Best things to do in New Mexico

Loretto Chapel, a former Roman Catholic church, is known for its unusual spiral staircase. Called the Miraculous Staircase, it makes two 360-degree turns and is 6 m (20 ft) tall--but has no visible means of support. It's not only an engineering mystery; no one knows for certain who built it. The Sisters of Loretto credit St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, with its construction. After examining the staircase, give yourself enough time to appreciate the Gothic Revival architecture of this late 19th-century building. It features imposing spires, buttresses, and stained-glass windows imported from France.

Soar above the magnificent landscapes of the Rio Grande Valley on a balloon ride from Albuquerque. Kept safe by trained professionals, you will be able to learn about the natural history of the New Mexico region and basic principles of hot air ballooning. Sunrise and sunset flights allow you to experience the captivating gorge with its rugged mountainous surroundings at its most enchanting--and most photogenic--hour. You'll be able to admire unsurpassed aerial views of Albuquerque with its landmarks and even dip low enough to skim the very surface of the Rio Grande. On completion of your hour-long flight, a glass of sparkling wine and some light refreshments will await you to celebrate the successful landing.

Nestled in the heart of the city's historical quarter, Canyon Road hosts more than 100 art galleries, shops, studios, and restaurants in addition to traditional Pueblo-style adobe homes. The district's origins date to the Spanish colonization of the Southwest and the surrounding area more than 1,000 years ago. Despite its archaic architecture, the neighborhood is a popular hot spot. You'll discover traditional Hispanic crafts, modern art, and sculptures intermingled with storefronts, courtyards, and cafes. Pick up a piece of regional Native American handiwork, such as pottery or a handmade rug.

The steel bridge stretching across the Rio Grande Gorge, known as Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, is the seventh-highest bridge in the United States. This bridge has been featured in several motion pictures, including "Natural Born Killers" and "Terminator Salvation." Capture sweeping images on your camera, and get a close-up look at the gorge from the ideal vantage point of this bridge. If you have any last-minute shopping to do, several nearby vendors cater to visitors.

Glistening white dunes at White Sands National Monument have mesmerized visitors for centuries. Marvel at 712 km (275 mi) of sparkling sand, the world’s largest dune field of rare gypsum. Begin your trip at the visitor center--an excellent example of Spanish pueblo-adobe architecture. From here you can set off on a 13 km (8 mi) scenic drive to the heart of the dunes. Stop along the way for short walks, wayside exhibits, and photos of the otherworldly views. You can also hike a variety of trails. Only the top few inches of the dunes are loose, making them easy to walk. Sledding is also a popular here. Bring a snow saucer or buy one from the gift shop to race down the sand slopes. No water is available in the dune field, so fill bottles at the visitor center.

Recognized as a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi was founded as a parish the same year as the city was founded, in 1610. The current building featuring Romanesque revival architecture was dedicated in 1887. Note the round arches and Corinthian columns. The rose windows in the front of the church depict the twelve apostles. The best view of the windows is from the chapel where services take place. In the exterior porticos, several statues commemorate saints. The statue of Kateri Tekakwitha pays homage to the first Native American to be beatified. Notice the bronze doors leading back inside the church. The panels on the outside tell the story of the church in Santa Fe history.

Take a stroll through Albuquerque Old Town, the city's historical district, which dates back to the Spanish founding of Albuquerque in 1706. The plaza is the focal point and the location of the San Felipe de Neri Church, built in 1793. Pop into one of the shops selling traditional Southwest crafts, art, and other items. You can treat yourself to ice cream on a shaded, wrought-iron bench or dive into the area's famed Mexican cuisine for something more substantial. To learn more about the rich history of the area, take a guided walking tour.

With more than 1,000 different pieces of art, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum represents the largest collection of her artwork in the world. Originally opened in 1997, the museum today collects her works and also displays information about her life, artistic development, and the rise of American Modernism. Its temporary special exhibitions often display works of other contemporary Modernist artists. A guided museum tour given by a docent is included in the price of admission.

Explore Big Room, the largest cave in Carlsbad cavern, in a self-guided tour of the natural limestone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. You'll see Bottomless Pit, Giant Dome, Rock of Ages, and Painted Grotto. For quick access to the cave, enter the visitor center, which has elevators to the cave. Rent an audio guide here to learn about the geology, formation, and history of the cave, as well as the specific sites. For a longer and more challenging walk to the cave, take the natural entrance route, which covers a 228.6 m (750 ft) descent via switchbacks.