How Much Time Do You Have?
One Day or Less
Are you planning to visit for only an hour or two? We’ll give you suggestions on things you shouldn’t miss. (You’ll want to stay longer!)
Two Days
One extra day gives you the time to add one of Los Alamos’ local recreation experiences, our all-season mountain in the backyard, or the two amazing National Parks that surround the town.
Three+ Days
Extend your stay from 3-5 days in Los Alamos to explore Los Alamos and then make it your convenient, affordable base for day trips to some of Northern New Mexico’s most memorable sites and attractions!
Just Passing Through
Take Some Time

Pick Your Itinerary
Los Alamos History
Morning:
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- Start at the White Rock Visitor Center.
- Travel to Bandelier National Monument. Be sure to check out the visitor center, park movie, and gift shop. There are numerous archeological sites along the Main Loop Trail — 1.2 miles roundtrip — and on the additional mile roundtrip trail to Alcove House. Bandelier staff can help you adjust your visit to your needs.
- Take Highway 4 west, then turn on Highway 501 toward Los Alamos.
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Noon
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- Enjoy a picnic at Camp May near Pajarito Ski Area;
- or come into Los Alamos and find one of our many restaurants. Our Visitor Center has a list and menus to help you make your decision
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Afternoon
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- Pick up a Historic Walking Tour Map at one of the museums or the Los Alamos Visitor Center.
- Consider taking a guided tour to get an overall perspective of Los Alamos’ unique history.
- Start the tour at the History Museum, behind Fuller Lodge,
- follow the historic tour around Fuller Lodge, Ashley Pond, Romero Cabin at other historic sites,
- visit the Bradbury Science Museum and be sure to catch a showing of the film “The Town that Never Was.”
- Pop in to one of our many shopping locations and pick up something to remember your visit.
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Late Afternoon/Evening
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- Late afternoon and sunset is a spectacular time to stop by one of our mesa-top overlooks.
- You’ll be hungry again, so why not try another Los Alamos restaurant.
- If you’re exhausted from all the fun you’ve had in Los Alamos, you’re welcome to check in to one of our hotels. There’s more to do tomorrow!
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High Altitude Adventure

Morning:
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- Start at one of our two Visitor Centers :: Los Alamos Visitor Center or White Rock Visitor Center
- Hike Tsankawi – a small portion of Bandelier National Monument that is detached from the main park area. Following the 1.5 mile loop trail, admire the many visible dwellings and ruts created by the years of ancestral pueblo people living in the area.There is a trail guide at the start of the trail available for a minimal fee. The parking lot is located just along Highway 4, just south of the junction of NM 502 and NM 4.
- Stop by White Rock Overlook and see the spectacular views of the Rio Grande
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Noon
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- Follow the signs into Los Alamos or White Rock to enjoy picnic facilities or one of our many restaurants.
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Afternoon
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- Take NM Highway 4 west and see the vast open spaces of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. See if you can spot the massive elks herds. A trip to the visitor center will provide an educational experience. Plan ahead and book a van tour or simply take advantage of the many hiking trails and opportunities.
- Continue on NM Highway 4 towards Jemez Springs. If another hike suits you, Jemez Falls is a downhill 1/4 mile hike from the Jemez Falls Campground parking lot. The falls are 120 feet tall.
- Fishing is available at Fenton Lake, further down NM Highway 4 and then up NM 126 at La Cueva
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Late Afternoon/Evening
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- Make your way back to Los Alamos for dinner and accommodations;
- Or continue on Highway 4 along the Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway onto Jemez Springs.
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Los Alamos Recreation

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- Spend the morning golfing at one of New Mexico’s highest and most scenic courses. The Los Alamos County Golf Course currently offers a challenging 6,500-yard par 72, 18-hole layout. A new club house, as well as course-wide improvements are set to make this asset even more competitive. Open March–November.
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Noon:
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- Picnic at the beautifully maintained Ashley Pond park or sit down at one of our many restaurants.
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Afternoon:
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- Take a swim in North America’s highest-altitude indoor Olympic-size pool. Open 7 days per week with summer specials. The facility offers affordable recreation, competitive programs, and therapeutic programs for all interests.
- Stroll down the central business district and check out Fuller Lodge Art Center for jewelry and art pieces. Stop into one of many shops and pick up something special for yourself. Get coffee or a treat along the way.
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Choose Your Los Alamos Experience
Make Los Alamos home base for your New Mexico vacation
Los Alamos is ideally located for day trips around the enchanting Northern New Mexico region.
Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway
One of eight byways in the state, this one has an abundance of scenic and historic assets.
Roundtrip: 99 Miles
Driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Pueblos, Chimayo & Truchas
Wind your way through ancient roads that lead you to authentic Northern New Mexican places.
Round trip: 137 Miles
Driving time: 4 hours
Georgia O’Keeffe Country
Visiting Abiquiu & Ghost Ranch. Wander the landscape of Ghost Ranch
Round trip: 175Miles
Driving time: 4 hours 45 minutes