The most populous city in New Mexico, Albuquerque has all the benefits of its Southwestern location: sunny skies year-round, dry and mild weather, and gorgeous scenery. Spend at least two days in Albuquerque to get a sample of both its urban and natural charms.
Renting an RV in Albuquerque is one of the best ways to explore the city and its environs. With your own recreational vehicle, you’ll have your accommodations covered for the trip. Forget spending hundreds of dollars on pricy hotel rooms. You can also enjoy cooking your own meals and saving on eating at restaurants.
Search RV rentals in the Albuquerque area.
Preparing for Your Albuquerque RV Trip
No matter the type of vehicle you’re looking for, you can find it on RVshare. If you prefer a motorized RV, your choices include Class C vehicles from brands like Thor that sleep four and include amenities like a slide-out, a bathroom with a shower, and an iPod docking station. If you need something bigger, check out the Class A RVs from Winnebago and Coachmen. Travel trailer options from Dutchmen and Keystone are also available.
These resources can help you as you plan your trip to Albuquerque:
• Find Out Step by Step How to Rent an RV
• What Happens After You Book Your RV?
• Discover the Convenience of Rental Delivery
In addition to renting your RV, don’t forget about reserving your campsite. There’s no shortage of RV parks here, including the American RV Resort, the Albuquerque KOA Journey, and the Isleta Lakes & RV Park. Not sure how to pick a campsite? Read our guide to selecting the ideal campground.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Albuquerque.
Day 1: ABQ’s Old Town
Morning: See the San Felipe de Neri Church
There’s no better place to start your exploration of Albuquerque than in the Old Town historic district, location of the first town site. Start your morning by admiring the San Felipe de Neri Church, constructed in 1793. Explore the courtyard and check out the exhibits at the small museum there, and peek inside when the church is open to visitors, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Note that the church is part of an active Catholic parish, with Mass held almost daily.
Lunch: Grab a Bite at the Church Street Cafe
Break for lunch at the Church Street Cafe that serves authentic New Mexican cuisine. Try the Handmade Tamale Plate or a juicy Pueblo Burger that comes with Indian fry bread. Lighter options include the “Q” Salad, and desserts include buñuelos and fried ice cream.
Afternoon: Check Out the Rattlesnake Museum
If you’re not a fan of snakes, you may become one after visiting the American International Rattlesnake Museum. See all sorts of various creepy crawlies, all safely behind glass. In addition to snakes, you can meet a real-life Gila monster, one of the few venomous species of lizards. Pick up a snake-themed souvenir at the gift shop before you leave.
Set Up Camp
When you made your reservation for your Albuquerque RV campground, you should have received confirmation as well as information on the park’s check-in policy. Refer to this to verify the check-in time, what you need to provide to the host, finding your reserved site, etc. If you’re new to the world of RVs and you’re unsure about how to get one to your campsite, note that delivery of the RV might be available. Check with the vehicle’s owner to see if this is something they can do for you as part of your rental.
Dinner: Enjoy a Classic Pizza
With your RV, you can easily enjoy dinner at your campsite if you wish. If you’d rather go out, end your day in Old Town with dinner at the Old Town Pizza Parlor. Not only can you get pies of various sizes and toppings here, but the restaurant also serves calzones, pastas, and sandwiches. Reward yourself with a sweet treat at the nearby Old Town Ice Cream Parlor.
Day 2: See Albuquerque’s Natural Side
Morning: Hike the Petroglyph National Monument
Get some fresh air and stretch your legs on a hike at Petroglyph National Monument. See some of the park’s namesake petroglyphs on some of the trails, which vary from 1 mile to 4 miles. Check the park’s NPS site before visiting for information on trail closures.
Lunch: Have a Hearty Lunch at Jinja
On your return from visiting Petroglyph National Monument, stop for lunch at Jinja Bar & Bistro on the city’s Westside. Cool down with a Duke Blue Hawaiian cocktail or a refreshing mojito. The menu features Asian-inspired dishes like Singapore Noodles, Mongolian Beef, Sesame Chicken, and Thai Red Beef.
Afternoon: View the Botanic Garden Exhibits
Check out a wide variety of plant and flower species at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. Take a tour of the Japanese Garden, or stroll the park’s 32 acres at your own pace and admire the plants on exhibit that come from around the world. The park also displays species from the American Southwest.
Evening: Relax at Your Campsite
After a long day of exploring, it’s time to relax. If your camping spot has a grill, fire it up for a barbecue dinner, and dine outside under the stars.
Day 3 and Beyond in Albuquerque
Sometimes, two days isn’t enough to see all that a city offers. Extend your Albuquerque itinerary to a third day so that you can see even more of the city’s sights.
• Learn more about the state’s official gem, turquoise – The Turquoise Museum is unique in that it’s dedicated to showcasing New Mexico’s state gemstone. Sign up for a guided tour, or browse the collection on your own.
• Everything you want to know about the atomic age – Stop by the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History if you’re curious about nuclear technology. Exhibits range from Cold War history to nuclear waste disposal processes.
Fall Activities
One of the city’s biggest events, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place each fall. There’s nothing like the sight of colorful hot-air balloons, representing various characters and coming in different shapes, floating up toward the brilliant blue sky. Given the popularity of the festival, it’s wise to reserve your RV campsite well in advance if you’re visiting the city during this time.
Indoor Activities
Check out the museum exhibits at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to learn more about the state’s 19 Native American pueblos. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science features a planetarium in addition to exhibits on fossils and the state’s plants and animals — including dinosaurs!
Arrange for your Albuquerque RV rental today so that you can come prepared to explore the city and surrounding area on your own terms. The itinerary outlined here will give you a taste of what you can see, and if you like it, plan a future trip when you can spend even more time exploring.
