Since beginning school at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico three years ago, I have learned to navigate my way around the city. Through my adventures I have made a list of fun things to do during the summer when the hot days of over 100 degrees seem to drag on forever.
Many of these I do on a regular basis, but there are still a few I am excited to try for the first time this summer!
1. White Sands: The White Sands National Monument is only 30 minutes north east of Las Cruces. You can spend hours playing in the mounds of sand. Bring along a few sleds, and the giant mounds of sand become tracks to slide down at full speed. Just make sure to bring along some sunscreen, it can get hot on the bright sand.
2. Old Mesilla: Old Mesilla is full of hidden shops and restaurants. The people are kind and the merchandise is incredible. This location truly captures the southwestern New Mexico culture and history. A local photographer’s playground, you will often see people getting their pictures taken and once I even saw a movie being filmed. It is a wonderful to park and wander around for a few hours.
3. Play at the park: There are many parks in Las Cruces that provide a great place to play or even have a picnic. To name a few: Pioneer Women’s Park is located in the center of the city on Main Street and is full of bright green grass to relax on and spend the afternoon. Unidad Park is great for children, providing a massive wooden playground that can entertain for hours.
4. Farmers Market: The Las Cruces Farmers Market is held every Saturday and Wednesday morning from 8:30-1:00. The market is full of baked goods, fresh produce, photography, jewelry, crafts, and music. It is held at the downtown mall on Main Street. There is never a shortage of things to look at and interesting people to meet.
5. Dripping Springs Natural Area: Dripping Springs is a great place to go hiking on the trails, or just enjoy the great outdoors. Most locals enjoy walking the Dripping Springs Trail itself, though it is over a 3 mile hike there and back. But from what I understand the view is well worth the distance. If you enjoy being outside and want to take in a view of the city, this would be perfect.
6. Wine Tasting: Las Cruces is home to at least seven wineries. Because of the growing wine industry within New Mexico, there are two annual wine festivals held in Las Cruces each year. One is during Memorial Day weekend and the other is during Labor Day weekend. Many of the wineries have also joined together and created a wine passport that gets a stamp each time you visit a new winery in New Mexico.
7. Catch a Matinee: Allen Theaters has three choices in the Las Cruces area. Two are regular theaters while the third shows older releases at a discounted price. Going to a movie is a great way to finish the day.
Have you been to Las Cruces? What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
Taysha Ham hails from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
A student at New Mexico State University, Taysha is majoring in agricultural communications with a minor in journalism.
This summer she is completing a social media internship for Venture Time Travel.
To learn more about Las Cruces, check out this book”;.
Las Cruces (NM) (Images of America)
Other posts by Taysha that you may want to check out”;.
- Top 6 Fun Things To Do in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
- Destination Discovery: Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico
- 7 Travel Apps You Need Before Your Next Travel Adventure
- Weekend Wanderings – Santa Fe, New Mexico
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