Where Options Are More Abundant Than Albuquerque’s Hot Air Balloons.

Did you know that Albuquerque is widely considered to be the hot air balloon capital of the world? And did you know that you can spot hundreds of balloons flying every year at the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®? We wouldn’t be surprised if you knew all this; you do your research. But in this lively, vibrant city, hot air balloons are only the beginning to the surprises you’ll enjoy.

We try not to brag (too much), but life in Albuquerque truly has it all. Pedestrian-friendly, with great public transportation? Check. Cultural, entertainment, and culinary options ranging from upscale to casual? Check. Four seasons, 300 days of sunshine and temperate winters? Check, check, and check. The most difficult part about living here will be choosing what to do next.

A red Sandia Peak Tram car suspended by cables over a forested mountainside, with the sprawling Albuquerque valley visible far below.

Where art meets fun

Albuquerque’s status as a crucial transportation hub earned it the nickname Crossroads of the Southwest—and that’s only the beginning of the fun connections that occur here. At La Vida Llena, you’ll live where fine art meets folk art, where history meets the future, and where new faces quickly turn into good friends and partners in adventure.

The majestic KiMo Theatre provides a perfect backdrop for live performances, movies, and art, and has been in operation for nearly a century. There are plenty of places in Albuquerque to learn about different aspects of the region’s history, such as the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and the Petroglyph National Monument, home of an estimated 20,000 carved images. Over 100 shops, restaurants, and museums in historic Old Town have established the area’s reputation as the perfect location for a day trip.

You’ll be swept off your feet

New Mexico isn’t called the Land of Enchantment for nothing. Its history reads like a tale from a novel, beginning with the Native American founders who developed the iconic adobe architecture style New Mexico is known for. It holds the mysteries of the invention of atomic warfare, and the Santa Fe Trail’s past as an international commercial highway lingers on warm summer evenings, when you’ll still find live music along with the energy of tourists and locals alike.

There’s a reason to celebrate every season in New Mexico. Flowers bloom across the desert to welcome in our extended spring, which runs from late February or early March until June. Bask in breezy summer evenings at one of Albuquerque’s many events and festivals, and enjoy crisp fall mornings as you look up to see the sky dotted with hot air balloons. Winter comes with the added bonus of gorgeous snow-covered mountain views, and local options for winter sports and indoor activities.

Dozens of colorful hot-air balloons drifting over the desert plain and river valley at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Twilight view of downtown Albuquerque, with illuminated modern high-rises against the distant Sandia Mountains under a deepening blue sky.

Time to start that to-do list.

Albuquerque offers all the perks of being a tourist, with no suitcase packing and unpacking required. Stay connected to the local community with year-round excursions, such as the ones to Albuquerque’s unique farmers and art markets, where you’ll find everything from local produce and foods to handmade art and live music. Take a tour of the area on foot or trolley (or motorcycle, if you’re feeling adventurous), or unwind and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the award-winning Paako Ridge Golf Club and Twin Warriors Golf Club. Set your sights even higher with a trip on the Sandia Peak Tramway, the world’s longest aerial tramway.