Albuquerque, the most populous city in the state of New Mexico, was founded in 1706 and named in honor of the tenth Duke of Albuquerque, Francisco Fernandez de la Cueva. The city's rich culture and diverse range of sights and experiences make it a popular destination for travelers, many of whom are drawn by the impressive mountain and desert landscapes found in the surrounding area. Pick up a car rental at Albuquerque International Sunport, the primary airport serving New Mexico, to explore this spectacular region and neighboring states like Texas and Arizona.
Every October, Albuquerque plays host to the world's largest gathering of hot-air balloons. The International Balloon Fiesta takes place over nine days in the first full week of October, featuring crowd-pleasing events including mass ascensions, where all participating balloons launch in two waves, filling the sky with hundreds of balloons at once. The festival is based at Balloon Fiesta Park, on the northern edge of the city.
This museum on Mountain Road NW, near Old Town Albuquerque, houses a range of exhibits and attractions that will capture the attention of visitors young and old. Highlights include the skeleton of the second-largest Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered and the Hall of the Stars, which invites visitors to explore the night sky and find out about various astronomical concepts.
Four separate facilities combine to create the ABQ BioPark - a zoo, a botanic garden, an aquarium and Tingley Beach. In the aquarium you'll see a 285,000-gallon ocean tank containing Gulf of Mexico saltwater species, among other exhibits, while the zoo is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, polar bears and more. Head to Tingley Beach to enjoy the model boating lake and narrow-gauge railroad.
One of the best ways to enjoy the unique scenery in New Mexico is by picking up a car rental in Albuquerque and taking a drive to the Sandia Mountains. Take in the panoramic views during a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway, the longest aerial tram in the United States, which runs from the north-east edge of the city to the crestline of the mountains. Once you reach the top of Sandia Peak, you can follow Forest Service hiking trails or enjoy a meal at the Ten 3 restaurant.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to extend your trip beyond New Mexico, a drive of just under four hours south from Albuquerque, following I-25 S, will take you to El Paso, which is just over the state line in the far west of Texas. The city boasts the largest urban park in the US, Franklin Mountains State Park, where you can take a ride on the Wyler Aerial Tramway. It's also known for events like the El Paso Downtown Street Festival.
Santa Fe, the state capital of New Mexico, is located about an hour's drive north via I-25 N. It's certainly worth paying a visit to this destination if you have an interest in culture, since it's known as a center for arts that reflect the city's multicultural character. On Canyon Road, you'll find the highest concentration of art galleries in Santa Fe, which showcase a broad range of indigenous American, contemporary and experimental art. There is also a museum dedicated to the work of Georgia O'Keeffe.
If you're planning to rent a car in Albuquerque for some scenic mountain drives, an SUV will be well-equipped for the terrain.
Albuquerque International Sunport
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June, with 359 hours of sun on average.
August, with 40 mm of rain on average.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico State Fair, New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair