Sightseeing Sunday: Weird Things to Do in New Mexico
Looking for weird things to do in New Mexico? The state brings desert oddities and ancient history — giant pistachio statues and cliff dwellings carved into canyon walls.
Fun Facts About New Mexico
The world’s first atomic bomb was tested near Alamogordo, New Mexico, in 1945 — the same town on this list for its giant pistachio statue.
Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, is the oldest state capital in the country, founded in 1610.
Albuquerque hosts the world’s largest hot air balloon festival every October.
Bandelier National Monument, on this list, preserves ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings carved directly into canyon walls.
Some of these we’ve visited, others are still on our list. When we’ve been somewhere, the link takes you to our photo page with details and snark. Otherwise, you’ll head to their official site — assuming one exists, since sometimes that’s half the adventure.
Unique Attractions & Weird Things to Do in New Mexico
Weird Roadside & Oddities
Alamogordo
World’s Largest Pistachio – Giant pistachio statue at Pistachio Land.
Historic Sites & Ruins
Los Alamos
Bandelier National Monument – Ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.
Plan Your New Mexico Road Trip
We’re always adding new weird things to do in New Mexico to this list, so check back for more roadside attractions, quirky museums, oversized oddities, and future road trip discoveries.
Where to next? Check out our Arizona roadside attractions guide for more Southwest weird, browse our complete roadside attractions by state guide, get tips for traveling with pets, or head back to the Right At The Light homepage.
Interactive Map: Weird Roadside Stops We’re Tracking
This map includes weird roadside attractions, big-rig friendly stops, and places still on our running road trip list across the country.