Looking for the best things to do in Alamogordo, New Mexico? This small desert town near White Sands National Park is full of surprising attractions! From space history and pistachio farms to scenic mountain drives. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a Southwest Road Trip, here are the top things to do in Alamogordo.

Who Loves Pistachios? Alamogordo is also home to the world’s largest pistachio!!!

I guarantee you’ll find some surprises in this town!

White Sands National Park is what brings most visitors to the area it is one of the most unique national parks in the United States and it’s absolutely worth a visit. A sunset visit is absolutely spectacular here! And, if you bring the kids, or the ones that are kids at heart- buy a sled at the visitor center, wax it up, and enjoy some sand sledding!

For the insider tips to be prepared for your visit to White Sands, read this article here.

We had such a great time at the McGinn’s PistachioLand! We sampled delicious pistachio ice cream, took a farm tour and learned all about the process of growing pistachio trees (More interesting than I was expecting!) and were able to get free samples of the nuts, fudge, and wine that they sell at this property! This was fun for the whole family!

In addition to Pistachioland, there are several other pistachio farms and wineries in the area. We also stopped in to purchase some pistachios at Heart of the Desert, their garlic and green chile pistachios are delicious! You can sample wines there too

Perched on a hillside overlooking Alamogordo, the New Mexico Museum of Space History is a must-visit for anyone curious about space exploration. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on everything from early rocket tests to the future of human spaceflight—plus a fascinating tribute to the monkeys and astronauts who helped pave the way. The museum also houses a planetarium and the International Space Hall of Fame.

We love the green chile & garlic pistachios from Heart of the Desert, but this is also a winery! If you love to sample wine, stop in and try some!

Just 25 minutes from Alamogordo, the drive up to Cloudcroft is one of the most scenic in southern New Mexico! As you climb from the desert floor into the Lincoln National Forest, the landscape shifts dramatically from white gypsum dunes and scrub brush to cool mountain air and towering pine trees. The winding road offers sweeping views back toward the Tularosa Basin and White Sands, especially at sunset. Once in Cloudcroft, you’ll find a charming mountain village with small shops, hiking trails, and a refreshing escape from the desert heat- often 15–20 degrees cooler than Alamogordo below.

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If you are visiting Alamogordo or White Sands, and looking for a place to stay, here are my recommendations for comfort and reliability. These are solid, dependable options with updated rooms and a more consistent experience.:

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Alamogordo
• Holiday Inn Express Alamogordo

A note on smaller local motels
There are several locally owned options in town that can be more affordable and may include breakfast. In our experience, they can vary quite a bit in quality and tend to feel more dated. For a quick overnight stay they may work fine, but if comfort and consistency are important, I would lean toward one of the newer chain hotels.

If you are exploring more of the Southwest you may be interested in learning about Chaco Canyon, Museum Hill in Santa Fe, or Meteor Crater in Arizona! More Southwest destinations coming soon!

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