Los Alamos is Ideal for Active Seniors
Los Alamos, New Mexico – Named among “25 of the happiest small towns in America” by House Beautiful, Los Alamos, NM is a location chosen time and again by retirees for both vacationing and relocation. Referred to as the “Secret City,” and the place “where discoveries are made,” Los Alamos is a scenic small town with a wealth of offerings in history, science, outdoor recreation and relaxation.
An affordable and out-of-the-box destination for active seniors, Los Alamos is also a community welcoming of newcomers. With public transit, affordable living and a wide range of activities, it’s a relaxing and unique location for getting the most out of the best years of your life. The highly-intelligent community is also home to the most PhDs per capita in the U.S.
“Whether you’re looking for a memorable vacation destination, or you’re scoping out communities for potential relocation, Los Alamos is the place to be for active seniors,” said Kelly Stewart, Marketing Specialist for Los Alamos County. “Los Alamos solidified its place in history as the home of groundbreaking science that still continues to this day, but in addition to science, Los Alamos is home to rich history, culture, art, breathtaking scenery and incomparable outdoor recreation opportunities, including three nearby National Park sites. If you’re planning to stay for two days or for the rest of your days, you’re sure to enjoy the well-rounded, community-minded town, where discoveries are made.”
The top adventures for active seniors include:
Unplug and enjoy the world around you. For those looking for genuine vacation or retirement mode—unplugged from the rest of the world—Los Alamos offers unlimited access to the great outdoors. There are hiking and biking trails throughout the area for all skill levels. Visitors can stop by the Los Alamos or White Rock Visitor Centers to pick up trail maps, load the Los Alamos Trails app or stop by the Los Alamos Nature Center to join a guided gentle walk. Feeling adventurous? Ask for directions to local spots like the Arch or Graduation Point. The Canyon Rim Trail is paved and easily accessible from downtown, while providing spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding canyons, mesas, mountains and sky.
Golf at one of New Mexico’s highest and most scenic courses. The Los Alamos County Golf Course—open March through November—currently offers a challenging 6,500-yard par 72, 18-hole layout. A new clubhouse, as well as course-wide improvements, are set to make the experience even more competitive and memorable.
Get back to nature and explore the past. Los Alamos is the gateway to three magnificent National Parks—Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve and Manhattan Project National Historical Park. At Bandelier National Monument, you can walk through history and imagine life as a cliffdweller as you climb ladders to enter ancient cliff dwellings of Ancestral Puebloan people and explore scenic hiking trails alongside archeological sites. Valles Caldera National Preserve offers the chance to explore one of only seven super-volcanoes in the world or hike breathtaking natural landscapes. Ideal for hiking, biking, fishing or snowshoeing, the Valles Caldera is also home to vast wildlife populations, making it an outdoor lover’s paradise. Visitors also can immerse themselves in New Mexico—and national—history by unveiling the secrets of the past and life during World War II when Los Alamos residents were inventing technology to end the war at Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
Take a swim. Whether you’re looking to train like an Olympian or simply stay in shape, the Larry R. Walkup Aquatic center is open seven days a week and is North America’s highest-altitude indoor Olympic-size pool.
Soak up art and culture. Throughout the summer months, enjoy weekly concerts at downtown’s Ashley Pond. Throughout the year, be sure to stop by Fuller Lodge for art exhibitions, art fairs, and more. Featuring local talent, you’re sure to catch an incredible performance, pick up a one-of-a-kind art piece, and soak up local culture.
Take breathtaking photos – What would a vacation be without stunning photos? In Los Alamos, you won’t have to answer that question. Breathtaking views abound with the area’s scenic overlooks. Visit Anderson Overlook Park for beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristos and the Rio Grande Valley. Visit White Rock Overlook for a staggering 270-degree open space view of the beautiful Rio Grande River as it runs along the Jemez Mountains. Drive a quarter mile up Camp May Road to find an unforgettable view of the Los Alamos townsite on the left, the Lab facilities on the right, and the Omega Bridge that connects them.
Eat, drink, shop like a local, and come home to Main Street – The Los Alamos Main Street District is not only home to incredible shops and restaurants, but it’s the main stomping ground for iconic annual events, including ScienceFest, Halloweekend, WinterFest and more. Plan your visit during these iconic events, and you’ll get a taste of life like a local. Continue the exploration of the quaint and friendly town, full of people who want to help make your visit as authentic and memorable as possible, by visiting some of the local favorite spots like the Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op. Known affectionately to locals as the “brew tub,” this bar is named for the famous street of homes inhabited by the Manhattan Project scientists and is the 4th brewing cooperative in the nation. Even the Smith’s Marketplace grocery store has its own bar and dining area. A full dining guide of all of Los Alamos’ unique watering holes and eateries is available at the visitor centers or Chamber of Commerce. “With options for every age, every skill level, and every interest, we invite you to explore Los Alamos, and after a visit, you’ll understand why some vacationers choose not to leave,” added Stewart.
Download the Active Seniors Itinerary. For more information on all there is to see and do in Los Alamos explore VisitLosAlamos.org.
