Due to its ability to offer every iconic vacation activity (think arts and culture, outdoor adventure, James Beard nominated restaurants for the entire family…and don’t forget Breaking Bad!), Albuquerque is a destination that has arrived on the national radar. Interestingly enough, despite all the attention, ABQ has remained one of North America’s most affordable destinations – average nightly room rates are only $81. Here are five affordable (and even free) activities experience in Duke City this summer:
1. Ballooning – As the “Ballooning Capital of the World” it’s fitting that the Anderson–Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum explores one of the city’s most popular activities through its history in adventure, arts, scientific experiments, warfare and even space exploration.
- Bonus Freebie: On any given day in Albuquerque, as visitors hike trails or stroll down historic Old Town, they are likely to see colorful hot air balloons dotting the sky.
2. Breaking Bad Film Location Tours –Just because Walt and Jesse aren’t on primetime anymore, doesn’t mean visitors still can’t geek out over all things “Breaking Bad.” The primary filming location for AMC’s award-winning show, visitors to Albuquerque can take a free self-guided walking tour of various filming locations around town and shop at boutiques offering series-themed goodies like candy “Blue Sky” and “Breaking Bad bath salts.
3. Hiking + History – Part outdoor activity - part history lesson, on a hike through the Petroglyph National Monument, visitors take in more than 20,000 images of animals, figurines and mysterious shapes all carved into stone more than a millennium ago
4. Free Wine Tours + Tastings – Albuquerque is the oldest wine growing region in the United States and Corrales Winery offers complimentary tours and tastings which highlight some of the best wine in the area.
- Bonus Freebie: For those more inclined to a cold brew, every Thursday evening the team at Marble Pub and Brewery shows off their brewery through weekly tours and a beer sampling.
5. Cruise Route 66 –For the ultimate in nostalgic travel, cruise (or walk) down old Route 66 where historic neon signs illuminate the night along the route which also connects Albuquerque’s trendy Nob Hill area, historic Old Town, the University of New Mexico and volcanoes on the city's far west side.
Admin : May 17, 2018
