My wife and I are planning our 5 year anniversary vacation, and were really considering a trip to the Santa Fe or Albuquerque area. We haven't decided which one yet, both are about the same distance from us.

But... we have no clue what there is to do there. I figured you guys from the area would know best. We are (unfortunately) not looking for anything off-road related (my wife isn't too keen on off-roading ), but are defiantly interested in anything nature or scenic related.

Any interesting parks, museums, etc? What would you recommend?

Thanks guys!

 

There are lot of museums in Santa Fe as well as Albuquerque. Just depends on your interest and when you are visiting as Santa Fe tends to be 10 degree cooler than Albuquerque.

I like the aquarium in Albuquerque. In the same area there is a bio park, natural history musem, Albuquerque museum and Explora museum. The "Old Town" plaza is near there as well for shopping.

There are lot of day hike in the foothills of Albuquerque.

Both are great places to visit.

 

I addition to Frankenstunk’s suggestions:
In Albuquerque there is:
• The International Balloon Museum
• The Unser Racing Museum
• Several winery’s to visit, St Claire, Anderson’s, Casa Rondena, and Gruett.
• Sandia Mountain Tram (this is the world’s longest tram)
• National Atomic Museum
Santa Fe is only 45 minutes away from Albuquerque so it is worth it to do both. I suggest staying in Albuquerque since there is more variety of activities and attractions here, and then do Santa Fe on a day trip.
Santa Fe has a great Plaza, lots of traditional scenery. There is also a fantastic National Park 45 minutes past Santa Fe. Bandelier National Park is a great place to see.

 

The ABQ zoo has a special price, $12 gets you in the zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, the train ride between them is included as well. Then you also have the petroglyph tours. You could always drive your jeep to the top of Sandia Peak as well, it is a pretty nice drive, paved all the way so no off roading.

 

Thanks guys

If we do so with Albuquerque, what parts of town are better to stay in? There is nothing I hate worse than trying to pick a hotel in a place you've never been to... I always feel like I am going to pick a hotel on the "wrong" side of town

Or, perhaps it's easier, if you just told me which areas to avoid

Thanks again guys

Oh, yeah, we are tentatively thinking about April 11th and 12th.

 

Now, that's my kind of thinkin'

I'll definitely have to work that one in there... I was able to connivence my wife to let us take the Jeep, since it's newer

 

The place to stay depends on what you want to spend.
I recomend the Sandia resort / casino.

Or the Hyatt downtown Albuquerque.

 

if you come. take the drive up to the crest going the back way through Placitas there is about 9 miles of dirt road,, not rough at all, guaranteed! should be a little water running in the stream also. then about 1 1/2 miles from the end of the dirt you will come to what I will call one of the prettiest over looks from the Sandia's you will have views to the East, North and NW. You'll know there is also a guard rail here. Once you get back on pavement it's another 6 miles to the crest. Of course the views from the crest are pretty good also, but for some reason I like the other spot better. There is a spot just above the road which you can seat and just look...very peace full, the road takes a U turn here... or close to it.
then drive back down the normal way...
if there are hand gliders the day you go up seat and watch them run off the edge,,, pretty neat... one day it took about 30 mins for one guy to run off due to the wind changes... if you like hiking hike down the La Luz to at least the Y (trail the continues down, or over to the tram) it's almost a mile. there will be some really nice views during this mile. If your good with the Altitude hike down to the rock slide, about another 1/2 mile or so... then hike back up... the hike back up will be hind of tough,,, altitude and all.. the flowers could be in starting. Or if your not sure just hike down to the Y or even the stairs... it will be worth it...

Also, towards Santa Fe there are some Tent Rocks... google Tent Rocks,
it's about 45 min drive from Alb.
then to the west about 20 miles south of Grants there is El Malpais National Monument. and the Ice Cave.
ww w.nps.gov/elma/index.htm April would be a good time to visit. these are lava caves, tubes, etc...
pretty neat. Big Tubes are probably the best to hike to. rough hiking due to lava and watch the cairns for your way...

have fun...

PS, depending on your budget Rubi's suggestion on Hotels are good, if there to $$$ try Hotels in the Journal center area, I-25 - Paseo Del Norte area. I'm sure you can do like a video tour... that's what my wife does...