Free attractions are waiting for you in Las Cruces, New Mexico! While you could spend a mint enjoying the top-tier amenities here, you don’t have to break the bank to have fun.
But you don’t want to waste your time on a dud.
Today, we’re offering seven of our best budget-friendly travel tips for your trip to Las Cruces.
Let’s hit it!
What is Las Cruces Like?
The vibrant city of Las Cruces is the second-largest municipality in New Mexico. Well over 200,000 people live here full-time, taking advantage of sunny skies and mild temperatures.
In the early 2000s, a major revitalization project brought new life to the downtown area. Today, it’s a place where cultures collide and the arts are thriving. You can see murals, sculptures, and other public art pieces around town. Multiple festivals occur throughout the year, from Cowboy Days to Day of the Dead.
Las Cruces is also a major culinary hub. World-class restaurants feature Mexican, American, and indigenous flavors.
You’ll find even more excitement once you leave the city center. Abundant natural resources surround the city. It’s in the center of the Organ Caldera, with mountain ranges springing up on all sides.
Additionally, the Chihuahuan Desert offers countless opportunities for adventure in the great outdoors. Hiking, mountain biking, and rockhounding are all popular activities.
We can come up with plenty of reasons to visit Las Cruces, and the abundance of free activities makes it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers. Here are seven top spots to hit when visiting the City of the Crosses.
#1 Visit the Roadrunner
Listed as TripAdvisor’s #1 free attraction in Las Cruces, the Roadrunner is a must-see work of art. Olin Calk built the monolithic masterpiece in 1993 with recycled materials. Since then, he’s replaced the feathers with upcycled scraps and moved it to a rest stop off I-10.
Pictures simply don’t do it justice. Measuring 20 feet tall by 40 feet long, it’s massive. Old computer keyboards, well-worn shoes, abandoned car parts, and other bits of trash make up the colossal form.
You’ll likely spot New Mexico’s state bird darting across busy highways, but you’ll never see another one like this!
Head here after exploring Las Cruces: New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle Road Trip Guide
#2 Hike Bar Canyon and Soledad Canyon
Of course, a list of free things to do in Las Cruces would be incomplete without highlighting the area’s excellent hiking trails. They’re all over the landscape, meandering through the hills and valleys outside the city.
Bar Canyon and Soledad Canyon converge at the Soledad Canyon Day Use Area in the Organ Mountains. This is an excellent starting point for outdoor adventures.
The Soledad Canyon Loop Trail is a moderate 3.2-mile hike. It takes most folks about an hour and a half to complete. Along the way, you’ll see craggy rock formations, unusual cacti, and the crumbling remains of an early 20th-century homestead. Depending on the time of year, you might spot sprawling fields of wildflowers or a frozen waterfall.
#3 Tour the City Murals
You already know that Las Cruces is a haven for art enthusiasts, and a tour of these sites is the perfect free activity to enjoy while you’re here.
You’ll see creative expressions throughout the city that touch on life in the Mesilla Valley. Every neighborhood has its own vibe that comes across in these works. Colorful mosaics, cowboys, and depictions of the Lady of Guadalupe are common themes. They’re also used to denote a range of businesses, from restaurants to auto repair shops.
The two-million-gallon water tanks around the city are another canvas for local artists. But we’re not talking about teenagers with cans of spray paint. Instead, they’re decked out by highly talented creatives.
Pro Tip: Visit the official Murals of Las Cruces website for a guide to the city’s public art.
#4 Explore Mesilla (and Enjoy Amazing Mexican Food)
The village of Mesilla offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Once the capital of the Confederate Arizona Territory, this lively town packs a lot of excitement into its small footprint.
Notorious cowboy Billy the Kid was once a resident of Mesilla. In fact, he was sentenced to death here but escaped before the law carried out the conviction. You can even stroll through the very courthouse where his trial took place. It’s now a gift shop named for the outlaw.
San Albino Church, one of the oldest in the country, is another notable site. It’s right on the historic plaza where the weekly Mesilla Farmers and Crafts Market occurs. You won’t find a better place to buy original artwork, handmade jewelry, and homegrown seasonal produce.
The area also has many galleries, tea shops, and restaurants. We hear La Posta de Mesilla has some of the best Mexican food in the country!
You’ll need to pay for some experiences here, but it’s a must-see Las Cruces destination for budget travel.
#5 Get Spooked at the Lake Valley Historic Townsite
Mining was big business in New Mexico’s early days. In the 1800s, the discovery of silver made Lake Valley a boomtown. At its peak, nearly 4,000 residents called it home.
Today, all that’s left are remnants of the past. The Bureau of Land Management restored the schoolhouse and the local chapel. Both are prominent features of the self-guided walking tour, which takes around 45 minutes at a comfortable pace. Keep your eyes peeled for any ghostly apparitions that might appear.
Highway 27 is the main road that runs through Lake Valley, so you’ll probably take it to get to town. If you want to see more of the Old West, extend your scenic drive on the Backcountry Byway. All along NM 27, between NM 26 and NM 152, you’ll have spectacular views of pristine ranchland with the Mimbres and Caballo Mountains in the distance.
Did Las Cruces make our list of the 5 Best Snowbird Destinations in the Southwest?
#6 Taste Wine at Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery
The term “wine country” conjures images of Central California, but the desert Southwest puts its own spin on viticulture. In the early 1600s, Spanish priests established these vineyards, making them much older than any in Napa Valley.
Visit the Tasting Room at Rio Grande Winery to sample their creations, listen to live music, and admire the Organ Mountains from the welcoming patio. They also offer regular events, like paint and sip classes, for a fee. Grab a seat and try a glass of their Desert Nights Rosé for a truly authentic experience.
Know Before You Go: Check out the Rio Grande Winery’s calendar of events for fun activities.
#7 Support Local Artists at Art Obscura
The ultimate creative space in Las Cruces is also the perfect place to spend an afternoon for free. Part gallery space and part antique store, Art Obscura is quirky, eccentric, and inviting.
Peruse their collection of paintings, collages, knick-knacks, and more by renowned local artists. Vintage soda machines, decommissioned gas pumps, and old neon signs line the halls of this hallowed facility. You might spot memorabilia from your favorite movie, anatomical models, and cigar boxes full of trinkets.
Of course, most of the objects here are for sale. But you don’t have to spend a dime to relish the eclectic atmosphere.
Best of all, they introduce exhibits on the second Saturday of every month. So, no matter how often you stop by, there’s always something new to discover. They’re only open on the weekends, so confirm their hours before making the trip.
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Las Cruces is Top-Notch for Budget Travel
Folks looking for free things to do in Las Cruces won’t be disappointed. Budget-friendly attractions range from historical sites to contemporary art galleries and everything in between. Whether you want to get your steps in on a scenic hike or taste some of the Southwest’s finest flavors, there’s a place to indulge that won’t drain your savings!
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