Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway Ride: Ascend 2.7 miles to the top of the 10,378-foot Sandia Peak within the Sandia Peak Mountain range on the longest double reverse aerial tramway in North America for panoramic views of Albuquerque’s deep canyons, diverse terrain and native flora. Stop for bites or a cocktail at Ten 3, a new restaurant development located on the top of Sandia Peak, which offers breathtaking sights of the city with 360-degree views of the city from the sky bar.
Hot Air Ballooning: As the hot air balloon capital of the world, Albuquerque is the ideal destination to experience prime conditions for this bucket-list experience. Balloon flights are offered throughout the destination year-round, and can be booked through a number of Hot Air Balloon Ride Companies in the area, such as Rainbow Ryders.
Native Culture at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: The IPCC serves as the gateway for becoming familiar with the Native American heritage and culture in Albuquerque, and the 19 pueblos across the state. Although the center is currently closed, it will also open a brand new restaurant, Indian Pueblo Kitchen, helmed by Native American Chef Ray Naranjo (Pueblo of Santa Clara, Odawa). The Indian Pueblo Kitchen, slated to open this spring, will serve as an innovative teaching kitchen and restaurant centered around Indigenous cuisine education. The Indian Pueblo Kitchen will also provide entrepreneurs, food truck operators and Native American food artisans with access to a commercial greenhouse and commercial kitchen.
Explore Historic Old Town: Albuquerque is home to a number of open air shopping and dining areas, including Historic Old Town. As one of the oldest towns in North America, founded in 1706 by Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdez, Old Town Albuquerque encompasses ten blocks of historic adobe buildings build in the Spanish colonial style. Visitors can explore local, outdoor shops from artisans selling vintage artifacts to authentic Native American jewelry on the sidewalks, in addition to art galleries and cafes where diners can taste authentic New Mexican cuisine. In addition, Albuquerque’s Nob Hill, located just off the Historic Route 66 highway, boasts a vibrant community of creators selling New Mexico goods at local shops and boutiques for window shopping or wandering.
Explore Hispanic art, culture and humanities at the National Hispanic Culture Center: Located in Albuquerque, the National Hispanic Cultural Center is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of Hispanic culture, arts, and humanities. The work the NHCC has presented throughout its twenty year history illustrates the Center’s commitment to its foundational mission and to making a cultural home for the diverse identities that shape the community. The complexity of identity and its inherent social effects is explored through conversations, lectures, exhibitions, book presentations, and educational programming allowing the NHCC to serve as an avenue for change, inclusion, and justice.