Las Cruces, New Mexico
Smalltown charm, big city adventure
An enchanting crossroads of culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Located in the Mesilla Valley of southern New Mexico, Las Cruces is a city rich in history and striking desert scenery.
Flavorful Southwestern cuisine and culture are on full display at local restaurants, galleries, and city murals. There is over twenty thousand years of recorded human history to explore, from ancient human footprints at White Sands National Park to the area’s current key role in space innovation. The area has long been home to the Piro-Manso-Tiwa tribe and Chiricahua and Mescalero Apache, whose enduring traditions and culture continue to influence the region.
What makes Las Cruces special?
Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks National Monument
Towering peaks, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife make this monument a must-visit for outdoor lovers.
Historic Mesilla
Walk the streets of this nearby historic town where Billy the Kid once roamed, while sampling authentic New Mexican cuisine.
White Sands National Park
Just a short drive away, this otherworldly landscape of white gypsum dunes is perfect for sledding, hiking, and photography.
Space tourism
Clear starry skies have long made southern New Mexico central to aerospace exploration, a continuing history that visitors can investigate at local space museums and with a tour to the world’s first commercial spaceport.
1 of
Parks near Las Cruces
Legend
- Partner Park
- Gateway City
More to know
Exploring New Mexico's History at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Journey into the heart of New Mexico with this three-day itinerary. Enjoy historic cliff dwellings, scenic trails, and learn about the state's mining history.
Exploring the Southwest's National Parks & Monuments
Discover diverse landscapes and rich Indigenous heritage of the Southwest on this two-week journey through three states.
1 of
