Location: Las Cruces
Top Things to do in Las Cruces
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Las Cruces, New Mexico (NM)
With the majestic Organ Mountains to the east and the mighty Rio Grande to the west, Las Cruces stands as an oasis at the junction of the I-10 and I-25. New Mexico State University makes its home here, among fine art galleries, informative museums, a lively theater scene and high desert terrain. The sun almost always seems to be shining in Las Cruces, which enjoys on average 350 days of clear blue skies per year, making it the perfect base to explore the breathtaking surrounding area.
Restaurants in Las Cruces
1. The Zuhl Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
The Zuhl Museum: Where Rocks Come Alive! Part art gallery, part natural history museum, the Zuhl collection at New Mexico State University showcases thousands of beautiful specimens of petrified wood, fossils and minerals. The Zuhl Collection contains petrified wood, fossils, rocks and minerals. The Zuhl Museum is easily accessible to local citizens, school groups and visitors to the university and southern New Mexico. New hours: Tuesday-Friday 12-4pm and Every Second Saturday of each month 12-4pm.
Reviewed By toad94 - Lakewood, United States
Our son loves rocks and says he wants to be a geologist when he grows up, so this museum was a given for our family. But even our daughter who is less interested in geology was still impressed by the magnitude of these slabs. They are huge. The kids liked learning about how the petrified wood was formed. It doesn't take long to go through the rooms but we're definitely glad we visited this place.
2. COAS Books
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Coas Books is New Mexico’s largest independent bookstore with more than 500,000 books in stock! We have an incredible selection of new and used books — including regional and out-of-print books —, CDs, DVDs, Vinyl, VHS, audio books, and games. Coas Books is family owned and operated, with two stores located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. We receive hundreds of books every day, so our inventory is constantly changing and full of hidden gems! Come by our store on Main Street — or our branch on Solano — and we’ll be happy to help you find what you’re looking for! We also offer trade credit to help you save more on your purchases, so feel free to bring in the books, music, and DVDs you no longer want or need.
Reviewed By TerzahH - Houston, United States
We were very impressed when we arrived at the store. There is a collection of antique books, a maproom, CDs, DVDs, and a great selection in many areas. We have seen it rivaled only the Peachtree bookstore in Atlanta, which carries similar items. My husband and I spent a couple of hours poking around and buying a bunch of books. Will definitely return!
3. Veterans Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By TimDore - Marana, United States
I visited 30 Veteran’s Memorials in California, Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona as part of a motorcycle ride called the Tour of Honor. Of all the Memorials I visited the Veterans’ Memorial Park in Las Cruces has the most Memorials honoring Veterans of various eras. There is a Huey from Vietnam, a WWII Bataan Death March memorial, a Korean memorial and a memorial honoring Women Veterans. I will be back in Las Cruces next March and will visit again and I recommend you do too!
4. Old Mesilla Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 986 reviews
Reviewed By Waterlaw - Jerusalem, Israel
This is a wonderful "village" to view and walk around in. Old village that as it was over a hundred years ago. You'll see beautiful adobe buildings, art galleries, great bars and a lovely museum.
5. Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 323 reviews
We are a world-class Market in the heart of Main Street Downtown Las Cruces. We have over 300 members who are skilled artisans, farmers, bakers, food trucks and talented local musicians. All of the goods are handmade, and grown right here in New Mexico.
Reviewed By Juanito_Hayburg - El Paso, United States
I’ve attended this fine market before, only disagreeing with the allowance of non-service dogs into it. Other than that, this is an excellent worthwhile Saturday morning event, and I was very pleased to attend. Me, and a lot of others, including two Barcelonian women enjoyed walking around, looking, learning, maybe buying items or food. At one stand, I acknowledged the great value of their task: registering voters. We all concurred that voting is only possible if the voter is registered, which has to be done at least 30 days prior to the official ballot-casting date. I missed it before somehow, but definitely not this time: posing with my eBikeKit-assisted CruzBike beside a vibrant Las Cruces mural. In fact, there was a bit if a line as most everybody wanted this free “postcard perfect” image to post, proof of being in this fantastic city! I’m looking forward to returning; it certainly gets my “Wheel of Approval!”
6. Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
7. Lake Valley Historic Townsite
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Keabu - Alamogordo, United States
We really enjoyed our drive and town visit on a Sunday morning. The drive was very relaxing and the town history was very interesting. We did the self-guided hike all the way around per the guide. Doesn't take long and as stated, is interesting. For those that wrote reviews about difficulty finding the place or hours they're open, it was all right on the main BLM site (the site listed as "website" on this Trip Advisor page) for the townsite. Directions were spot on. The cemetery is across the street and could easily be missed. Tip: We stopped at Sparky's in Hatch on our way back for the best Green Chile Cheeseburger ever.
8. Mesilla Book Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Pizor - New Jersey, United States
Very comfortable to browse. Fiction room is good. I prefer nonfiction, and was very pleased with selection. Many boseoks I'd never seen. Great reprentation of travel books, local and worldwide.
9. Soledad Canyon Day Use Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By 650lnl
This is an easy hike, very secluded with beautiful views all around you. You feel like you have traveled out of town into the country, but you have only traveled a short distance.
10. Art Obscura
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Art Obscura is the one place to shop where you are guaranteed to find something out of the ordinary to call your own. Whether you're interested in art, antiques, collectibles, or even silver jewelry we've got something for you. By shopping At Art Obscura you'll be supporting local artists and stimulating the local economy. Shop local, shop Art Obscura.
Reviewed By L2780GZdavids - Las Cruces, United States
This engaging artspace/antique shop has become a staple of the local art community, with professional exhibitions of eclectic artworks on rotational display monthly. A wonderful place to find the perfect gift for picky friends and family. It's been made even more inviting with the addition of The Hood -- featuring collectible cars and motorcycles, art, objects, apparel, oddities, jewelry, memorabilia and more -- in the back of the building. Now there are two great reasons to visit!
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