Best of Albuquerque

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park [1]: Savor a bit of country in the city in this bird-filled sanctuary along the river. Hiking and biking trails head north and south along the cottonwood-shaded irrigation channels.

KiMo Theater [2]: A fantasia of South-western decorative styles, this former cinema is one of the few examples of pueblo deco style. Now restored and run with city money, it’s the showpiece of downtown.

Nob Hill [3]: Hobnob and boutique hop in Albuquerque’s quirkiest shopping district, developed in sleek modern style in the 1940s. Sidewalk cafés and bars provide a place to rest up afterward.

Sandia Peak Tramway [4]: Zip up the world’s longest single-cable tram to the crest of the mountain that looms over Albuquerque. At the top, you’ll get a vertigo-inducing view across the whole metro area and out to the west.

Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum [5]: If you’re not in town for the Balloon Fiesta [6], come here to get some perspective on this elegant sport, with displays on history and science.

Acoma Pueblo [7]: This windswept village on a mesa west of Albuquerque is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Visit for the views as well as for the delicate black-on-white pottery made only here.

Tinkertown Museum [8]: An enthralling collection of one man’s lifetime of whittling projects, this folk-art exhibit is inspiring for adults and a delight for kids.

Valles Caldera National Preserve [9]: In the crater formed by a collapsed volcano, 89,000 acres of grassy valleys are set aside for very controlled public access. You must make reservations to hike here, but it’s worth planning for.