21 U.S. Destinations to Visit in 2021: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Embrace Southwestern culture, heritage, and cuisine (plus over 300 days of sunshine!) in authentic Albuquerque. The largest city in New Mexico retains a small-town vibe while providing a diverse range of museums, cultural sites, outdoor activities, and the ambiance you would expect from an international destination. One of the most popular areas of the city is Historic Old Town, the original town center with a central plaza and brick walkways that wind past gardens toward traditional adobe buildings. Today, the neighborhood is home to over 150 boutique shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and the stunning San Felipe de Neri Church. On par with any major city, the ABQ BIO Park is a must-see attraction consisting of an aquarium, botanical garden, zoological park, and the Tingley Beach recreation area. The city hosts many annual events and festivals throughout the year— the most famous is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, expected to take place from October 2 – 10, 2021. If your travel dates don’t allow you to attend the bucket-list festival this year, the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum showcases the world of ballooning with a unique collection of artifacts, images, and stories.

On your next trip to this beautiful region of the country, set aside a few days to explore the many other points of interest in Albuquerque. There’s a good chance you’ll be returning again and again after your first experience!

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!