WHAT MOVES YOU?
A small village with a big personality, Ruidoso has bucket-loads of experiences to offer when it comes to vacations – so how will you know where to start?
Don’t fear – we’ve lined up an array of itineraries to help you plan your ideal Ruidoso trip, be that a weekend, a week, or a longer remote work stay.
A Taste of Ruidoso
Ranging from cafes to fine dining, these Ruidoso eateries offer foodies experiences to savor. This three-day itinerary showcases a few insider favorites, plus insider tips for places to sip.
If you love to discover a place food-first, a great way to get started is with a visit to these Best of Ruidoso People's Choice Awards winners!
Slow Travel Suggestions
Travel slowly and give special moments the time they deserve. We have some top suggestions for ideas well worth your time and energy.
Escape to Ruidoso's winter serenity in the Sierra Blanca mountains. Relax with peaceful strolls on snow-covered trails, breathe in crisp air, and enjoy a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride. Rejuvenate with spa treatments that soothe the spirit, and cozy up by the fire as night falls. Surrounded by stunning scenery and local charm, Ruidoso is the ideal mountain retreat for a tranquil winter getaway.
Escape the daily grind and embrace autumn in Ruidoso, New Mexico, a vacation destination that promises to engage all your senses. With crisp mountain air, vibrant fall colors, and numerous outdoor activities, Ruidoso is the quintessential fall getaway. Here’s a three-day autumn trip itinerary that guarantees a revitalizing reconnection with nature.
Discover the charm of Ruidoso, where grandparents and grandchildren bond on a skip-gen multigenerational adventure. Enjoy quaint downtown shops, rich cultural sites, thrilling family activities, and resilient natural beauty. Cozy accommodations and scenic drives complete this unforgettable journey. Start planning your Ruidoso adventure today!
The Ultimate 2-Day Getaway
Planning a short break in Ruidoso? Discover the best of Ruidoso in 2 days. Between year-round outdoor adventures, shopping, plus a vibrant food, drink and live music culture, it’s possible to spend every vacation in Ruidoso and discover something new each time. If you only have a couple of days, however, you can still drive away with a well-rounded Ruidoso experience.
Money-Saving Ideas
Snuggle in front of a fire. Build a snowman. Take a walk in the forest. Stargaze. Ruidoso embraces winter weather with plenty of no-cost activities to keep your vacation on budget.
Star gaze. Spot wildlife. Grab a selfie. Bring the kids to the park. Take a walk in the forest. Ruidoso embraces the season with plenty of no-cost activities to keep your vacation on budget.
Area Explorations
Take time to travel around the region and discover the diversity of local communities. Get involved in events, meet new people, and experience what life here is really like.
Was it a flying saucer? Was it a weather balloon? What happened? Discover for yourself at the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, an easy day trip from Ruidoso.
History and Heritage
Delve into the captivating past of Lincoln County, New Mexico. From the historic Mescalero Apache Tribe and the Lincoln and Fort Stanton Historic Sites, history buffs can embark on a journey of discovery during a Ruidoso visit.
Discover Ruidoso’s rich history at the newly opened Wingfield Heritage House Museum at 2813 Sudderth Drive. Opened on October 17, 2024, this beautifully restored 1920s gem, originally built by Ike and Lula Wingfield, offers engaging exhibits on the family’s legacy, ancient cultures, and the town's evolution. Visitors are invited to explore, connect, and contribute to preserving Ruidoso’s vibrant heritage.
Lincoln, the most widely visited historic site in New Mexico, is part of a community frozen in time—the 1870s and 1880s. The historic site includes 17 structures and outbuildings, four of which are open year-round and two more seasonally as museums.
Discover Lincoln County, New Mexico – a region steeped in rich history and vibrant heritage. Embark on a captivating three-day trip itinerary based in Ruidoso, where the spirit of the American West comes alive.
Family Fun
Plan a family holiday with these itineraries and ideas packed with activities and attractions from historic sites to adventure parks.
Experience the holiday magic of Ruidoso in Santa’s Cousin, a heartwarming Christmas romantic comedy that brings the village’s festive charm to life. Follow Santa’s cousin on a journey to save the town’s beloved Christmas Jubilee and discover love along the way. Starring Jonathan Stoddard, Alexandra Harris, and Eric Roberts, this enchanting film celebrates the spirit of Ruidoso’s holiday traditions.
Experience a magical family winter getaway in Ruidoso, NM! This kid-friendly itinerary is packed with snowy adventures, festive lights, and cozy dining—from tubing and ice skating to exploring historic sites. Get ready for unforgettable family fun in this charming mountain town!
Dust off your skates! The outdoor ice rink at Wingfield Park returns for the 2024-2025 winter season. Opening day is Friday, November 29, 2024. A visitor Day Pass is $20, with a $20 season pass for Ruidoso residents. Here’s everything you need to know.
During the winter holiday season, there are sleigh rides through the historic upper canyon with Grindstone Stables. No snow is required to enjoy a crisp winter evening and the holiday decorations of Ruidoso's oldest neighborhood.
Seasonal Suggestions
Experience a magical Christmas in Ruidoso with winter adventures, festive events, and cozy mountain cabins. Hit the slopes at Ski Apache, enjoy the holiday charm of Midtown's lights and find unique gifts in local shops. Relax by the fire in a rustic cabin and explore scenic drives. From snow sports to festive dining, Ruidoso offers everything for a memorable holiday escape!
Experience a magical family winter getaway in Ruidoso, NM! This kid-friendly itinerary is packed with snowy adventures, festive lights, and cozy dining—from tubing and ice skating to exploring historic sites. Get ready for unforgettable family fun in this charming mountain town!
Escape to Ruidoso's winter serenity in the Sierra Blanca mountains. Relax with peaceful strolls on snow-covered trails, breathe in crisp air, and enjoy a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride. Rejuvenate with spa treatments that soothe the spirit, and cozy up by the fire as night falls. Surrounded by stunning scenery and local charm, Ruidoso is the ideal mountain retreat for a tranquil winter getaway.
Lincoln, the most widely visited historic site in New Mexico, is part of a community frozen in time—the 1870s and 1880s. The historic site includes 17 structures and outbuildings, four of which are open year-round and two more seasonally as museums.