Located just beside the Chihuahuan Desert, the New Mexican city of Las Cruces is also known as the “happiest city in New Mexico.”
Home to New Mexico State University, the state’s one and only land-grant university, this city is a mix of subtle warm-toned mountainous backdrops, vast Mexican fields, and modern state-of-the-art architecture and infrastructure.
It was also named one of the top three places to go for a vacation in 2019, which speaks volumes about how fine of a travel location Las Cruces is.
The second-largest city in New Mexico, Las Cruces has a population of approximately 103,432.
Famous for its scenic beauty, friendly locals, safe atmosphere, and its land-grant university, Las Cruces is also well-loved for its top-notch Mexican delicacies.
The young crowds from the university, and the lively population in general, keep Las Cruces’ nightlife active—so don’t think of it as a city that sleeps at night!
The city has a lot more to offer than just fun, as it boasts a long list of heritage museums, classic art galleries and theaters, and scenic wildlife centers and parks.
Its exciting downtown area, old village, and mountainous and desert monuments and memorials will surely grab your heart and make for an unforgettable journey.
To make the most of your visit, check out this list of the best things to do in Las Cruces, New Mexico:
Visit the Dripping Springs Natural Area
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The Dripping Springs Natural Area is one of the most scenically blessed and geographically prosperous locations in New Mexico.
This location covers a vast area of geological formations in a pure desert-like landmark.
Like a Tarantino movie location, this place has a quintessential mountainous and desert beauty, with water springs falling from in between the rocky structures.
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The vegetation also witnesses a wide variety, with some areas having dry bushes while the others have thick green trees.
Believe it or not, amongst these rocky formations bloom some of the biggest Mexican flowers.
Evidently, the most famous activity to try out here is hiking.
There are facilities and paths available for all types of hikers, from beginners to experienced ones.
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These amber mountains are vast and unending, so photography is another heavily practiced activity.
Also, get ready to encounter some real wildlife here—a herd of deer may even come close and inspect you.
The thrill is, therefore, pretty real.
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The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum tells a captivating story of how the lands and people of New Mexico have been growing their food over the last 4,000 years.
Its mesmerizing contents range from equipment used by the earliest natives to top-notch gorgeous statues of famous figures and artworks by renowned artists.
This museum also features animals, which adds to the thrill.
There are visual representations, exhibits, and skilled guides to help you.
There are barns, amphitheaters, a greenhouse, a library, a heritage garden, a gift shop, a snack bar, and more.
Catch a Glimpse of the Beautiful Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
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This place probably gives the most outstanding view of the Organ Mountains in Las Cruces.
One of the most rugged yet picturesque locations in New Mexico, this place has been a top attraction for many filmmakers.
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It is filled with monuments and structures, and the rocky golden brown mountains simultaneously create a backdrop with the lush green ones.
There are wooden cabins to give that gorgeous American feel to the area.
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There are loads of things to do here, like training, hiking, birdwatching, or visiting the parks and gardens.
There are beautiful picnic spots at the mountaintops, too.
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The Museum of Nature and Science is one of the most unique and well-equipped museums in Las Cruces, with some good competitors.
What makes it unique is the amalgamation of scientific equipment and significant natural pieces.
This museum also features a lot of animal content, and learning about tourism and animal welfare is a bonus here.
All the quintessential thrillers like dinosaur skeletons, reptiles, snakes, and numerous frog species are present.
Apart from this, some precious stones and gems, electro spectrum lighting equipment, and live displays are also available for visitors.
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Located at the heart of the city’s downtown area, the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market is a fine example of why Las Cruces is known as the happiest city in New Mexico.
Once you enter the zone, prepare to be taken aback by the array of colorful and lively shops and the hustle of people all around.
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You’ll enjoy the sight of older men and women dressed in vibrant costumes, singing to their heart’s glory while playing mandolins.
The Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market has everything from flower markets, multiple food trucks, and gorgeously decorated handicraft stores to showpieces, costumes, beverages, and traditional clothing.
Head to the Famous New Mexico State University
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One of the most prestigious universities in the state, New Mexico State University is the only land-grant university here.
Apart from being an educational site, it is also a favorite among visitors because of its environment, architecture, and youthful atmosphere.
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You can even head inside and go on a tour of the university, focusing on the different departments like performing arts, geography, and the sciences.
There is also a treasured art museum located inside this very university, so do not miss out on that.
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There are inventions and monuments outdoors, which are worth checking out, along with the top-notch architecture.
Go Hiking in the Soledad Canyon Day Use Area
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It’s nearly impossible for anyone not to be enthralled by the breathtaking Soledad Canyon Day Use Area.
This spot is situated at the juncture of the Bar Canyon and Soledad Canyon.
Slim brooks flow down between the two canyons, creating one of the most gorgeous American locations one can witness.
The entire area around it boasts a range of scenic views, from lush green woods and rocky trails, to narrow channels flowing from in between the canyons and mysterious hiking paths in between the mountains.
Activities like hiking, picnicking, photography, rope climbing, animal watching, and detailed touring are some of the most enjoyable things you can do at this location.
The motto of the Zuhl Museum is quite lively, as they themselves state that “rocks come alive” here.
You can only expect to be thoroughly mindblown here, as the collection is praiseworthy, to say the least.
In addition to a varied range of precious rocks and gems—ancient, old and even young—they also delve into the fossil world.
There are multiple exemplary forensic artifacts at this museum, such as numerous skeletons or skeletal figures of extinct creatures like dinosaurs and giant lizards.
Their imprints on rocks will surely blow you away, as will their displays of minerals and petrified wood.
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If you’ve been enjoying loads of traveling, hiking, biking, trailing—and perhaps an information overload—on your Las Cruces trip, you may want to take a break and relax.
La Llorona Park will give you that much-needed solace, as you’ll find yourself amidst soothing natural landscapes.
This minimalistic park is ideal for activities like trailing, sitting by the river, jogging, and picnics.
There is a biking path and an outhouse, too.
You won’t want to miss out on the views of the river and the mountains beyond it, which are lovely no matter the time of day.
Sunsets are particularly lovely here.
Pay a Visit to Veterans Memorial Park
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Located on Roadrunner Parkway, Veterans Memorial Park is more than just a park.
It is a memorial that was built to commemorate and pay homage to the war veterans who bravely fought for the country.
There are many interesting markers here, including shoe prints that mark where the fallen heroes have walked, a humbling sculpture of three soldiers, and a helicopter heading towards the ground.
This attraction focuses primarily on military history, and you will surely be moved by the memorials here.
There are BBQ grills, a field, and playing areas here, too.
Visit the Historic Las Cruces Railroad Museum
The Las Cruces Railroad Museum is dedicated to the trains and all the locomotives and their history.
It is a true treat for true-blue train enthusiasts and curious people in general.
The museum houses a miniature model town that was created with functioning railways, the functioning of which will amaze you.
Different pictures and information are given in great detail with regard to the evolution of local models.
There is also a gorgeous gallery with all the equipment you could want to see.
Children will surely enjoy visiting this place.
Apart from the city’s museums and art galleries, the very walls of Las Cruces are ready to dazzle you with their art.
The Las Cruces Water Tank Murals are some of the most prolific artistic creations, and this attraction is well-loved by both locals and tourists.
These vast murals are painted right on the walls of the water tanks located by the sea.
The water tank walls feature a mix of pop art culture and classic ethnic art, starting with paintings of legendary running horses to those of space, satellites, and famous astronauts, and paintings matching the surrounding landscape.
Take a Tour of the Lake Valley Historic Townsite
To get to know the true roots and ancestry of Las Cruces and feast on a scenic location, a tour of the Valley Historic Townsite is mandatory.
With an exceptionally peaceful ambiance and huge mountainous fields, this site bears witness to the remains of some of the earliest establishments of Las Cruces and, thereby, New Mexico.
The old wooden houses and cabins on the crevasses of these mountains, with local vegetation blooming all around, will be worth your visit.
Hiking, rope climbing, and trailing are particularly enjoyed here.
The ambiance evokes both an aesthetic thrill and an eerie feeling.
If you’re interested in contemporary art, then you probably look for every opportunity to view interesting pieces wherever you are.
The Las Cruces Museum of Art may have just what you need and want.
Walk through its halls to see the various exhibits there; the displays change throughout the year, so no two visits to this museum are ever the same.
The museum also hosts classes and programs for visitors of all ages, so give those a shot if you have the chance.
The Branigan Cultural Center, located at 500 N Water Street, is the place to visit if you want to learn more about the local culture of the area.
It features various exhibits about the history and different interesting aspects of the area.
These exhibits rotate throughout the year to keep things fresh and exciting for visitors.
They also host classes, educational programs, and special events, so be sure to join in and participate if you get the chance.
There’s nothing more romantic than a stroll through a winery, walking past the blooming grapevines, while you’re hand in hand with your special someone.
The warm atmosphere is enough to make someone fall in love all over again.
Rio Grande Winery is the place to visit if you’re looking to get a true glimpse of a southwest romance.
You can schedule a tour, go on a date with your partner, and sample some of the finest wines in the city.
As you drive through Picacho Avenue, you’ll be greeted by a sight you won’t find anywhere else: a gigantic chili pepper sitting by the roadside as if it has always belonged there.
Forty-seven feet long and painted a bright, searing red, this gargantuan concrete chili pepper was first built to draw attention to itself and the hotel right next to it.
While it was once gated, there are no longer any barriers standing between this chili pepper and the rest of the world.
So, when you find it, feel free to walk up to it and snap as many pictures as you want; it’s definitely a sight you’ll want to remember.
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Picacho Mountain, also known as Picacho Peak or El Picacho, is a summit that’s thousands of feet high and a prime destination for outdoor adventurers.
The trail to the summit is moderately challenging and can take more than an hour’s walk, so make sure to come prepared.
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You’ll experience a gradual ascent as you’re walking to the first rock formation, and it only gets steeper and more challenging from there.
Following this trail is a full workout, but the view at the top will make the effort more than worth it.
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Driving to Las Cruces, especially when you’re from miles away, can be tiring, but if you make a pit stop at the Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture, it would be worth it.
The rest stop area’s sculpture is made up of discarded materials like sneakers, old mobile phones, movie reels, headlights, crutches, computer keyboards, and many more.
Built in 1993, the Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture is 20 feet tall and 40 feet long, proudly standing over Interstate 10.
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It was the creation of artists Olin Calk and Dan Smith.
The area also offers panoramic views of Mesilla Valley and the Organ Mountains, as well as a scenic overlook of Las Cruces.
Also, there are picnic tables and restrooms to use in the rest area.
Hearty bistro comfort food paired with craft beers and local wines is what D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro is good at.
The bistro is popular for its mouthwatering pecan-crusted chicken, pot roast, steak Béarnaise, and many other delicious epicurean-style dishes.
And don’t miss out on its award-winning local wines and craft beers.
Every weekend, the bistro also hosts live music with beautiful outdoor seating.
Get stuffed at D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro and enjoy your time!
Bookworms know that books are as important as food, and if you’re traveling to Las Cruces, COAS Books got your back.
The bookstore holds over 500,000 books in stock, including new and old, as well as used ones from trade-ins.
So, anything that you need or want to fuel your soul, you can find at the bookstore.
You may also browse through its audiobooks, vinyl, DVDs, VHS, CDs, and games that are great for kids, teens, and adults.
COAS Books is located off North Main Street in Las Cruces.
Offering a unique and festive vibe, the Renaissance ArtsFaire; the longest-running Renaissance Faire in the southwest celebrates medieval sensibility.
Local and national artisans and food vendors gather at Young Park in a two-day festival with lots of family-friendly activities.
Happening in November of each year, there will be live music, a grand parade, medieval fashion shows, creative arts, boat rides, and many more.
It’s Southern New Mexico’s largest juried art show with more than 150 artists and vendors.
The Renaissance ArtsFaire is graced and managed by the Doña Ana Arts Council in Las Cruces.
Family picnics are always a great idea when traveling, and in Las Cruces, Young Park offers one of the best spots for picnics and cookouts.
The park features picnic areas with grills for barbecues to share with your loved ones.
You’ll also love that there are lots of shady areas with green grass and a backdrop of beautiful trees around.
The biking and hiking trails are also great for taking scenic walks and bikes while enjoying the park’s relaxing atmosphere.
There’s also a large pond for fishing for kids, playgrounds, as well as sports fields.
Young Park is located off South Walnut Street.
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Brimming with old-world charm, Old Mesilla Village is located just 12 minutes away from Las Cruces.
It is a historic site of massive significance in the US formation history, dating back to the 1800s.
What is astounding is that the entire village has been kept running not only as a visual area but as a properly functioning unit.
There are loads of things to do and lovely buildings to admire here.
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As you reach the area, the very ambiance and architectural pattern will set the mood, taking you back to the 1800s.
Rugged, colorful, and mystic buildings are sure to make your tour worth it.
The Old Mexican architecture makes itself gracefully evident at this location.
There is an unending list of shops, plazas, galleries, bars, restaurants, mini-museums, and some breathtaking chapels for you to visit.
Do not miss out on the Parish Hall, which will leave you spellbound with its regal decoration and royal atmosphere.
The capitol house where Billy the Kid was sentenced is located here as well.
The ethnic memorabilia of the natives are still very well preserved and will surely amaze you.
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Mesilla Plaza is part of the Old Mesilla Village.
However, it deserves special attention and a separate spot on this list, as the plaza alone can take up to four hours to finish seeing.
Here, fabulous restaurants beckon you to see the classical way of cooking traditional Mexican dishes and taste them.
Enjoy quintessential Mexican music as old ethnic singers perform hymns and tunes while sitting by their porches.
Mesilla Plaza also boasts an endless, maze-like paradise of shops, ranging from precious antiques and handicrafts to contemporary art pieces.
With everything from museums to mountain trails, Las Cruces will provide you with a wide variety of activities while you’re visiting.
Whatever your interests may be, there will surely be something for you to enjoy.
To top it all off, you’ll be greeted with postcard-worthy views wherever you are in the city—so give it a shot and book your vacation today.
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