Summer Trip Ideas
We’ve compiled our summer vacation ideas—all our top attractions, best food, cultural happenings, most memorable activities – and popular summer events are worth traveling for. Meet the locals, find the best deals from our partners, and learn how to get here, get around, and find accommodations.
Looking for the best breakfast in Ruidoso? Whether you crave a hearty mountain-style meal, a cozy café with a fireplace, or a sunlit patio to enjoy your coffee, Ruidoso has plenty of charming spots to start your day. From classic diners to hidden gems serving homemade pastries, here’s your guide to the top breakfast restaurants in Ruidoso.
Looking for the perfect place to sip craft beer or local wine in Ruidoso? From laid-back brewpubs pouring New Mexico’s finest ales to cozy wine bars with curated selections, these top spots offer the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a drink.
What's the weather like in Ruidoso? Check out the official Village of Ruidoso Tourism Webcams from strategic points overlooking Midtown and Grindstone Lake. View Ruidoso’s daily weather forecast and learn when is the best time to visit.
Cool temperatures. Unbelievable scenery. This is the Ruidoso golf experience. With four spectacular Ruidoso area golf courses, each course is situated against breathtaking backdrops with its own personality and landscape. Discover which one is best for you.
Do less—experience more. Slow travel in Ruidoso isn’t only on-trend for 2025 but also a nostalgic tribute to the generations who traveled to our mountain village to kick back in the cool pines and savor a local lifestyle. Explore Ruidoso at your own pace and on your own terms with these ideas for a slower and more meaningful relationship with Ruidoso.
While you're in Ruidoso, check out these indie coffeehouses offering outdoor patios, welcoming interiors with cozy chairs in quiet corners, ample outlets and free WiFi, delicious pastries, baked goods and light meals—perfect for an afternoon or morning pick-me-up.
Test out your skills by throwing an axe around in Ruidoso. Rally up your friends for the latest fun in Midtown: Axe Throwing at the Win Place & Show patio. Guided and family-friendly. Friday - Sunday, Noon to 5 pm, 1 hr/$30. Reserve a lane today >>
Experience the thrill of the Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster and Tubing in Ruidoso! Ride New Mexico’s only Mountain Coaster with 5100 feet of waves, dips, and a 360-degree helix. Enjoy high-speed fun with state-of-the-art safety features. For winter excitement, try the tubing hill with magic carpet lifts and thrilling downhill rides. Perfect for family fun and adventure seekers of all ages!
Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market, where artists, bakers, wineries, and more converge on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm to provide locally made products at Country Club Park (100 Country Club Drive) in Midtown Ruidoso.
Ski Apache is known for its beautiful warm weather skiing and snowboarding as the nation’s southern-most continually operating resort, but there is plenty of summer excitement too. Here is what travelers can look forward to this summer.
Protect Ruidoso’s natural beauty by practicing wildfire safety while camping and exploring. Learn essential fire prevention tips before you go, from safe campfire practices to trail precautions. Stay informed, follow local guidelines, and enjoy a safe, responsible outdoor adventure in Ruidoso.
DON'T MISS THESE POPULAR SUMMER EVENTS
Ruidoso hosts New Mexico’s first-ever Pro Disc Golf Association Major Championship! The Tim Selinske US Masters, presented by Innova, runs May 8-11, 2025, featuring top professional and amateur players nationwide. Spectators can enjoy live tournament action at Grindstone Park, Moon Mountain, Oso Canyon, and Alto Lake. Don’t miss this historic event!
Don't miss this chance to witness the ethereal beauty of White Sands National Park under the captivating glow of the moon during your Ruidoso vacation! Secure your tickets early and be part of an unforgettable nocturnal adventure.
Ride into Ruidoso on May 15 for an unforgettable motorcycle experience. Enjoy cool mountain air, scenic byways, and winding roads that draw riders from across the country. Connect with fellow enthusiasts, explore local shops and restaurants, and discover why the AspenCash rally is a top destination for two-wheel adventures in the Southwest.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the medieval era right in the heart of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Featuring talented jesters, minstrels, and troubadours, a bustling marketplace with medieval wares, delicious Renaissance fare, and enchanting children's activities. Encounter mystical characters, fortune tellers, and more surprises throughout the weekend. Don your finest medieval attire and join event host Oso Productions for a day of history, fantasy, and fun at the Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire. Tickets are available online or at the gate with special discounts for children and seniors.
Southern California’s renegade folk metal pirates, The Dread Crew of Oddwood, bring their Heavy Mahogany to Jacks Backstage on May 16, 2025, 8-10 pm. Known for their explosive energy and acoustic twist on heavy metal, they deliver tales of sieges, debauchery, and pirate misadventures. With four albums and viral videos like “Sulfur,” this high-energy performance is not to be missed! Grab your tickets now!
Experience the thrill of live horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, home to the World’s Richest Quarter Horse Race, the All-American Futurity. Ruidoso Downs Race Track opens its summer meet on Memorial Day Weekend. Learn more at RaceRuidoso.com
Kick off the 2025 racing season at Ruidoso Downs with the Ruidoso QH Futurity Trials! This opening-day event features two-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for a $10,000 purse. As the first race of a 46-day season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy thrilling Friday-Sunday races, plus special Memorial Day and Labor Day events. Don’t miss world-class Quarter Horse action!
Gary Allan brings a distinctly southern soul to his country hits. Since his 1996 debut, the songwriter has charted hit after hit in his multi-platinum career and reached listeners across the globe. Now, he’s bringing your favorite songs like “Her Man,” “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” “Nothing On but the Radio” and “Right Where I Need to Be” to the stage at Inn of the Mountain Gods. Better get your tickets!
Experience Everclear like never before at Jacks Backstage! Secure your Meet & Greet Package on 2/13 for VIP early entry, premium seating, an exclusive pre-show acoustic set, autographs, a tour shirt, and more. This unforgettable night includes a personal photo with the band and priority access to Everclear merch. Don’t miss out—tickets are limited!
Catch the Ruidoso QH Derby Trials on Sunday, May 25, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This thrilling race features three-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 400 yards for a $10,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races, plus special events on Memorial Day and Labor Day. Experience world-class Quarter Horse racing at its finest!
Celebrate Memorial Day at Ruidoso Downs Race Track with the John Andreini Memorial Stakes QH on Monday, May 26! This prestigious race features three-year-old and up Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for a $45,000 purse. Part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Experience elite Quarter Horse racing at its finest!
Catch the Mountain Top NMB QH Futurity Trials on Friday, May 30, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This thrilling event showcases two-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for a $10,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Experience top-tier Quarter Horse racing at one of the Southwest’s premier tracks!
Don’t miss the Mountain Top NMB QH Derby Trials on Saturday, May 31, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This high-stakes race features three-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for a $10,000 purse. Part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Experience the speed and skill of elite Quarter Horse racing in Ruidoso!
Catch the Jess Burner Stakes NMB QH on Sunday, June 1, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This prestigious race features four-year-old and up Quarter Horses sprinting 400 yards for an estimated $50,000 purse ($25,000 NMHBA + $25,000 Purse Account). As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Don’t miss this world-class Quarter Horse competition!
Don’t miss the Ruidoso Maiden Stakes QH Trials on Sunday, June 1, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This exciting race features three, four, and five-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for a $10,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Experience top-tier Quarter Horse racing in the heart of Ruidoso!
Experience Ruidoso Futurity & Derby Weekend on June 7-8 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, featuring over $2 million in purse money. The Ruidoso QH Derby Finals G1 ($850,000) and Invitational Stakes ($100,000) showcase top three-year-olds on Saturday, while Sunday’s Futurity G1 ($1,000,000) and Juvenile Stakes ($100,000) highlight elite two-year-olds. Don’t miss this premier racing event!
Experience the thrill of Quarter Horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, home of the All American Futurity, the richest race in Quarter Horse history. Enjoy live racing every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day or visit The Racebook for year-round simulcast betting, great food, and drinks. Plan your visit now at RaceRuidoso.com!