Vacation 2023: Destination Alamogordo!

WHETHER you are looking for an outdoor adventure, historical journey, or just to enjoy a local brew while gazing toward the cosmos, consider immersing yourself in the art, culture, history, surreal natural beauty, and simple wholesome charm of Alamogordo. Founded in 1898 as a railroad town in southern New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin, Alamogordo is situated in the foothills of the Sacramento Mountains, with Holloman Air Force Base just to the west. The town’s unusual name translates to “fat cottonwood” – ‘alamo’ meaning cottonwood and ‘gordo’ meaning fat.

Ready for some outdoor fun? Grab a picnic basket, lots of water, and a sled, and head out to White Sands National Park with its spectacular glistening white gypsum dunes just 15 miles away.

the history of the Native Americans who lived in the area, as well as the railroad, La Luz pottery, and ranching. Don’t miss the interactive NM Museum of Space History and New Horizons giant screen dome theater and planetarium. Explore the rocket park, pose as an astronaut on the moon, and try to land a shuttle. This Smithsonian affiliate museum educates and entertains adults and children alike.

Explore and sled the dunes, hike the trails, visit the museum, and then take a ranger-guided sunset stroll. Strolls are offered daily. Full moon hikes are offered April to December, and guided tours of Lake Lucero are available from November to March. Check the park website, https://www.nps.gov/whsa/ index.htm, for more details.

Enjoy more outdoor fun at the historic Alameda Park Zoo, hiking or camping at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, and ancient rock carvings at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site.

For a little indoor culture, visit the Tularosa Basin Museum of History housed in a historic 1938 Pueblo Revival style building. Visitors can view artifacts from the days of early man, to Alamogordo's role in the Atomic and Space Ages. Delve into

The region is ideal for growing pistachios, pecans, and grapes. You can sample uniquely flavored nuts, enjoy sweet treats, sip some wine, and take a guided tour of local nut farms. Don’t forget to take a selfie in front of the World’s Largest Pistachio! Wrap up your day by enjoying a magical sunset, a delicious meal, and live music at one of the local breweries, taprooms, or wineries.

Schedule your trip to enjoy special events. Take in a world-class show at the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts or a tailgate concert throughout the summer. On the second Saturday of each month, Roadrunner Emporium hosts a walking ghost tour in Alamogordo’s historic district. Family-friendly nights with live music, food and craft vendors happen on the fourth Friday of each month all summer long at the Alameda Park Zoo, and don’t miss the annual White Sands Balloon & Music Festival on September 15-17.

Visit AlamogordoNMTrue.com, or call 1.800.826.0294 for more information.