Things To Do In Beautiful Las Cruces New Mexico
While New Mexicos biggest city, Albuquerque, is well known for being the site of the worlds largest hot air balloon festival, the place where Bugs Bunny realized he should have made a left turn, and the real-world setting for Breaking Bad, the Land of Enchantments second-largest city is less famous.
Located about 4 hours south of Albuquerque on Interstate 25, Las Cruces sits just north of the United States border with Mexico. A fertile agricultural region along the Rio Grande framed by the Organ Mountains, Las Cruces is the former stomping grounds of outlaw Billy the Kid and the present-day home to New Mexico State University.
Here are nine things to do in beautiful Las Cruces.
Discover Las Crucess Link With Space
When thinking about New Mexico and space travel, the first image that comes to mind for many people is Area 51 in Roswell, New Mexico, and the UFO crash that allegedly occurred there in 1947. But Las Crucess connection to the heavens is much more established.
Although its status has been officially downgraded to a dwarf planet, Pluto was discovered by Las Cruces astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. Visit the Museum of Nature & Science on Main Street to observe a telescope built by Tombaugh and learn more about his study of the universe.
Then take U.S. Route 70 over the Organ Mountains to tour the White Sands Missile Range Museum and learn about the areas contributions to the Manhattan Project and supporting role in NASAs space programs. Outside the museum, you can explore approximately 60 different rockets, missiles, and aircraft in the missile park.
Pro Tip: Be sure to stop at the Space Murals Museum and Gift Shop in the little town of Organ, New Mexico, on your way to White Sands to see a bonus water tank mural.
What People Are Saying About El Paso West Rv Park
This is the best RV Park if you are staying in the area. Owners and staff are super friendly and helpful. The grounds are well kept. Laundry facility is clean and inexpensive. Sites are close together but not too close. Everyone has their own picnic table and a grassy area. There are lots of trees for shade. Melany, Google Review
Location
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Why Youll Love 4 Coachlight Inn & Rv Park
Coachlight Inn & RV Park is the perfect spot for an overnight stop as you head down Interstate 10. The staff in the office will be happy to help you with whatever you need, and there is a cafe next door to this RV park. The lobby at Coachlight Inn & RV Park is beautifully decorated, and it features plenty of pamphlets that provide information on nearby attractions.
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Faqs About Central Hotels In Las Cruces
Check 6 answers in our FAQ if you are looking for 5-star hotels in Las Cruces, United States.
What are the best budget central hotels in Las Cruces?
According to Booked.net travel data, there are 10 deals to pick from. The best budget deal is Rodeway Inn & Suites with rating 6.4/10, which costs from 54US$ per night. It offers a seasonal outdoor pool, a business center and housekeeping. Alternatively, book Days Inn By Wyndham rated 7.6/10 for 65US$ per night. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, a golf course and a business center, as well as a business center and a desk on site. Other top properties include Rodeway Inn, Quality Inn & Suites – University Area and La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Organ Mountain.
What are the best central 3-star hotels in Las Cruces?
If you’re looking for a 3-star option, there are 16 deals to pick from. You may book Ramada By Wyndham Hotel & Conference Center rated 8.0/10 at the cost of 65US$ per night. It features meals, shopping service and a gym, as well as shuttle service, concierge service and ironing on site. Another cool option is Hotel Encanto De with shuttle service, concierge service and laundry service for 141US$ per night.
What are the central hotels in Las Cruces next to Museum Of Nature And Science?
We recommend Lundeen Inn Of The Arts for 85US$ per night. It offers ironing, a xerox and free parking on site.
What are the best central Las Cruces hotels good for families?
What are the best central Las Cruces hotels for couples?
Mosey Through The New Mexico Farm And Ranch Heritage Museum
From the Native Americans to the chile, cotton, pecan, and dairy farmers of today, the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum explores 3,000 years of agricultural history in the Rio Grande Valley. The exhibits offer fun interaction for visitors of all ages, and the demonstrations make this one of my favorite places to go in Las Cruces. You can watch a dairy cow being milked, fiber being spun into yarn, and a blacksmith pounding out a horseshoe.
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Boyds Sanitarium At Dripping Springs Natural Area
Its no wonder that a one-time hospital for those suffering from tuberculosis is reputed to be haunted by those who lived their final days there. Reports of shadowy figures, feeling unwell, nightmares while camping in the area, and malfunctioning equipment keep the rumors of haunting alive.15000 Dripping Springs Road
Admire The Amazing Street Art
From large-format murals to outdoor sculptures, street art tells a citys story in a very personal way, showcasing the communitys history and culture. While plenty of amazing murals dot Las Cruces including one of the Kardashian sisters as young girls and one honoring legendary artist Prince Las Cruces artists have also wrapped their talent around the citys water towers.
Instead of uninspiring, sky-blue cylinders, these curved canvases portray the conquistadors trudging through a dusty section of the Chihuahuan Desert along El Camino Real known as Jornada del Muerto, or the Route of the Dead Man early farmers and settlers in the region and their dependence on the Rio Grande River and an Aztec version of paradise known as Tlalocan.
You can find a complete list of the Las Cruces water tank murals, including a map, here.
Another unique art piece in Las Cruces is the recycled roadrunner. Perched above Interstate 10 on the west side of town is a 20-foot-tall sculpture of the state bird, constructed from old tennis shoes, CDs, and other castoffs.
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Camping Places Near Las Cruces New Mexico
Las Cruces offers year-round camping.
With an average of 350 days of sunshine each year, Las Cruces is an ideal destination for campers who want to escape cold winter weather found elsewhere. Although regional temperatures can reach triple digits the remainder of the year, the dry, arid climate in this southwestern corner of New Mexico makes camping a pleasant experience, especially in high-altitude campgrounds in the rugged Robledo and Organ Mountains that tower over town.
Experience The Wonder Of White Sands
Although its about an hours drive northeast of Las Cruces, White Sands National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in the area. One of the worlds biggest gypsum sand dune fields, the cool, powdery white dunes of White Sands are absolutely magical. Drive through the park on Dunes Drive for an hour-long tour of the ever-changing white mounds by car. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore on foot, from the flat, wooden Interdune Boardwalk to backcountry hiking trails.
When visiting White Sands, here are some things to keep in mind:
- When the White Sands Missile Range is performing a test, U.S. Route 70 is sometimes closed to traffic. Be sure to check for any road closures before you go by visiting NMRoads or calling 678-1178.
- Be sure to travel with a full tank of gas, because the park doesnt sell fuel, and the nearest gas station is 15 miles away in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
- Dont leave the White Sands Visitor Center without filling your water bottle. The park is at an altitude of 4,000 feet, so its important to stay hydrated, and there isnt potable water at the park beyond the visitor center.
Planning a trip to the Land of Enchantment? See this page for more to see and do.
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Where To Stay In Las Cruces
If you’re a first time visitor to Las Cruces, you mightprefer a more touristy area, but if you’re a solo traveler, a localneighborhood could be more interesting. Some areas have lots of thingsto do within walking distance, but the hotels may be more expensive.To give you a starting point for your trip research, we looked at what people say about neighborhoods and places to stay in Las Cruces.
What’s the best area of Las Cruces to stay?
The top mentioned neighborhoods and areas that people talk about in and around Las Cruces are:
Faqs About Hotels In Las Cruces
We hope that the answers to these questions will help you plan your trip
What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Las Cruces?
If you’re traveling with pets, Booked.net offers a selection of 18 hotels to choose from. We recommend Staybridge Suites rated 8.6/10, a top 3-star pet-friendly hotel set 4.2 miles from Lake Valley Historic Townsite. It features an outdoor swimming pool, a business center and shopping service, as well as express check-out, housekeeping service and 24-hour front desk assistance on site. Also check Ramada By Wyndham Hotel & Conference Center with rating 8.0/10, a perfect hotel offering meals, shopping service and a gym. You may book this Las Cruces property for 95US$ per night. Other suitable options include Drury Inn & Suites, Hotel Encanto De and Lundeen Inn Of The Arts. For more pet-friendly accommodations go here.
Which budget hotels in Las Cruces are the best?
Select the best budget accommodation among 11 deals in Las Cruces. As one of the best cheap Las Cruces options, we recommend Sleep Inn University with rating 8.0/10 and prices from 52US$ per one night. Another option is Rodeway Inn rated 7.2/10 for 55US$ per night. Check other cheap properties like Econo Lodge University Area, Super 8 By Wyndham/White Sands Area and La Quinta Inn By Wyndham Mesilla Valley.
What are the best boutique hotels in Las Cruces?
Which hotels for couples in Las Cruces are the best to stay at?
What are the top family-friendly Las Cruces properties?
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Stayed At A Local Holiday Inn
Stayed at a local holiday inn. Dined at Lucky Dog billiards Definitely familiarize yourself with the area. Google is incorrect with what is open or available or the times of business. Great area for relaxing scenery, wineries, museums. Not much to do for younger individuals or individuals looking for exciting activities or businesses. Some areas of Las Cruces are not safe late at night. New individuals can get lost easily with one way streets and many high traffic areas. There is construction everywhere you go it seems.
Safe Where To Live In Las Cruces
I am a young single woman thinking of moving to the area. I do not wish to live near undergraduates. Wondering if there are any trouble areas to watch out for& gt ? Does anyone know about Augustine Street? Is this street in a safe area? any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks
We live in Las Cruces and it is a generally safe place. The newer parts of town east of I-25 between Hwy 70 and University should be very safe. Some of the areas around the university are a little run down but our kids lived there safely. I will drive by Augustine for you and post again.
Las Cruces is generally quite safe–much safer than El Paso for instance.
If you want to live somewhere safe, unique and beautiful, I’d suggest looking at the Mesilla Area . I lived in Mesilla while in grad. school and loved it out there. Other very nice neighborhoods include: Old Las Cruces and East of Telshor.
The neighborhood east of Telshor and north of University ave. is especially safe and quiet. It’s mostly retirees and young professionals. There are a number of apartments and four-plexes off East Missouri, Claude Dove, Hillrise, Majestic Ridge, Fairway, etc. I used to live up there and really enjoyed it. If you can, try to find a place with a view of the Organ Mountains and the desert. If you get close enough to the desert, you’ll see Roadrunners and hear Coyotes at night!
Areas to avoid if you don’t want to be near students and/or you’re concerned about safety are:
-Eric
Toolmiester-
Thanks
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We Booked Our Room And Checked In Late As We Were
We booked our room and checked in late as we were stuck in traffic. When we got into our room the back of the toilet was off and so was the water. We turned the water back on for the toilet but we never had hot water to shower. The air conditioner did not work all night so we did not sleep at all. When we went to let them know the next morning the informed us that that room shouldn’t have been used/rented out since it was under an active work order! We spoke to the manager the next morning who said we would receive $60 credit which we never received.
Tour New Mexico State University
Established nearly a quarter of a century before New Mexico became a state, New Mexico State University is the oldest public institution of higher education in the Land of Enchantment. In addition to winding your way past red-roofed halls and wandering through the Corbett Center Student Union, pop into the University Museum of Anthropology, let the Zuhl Museum collection rock your world, or enjoy an event at the Pan Am Center. And no self-respecting agriculture school in southern New Mexico would be complete without a Chile Pepper Institute!
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Las Cruces Railroad Museum
Once the citys train depot, this Mission Revival-style building provided passenger service from 1910 to 1968. While long-time museum staff say theyve never had any encounters, some say it is haunted by four ghosts: two men, a woman, and a little boy. Reports are they are peaceful spirits who sometimes move things from place to place. Perhaps they are just waiting to hit the rails to a better place. Open Tuesday through Saturday.351 N. Mesilla Street at Las Cruces Avenue
Hike Through The Dripping Springs Natural Area
For a nature walk with less incline, explore the Dripping Springs Natural Area. Nestled in the west side of the Organ Mountains, Dripping Springs features more than 4 miles of easy hiking trails through desert scrub and woodlands. Its a great place to glimpse wildlife, and you can also explore the ruins of Boyds Sanatorium, which once served tuberculosis patients.
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Coachlight Inn & Rv Park
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Coachlight Inn & RV Park is a small RV park on the outskirts of town. Unlike most RV parks in Las Cruces, Coachlight Inn & RV Park offers all of the amenities of a large hotel, and it is easy to access from Interstate 10. Plus, free Wi-Fi is available at this campground.
Explore And Find Your Best Apartments B& bs And Others
Think about staying at Welcome To Casita Escondida In Mesilla, Nm! or Mesilla Paradise Condo, if you’d like to take advantage of staying at B& B. The Towneplace Suites By Marriott Las Cruces is situated 1.9 miles away from Our Lady of Health Catholic Church. Comfort Inn & Suites Las Cruces Mesilla is an elegant resort hotel set less than a 30-minute walk from Mesilla Park Community Church.
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Old Memorial General Hospital
From 1948 to 1972, this building was the citys only hospital and since then it has been used as city offices, a veterans center, and is now a medical building. In 2010, the city allowed paranormal investigators to check for ghosts. Employees in the building have reported elevator doors opening and closing and seeing figures. One employee, who at the time didnt know the building had been a hospital, reported that when he was downstairs, he felt pain, anger, and death. He later learned that floor had held the morgue.Lohman Avenue and Alameda Blvd.
Why Youll Love El Rancho Lobo Rv Park
You can access a Wi-Fi signal at El Rancho Lobo RV Park, and this RV park is situated in a rural area. However, attractions like Hound State Park are only a few miles away from El Rancho Lobo RV Park. This park is a popular place to go gem hunting, and if you try your luck, you might even strike gold.
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