Location: Silver City
Top Things to do in Silver City
9 Budget-friendly Things to do in Silver City That You Shouldn't Miss
As suggested by its name, Silver City began as a mining town at the height of the prospecting boom in the 1800s and has survived a long Wild West history that hosted such notorious notables as Billy the Kid and "Dangerous Dan" Tucker. Evidence of its even earlier history can be seen at the nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, where ancient homes of the Mongollon Pueblo still stand. Hikers, cyclists and outdoors enthusiasts flock to explore the scenery of the Gila National Forest.
Restaurants in Silver City
1. Penny Park
2. Gila National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By GretchenB143 - Phoenix, United States
Whether you are in the Gila National Forest to hike, camp, drive, visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings.... take your time and take it all in. It’s worth more than a quick day trip to really experience the wilderness. There are hiking trails for all skill levels and camping in excellent locations. There is limited to zero cellular service, so if this is important to you, be prepared to plan ahead.
3. Western New Mexico University Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
WNMU Museum invites you to explore the prehistory and history of Southwest New Mexico and learn why people throughout the ages have selected this rich and enchanting region as their home. The recently completed stunning transformation of Fleming Hall, funded by the 2016 Higher Education G.O. Bond, created an open, light, secure, and climate-controlled environment that highlights our National Register of Historic Places building, collections, and exhibitions enhancing the visitor experience. The Museum is a work in progress. We continue to enhance the visitor experience by finishing exhibitions, creating interpretative signage, and opening additional rooms. Please visit our Facebook page for Visitor Covid-19 Safe Practices.
Reviewed By reberascal - Essex, United States
This museum has a wonderful collection of modern looking pottery from a thousand years ago, well explained and displayed.
4. Silver City Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
In a restored 1881 Mansard/Italianate house, you'll find this fascinating history museum, which includes more than 20,000 items and artifacts related to the people and history of southwest New Mexico.
Reviewed By MisterPenguin - Powell, United States
This museum is located in an historical house that has served many different purposes over the years. It is well maintained with knowledgeable staff. It has an excellent display on the history of the flooding in Silver City and the creation of the big ditch park with excellent pictures of the impact of the floods. You also can climb the stairs to the garret where you can see in all direction. Well worth a quick stop.
5. La Esperanza Vineyard and Winery
6. Silver City Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Visitor Center for the Silver City, New Mexico region, providing itinerary and planning help, as well as maps, brochures, postcards, pins & buttons.
Reviewed By daven534 - St. Catharines, Canada
We stopped in for information on the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The lady at the desk was very friendly and made helpful suggestions regarding the route to and from the park. She also provided ideas on what to see in Silver City and places that we might like to try for dinner. If you need information, this is the place to go.
7. Lake Roberts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By GretchenB143 - Phoenix, United States
We came to Pino Altos/Silver City area to relax and "get off the grid" so to speak. It's about a 45 minute drive from Pinos Altos through the Gila Wilderness and just simply gorgeous. Great hiking trails, and camping areas as you drive out to Lake Roberts (if you turned veer left instead of right at the fork, you would head out to the Gila Cliff Dwellings). We went out 2 days fishing, and the fishing is wonderful. You can take a boat, fish off the dock, or at various areas around the shoreline. There is no swimming or wading allowed. We picked up our fishing license at the Walmart in Silver City before heading to the lake. The temperature was about 38 degrees when we started, but warmed up quickly and was gorgeous. With things being closed to due to CoVID, make sure that you fill up on gas and have all of the essentials before heading out- there are no services......but take a picnic lunch and stay out all day! Stop by the Arrastra Historic Site just a little ways past the Bear Creek Cabins in Pinos Altos on your way out- it's worth the 10-15 minute detour to see a little of the area's history.
8. Chino Mine Vista Point
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By michelec506 - Rancho Cucamonga, United States
Huge operation with HUGE trucks running up and down the hill. A must stop for at least 15 minutes or so. Some informative plaques are also displayed.
9. Big Ditch Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By BraJa55 - Globe, United States
You just gotta see the "big-Ditch." The art work along the walk is inspirational, and the summary and story of the "Ditch" is lain out in ceramic tiles, very impressive. The walk is shady, and we have run into some "shady" characters from time to time (lol). but they are always harmless. Plenty of benches to kick back in and relax. This along with "art-walking" in Silver is a must see. Enjoy
