I’ll be honest, most people don’t put New Mexico on their travel list, and I think that’s exactly why you should. I’ve lived here for most of my life, and I’m still finding places that stop me in my tracks. What makes this state unlike anywhere else in America is the layering of cultures that shaped it. Native American civilizations that built cities in the desert centuries before Europeans arrived, and the Spanish conquest that left its mark on everything from the architecture, to the food, to the names of the mountains. That collision of worlds is still visible everywhere you look, and it gives New Mexico a depth that’s hard to find anywhere else in this country.

We also have white sand dunes that look like another planet, mountain towns tucked into the pines, and a food culture that will genuinely ruin green chile for you everywhere else. New Mexico isn’t what you picture when you think of the Southwest- it’s stranger, richer, and a whole lot more surprising than that. Explore New Mexico with me!

I’ve organized this guide into three regions — Northern, Central, and Southern New Mexico — because the state really does feel like three different places. The north is all high desert, history, and art. The south is big skies, national parks, and open road. And Albuquerque sits in the middle doing its own thing entirely. Start wherever calls to you — there’s no wrong answer.

New Mexico is my home state so I have strong opinions here. If I had to give someone three places to start, it would be these:

• Chaco Canyon– Most people have never heard of it and that’s a shame. This is one of the most significant archaeological sites in North America and it feels almost undiscovered. The drive in is rough but absolutely worth it. Ancient History is one of my favorite topics, and this site is a must see!
• Santa Fe– Santa Fe has grown on me with time. This town is one of the few towns in America that feels like another country. The cultural history here is deep and complicated. Don’t just visit the plaza, find out more about visiting Santa Fe here.
• Jemez Mountains- The Jemez is a mountain range just 1-1/2 hour from Albuquerque with gorgeous scenery and endless outdoor opportunities! There’s an incredible scenic loop you can drive from Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Albuquerque and back that loops through the mountains and Jemez Springs. One of my favorites!

Don’t know where to start? These are the favorites: