Curator’s statement
New Mexico ended up being one of those rare trips where nature, science, and art all collided in the best possible way—something for every one of us. We hiked through landscapes that felt ancient and alive, climbed ladders into cliff dwellings, and floated along the Rio Grande with that quiet, all‑inclusive sense of wonder. The hot air balloon ride was pure magic, the kind of moment you don’t forget. We explored Los Alamos, which put so much into perspective, and then balanced it with incredible food and art that we got to take in together.
The Fora Difference
Book with Lauren to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in New Mexico
Unlock perks by contacting Lauren to book your trip.
Things to do in New Mexico
Float trip on the Rio Grande in Taos
Hot air balloon over Albuquerque
Floating over Albuquerque in a hot air balloon felt absolutely magical—the sweeping views, the storytelling from the crew, and even helping inflate the balloon made the whole experience unforgettable.Rio Grande float trip
Our Rio Grande float was peaceful and easygoing, the kind of experience everyone could enjoy—from the teens to the grandparents—all taking in the scenery together at the same pace.Santa Fe art and morning walks
The outdoor art and quirky galleries in Santa Fe sparked so much creativity, and wandering through them on a quiet morning was the perfect way to start the day. Stop by the Georgia O'Keefe Museum to learn more about her and her art.Cliff dwelling hike
Hiking through the cliff dwellings was equal parts adventure and workout, especially climbing the ladders with the kids and imagining the history beneath our feet.Los Alamos exploration
Exploring Los Alamos brought history to life—seeing the campus, hearing the stories, and learning how the atomic bomb was developed gave us a powerful sense of perspective.Sandia tram ride
The Sandia tram ride offered sweeping mountain views and a calm, relaxing moment for the whole family to take in together, a beautiful pause in the middle of an active trip.
Places to eat & drink in New Mexico
Bread at SkyFire at Bishop's Lodge
The Love Apple (Taos) was one of those rare restaurants that feels instantly comforting—cozy, warm, and full of character. The service was thoughtful without being fussy, and every dish tasted fresh and intentional.
El Pinto is one of Albuquerque’s most famous restaurants, celebrated for its sprawling patio, signature green chile dishes, and lively atmosphere that feels like a celebration every night. We loved the vibes here.
In Santa Fe, SkyFire at the Bishop's Lodge had wonderful food in an elegant yet relaxed setting, nestled at the base of the mountains for beautiful views. The staff was attentive and the cocktails echoed the local vibes.
La Choza is a local favorite tucked into Santa Fe's Railyard District. The menu features New Mexican comfort food and has standout margaritas.
Need to know
We flew in and out of Albuquerque and rented a car, which made it easy to explore each region at our own pace. Spending two days in each city gave us just the right amount of time to see the highlights, enjoy great food, and take in the scenery without ever feeling rushed. We even considered skiing in Taos, but with the late‑March timing the snow wasn’t ideal, so we were glad we spent our time on other experiences instead. Altogether, it made for a well‑balanced road trip with something new and memorable at every stop.
Travel Advisor
Lauren Piekos
Get in touch with Lauren
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Lauren within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our New Mexico page.