Dating back 150 years and little changed since, Mesilla is a charming old adobe town. Despite the souvenir shops and tourist-oriented restaurants, its beautiful historic Plaza, 4 miles south of Las Cruces, provides a perfect opportunity to lose track of time. The 1855 San Albino Church here offers Mass in English and Spanish. Wander a few blocks in any direction to garner the essence of a mid-19th-century Southwestern border town.
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
12.61 MILES
New Mexico's newest national monument consists of several separate components, totaling almost 500,000 acres and all lying within a 50-mile radius of Las…
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
4.72 MILES
This terrific museum doesn’t just display engaging exhibits on the state’s agricultural history – it's got livestock too. Enclosures on the working farm…
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New Mexico State University Museums
2.16 MILES
If you're looking to engage the intellect, the university museums are a fantastic choice. While small, the exhibits are well curated. The Zuhl Museum, in…
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White Sands Missile Range Museum
20.05 MILES
Explore New Mexico's military technology history with a visit to this museum, 25 miles east of Las Cruces along Hwy 70. It represents the heart of the…
-
4.19 MILES
Created as part of a recycling education program, this 20ft-tall roadrunner is, appropriately, made completely out of recycled materials. The sassy bird…
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2.82 MILES
Downtown Las Cruces has three tiny museums, all next to each other: the Cultural Center, the Museum of Art, and the Museum of Nature & Science. The…
Nearby New Mexico attractions
1. New Mexico State University Museums
2.16 MILES
If you're looking to engage the intellect, the university museums are a fantastic choice. While small, the exhibits are well curated. The Zuhl Museum, in…
2.82 MILES
Downtown Las Cruces has three tiny museums, all next to each other: the Cultural Center, the Museum of Art, and the Museum of Nature & Science. The…
4.19 MILES
Created as part of a recycling education program, this 20ft-tall roadrunner is, appropriately, made completely out of recycled materials. The sassy bird…
4. New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
4.72 MILES
This terrific museum doesn’t just display engaging exhibits on the state’s agricultural history – it's got livestock too. Enclosures on the working farm…
5. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
12.61 MILES
New Mexico's newest national monument consists of several separate components, totaling almost 500,000 acres and all lying within a 50-mile radius of Las…
6. White Sands Missile Range Museum
20.05 MILES
Explore New Mexico's military technology history with a visit to this museum, 25 miles east of Las Cruces along Hwy 70. It represents the heart of the…