Nestled on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, the city of Las Cruces is best known for its prominent role as a former mining town. Filled with the charm and rustic nature of New Mexico, one can find various off beat and fun things to do in Las Cruces!
From tourists to locals, these immersive activities are loved and enjoyed by one and all. So, for all those wondering what the best things to do in Las Cruces, check out these ten options:
1. Go on an adventurous trail at the Organ Mountains
For every adventure and thrill seeker out there, visiting the Organ Mountains can be one of the best things to do in Las Cruces!
The rugged yet utterly mesmerizing nature beauty of the Organ Mountains will take your breath away as you stand to admire it.
Tourists can explore the rugged terrains of the breathtaking landscapes or find their way along the many hiking trails present here.
One can even simply stand rooted in one spot, while taking in the captivating and stunning edifice of the landscapes!
Timings: Winter (Nov - March) - 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Summer (March - Nov) - 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
Cost: Free of charges
Contact: +1 575-525-4300
Location: Las Cruces, NM 88011, United States
Website: OMDP
Specialty: Various immersive recreational opportunities including hiking and camping
Must-Try: Hiking at the popular Dripping Springs Trail, that takes hikers along the historic site with a waterfall.
Best Nearby: Soledad Canyon
2. Immerse yourself in the gripping escape room adventures in Las Cruces
The unmatched excitement and thrill of the escape rooms make it one of the top-rated things to do in Las Cruces. Whether you are here with your family, friends or colleagues, you can always have fun playing the escape games!
Escape rooms are interactive adventure games where players solve puzzles and find clues to escape from a locked room within a set time limit.
Escape rooms in Las Cruces offer games based on unique themes, ranging from suspense and horror to even crime.
Additionally, the escape rooms in the city can also be a great venue to host your next private party or corporate team event.
Website: List of Escape Rooms in Las Cruces
Must Try: Ariana's Wedding by Lost Cruces Escape Room
3. Relish the historical essence of the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
Whenever one thinks of New Mexico, it is the picture of a bleak desert-like scene that takes over their senses. It is the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum that truly upholds this rustic and idealistic scenario of the place.
The Bruce Kind Building is the central focus of the museum and has six galleries.
Furthermore, the outdoor heritage gardens showcase the numerous facets of the agricultural landscape of New Mexico.
Get ready to unravel the enriching farming history of New Mexico as you drop in at this museum in Las Cruces!
Timings: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: Children (under 3 years) - Free, active U.S. Military & Veteran - Starts from $2, Children (4-17 years) - Starts from $3, Seniors - Starts from $4 and Adults - Starts from $5
Contact: +1 575-525-4300
Location: 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces, NM 88011, United States
Website: NM Farm and Ranch Museum
Specialty: Upholds and preserves the rich agricultural and ranching history of New Mexico
Must-Try: Catch the daily demonstrations to learn about the traditional agricultural practices
Best Nearby: White Sands National Park
4. Enjoy the scenic drive on the Tortugas Mountain Loop
Anyone who enjoys nature and breathtaking scenery must check out the Tortugas Mountain Loop while in Las Cruces! It is one of the best things to do in Las Cruces for adventure lovers and thrill seekers.
The Tortugas Mountain Loop is known for offering mesmerizing panoramic views of the Mesilla Valley, the Organ Mountain and of the entire city of Las Cruces! You can visit the place during sunsets or sunrises to further enjoy the falling colors of the sun on the sandy desert terrain.
Driving along this scenic trail will additionally provide you a glance at the diverse flora and fauna thriving in the surrounding areas.
Timings: Open Daily.
Cost: Free of Charge
Contact: +1 575-525-4300
Location: Las Cruces, NM 88011, United States
Website: BLM Gov
Specialty: Immersive and thrilling hiking trails
Must-Try: Hiking and birdwatching
Best Nearby: Dripping Springs Natural Area
5. Explore the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
The Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park works coherently to protect and preserve the forestlands of Rio Grande. You can sit here with your loved ones and enjoy the fresh breeze and the beautiful scenery around you.
Furthermore, the park offers visitors various opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. You can also go on a ranger-led tour upon your visit to the park.
Additionally, the park is a delight for bird watchers, as it also includes an extensive wetland area.
The park is a popular location amongst locals and tourists alike, and for anyone looking for relaxing things to do in Las Cruces.
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: All Day - Starts from $100, Half Day - Starts from $25
Contact: +1 575-525-4398
Location: 5000 Calle Del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88005, United States
Website: Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
Specialty: Mesmerizing natural sceneries
Must-Try: Hiking and birdwatching
Best Nearby: Historic Old Mesilla
6. Go on a shopping spree at the Las Cruces Farmers' and Crafts Market
In case you are visiting Las Cruces during a Wednesday or a Saturday, ensure you stop at the Las Cruces Farmers' and Crafts Market for an exciting shopping spree. For the Rachel-like shopper in you, visiting this market is one of the top things to do in Las Cruces!
From intricately curated handmade jewelry to clothes, ceramics and pottery stalls, you can find various kinds of things in the market to steal your attention!
When your body feels tired after shopping for a long while, you can go ahead and relish the local flavors of New Mexican food.
Timings: Wednesday and Saturday - 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Cost: Based on your choice of goods.
Contact: +1 575-201-3853
Location: 221N Main Street Studio E, Las Cruces, NM 88001, United States
Website: Farmers and Crafts Market of Las Cruces
Specialty: Offers a vibrant ambiance and provides a diverse range of locally procured goods
Must-Try: Fresh locally produced goods and the regional handicrafts of the artisans
Best Nearby: Mesilla Plaza
7. Go on an antique shopping hunt at the Picacho Avenue Antiques Mall
In case there is an antiques lover in your gang, a visit to the Picacho Avenue Antiques Mall is going to top your things to do in Las Cruces bucket list. The place holds some of the best of the rare and antique collectibles in town!
The Picacho Avenue Antiques Mall is particularly known for its rich collection of wonderful antiques that are all available to customers at pocket-friendly rates.
Get ready for yet another shopping spree, this time down the lanes of history at the Picacho Avenue Antiques Mall!
Timings: Thursday to Saturday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: Based on your choice of goods.
Contact: +1 575-526-0006
Location: 1260 W Picacho Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88005, United States
Specialty: Offers a holistic collection of rare and vintage collectibles, from coins and stamps to even retro clothing and jewelry.
Best Nearby: Las Cruces Museum of Art
So, as you can understand, there are endless fun and offbeat things to do in Las Cruces.
Whether you are a solo traveler, or are traveling with your family or friends, you can always find a suitable activity to enjoy together with them.
Check out these top seven immersive and thrilling things to do in Las Cruces and ensure you put them on your bucket list!
Nestled on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, the city of Las Cruces is best known for its prominent role as a former mining town.7 Fascinating and Unforgettable Things to Do in Las Cruces Nestled on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, the city of Las Cruces is best known for its prominent role as a former mining town.