Location: Alamogordo
Top Things to do in Alamogordo
The 5 Best Sights & Landmarks in Alamogordo, New Mexico (NM)
Alamogordo /ˌæləməˈɡɔːrdoʊ/ is the seat of Otero County, New Mexico, United States. A city in the Tularosa Basin of the Chihuahuan Desert, it is bordered on the east by the Sacramento Mountains and to the west by Holloman Air Force Base. The population was 30,403 as of the 2010 census. Alamogordo is known for its connection with the Trinity test, the first explosion of an atomic bomb.
Restaurants in Alamogordo
1. McGinn's PistachioLand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,640 reviews
PistachioLand- 2019 Alamogordo Small Business of the Year. Home of the World's Largest Pistachio, Pistachio Tree Ranch & Arena Blanca Winery -is owned and operated by the McGinn Family and is home to 12,300 trees and 6,000 wine producing grapevines. The original trees were planted in 1980. Today, Pistachio Tree Ranch is a fully integrated farm where the McGinn Family grows pistachios, makes pistachio candy and packages pistachio products sold on their farm and around the United States. Arena Blanca Winery features the McGinn Family's wines produced on the farm from grapes grown in their vineyard. The World's Largest Pistachio was finished in 2008 and was built as a tribute to Tom McGinn, whose vision was to grow pistachios in the New Mexico desert. It stands 30 feet tall and has been featured in New Mexico Magazine. Named a New Mexico Treasure by the NM Cabinet Secretary of Tourism, June 2014, on New Mexico Television episode 3. Open every day. Motorized Farm Tours Daily 10-4.
Reviewed By EpicGuy12 - Queen Creek, United States
We caught a glimpse of this place after we drove into town and after some further research we decided to stop for a visit in front of the world's largest pistachio and do some shopping. I will say their gift shop is larger than you think but the main reason for stopping was their pistachios both the savory and sweet. They were simply amazing and after trying a few samples we walked out with quite a few bags. The staff is very friendly and helpful and it added to making our experience there a worthwhile one. If you are in the area, stop by and support this wonderful local business.
2. Giant Alamogordo Landmark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
The Giant Alamogordo Landmark provides visitors with a unique photo souvenir of their visit to the Alamogordo area. Sitting on the city of Alamogordo limits, this is an 10 foot tall by 55 foot wide sculpture within close driving distance to White Sands National Monument, and PistachioLand. It is located near McGinn's Country Store, a retail store with pistachios and wine, candies, and gifts.
Reviewed By cindygB4413XE
I wanted to take photos of my children and grandkids there because it's a beautiful big sign. We then went into the little store which had such friendly staff there. I love the sampling station because it allows you to taste the different flavors of pistachio's and brittle so you get to buy exactly what you like. My daughter's loved the wine tasting because they were able to try flavors they never tried before. We walked out of there with plenty of brittle, pistachio's and 3 bottles of wine so we were very happy with our stop of this lovely little place!
3. Heart of the Desert
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico. We are best known for our farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines. Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings. We offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts. Visit the Largest Heart in the World! Heart of the Desert’s trademark heart welcomes you to the ranch, standing 26’ tall and 20’ wide at the main store in Alamogordo. Free farm tours are offered that showcase how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine. Free Tours Daily June - August: Monday through Friday, twice a day at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM. September - May: Monday through Friday at 1:30 PM. Groups: We are happy to accommodate groups of 10 or more by appointment. Buses Welcome!
Reviewed By 915MexiCan - Addison, United States
Driving down highway 70 in either direction you'll notice the giant "heart" of the desert and that describes this place perfectly. It's not as gimmicky as a giant nut but that's what makes this place so great. The atmosphere, the people, and of course their delicious variety of pistachios. The owners Mary Ann and George are also some of the nicest people I've ever met. They also have a great selection of souvenirs, treats, and wines! I recommend taking a tour and taking one of their fairly priced baskets of pistachios. They make great local gifts for friends and family. Finally, if you'd like to just relax with a nice glass of pistachio wine or a cup of their pistachio ice cream, the back patio has amazing atmosphere.
4. Interdune Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Interdune Boardwalk is a very easy family-friendly elevated above the sand boardwalk in White Sands National Monument; it is less than half mile long. There is no access from the boardwalk to get on the sand, since the trail is built to be wheel-chair friendly. There are markers quite frequently along the boardwalk which are very informative about the geology, vegetation, and animals of the white sand dunes. The lookout at the end of the boardwalk opens up to beautiful view of the expansive white sand dunes. At about the middle of the boardwalk is a covered shelter which is used for education purposes and has quite elaborate displays. Interdune Boardwalk would be a very good introduction to the white sand dunes.
