WHAT MOVES YOU?
A small village with a big personality, Ruidoso has bucket-loads of experiences to offer when it comes to vacations – so how will you know where to start?
Don’t fear – we’ve lined up an array of itineraries to help you plan your ideal Ruidoso trip, be that a weekend, a week, or a longer remote work stay.
A Taste of Ruidoso
Ranging from cafes to fine dining, these Ruidoso eateries offer foodies experiences to savor. This three-day itinerary showcases a few insider favorites, plus insider tips for places to sip.
If you love to discover a place food-first, a great way to get started is with a visit to these Best of Ruidoso People's Choice Awards winners!
Slow Travel Suggestions
Travel slowly and give special moments the time they deserve. We have some top suggestions for ideas well worth your time and energy.
Immerse yourself in nature, savor the local flavors, and slow down enough to appreciate every moment. If you want to return from your Ruidoso vacation feeling like you actually unplugged while still seeing the sights, then this two-day experience is for you. Get ready to unwind.
Do less—experience more. Slow travel in Ruidoso isn’t only on-trend for 2023. It’s a nostalgic tribute to the generations who traveled to our mountain village to kick back in the cool pines and savor a local lifestyle. Explore Ruidoso at your own pace and on your own terms with these ideas for a slower and more meaningful relationship with Ruidoso.
The Ultimate 2-Day Getaway
Planning a short break in Ruidoso? Discover the best of Ruidoso in 2 days. Between year-round outdoor adventures, shopping, plus a vibrant food, drink and live music culture, it’s possible to spend every vacation in Ruidoso and discover something new each time. If you only have a couple of days, however, you can still drive away with a well-rounded Ruidoso experience.
Money-Saving Ideas
Have some extra time during your Ruidoso vacation? Go to the Ruidoso Public Library. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful sanctuary, free WiFi, a place to work, learn, or connect with the local community, visiting the library is a perfect way to enrich your Ruidoso travel experience. Here are a few reasons why the municipal library deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Star gaze. Spot wildlife. Grab a selfie. Bring the kids to the park. Take a walk in the forest. Ruidoso embraces the season with plenty of no-cost activities to keep your vacation on budget.
Area Explorations
Take time to travel around the region and discover the diversity of local communities. Get involved in events, meet new people, and experience what life here is really like.
Was it a flying saucer? Was it a weather balloon? What happened? Discover for yourself at the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, an easy day trip from Ruidoso.
History and Heritage
Delve into the captivating past of Lincoln County, New Mexico. From the historic Mescalero Apache Tribe and the Lincoln and Fort Stanton Historic Sites, history buffs can embark on a journey of discovery during a Ruidoso visit.
Discover Lincoln County, New Mexico – a region steeped in rich history and vibrant heritage. Embark on a captivating three-day trip itinerary based in Ruidoso, where the spirit of the American West comes alive.
The Fort Stanton State Historic Site is a must-see historic attraction when visiting Lincoln County. Few sites in the nation encompass the breadth of history seen at the Fort.
Lincoln, the most widely visited historic site in New Mexico, is part of a community frozen in time—the 1870s and 1880s. The historic site includes 17 structures and outbuildings, four of which are open year-round and two more seasonally as museums.
Family Fun
Plan a family holiday with these itineraries and ideas packed with activities and attractions from historic sites to adventure parks.
Looking for things to do in Ruidoso during the Memorial Day weekend? Read on and start planning your three-day weekend.
Don’t miss Ruidoso’s unique attraction, the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake, a floating, inflatable platform perfect for family fun, birthday parties, and special events. Open in summer only (Memorial Day to Labor Day Monday). Check the Parks and Recreation Facebook page for any weather-related announcements or changes in hours.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors in Ruidoso. Get ready to immerse yourself in stunning mountain scenery, encounter wildlife, and enjoy the cool high-altitude climate. Ruidoso is a great place to escape the heat and have some fun in the mountains. Here are some of the top summer outdoor activities in Ruidoso.
Get ready for a totally different adventure this year and head for the mountains for an unforgettable (and affordable) Ruidoso family vacation. From outdoor adventures to kid-friendly attractions and old west experiences Ruidoso offers year-round fun for families.
Seasonal Suggestions
Nestled within the majestic Sierra Blanca range, Ruidoso bursts into a riot of colors as spring and summer roll around, turning its trails and meadows into vibrant canvases of wildflowers. Eager to immerse yourself in this floral extravaganza? Let this guide be your ticket to the best wildflower sightseeing adventures in Ruidoso.
Join us in vibrant Ruidoso this spring, where nature comes alive with breathtaking outdoor adventures, cultural delights, and pure relaxation. Discover our curated itinerary for an unforgettable getaway filled with excitement and rejuvenation.
Immerse yourself in nature, savor the local flavors, and slow down enough to appreciate every moment. If you want to return from your Ruidoso vacation feeling like you actually unplugged while still seeing the sights, then this two-day experience is for you. Get ready to unwind.
Some 377 species of birds have been observed on the refuge since 1940. The wetlands attract huge flocks of wintering cranes and geese, the refuge's most exciting features. Many other species—notably waterfowl, shorebirds, and birds of prey—also winter in the refuge. Striking vagrants, such as groove-billed and have been found there.