MAIN Travel North America USA New Mexico

In search of gold, Explorer Vasquez de Coronado was said to have traveled through New Mexico in 1540 convinced that the adobe pueblos were the legendary Seven Cities of Gold.

Shortly afterward, Coronado left the territory no richer, but perhaps a bit wiser.

Under the rule of Spain from the 16th century, Spanish missionaries also were helping to spread the teachings of christianity throughout the territory. 20 years before the first pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, they built North America's first church in 1598 at San Juan Pueblo.

Today, New Mexico is an industry leader in mining (not gold - but silver, uranium and copper) along with oil and gas production, construction, and tourism.

Major New Mexico tourist attractions include the Billy the Kid Museum at Fort Sumner, the Carlsbad Caverns, the state capital at Santa Fe, (also home to the Georgia O'Keefe Museum) and alpine skiing in the Rockies at Taos Ski Valley.

The state's association with UFO sightings remains another huge tourist draw at Roswell, where a purported close encounter with aliens in 1947 is commemorated in that city's popular UFO Museum.

New Mexico Land of Enchantment - Travel news & updates, featured destinations, major tourist attractions, hotels & restaurant, event schedule, festivals, maps, pictures, travel video clips.

All About New Mexico - A complete directory to the state including travel, historic walking tours, weather, pictures, city home pages, links to schools and universities, TV & radio stations.

New Mexico Attractions, Roadside America - The strange & offbeat attractions you'll find in New Mexico including the UFO Museum, Toilet Rock, Smokey the Bear's grave, and lots more.

New Mexico Cultural Treasures - Search by alphabetical listing or by region for museums, libraries and historic sites throughout the state.

Espanola Online - Explore Northern New Mexico with information on historic Chimayo, Abiquiu (home of Georgia O'Keeffe), Ghost Ranch, Los Alamos, Bandelier National Park, Puye Cliffs, Indian pueblos, Taos, Santa Fe and more, with pictures, restaurant guide and hotels.

Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau - Feature travel stories, event calendar, photos, maps, self-guided tours, hotel & restaurants, a guide to New Mexico Indian culture, practical travel info and contact numbers.

Santa Fe Visitors Information - Check out an extensive visitor guide featuring a directory of hotels & restaurants, events, attractions, entertainment, picture slideshow.

New Mexico Summer Travel Calendar:

also see -> Christmas in New Mexico

New Mexico Lakes & Beaches | New Mexico Wineries

Moving to New Mexico