Now that the short nights of summer are here, you can pack even more excitement into your days. This is the ideal time to explore all that the Land of Enchantment has to offer. There are amazing hiking trails in New Mexico, swimming holes in New Mexico, and so much more! Here are some awesome places to get you started on your quest for adventure in New Mexico in Summer:

1. Lake Farmington (Farmington)
8000 E Main St, Farmington, NM 87402, USA
Facebook/Visit Farmington
Need somewhere to go swimming in New Mexico? The Beach at Lake Farmington has been enlarged by 10,000 square feet and there are even more water toys to play with now (score). Splash around, safe in the knowledge that motorized craft aren’t allowed here. However, this is a great spot to try a little paddleboarding.
2. Comanche Creek Brewing Company (Eagle Nest)
5 Comanche Creek Rd, Eagle Nest, NM 87718, USA
Yelp/Mike T.
Check out one of our state’s great breweries this summer. While there are many wonderful options to choose from, consider driving out to Eagle Nest. There you’ll discover the Comanche Creek Brewing Company nestled inside an old cabin in the most picturesque setting imaginable.
3. Tinnie Silver Dollar (Tinnie)
Tripadvisor/management
Ensure that the journey is just as much fun as your ultimate destination, with a stop at this adorable gift shop and creperie, located between Ruidoso Downs and Roswell. Definitely check out the hours and other practical information for Tinnie Silver Dollar before venturing out, because you don’t want to arrive in the middle of nowhere and find the mercantile closed. That would be awkward.
4. Elephant Butte Lake State Park (Elephant Butte)
Elephant Butte Lake State Park, New Mexico, USA
Flickr/hector e balcazar
When it comes to summer in New Mexico, you can't beat Elephant Butte Lake State Park. You probably expected to see our biggest lake (technically a reservoir) on a summer bucket list. While this entry may not be original, it’s included because this state park is popular for good reason. The range of water activities possible here seems endless and there just aren’t that many places in New Mexico where you can go beach camping.
5. Inn of the Mountain Gods (Mescalero)
287 Carrizo Canyon Rd, Mescalero, NM 88340, USA
Facebook/Inn of the Mountain Gods
If you've never been to Inn of the Mountain Gods, this is the perfect time to go. This pristine resort offers golf, water activities, a casino… and the chance to go ziplining over the lake. Now that’s a way to make your summer memorable.
6. Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area (near Carlsbad)
742 Sitting Bull Falls Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
Tripadvisor/pedave33
A short trail leads to an unexpected gem in this arid part of the state: a waterfall swimming hole. Sitting Bull Falls is a 150-foot-high waterfall that descends into a pool perfect for taking a dip. It's one of our favorite places to go swimming in New Mexico, and we think you'll agree.
7. Park Lake (Santa Rosa)
Park Lake, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, USA
Facebook/WIBIT Santa Rosa, NM
Cliff’s, Abq Surf N' Slide at Hotel Cascada, or Park Lake in Santa Rosa are all refreshing ways to spend a hot day. Park Lake just got the only WIBIT in the state. It’s essentially an inflatable obstacle course meets waterpark that floats. Sign us up! You wouldn't guess that some of the best waterparks in New Mexico double as the best in the country, but now you will!

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8. Rancho de Chimayo (Chimayo)
300 Juan Medina Rd, Chimayo, NM 87522, USA
Yelp/Kevin E.
If you haven’t yet dined at this classic New Mexican restaurant, it’s time for that to change. Go because the sopapillas will change your life, because the carne adovada is perfectly flavored, or because this eatery earned a James Beard Foundation Award. Your reason doesn’t matter - just go! Come see why Ranche de Chimayo is one of the best places to eat in New Mexico. It won't be long before you're back.
9. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument (Las Cruces)
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
Go horseback riding, biking, or hiking inside the boundaries of this vast National Monument in New Mexico. Highlights include the trails weaving through the Dripping Springs Natural Area, the Kilbourne Hole – one of the coolest places you’ve probably never heard of, and the Pine Tree Trail, which affords great views of the Organ Needles.
10. Lake Katherine (between Pecos and Santa Fe)
Lake Katherine, New Mexico 87506, USA
Flickr/Clay Junell
This is an ambitious entry for sure but, if you are able to trek to this alpine lake tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, you won’t regret it. Lake Katherine is easily one of the most breathtaking lakes in New Mexico, and it's at its best in summer.
11. Corrales
Corrales, NM, USA
Flickr/Linda Lupowitz
This small town feels a million miles away from Albuquerque, even though it’s more like 15 miles. Savor the slower pace of life here, the peaceful rural setting, the vineyards, and the scrumptious restaurants this season. Corrales is an awesome destination for summer, winter, spring, or fall - but we love it most in summer!
12. Pioneer Store Museum (Chloride)
300 Wall St, Winston, NM 87943, USA
Tripadvisor/StaceyandCory
If you're interested in the array of museums in New Mexico, Pioneer Store Museum is a must-do. There’s nothing like a general store to bring on waves of nostalgia and this particular one is even more interesting because it’s been converted into a museum. If you ever wondered what shopping was like in days gone by, head to this remote spot for answers.
13. Meow Wolf (Santa Fe)
Facebook/Meow Wolf
The reputation of this fledging, interactive art experience is steadily growing. There aren’t really words to describe the explosions of color, unfettered creativity, and immersive nature of this converted bowling alley. You need to see it first hand - preferably this summer! Meow Wolf Santa Fe is one of those things that'll keep you wondering about it for weeks after you leave. Be sure to take special care to solve the mystery within (and stay away from those pesky other dimensions).
14. Silver City
Silver City, NM 88061, USA
Facebook/Visit Silver City
Silver City is well worth a detour. Investigate the lush depths of Big Ditch Park, the town’s small but fascinating museums, and enjoy the numerous festivals held here throughout the year.

So, what are your plans for this summer? Let us know on the Only In New Mexico Facebook page!

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More to Explore

New Mexico in Summer

Tori Jane | July 11, 2022

Where should I go on my New Mexico summer vacation?  

New Mexico is a wonderful summer vacation destination. Who needs the crowded beaches of Florida and California when you can have the mystique and wonder of a summer vacation in New Mexico instead? Among the best ideas for a good vacation in New Mexico include a visit to the historic place known as Santa Rosa. Strangely, it’s known as the SCUBA diving capital of the southwest thanks to the Blue Hole, an amazing natural wonder of New Mexico that’s nestled here. It’s 81 feet deep and always crisp and cool; come during the week and you’ll have fewer crowds, though it is a popular and beloved summer destination in New Mexico.  

What are some of the best New Mexico attractions in summer?  

New Mexico is pretty awesome year-round, but it seems to take on a special magic in the summer. Some attractions are truly at their best this time of year, like Jemez Springs. It’s one of the cutest small towns in New Mexico and makes for an excellent summer getaway; hot springs like the ones found here are just as relaxing and luxurious when the weather is warm as they are when it’s cold. Other excellent places to go in New Mexico in the summertime include the amazing town of Taos, which is known for its winter wonderland qualities but is truly underrated in the summer.  

What is summer in New Mexico like?  

Summer in New Mexico can be hot, with temperatures up to and sometimes exceeding 100 degrees. The humidity level is pretty low, though, unless it’s monsoon season, in which case the dew points in many places do tend to climb. The average high temperature in New Mexico is 97 degrees at this time of year, which is a lot more pleasant than it might sound. New Mexico is at its most beautiful in the summer, we think, and you definitely ought to plan an escape to the Land of Enchantment as soon as you’re able.  

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