10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Las Vegas, New Mexico (San Miguel County)
If you’ve only heard of *that other* Las Vegas in Nevada, you’re in for a surprise.
Las Vegas, New Mexico in San Miguel County is a small historic town packed with Old West charm, mountain views, and rich Hispanic and Native American culture.
It’s quieter, friendlier, and a lot more laid‑back than the strip of neon lights you might be picturing. Think brick sidewalks, old plazas, green hills, and starry skies instead of casinos and nightclubs.
Planning a road trip on I‑25 between Santa Fe and Raton? This is a perfect stop. Let’s walk through
10 great things to do in and around Las Vegas, New Mexico that show off the heart of the town and the beauty of northern New Mexico.
1. Stroll the Las Vegas Plaza and Historic Old Town
The best place to start is the
Las Vegas Plaza, the historic heart of town. It feels like stepping into a Western movie set, only it’s all real.
Walk around the plaza and you’ll find:
- 1890s brick and adobe buildings
- Local shops and galleries
- Cozy cafés and Mexican restaurants
- Benches and shade trees for people‑watching
Take your time wandering the side streets. You’ll see everything from Victorian mansions to old commercial buildings with faded painted signs. If you like taking photos, this area is a gold mine.
I once spent nearly an hour just walking a two‑block stretch here, stopping every few feet for another photo of a colorful doorway or old sign. It’s that kind of place—slow, charming, and full of little details.
2. Explore Montezuma Castle and the United World College Campus
Just a few miles north of town sits one of the most surprising sights in New Mexico: the
Montezuma Castle at United World College. It looks like a big stone castle you’d expect somewhere in Europe, not in the high desert.
Originally built in the 1800s as a grand hotel, it’s now part of an international boarding school. You generally can’t just wander inside whenever you want, but:
- You can usually view the castle from the road or designated areas.
- The campus area is beautiful, especially in the fall when trees change color.
- There are hiking trails nearby (and hot springs just up the road—more on that next).
Even a quick drive up here is worth it. The combination of castle, forested hills, and mountain air feels completely different from the rest of town.
3. Soak at Montezuma Hot Springs
If you love hot springs, you’re in luck.
Montezuma Hot Springs are just a short drive (about 6 miles) northwest of Las Vegas, NM along State Road 65.
These are low‑key, free, outdoor soaking pools right off the road, fed by naturally hot mineral water. The pools vary in temperature—some are pleasantly warm, others are almost too hot to step into at first.
A few quick tips:
- Wear a swimsuit you don’t mind getting a little mineral‑stained.
- Bring flip‑flops or sandals and a towel.
- Go early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds and strong sun.
Sitting in a hot pool, watching steam rise while pine trees sway above you, is one of the most relaxing things you can do near Las Vegas. It’s especially nice on a cool fall or winter day.
4. Drive the Scenic Route into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Head west from Las Vegas on NM‑65 and you’ll wind your way into the
Sangre de Cristo Mountains, part of the southern Rocky Mountains. In just a short drive, the landscape shifts from open plains to forested hills and cool mountain air.
Along this scenic drive you can:
- Pull off at overlooks for sweeping views back toward Las Vegas.
- Find picnic spots near creeks and forest clearings.
- Access trailheads for hiking and exploring Carson National Forest.
It’s not an intense off‑road adventure—any normal car can handle the paved portion—but it
feels like an escape. If you’re coming from a busy city, this drive will slow your heart rate in the best way.
5. Visit the Rough Rider Memorial Collection & Local History Museums
Las Vegas, New Mexico has serious Old West history. Outlaws, railroad workers, and soldiers all passed through here. If you’re a history buff—or just mildly curious—set aside some time for the local museums.
One highlight is the
Rough Rider Memorial Collection, honoring Theodore Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders,” many of whom came from this area. It’s typically housed in the city museum or library complex and features:
- Artifacts from the Spanish‑American War
- Old photos and uniforms
- Stories of local men who served
There are also exhibits on:
- The railroad boom that helped Las Vegas, NM grow in the late 1800s
- The town’s role as a major trading center in northern New Mexico
- Everyday life in a frontier town
If you like to understand the “why” behind a place, this is where the pieces start to connect.
6. Walk or Bike Around the University Campus and Gallinas River Area
The presence of a college gives Las Vegas a younger, livelier side. New Mexico Highlands University sits just southwest of the main plaza and adds a nice blend of students, sports fields, and green spaces.
Try:
- Walking the campus sidewalks and checking out public art and murals.
- Exploring the neighborhoods around the university for more historic homes.
- Finding paths near the Gallinas River, which runs by town.
On a sunny afternoon, it’s an easy, gentle way to stretch your legs. If you travel with a bike, this area and the quiet residential streets nearby make for a laid‑back short ride.
7. Go Fishing, Boating, or Camping at Nearby Lakes
If you’re into the outdoors, you don’t have to drive far from Las Vegas, New Mexico for water and wide‑open skies.
Within San Miguel County and close by, check out:
- Storrie Lake State Park – Just a few miles north of town, popular for fishing, boating, and camping. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and big desert skies.
- Small reservoirs and rivers in the nearby mountains – Depending on water levels and season, locals may point you to their favorite fishing spots.
Bring a fishing pole, a folding chair, and maybe a cooler with lunch. Sitting by the water with distant views of the mountains is its own kind of therapy. Always double‑check New Mexico fishing license rules before you cast a line.
8. Track Down Movie and TV Filming Locations
You might not expect it, but
Las Vegas, New Mexico is a favorite filming location for Hollywood. Its well‑preserved downtown and old buildings make it perfect for Westerns and period dramas.
Over the years, parts of movies and TV shows have been filmed in and around town. If you’re a film fan, try:
- Asking at the local visitor center for a list or map of filming sites.
- Comparing buildings around the plaza to scenes you remember from certain Westerns.
- Snapping your own “movie still” style photos along the historic streets.
It’s fun to walk down a street and think, “This is where they filmed that scene.” It adds another layer of story to the scenery you’re already enjoying.
9. Enjoy Authentic New Mexican Food and Local Coffee Shops
You can’t talk about things to do in Las Vegas, NM without talking about the food. This is
classic northern New Mexico cuisine country: red chile, green chile, stacked enchiladas, sopapillas, and more.
Look for:
- Family‑run restaurants serving breakfast burritos smothered in green chile.
- Cozy cafés near the plaza where you can sip coffee and watch life go by.
- Bakeries or small shops with homemade pastries and fresh tortillas.
If you’ve never had New Mexican chile before, start with “Christmas”—a mix of red and green—so you can taste both. And don’t be shy about asking your server what’s popular with locals. That’s usually how you find the best plates.
10. Take a Self‑Guided Architecture and Neighborhood Tour
One of the most underrated things to do in Las Vegas, New Mexico is simply to drive or walk through its different historic districts. The town once had more than 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and many are still standing.
As you explore, you’ll spot:
- Adobe homes with soft, rounded edges
- Victorian houses with porches and detailed woodwork
- Old churches and schools that tell the town’s story
You can sometimes find printed walking tour maps at the visitor center, or you can just follow your curiosity. Turn down a side street. Park and wander a block. Keep your camera handy.
It’s like a real‑life timeline of New Mexico architecture, all packed into one small city.
Planning Your Visit to Las Vegas, New Mexico
A few practical tips to make the most of your time in and around Las Vegas, NM:
- Altitude: The town sits around 6,400 feet above sea level. Drink plenty of water, take it easy your first day, and wear sunscreen—the sun feels stronger here.
- Weather: Summers are warm but usually not as hot as the low desert; evenings can be cool. Winters can bring snow, especially in the nearby mountains.
- Driving: Many top spots, like Montezuma Hot Springs and Storrie Lake, are within a short drive from town, so having a car is helpful.
- Time needed: You can see the basics in a day, but 2–3 days lets you enjoy the hot springs, mountains, lakes, and historic areas without rushing.
Final Thoughts: Why Las Vegas, New Mexico Deserves a Spot on Your Road Trip
Las Vegas in San Miguel County isn’t flashy, but that’s exactly why people fall in love with it. It’s a place where:
- You can soak in a hot spring in the morning.
- Wander a historic plaza in the afternoon.
- Watch the stars come out over the plains at night.
If you’re planning a New Mexico road trip, consider adding
Las Vegas, NM to your route. It’s an easy stop along I‑25, but it feels a world away from the usual tourist crowds.
What Would You Do First in Las Vegas, New Mexico?
Would you head straight for the
Montezuma Hot Springs? Explore the
historic plaza? Or maybe drive into the
Sangre de Cristo Mountains for some fresh air?
I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences.
- Have you been to Las Vegas, NM before?
- Did I miss one of your favorite things to do in San Miguel County?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell your own Las Vegas, New Mexico stories. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a Southwest road trip—sometimes the best stops are the ones most people drive right past.
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