candle on Albuquerque's cake!
  13. Take in some wonderful local live music at the Historic El Rey Theater and Puccini's Golden West Saloon.
  14. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the first week of every October.
  15. Allow Golf West Tours to set up a customized golf package for you.
  16. Amble down the sidewalks of EDO, the vibrantly revived East downtown area.
  17. An afternoon stroll through downtown will reveal hidden art. Several really cool murals, too.
  18. An hour or a day at one of Albuquerque's many museums will make your stay much more memorable.
  19. And the final ingredient is...take a piece of Albuquerque and the Southwest home with you by taking some cooking classes. Biscochito's anyone?
  20. Ask a Downtown Ambassador (red shirt, red hat) where the best place to eat downtown is. They know it all!
  21. Ask a local what an "Isotope" is.
  22. Assemble 300 luminarias for Albuquerque's Tricentennial! Not sure what a luminaria is? Ask any Albuquerquean!
  23. Attend a Poetry Slam.
  24. Barbecue chicken brick oven pizza at Scarpa's is a real treat.
  25. Bask in the Albuquerque sun. We have over 300 days of sunshine every year!
  26. Be sure you check out the fluffy pink stuff at the Cooperage Restaurant. We don't know what it is, but it's good!
  27. Being confused when the waitress asks you "red or green"? Just say "Christmas" and you'll be fine!
  28. Binoculars, check. Wings West Birding Tours will show you the local larks.
  29. Bite into a fresh green chile at one of Albuquerque's many Farmer's Markets. Caution: they may be hot!
  30. Blend in with the local lunch crowd Downtown.
  31. Bring your camera with you everywhere in Albuquerque; there's a surprise around every corner.
  32. Browse a local bookstore for some mystery.
  33. Browse the flea market at EXPO New Mexico: Home of the State Fair.
  34. Brrr! Enjoy a hot bowl of posole on a chilly night.
  35. Build a tumbleweed snowman. They do exist!
  36. Burn off those enchilada calories at New Mexico Sports & Wellness.
  37. Buy some sterling silver jewelry from Ohh! Aah! Jewelry in downtown or Nob Hill!
  38. Call up some friends and grab a microbrew in the dimly lit Chama River Brewing Company.
  39. Call your friends at home and tell them how much fun you are having!
  40. Catch a concert under the stars at the Journal Pavilion.
  41. Watch a group of fast horses kick up some serious dirt at The Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack & Casino.
  42. Catch one of the best views in Albuquerque while sitting atop Sandia Casino's rooftop restaurant, Bien Shur. Watch out for low-flying birds!
  43. Catch some awesome live music at a number of nightspots.
  44. Catch up with friends at El Pinto's outdoor patio. Ahh, margaritas!
  45. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with local Albuquerqueans.
  46. Check in to any Downtown locale for some great people watching.
  47. Check out the 3,000 dancers at the annual Gathering of Nations Pow Wow.
  48. Check out Albuquerque's newest family dining and entertainment experience at IT'Z.
  49. Chill out on the patio of The Barley Room with a cold cerveza. Sunset is a good time to go.
  50. Chirp, chirp! Listen to the sound of crickets on a quiet Albuquerque night.
  51. Chocolate fondue? The Melting Pot in Old Town is the place to be.
  52. "8-ball, corner pocket." Stop in at Downtown's newest spot, the Carom Club for billiards.
  53. Climb into an ancient kiva at the Coronado State Monument. A short drive north to Bernalillo.
  54. Cocktails with your friends at Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro in Nob Hill.
  55. Come on in for some treats and surprises at The Candy Lady in Old Town.
  56. Come on in to the unique shops in Albuquerque's Nob Hill.
  57. Commemorate your Albuquerque vacation with a t-shirt from the Old Town T-Shirt Co.
  58. Cookies and treats at the Annual Holiday Stroll in Old Town.
  59. Count on discovering the cultures of the world at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology.
  60. Cruise down Rio Grande Boulevard with the top down and the seat back!
  61. Cruise on over to the Cell Theatre and check out the cabaret shows.
  62. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations in Albuquerque's South Valley.
  63. Dig in to some truly unique gifts from around the world at Beyond Borders Imports in Nob Hill.
  64. Dine 10,378 feet above the city at the High Finance Restaurant. A perfect compliment to a tram ride.
  65. Ding, ding! Ride the Trolley from Downtown to Old Town.
  66. Discover why The Pit is one of the top sports arenas in the nation. Cover your ears while the Lobos howl!
  67. Don't forget sunscreen while skiing Sandia Peak!
  68. Don't miss the Arabian Horse show at EXPO New Mexico: Home of the State Fair.
  69. Downtown Grower's Market & Festival June though October downtown.
  70. Drink some local beers at local beer pubs.
  71. Drinks at Gulp in Nob Hill after eating at Graze by Jennifer James sounds fun.
  72. Drive down Tramway Boulevard for some excellent views and barbecue at the County Line of Albuquerque.
  73. Duran Central Pharmacy's homemade meals are delicious.
  74. Eagerly experience some unforgettable flight-seeing with Southwest Safaris.
  75. Eat a picnic lunch in the plaza at Old Town.
  76. Eat hot sopapillas dripping with honey!
  77. Eat lunch around the fountain at downtown's Civic Plaza.
  78. Embark on a nature tour of Albuquerque. Start at the Rio Grande Nature Center.
  79. Enjoy a southwest tour with Custom Tours by Clarice. Bring your camera and they will take care of the rest!
  80. Enjoy salsa dancing at the Cooperage and the Hilton.
  81. Enjoy live performances at Albuquerque Little Theatre.
  82. Enjoy the music, theatre, and art at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
  83. Enroll in a climbing class at Stone Age Climbing Gym before tackling the vast Sandias!
  84. Examine 3,000 years of ancient artifacts at the Museum of Archaeology & Biblical History.
  85. Experience a ride down Tramway Boulevard with the windows down and the radio up!
  86. Explore and experience Tony Hillerman's southwest with Hillerman Country Tours.
  87. Feed some of the crazy ducks at UNM's famous duck pond.
  88. Feeling lucky? Five casinos are within 15 minutes of Albuquerque.
  89. Figure eights at the Outpost Ice Arena on Tramway.
  90. Ride the rails from downtown to Bernalillo aboard our newest form of transportation, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express!
  91. Find your form at any one of Albuquerque's art galleries.
  92. Fish at the newly renovated Tingley Beach.
  93. Fore! Play a round of golf at one of our many world class courses.
  94. World class Spanish art exhibitions are at the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History in Old Town.
  95. Gas up the car and drive east on the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway.
  96. Gather up the kids for a hike in the Sandia Mountains (don't forget the picnic basket)!
  97. Gaze into the many kaleidoscopes at La Casita del Kaleidoscopes in Old Town.
  98. Get a nightlife! Lace up your dancing shoes and pop in at Ned's Downtown.
  99. Get crafty. Don't miss the annual New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair in June.
  100. Get down with the Downtown Action Team. Arrange a tour of this historic area.
  101. Get in line for the Luminaria tour of Old Town on Christmas Eve for a truly unforgettable experience.
  102. Get it all over ya at Rudy's Bar-B-Q!
  103. Get out your cherry & silver and howl at the top of your lungs cheering for Lobo athletics!
  104. Take a tour of the Tractor Brewing Company!
  105. Get some much-needed rest and relaxation at one of our fabulous day spas.
  106. Get your boots, hat and buckles at Western Warehouse or Dan's Boots and Saddles. Now, you're one of us!
  107. Salsa dance with the locals at Sauce/Liquid Lounge downtown.
  108. Get your kicks on Route 66!
  109. Go antique hunting on Central Avenue.
  110. Go fly a kite! Our breezes are perfect for balloons and even better for kites.
  111. Go for a horse back ride along the Bosque.
  112. Go Topes! Check out an Albuquerque Isotopes game.
  113. Go! Downtown Arts Festival is a treat for the eyes.
  114. Good food, good music. Summerfest in Downtown every Saturday night June through July.
  115. Got a pen and paper? Central Avenue is an excellent place to just sit and write.
  116. Grab a slice or two at Al's New York Pizza Department Downtown. Their outdoor patio is great for people watching.
  117. Grab some early morning coffee at the Gold Street Cafe in Downtown Albuquerque.
  118. Grab some Greek at Albuquerque Nick's Crossroads Cafe downtown.
  119. Great Italian food at Mimmo's Ristorante and Pizzeria.
  120. Grip a cold ice cream and watch the playful polar bears at the Rio Grande Zoo.
  121. Hang out downtown and check out the local scene. It's wild!
  122. Have a snowball fight in the Sandia Mountains wearing shorts during March.
  123. Have some huevos rancheros for breakfast.
  124. Head a few miles south for fun and excitement at the Isleta Casino & Resort.
  125. Head's up! Catch some Little League baseball action.
  126. Hear world class chamber ensembles in concert year round with Chamber Music Albuquerque.
  127. Help solve a mystery while you enjoy a four course meal at the Mystery Cafe.
  128. Hike through fields of wild flowers on Sandia Peak during the summer months.
  129. Hold on tight for a hair-raising ride on the NM Rattler, NM's first super coaster, at Cliff's Amusement Park.
  130. Holding hands while walking the Tramway bike and pedestrian path.
  131. Hook up for a pint at Kelly's Brew Pub in Nob Hill. They have one of the best patios in town.
  132. Hop in your car and take a beautiful scenic drive to Chama.
  133. Hop on your Harley and ride!
  134. Sample the salsa at Sadie's of New Mexico. Hot, hot, hot!
  135. Howl with the wolves at the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary.
  136. Hustle up the kids and take them to El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, a Spanish colonial living history museum.
  137. If antiques are your fancy, Albuquerque has many choices.
  138. Isabella's downtown in the Galeria has the tastiest treats.
  139. It's blue and pretty. Learn everything about turquoise at the Turquoise Museum.
  140. Jog on the La Luz Trail. Walk if you must!
  141. Just park it. Find a great spot to lie down and gaze up at that big blue sky.
  142. Kick your foot up with the flamingos at the Rio Grande Zoo.
  143. Kids can take their boards and skates to the Los Altos Skate Park.
  144. Laid back! Ride a low-rider bicycle down Central Avenue. You'll blend right in!
  145. Laser tag, paintball, go-karts and golf at the Hinkle Family Fun Center.
  146. Late night bowling at Santa Ana Star Casino.
  147. Let the kids loose at any one of Albuquerque's numerous city parks.
  148. Let's go Scorps! Hockey fans will surely appreciate the http://www.scorpionshockey.com/.
  149. Lights, camera, action. Check out a film on the history of Albuquerque at the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History in Old Town.
  150. Listen to Nosotros at the Hilton on Friday nights.
  151. Live music on the patio at the District Bar & Grill Downtown can't be beat.
  152. Long day sightseeing Albuquerque? Stop in for 5:00 cocktails at Scalo in Nob Hill.
  153. Look at the San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town.
  154. Look up! Check out the starry skies at the LodeStar Planetarium.
  155. Lotions, potions and sensual notions only at Martha's Body Bueno in Nob Hill.
  156. Love that New Mexico smell? Get your own at Old Town Perfumes of the Desert.
  157. Make a stop at Trader Barb's in Old Town for some great jewelry.
  158. Make an appearance at the Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Show.
  159. Make plans to dine at Casa Vieja, a unique hacienda that is as old as Albuquerque.
  160. Make reservations with one of Albuquerque's many hot air balloon ride companies.
  161. March through Albuquerque's Old Town; chat with locals and buy some truly unique art and gifts.
  162. Marvel at the beautiful New Mexico night sky. Stars that you can actually see!
  163. Meet with your colleagues at the newly renovated Albuquerque Convention Center.
  164. Monthly ARTScrawls.
  165. Mountain biking in Albuquerque's foothills just a stone's throw from the Sandias (East of Tramway).
  166. Mozart anyone? Enjoy the tunes of the NM Symphony Orchestra as they play Popejoy Hall at UNM.
  167. No backseat driving! A scenic drive west to visit Sky City (Acoma) is always fun.
  168. Nothing quite like fried alligator at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Yes, we have alligators in the desert.
  169. Observe the hang gliders jumping fearlessly from atop Sandia Crest!
  170. Observe the local talent at any of our art galleries.
  171. Ogle over the handmade bath and body luxuries at Blissful Bath in Old Town.
  172. Okay, so you missed Albuquerque's famous Balloon Fiesta? You can still check out some great balloon gifts at Discover Balloons in Old Town.
  173. On your tour of Nob Hill, don't forget to stop in at Objects of Desire and check out their super cool furniture!
  174. On your way up to Sandia Crest, don't forget to stop at the infamous Tinkertown Museum, showcasing the life work of folk artist Ross Ward.
  175. One, two, three...count train cars downtown at the Alvarado Transportation Center.
  176. Ooh, Aah, Ohh! Catch the Balloon Glow during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October.
  177. Order a bucket of fries at Maloney's Tavern downtown. Ask for their "big glass" of beer to wash it down! It's big!
  178. Pack up the car and take a short trip north to the Jemez Mountains.
  179. Partake in the Plaza to Plaza walking tour from Downtown to Old Town.
  180. Pay a visit to one of our neighboring Pueblo's for a feast day.
  181. Pick up a copy of Albuquerque The Magazine and The District. Act like a local.
  182. Pick up a copy of the Official Visitors Guide and Vacation Planner from almost any Albuquerque hotel.
  183. See the local creations at Charlevoix Street Gallery in Old Town.
  184. Pop the cork for some wine tasting at one of Albuquerque's fine wineries.
  185. Proudly walk around the NM State Fair with a giant turkey leg and count the number of people that stare in awe!
  186. Pull over and gaze at those wondrous pink and purple Sandias every sunset.
  187. Put on your boots and check out the live western music stage shows at the Wildlife West Nature Park.
  188. Put on your cowboy hat and check out the gunslinger re-enactments in Old Town on Sundays.
  189. Put your hands on the exhibits at explora! in Old Town.
  190. Put your nose to the air and take in the unique aroma of chile roasting in the air every fall.
  191. Race over to nearby Rio Rancho to view over 60 cars at the J&R Vintage Auto Museum.
  192. Raft or float down the Rio Grande River.
  193. Read a good book at one of Albuquerque's public libraries.
  194. Stop in at Rio Grande Imports and Jackalope Albuquerque for truly southwestern designs.
  195. Rent a snowboard from Sport Systems and hit the slopes!
  196. Rent some mountain bikes and spend the afternoon biking Albuquerque's gorgeous Sandia Peak.
  197. Reserve an hour for walking the University of New Mexico campus. The Student Union Building is a great place to people watch.
  198. Ride the dirt trail along the Bosque, not that wimpy paved trail!
  199. Ride the Vineyard Express to the wineries and micro breweries in style!
  200. River of Lights (December) at the Albuquerque Biopark is simply amazing!
  201. Roar! Walk with the dinosaurs at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science in Old Town.
  202. Rock on! Catch one of Albuquerque's local bands at the 4th Street Mall downtown during the summer months.
  203. Rock shows downtown!
  204. Roll on in to one of our information centers and get some good Albuquerque information from an expert.
  205. Round up some friends and explore the pueblo-deco style inside the historic Kimo Theatre on old Route 66 (Central Avenue).
  206. Run For The Zoo! Beat the tortoise.
  207. Rustle up the family for a picnic at the Elena Gallegos picnic area (Tramway, N. of Spain).
  208. Saddle up a horse and ride through any one of Albuquerque's many off road trails.
  209. Sample the local wine at the St. Clair Winery & Bistro in Old Town. The food is great, too!
  210. Saturday night "Summerfest" at Civic Plaza is a family favorite.
  211. Saunter amongst the spirits on the Old Town Ghost Tour. No shrieking!
  212. Save some time for a tour of the Gruet Winery.
  213. See Albuquerque and New Mexico in style with Follow The Sun tours.
  214. See Lobo football action along with 40,000 other die-hard fans at University Stadium. "Everyone's a Lobo...woof, woof, woof!"
  215. See that big building on Albuquerque's northeast side? That's the new Sandia Resort & Casino, golf too!
  216. See world class collections of art, science and cultural history all at the University of New Mexico Museums.
  217. Set aside some time for a leisurely stroll through Nob Hill; shop, get coffee and chat!
  218. Set up the old tent at one of Albuquerque's many campgrounds. Twinkling stars included.
  219. Several Southwest cooking schools mean you can take a little bit of NM home with you.
  220. Share in the Veterans experience at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial.
  221. Shoot some pool at Q-Bar inside Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town.
  222. Shop for some official Albuquerque Tricentennial gear in Old Town. 300 years, woohoo!
  223. Sip on a giant margarita while listening to the live Mariachi band at Garduno's of Mexico.
  224. Sip some chai at the Annapurna Ayurvedic Cuisine & Chai House. Ahh, chai!
  225. Sit tight for a ride on one of the city's Rapid Ride buses. No red lights for these things.
  226. Skiing in the morning and golfing in the afternoon is why Albuquerque is so wonderful!
  227. Skip some stones across the Rio Grande River. Our record is five.
  228. Sled it up at Sandia Crest for some downhill action in Albuquerque's winter months.
  229. So much lavender, so little time. Check out Lavender Blue in Nob Hill for gourmet bathing specialties and everything lavender.
  230. Soar like an eagle in the blue New Mexican sky with a glider instruction by Sundance Aviation.
  231. Soar to the Hawk Watch site in the Sandia Mountains.
  232. Spend a Sunday morning at the Albuquerque Museum. It's free!
  233. Spend an afternoon at Coronado Center, our largest shopping mall.
  234. Spend an evening with Musical Theatre Southwest.
  235. Squat under the gigantic orange pumpkin at the Albuquerque Botanic Garden. The kids will love it!
  236. Stand up and watch the amazing New Mexico sunset from the Elena Gallegos picnic area.
  237. Stay at a bed and breakfast.
  238. Stop for fine dining at the Ambrozia Cafe & Wine Bar in Old Town.
  239. Stop over at the Petroglyphs on Albuquerque's west side to view these historic markings.
  240. Stretch first, then walk the Bosque bike and pedestrian path from Montano to Central.
  241. Stroll through the streets of Nob Hill; enjoy the unique shops and architecture.
  242. Strut through the lobby at La Posada de Albuquerque downtown. Historically beautiful!
  243. Stuff yourself with fresh grilled seasoned beef, poultry and seafood at Tucanos Brazilian Grill in Downtown. That's a mouthful!
  244. Summer concerts on Friday nights at the Rio Grande Zoo.
  245. Swish! Check out Albuquerque's new minor league basketball team, the Thunderbirds at Tingley Coliseum.
  246. Take a day trip to one of NM's 19 Indian pueblos.
  247. Take a sketching tour with Pueblo Arts/Ron Phillips, resident artist and loyal New Mexican.
  248. Take in a show by the Tricklock Performance Company.
  249. Take the family and the dog to the Dawg House in Old Town. Grrr!
  250. Take the family to the Explora! children's museum in Old Town.
  251. Take the family to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to see authentic Native American dances.
  252. Take the kids to the Zoo Boo at the Rio Grande Zoo in October.
  253. Taste some delicious Persian and Mediterranean delights only at Pars Cuisine.
  254. Taste the truffles at Theobroma Chocolatier downtown. Ahh, truffles.
  255. Taste your favorites at the Albuquerque Wine Festival.
  256. Tennis anyone? Practice your backhand at a city court.
  257. Test your taste buds with a cerveza and a sopapilla.
  258. The brand new Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum is a blast.
  259. The Lavender Festival at Los Poblanos Inn is one of a kind!
  260. The National Atomic Museum. Can't find it? Look for the rocket!
  261. The new Unser Racing Museum houses over 30 race cars and four generations of Unser family memorabilia.
  262. The Nob Hill Shop & Stroll is a blast.
  263. The red salsa at Los Cuates is some of New Mexico's best.
  264. The rooftop hot tubs atop the Hyatt Regency downtown are wonderful!
  265. The yearly Spring and Fall Crawl downtown is the best time to catch live music.
  266. Thousands of twinkling lights during the Twinkle Light Parade on Central Avenue in November.
  267. Throw a frisbee at Roosevelt Park between Downtown and the University area.
  268. Tour 19 Indian Pueblos at once at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
  269. Trek the Sandia Mountains with your significant other.
  270. Try some high desert tea at the St. James Tea Room.
  271. Try the schnitzel, bratwurst and strudel at Dagmar's Delectables.
  272. Tune in to the game at O'Neill's Pub while enjoying a pint!
  273. Twinkle, twinkle. Count the Christmas lights at Traditions. It may take you all night.
  274. Unroll your blanket and watch the dances at the gazebo in Old Town.
  275. Up, up and away...take a ride in a helicopter.
  276. Venture up to the rock house at Sandia Crest and stand on top of the city! "I can see our hotel from here!"
  277. View demonstrations of spinning, dyeing and weaving at Tierra Wools.
  278. Visit a scenic byway for a nice afternoon drive.
  279. Visit the Aquarium, Zoo and Biopark in the same day!
  280. Visit the Chili Pepper Emporium: the world's largest and most complete gift shop devoted to the chili pepper.
  281. Voyage down Rio Grande Boulevard to Anderson Valley Vineyards and Casa Rondena Winery for an afternoon of wine tasting.
  282. Wake up before the sun and go ballooning!
  283. Walk or jog around city parks during soccer season to enjoy the sounds of children and parents at play.
  284. Wander through the bosque, especially during seasonal migrations.
  285. Want some great tasting pizza? Try Boston's Gourmet Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar.
  286. Watch a concert or play at the University of New Mexico's Popejoy Hall.
  287. Watch the sunset from the patio at Sandiago's Mexican Grill at the Tram. Margarita in hand, of course!
  288. Watching sunrises on a patio while sipping coffee is second to none.
  289. Weekend car shows abound in Albuquerque.
  290. While in Old Town, be sure to check out the American International Rattlesnake Museum! It speaks for itself.
  291. Whoa! Check out the 11,000 square mile panoramic view on top of the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway.
  292. Check out the underwater creatures at the Albuquerque Aquarium.
  293. Wondrously watch lightning fill the evening sky during our monsoon season.
  294. Wrap a paper towel around a giant turkey leg at JR's BBQ.
  295. Yee-haw! Hop on a horse and ride on one of Albuquerque's numerous trails.
  296. You absolutely have to order a milkshake at the 66 Diner on Central Avenue. Try their green chile cheeseburger, too!
  297. You will definitely want to grab some chocolate strawberries from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Old Town.
  298. You will love a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Bosque.
  299. Zoom! Enjoy an evening of races at Sandia Motor Speedway.
  300. ZZZ! Take an afternoon siesta!