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Plan Your Visit to Los Alamos, New Mexico

You're going to want to stay a while.

Just Passing Through

One/DAY

Take Some Time

Two/DAYS

In The Region

Three+/DAYS

Make Los Alamos home base for your New Mexico vacation.

Los Alamos is ideally located for several day trips around this enchanting region.

Jemez Mountain Scenic Byway

One of 8 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

O'Keeffe Country & Ojo Caliente

“It is not a country of light on things,” said Georgia O’Keeffe. “It is a country of things in light.”
Round trip: 175Miles
Driving time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Pick Your Itinierary

No matter your interests, you will find lots to do in Los Alamos. Use the toggles to see a few suggested, full-day itineraries. Click our attractions guide below for post-COVID events.

 

High Altitude Adventure
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This itinerary skips the history of the Pajarito Plateau and the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and instead focuses on the spectacular recreational opportunities surrounding Los Alamos. 
 

Morning:

      • Start at one of our two Visitor Centers
      • 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

Noon

      • Follow the signs into Los Alamos or White Rock to enjoy picnic facilities or one of our many restaurants.

Afternoon

      • 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

Late Afternoon/Evening

Mesa Top Indulgance
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Los Alamos provides a serene location to indulge in your favorite activities with some of the best kept secrets in the state of New Mexico. Here is  just a sample of what a day in Los Alamos could look like. 
 
Morning:
      • 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.

Noon:

      • Picnic at the beautifully maintained Ashley Pond park or sit down at one of our many restaurants.

Afternoon:

      • 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.
Los Alamos History

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This is the most often used itinerary for many of our visitors. This itinerary takes you from the stone age to the atomic age, covering Los Alamos’ ancient and modern history. This itinerary is great for history buffs, families, and curious travelers.
 

Morning:

      • 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.

Noon

      • 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

Afternoon

      • 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 Historical 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.

Late Afternoon/Evening

      • 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!