Plan Your Visit
No matter if your trip is short or long, we can help you plan it! This area is a special place where you can learn about history, science, and nature. Imagine exploring mountains and forests while also discovering secrets from the past. Los Alamos is ideally located for several day trips around this enchanting region. Whether you're interested in the stories of World War II, explore trails, or just relax, Los Alamos County has something fun for you. From old historic buildings to beautiful trails, there's so much waiting for you to explore! To help you get started with your travel plan, here are some ideas for how to make your trip worthwhile, no matter how much time you have.
Plan Your Trip by Days
One Day Trip
Just passing through and planning to visit for only an hour or two? Here are some suggestions of things you shouldn’t miss.
Two Days
One extra day gives you the time to add one of Los Alamos’ local recreation experiences, our all-season mountain in the backyard, or the two amazing National Parks that surround the town.
Three+ Days
Planning to stick around a while? Stay in Los Alamos on your New Mexico vacation for easy access to some of Northern New Mexico’s most memorable sites and attractions. Here are some locations around Los Alamos aside from the ones listed for one and two day trips!
Plan Your Day By Topic
High Altitude Adventure
This itinerary skips the history of the Pajarito Plateau and the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and instead focuses on the spectacular recreational opportunities surrounding Los Alamos.
Morning
- Start at one of our two Visitor Centers
- Hike Tsankawi – a small portion of Bandelier National Monument that is detached from the main park area. Following the 1.5 mile loop trail, admire the many visible dwellings and ruts created by the years of ancestral pueblo people living in the area.There is a trail guide at the start of the trail available for a minimal fee. The parking lot is located just along Highway 4, just south of the junction of NM 502 and NM 4.
- Stop by White Rock Overlook and see the spectacular views of the Rio Grande
Noon
- Follow the signs into Los Alamos or White Rock to enjoy picnic facilities or one of our many restaurants.
Afternoon
- Take NM Highway 4 west and see the vast open spaces of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. See if you can spot the massive elks herds. A trip to the visitor center will provide an educational experience. Plan ahead and book a van tour or simply take advantage of the many hiking trails and opportunities.
- Continue on NM Highway 4 towards Jemez Springs. If another hike suits you, Jemez Falls is a downhill 1/4 mile hike from the Jemez Falls Campground parking lot. The falls are 120 feet tall.
- Fishing is available at Fenton Lake, further down NM Highway 4 and then up NM 126 at La Cueva
Late Afternoon/Evening
Los Alamos History
This is the most often used itinerary for many of our visitors. This itinerary takes you from the stone age to the atomic age, covering Los Alamos’ ancient and modern history. This itinerary is great for history buffs, families, and curious travelers.
Morning
- Start at the White Rock Visitor Center.
- Travel to Bandelier National Monument. Be sure to check out the visitor center, park movie, and gift shop. There are numerous archeological sites along the Main Loop Trail — 1.2 miles roundtrip — and on the additional mile roundtrip trail to Alcove House. Bandelier staff can help you adjust your visit to your needs.
- Take Highway 4 west, then turn on Highway 501 toward Los Alamos.
Noon
- Enjoy a picnic at Camp May near Pajarito Ski Area;
- or come into Los Alamos and find one of our many restaurants. Our Visitor Center has a list and menus to help you make your decision
Afternoon
- Pick up a Historic Walking Tour Map at one of the museums or the Los Alamos Visitor Center.
- Consider taking a guided tour to get an overall perspective of Los Alamos’ unique history.
- Start the tour at the Historical Museum, behind Fuller Lodge,
- follow the historic tour around Fuller Lodge, Ashley Pond, Romero Cabin at other historic sites,
- visit the Bradbury Science Museum and be sure to catch a showing of the film “The Town that Never Was.”
- Pop in to one of our many shopping locations and pick up something to remember your visit.
Late Afternoon/Evening
- Late afternoon and sunset is a spectacular time to stop by one of our mesa-top overlooks.
- You’ll be hungry again, so why not try another Los Alamos restaurant.
- If you’re exhausted from all the fun you’ve had in Los Alamos, you’re welcome to check in to one of our hotels. There’s more to do tomorrow!
Los Alamos Recreation
Los Alamos provides a serene location to indulge in your favorite activities with some of the best kept secrets in the state of New Mexico. Here is just a sample of what a day in Los Alamos could look like.
Morning
- Spend the morning golfing at one of New Mexico’s highest and most scenic courses. The Los Alamos County Golf Course currently offers a challenging 6,500-yard par 72, 18-hole layout. A new club house, as well as course-wide improvements are set to make this asset even more competitive. Open March–November.
Noon
- Picnic at the beautifully maintained Ashley Pond park or sit down at one of our many restaurants.
Afternoon
- Take a swim in North America’s highest-altitude indoor Olympic-size pool. Open 7 days per week with summer specials. The facility offers affordable recreation, competitive programs, and therapeutic programs for all interests.
- Stroll down the central business district and check out Fuller Lodge Art Center for jewelry and art pieces. Stop into one of many shops and pick up something special for yourself. Get coffee or a treat along the way.
Mesa Top Indulgence
Los Alamos provides a serene location to indulge in your favorite activities with some of the best kept secrets in the state of New Mexico. Here is a sample of what a day in Los Alamos could look like.
Morning
- Spend the morning golfing at one of New Mexico’s highest and most scenic courses. The Los Alamos County Golf Course currently offers a challenging 6,500-yard par 72, 18-hole layout. A new club house, as well as course-wide improvements are set to make this asset even more competitive. Open March–November.
Noon
- Picnic at the beautifully maintained Ashley Pond park or sit down at one of our many restaurants.
Afternoon
- Take a swim in North America’s highest-altitude indoor Olympic-size pool. Open 7 days per week with summer specials. The facility offers affordable recreation, competitive programs, and therapeutic programs for all interests.
- Stroll down the central business district and check out Fuller Lodge Art Center for jewelry and art pieces. Stop into one of many shops and pick up something special for yourself. Get coffee or a treat along the way.
Other Trip Information