Albuquerque is a great stopover to visit on your way to someplace else as a day trip from Santa Fe or for a great vacation spot not that far from the Pikes Peak region.

There is enough to see and do in Albuquerque to please just about anyone of any age. Among the delights to peruse are prehistoric sites, an old town square that originated in the early 1700s, the best Mexican cuisine north of the border, great hiking trails and an aerial tramway that will whisk you to the top of Sandia Peak.

We are continually fascinated with the lives of ancient peoples who populated the Southwest region hundreds of years ago, so we were excited about visiting Petroglyph National Monument. First stop was the Visitor Center where we talked to a knowledgeable ranger and viewed an excellent video about the history of Native Americans in the area. The building housing the visitor center and gift shop is the former mid-century home of anthropologist Dr. Sophie Alberle.

There are multiple trails nearby that protect and showcase one or the largest petroglyph sites in North America. Between 400 to 700 years ago Native Americans, as well as Spanish settlers, carved more than 20,000 designs and symbols into these volcanic rocks. We hiked 2 short trails in Boca Negra Canyon and the longer Rinconada Canyon Trail to regard the historic images pecked into the stone.

I am curious about the messages from the artists who carved animals, people, crosses, and mysterious figures into the tumbled rocks at both eye level and high above. What were they saying, and how long did the images take to create? We can guess but will never know for sure. This is truly a spiritual place, as well as a desert garden and the home to a multitude of birds and animals.

Of course we wanted to sample some Mexican cuisine, so we headed to the highly recommended Duran’s Central Pharmacy that has been a mainstay on historic Route 66 since 1942. Located in the downtown corridor, here is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for gifts and necessities, plus always-satisfying, made-from-scratch Mexican dishes. Don’t miss it!

We visited more historic sites in the afternoon. Albuquerque is well-known for its first neighborhood that was founded in 1706 and surrounded by the historic Old Town Plaza. The centerpiece is 18th-century San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church, ringed with narrow streets and antique adobe structures. Highlighted is a cultural cornucopia of museums, shops, galleries, and restaurants. We toured the museum attached to the church and noted recent renovations to the old sanctuary. In years past, a public school and convent were an integral part of this anchor to the downtown historic district. We could have spent hours in this charming neighborhood, but alas in January, cold winds were blowing.

“Get your kicks on Route 66” as you drive across town; grab a burger, fries, and a shake at one of the iconic diners and check out the neon signs and kitschy Americana along the way. Mid-2025, the long-awaited Route 66 Visitor Center is slated to open. I can’t wait to get a taste of those forties and fifties vibes of what it was like to travel along this major byway from days gone by, predating the homogeneous interstates of today. Stay tuned.

There are many other places worth a look that I have not personally visited. Sandia Peak offers an aerial tramway that ascends the mountainside for a view of the 10,000-foot-high panorama of the surrounding peaks, rising high above the desert floor far below. On top you can stroll through the forest, perhaps spot some wildlife, view the awe-inspiring scenery, dine at the TEN 3 restaurant, and grab a souvenir at the gift shop.

Don’t pass up the many world-class museums and galleries in Albuquerque, make a point to attend the International Balloon Fiesta, check out the diverse neighborhoods, take in the zoo and botanic garden. The offerings are endless. After a day of sightseeing, it will be a challenge to choose where to go to relax and fuel up.

Next year we will spend a few extra days at our southern neighboring city, that is only a 5–6-hour drive away. It’s replete with history, fun, wonder and surprises that can’t be beat.