Not surprisingly, the Land of Enchantment has plenty of destination cities and towns to enjoy for great food and fantastic culture. But, sometimes it’s nice to get away from it all and enjoy the charming small towns in New Mexico that make this place so unique. From places with history to those with incredible views, we recommend enjoying all the state has to offer by getting off the beaten path. Then, consider rounding things out by checking out some of our best ghost towns!
- Pie Town, Catron County
larry1732 / Flickr With just 186 people, this little town is one of the most adorable on this list. But, there’s more than just charm to love about life here. As the name would imply, they’re famous for their pies. Of course, there are plenty of places to find a great slice in town, ranging from traditional apple to more unique options such as chile. Another great reason to visit is the annual pie festival in September. Pie Town, NM 87827, USA
- Mosquero, Harding County
auvet / Flickr Little Mosquero is located in the least populated county in the state, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the trip to visit. Known primarily as a cattle ranching town, it also has a lovely downtown. While you’re in town, spend time checking out the local murals. Mosquero, NM 87733, USA
- Madrid, Santa Fe County
r3m3dy / Flickr Those who love the artistic side of the state will want to visit this small town of just 204 people. Once a ghost town, the art scene is now the main attraction. In addition to art galleries, there are a lot of other reasons to visit. For instance every winter they host a fun Christmas parade. And, don’t forget the spring CrawDaddy Blues Fest! Madrid, NM 87010, USA
- Pecos, San Miguel County
kl_graphic_vision / Flickr Although Pecos is less than 30 miles from bustling Santa Fe, the town still has a charming small feel. Of course, much of the state offers a rural vibe, but Pecos is surrounded by scenic landscape that makes it even more special. Check out the landscape, and afterwards be sure to visit the Pecos National Historical Park to see both a Spanish and pueblo mission. Pecos, NM 87552, USA
- Abiquiú, Rio Arriba Countu
mksfca / Flickr Generally considered a bit more rural, this town will appeal to those looking for the most beautiful side of the state. Of course, every place in New Mexico is special but the landscape surrounding Abiquiú takes things to another level. Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA
- Magdalena, Socorro County
donbrr / Flickr Although this town is small, it’s big on beauty. In fact, stargazers will appreciate the lack of light pollution, allowing it to play home to the annual Enchanted Skies Star Party. Also, it’s the perfect place to be for close proximity to the Very Large Array Radio Telescope facility. Magdalena, NM 87825, USA
- San Antonio, Socorro County
auvet / Flickr We love exploring the downtown area of beautiful San Antonio, including restaurants like Owl Bar which offers an amazing green chile burger. But, it’s also close to lots of natural beauty. For instance, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see for those who love exploring the great outdoors. San Antonio, NM 87801, USA
- Cuba, Sandoval County
mytravelphotos / Flickr Sweet little Cuba is known for the land that surrounds it. Rock formations and badlands can be found surrounding the town, making it the perfect place to visit for those wanting to get a taste of quintessential New Mexico. Especially important is making time to visit El Bruno’s Restaurant Y Cantina which has been delighting locals and visitors since 1975. Cuba, NM 87013, USA
Now, what are some of your favorite charming small towns in New Mexico? Check these out, and then let us know your picks in the comments so we can visit, too.
larry1732 / Flickr
With just 186 people, this little town is one of the most adorable on this list. But, there’s more than just charm to love about life here. As the name would imply, they’re famous for their pies. Of course, there are plenty of places to find a great slice in town, ranging from traditional apple to more unique options such as chile. Another great reason to visit is the annual pie festival in September.
Pie Town, NM 87827, USA
auvet / Flickr
Little Mosquero is located in the least populated county in the state, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the trip to visit. Known primarily as a cattle ranching town, it also has a lovely downtown. While you’re in town, spend time checking out the local murals.
Mosquero, NM 87733, USA
r3m3dy / Flickr
Those who love the artistic side of the state will want to visit this small town of just 204 people. Once a ghost town, the art scene is now the main attraction. In addition to art galleries, there are a lot of other reasons to visit. For instance every winter they host a fun Christmas parade. And, don’t forget the spring CrawDaddy Blues Fest!
Madrid, NM 87010, USA
kl_graphic_vision / Flickr
Although Pecos is less than 30 miles from bustling Santa Fe, the town still has a charming small feel. Of course, much of the state offers a rural vibe, but Pecos is surrounded by scenic landscape that makes it even more special. Check out the landscape, and afterwards be sure to visit the Pecos National Historical Park to see both a Spanish and pueblo mission.
Pecos, NM 87552, USA
mksfca / Flickr
Generally considered a bit more rural, this town will appeal to those looking for the most beautiful side of the state. Of course, every place in New Mexico is special but the landscape surrounding Abiquiú takes things to another level.
Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA
donbrr / Flickr
Although this town is small, it’s big on beauty. In fact, stargazers will appreciate the lack of light pollution, allowing it to play home to the annual Enchanted Skies Star Party. Also, it’s the perfect place to be for close proximity to the Very Large Array Radio Telescope facility.
Magdalena, NM 87825, USA
We love exploring the downtown area of beautiful San Antonio, including restaurants like Owl Bar which offers an amazing green chile burger. But, it’s also close to lots of natural beauty. For instance, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see for those who love exploring the great outdoors.
San Antonio, NM 87801, USA
mytravelphotos / Flickr
Sweet little Cuba is known for the land that surrounds it. Rock formations and badlands can be found surrounding the town, making it the perfect place to visit for those wanting to get a taste of quintessential New Mexico. Especially important is making time to visit El Bruno’s Restaurant Y Cantina which has been delighting locals and visitors since 1975.
Cuba, NM 87013, USA
Undoubtedly, one of our favorite things about the charming small towns in New Mexico is all the incredible food. If you agree, consider ordering a green chile cheeseburger at this roadside stop in New Mexico!
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