Alamogordo may not have much to do in the city proper, but it’s a wonderful base from which a visitor may explore the area. This New Mexico city is close to several attractions that put Southeastern New Mexico on the map. At the top of the list is the otherworldly White Sands National Park, which is barely a 20-minute drive from this destination. Alamogordo also boasts proximity to the Sacramento Mountains, and several trails start at the city, allowing lovers of hiking and mountain biking to keep themselves busy. Still, those who don’t want to go far have a few places to visit within Alamogordo, from a charming zoo to a space museum.
So, this small city may seem like it’s a one-day destination when it’s actually a great place to set up camp and experience some of the amazing things that one can do in New Mexico. To help visitors make the most of their visit, this ultimate guide to Alamogordo has information on everything one needs to know when planning a trip.
What To Know When Visiting Alamogordo, New Mexico
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The White Sands Motel sign in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Alamogordo was established in the late 1800s and its history is peppered with World War II stories, the most infamous being the testing of the first atomic bomb in 1945 near the city.
However, it has moved on past this event and is now the home of just over 30,000 people.
The city is found in the Chihuahuan Desert, sitting in the Tularosa Basin. Therefore, it enjoys close to 300 sunny days annually.
Tourists often visit the city to explore attractions like White Sands National Park, Lincoln National Forest, and San Andrés National Wildlife Refuge, which are a short drive from Alamogordo.
Visitors on a road trip around New Mexico can make these attractions their destinations, and make Alamogordo their stop on the circuit.
When To Visit Alamogordo
Landscape
Landscape view of Alamogordo, New Mexico during sunset
Alamogordo is often sunny, and it can get quite hot in summer. Therefore, the best time to visit is when the city is cooler, in spring or autumn, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors.
Spring (March to May)
This is an excellent time to visit Alamogordo as the temperatures are bearable. On average, the highs during this season range from the high 60s (20 degrees Celsius) in March to the high 80s (30 degrees Celsius) in late May.
March and April are the most ideal months to visit in spring.
Summer (June to August)
This season is characterized by high temperatures in the 90s (35 Celsius). The heat makes spending time outdoors uncomfortable, and activities like hiking are less enjoyable. Plus, the chances of rain are higher in July and August.
Related: These Are The 10 Most Beautiful Towns In New Mexico You Should Visit
Autumn (September to November)
Temperatures start to drop in fall, although September is still quite warm, with highs of about 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). October and November have cooler weather; October has highs of 77 Fahrenheit (25 Celsius) and November has highs of 64 Fahrenheit (18 Celsius).
The lower temperatures of fall make this a good season to visit Alamogordo.
Winter (December to February)
Since Alamogordo sits in a desert, its winters are mild with average temperatures in the 40s Fahrenheit range (5 Celsius). The temperatures might dip to the 30s at night, but daytime remains bearable. Plus, since it doesn’t snow, the outdoor attractions remain accessible in winter.
Getting Around Alamogordo, New Mexico
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A 2013 silver 4-door Mazda 3 sedan Enterprise rental car, parked at the Backcountry Camping Loop parking area, at White Sands National Monument.
Visitors flying into the region may have to land at El Paso International Airport, which is about 90 miles from Alamogordo. The drive lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The city does have its own airport, the Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport, but there’s no clear indication of the flights that serve the airport, or whether it has any commercial flights.
For those driving themselves, US Routes 70, 54, and 82 all pass through Alamogordo.
Since Alamogordo is a small city, it’s easy to explore it on foot. This is a convenient and inexpensive way of seeing the sights within the city’s downtown area.
By Car
The best way to get around Alamogordo is by car because a lot of the major sights are outside the city. Visitors can rent a vehicle from companies like Hertz and Enterprise, which have offices in the city.
Those flying into New Mexico via the El Paso International Airport or Albuquerque International Sunport can rent a car at either one of those airports and drive to Alamogordo.
Public Transport
The city offers a public bus known as Z Trans, which runs on 7 routes around Alamogordo. These buses operate from Mondays to Saturdays, 7 am to 6 pm on some routes and from 6 am to 5 pm on other routes.
Fares cost $1 for a single ride and a 25-ride pass costs $20.
Where To Eat In Alamogordo
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New Mexico pistachio tree farm in Alamogordo with Heart of the Desert sign.
Breakfast: Rustic Café
Rustic Café is more than just a small-town restaurant, it’s a multi-location eatery with branches in Texas and right here in Alamogordo. Their experience is evident in the food, which is made up of Mexican and classic American cuisines.
For breakfast, they have three omelet options: Western Omelet, Philly Steak Omelet, and Veggie Omelet. Those with big appetites can have their breakfast platters, like The Big Rustic Platter, which has 3 eggs, 2 types of meat, bacon, a sausage, hash browns, and toast.
Address: 3500 N White Sands Blvd, Alamogordo, NM 88310, United States Hours: 5 am – 10 pm (daily)
Lunch: Rizo’s Restaurant
Rizo’s specializes in Mexican dishes, and the restaurant’s specials have earned lots of praise from past customers. The eatery has eat-in, pickup, and delivery options.
Some of their most popular dishes are their burritos, which have rice beans, and a choice of meat (pork, beef, or chicken). There are also veggie burritos for non-meat eaters.
Specials like Alfredo’s Gorditas, Rizo’s Nachos, Rizo’s Burger, and their Tostadas rank highly among past customers.
Address: 1480 N White Sands Blvd, Alamogordo, NM 88310, United States Hours: Tue – Thu: 11 am – 7 pm; Fri & Sat: 11 am – 7:30 pm; Sun: 9 am – 4 pm
Related: Santa Fe, New Mexico: Where To Get The Best Enchilada
Dinner: Thai Cuisine
For Thai dishes in Alamogordo, Thai Cuisine is an excellent place to satisfy one’s cravings. It’s a simple restaurant with a cozy ambiance and sumptuous food. Visitors can get a to-go meal or opt to dine in — the food quality is the same either way.
The restaurant serves meat dishes that have chicken, pork, or beef with stir-fried vegetables. Diners can opt to have tofu in place of meat. And, as is customary in Asian cuisine, there are noodles and fried rice on the menu.
Address: 604 E 1st St, Alamogordo, NM 88310, United States Hours: Tue – Fri: 11 am – 2 pm, 4 pm – 8:30 pm; Sat: 2 pm – 8:30 pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Dinner/Drinks: D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro
The charming D.H. Lescombes is a place to enjoy good food like Chicken Parmesan, Pasta New Mexico, Pecan Crusted Chicken, or the Bistro Burger, which has wagyu beef! Moreover, this is a winery as well, so their wines are worth enjoying on an evening in Alamogordo.
Some of the options include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and so many more. Lovers of cocktails can have concoctions like Moscow Mule, Paloma Reposado, and Campfire Sling.
Address: 261 Panorama Blvd, Alamogordo, NM 88310, United States Hours: Mon – Thu: 11 am – 9 pm; Fri & Sat: 11 am – 10 pm; Sun: 11 am – 8 pm
Things To Do In Alamogordo, New Mexico
Photo by Raychel Sanner on Unsplash
White Sands National Park in New Mexico
Visit White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is one of the most popular attractions in this region, and it’s just 15 miles from Alamogordo. This site is made up of white gypsum sands that give it an ethereal appeal.
The white desert has spectacular dunes, just like any other desert, with trails that allow visitors to explore these breathtaking features.
One of them is a raised boardwalk known as the Interdune. However, White Sands National Park offers more than just hiking; visitors can go sledding on the white sands.
There are also animals that call this park home, for instance coyotes, badgers, and even roadrunners.
Address: New Mexico, United States Hours: 7 am – 6 pm (daily) Admission: $25 per private vehicle; $15 per person without a private vehicle; $20 per motorcycle
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Mountain range in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Alamogordo is found on the foothills of the Sacramento Mountains and several trails are close to the town center. There’s the Indian Wells Canyon Trail, a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) trail that takes about half an hour to complete.
Some trails farther away are the Salado Canyon Trail (12 miles away), the Bridal Veil Falls Trail (14 miles away), and Grand View Trail (14 miles away).
Related: 10 Historic Sites In New Mexico You Need To See
Tour Alameda Park Zoo
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USA, New Mexico, Alamogordo, Alameda Park Zoo. African eastern golden weaver with nesting grass in beak
Found within Alameda Park, the Alameda Park Zoo is a delightful place to visit, not just for kids but also for adults. This site is home to roughly 300 animals, spread out in the 12-acre space.
Among the inmates are animals like the mountain lion, the red fox, the North American black bear, the African crested porcupine, and the Vervet monkey, plus several bird species.
The site also has a picnic pavilion and space for barbecues
Address: 1321 N White Sands Boulevard Alamogordo, NM 88310 Hours: 9 am – 5 pm (daily) Admission: Children (4 and under): Free; Children (5 to 12 years): $2.50; Adults (13 to 59 years): $4; Seniors (60 and older): $2.50
Explore The New Mexico Museum of Space History
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New Mexico Museum of Space History, a museum and planetarium complex in Alamogordo
America’s space program was first based in the Tularosa Basin and the New Mexico Museum of Space History showcases all the advancements of space travel since those early days.
This museum teaches visitors how far rockets have come as well as what it takes to work in space. There are also some cool exhibits like an actual moon rock!
This site is also home to the New Horizons Dome Theater & Planetarium, which boasts a Spitz 4k projection system.
Address: 3198 State Rte 2001, Alamogordo, NM Hours: Mon & Wed – Sat: 10 am – 5 pm; Sun: 12 pm – 5 pm (closed on Tue) Admission (museum + planetarium): $11 (adults 13 to 59), $9 (Seniors (60+), $7 (Children 4 to 12), Free (children 3 and under)
Where To Stay In Alamogordo
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Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott exterior view in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Hotels
Tavares Inn
The Classic Desert Aire Hotel
Budget Inn
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamogordo, an IHG Hotel
Address: 100 Kerry Avenue, Alamogordo, NM 88310 Amenities: Laundry facilities, complimentary breakfast, gym, family rooms, free parking, business center, hot tub, indoor pool, spa Rate: From $113
Related: What It’s Like To Stay In New Mexico’s (Affordable) Kokopelli Cave Hotel
Vacation Rentals
Margarita House
Address: Alamogordo, New Mexico, United States Amenities: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 43-inch TV, in-building washer & dryer, travel crib, board games, private backyard, free street parking Rate: From $204
Luxury 3 bedroom Barndominium
Address: Alamogordo, New Mexico, United States Amenities: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, indoor electric fireplace, washer & dryer, travel crib, workspace, full kitchen, free parking Rate: $466
Quaint and Cozy Gem
Address: Alamogordo, New Mexico, United States Amenities: 1 bedroom, kitchen facilities, free parking, pet-friendly Rate: From $144
Campsites
Alamogordo / White Sands KOA Journey
Address: 412 24th St, Alamogordo, NM 88310, United States Amenities: WiFi, Cable TV, bike rentals, firewood, pool, laundry facilities, tetherball, 50 Max Amp Rate: From $30 per night
White Sands Rv Park
Address: 602 S Florida Ave, Alamogordo, NM 88310, United States Amenities: Basketball court, cable TV, clubhouse, RV hookup sites, on-site laundry, picnic area, free RV WiFi, on-site showers, playground, swimming pool Rate: From $39 daily for RV lot
Spending The Perfect Day In Alamogordo, New Mexico
Photo by Nature Photos on Unsplash
White Sands National Park, Alamogordo, United States
Start the day early with breakfast at Rustic Café before setting off for White Sands National Park to check out the stunning sight and see one of the reasons why New Mexico is considered the land of enchantment.
At lunchtime, drive back to Alamogordo and get some take-out at Rizo’s to enjoy at Alameda Park Zoo’s picnic pavilion. After the meal, visit the animals at the zoo then spend the rest of the afternoon at the New Mexico Space Museum of History.
Freshen up then take a relaxing stroll in the downtown area before dinner and drinks at D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro. After dinner, catch a movie at Aviator 10 – Allen Theaters, then have some drinks to end the day.
FAQ
Q: What is special about Alamogordo New Mexico?
Alamogordo is a small city in the Tularosa Basin of the Chihuahuan Desert, and it sits on the foothills of the Sacramento Mountains. This city is special because it offers a desert landscape on one side and a lush forest landscape in the Lincoln National Forest on the other side.
Q: Is Alamogordo in the mountains?
No, Alamogordo isn’t a US mountain town, it’s found in the Tularosa Basin at the base of the Sacramento Mountains.
Q: Can you take sand from White Sands National Park?
No, it is prohibited to take sand from White Sands National Park in order to preserve the park.
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Publish date : 2023-02-26 03:00:00
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