14 Best & Fun Things To Do In Santa Rosa, NM

Are you scheduling a trip to Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and looking for ways to experience the charm and adventure of this scenic desert town? You’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore the top activities and best things to do in Santa Rosa, NM for an unforgettable vacation.

Santa Rosa, located in Guadalupe County, is the county seat of Guadalupe County and packs a big punch when it comes to outdoor adventure and historic charm. Known as the “City of Natural Lakes” due to its abundance of sinkholes, the town is famous for the iconic Blue Hole—a crystal-clear natural pool that attracts divers and swimmers from all over.

Santa Rosa’s rich history, tied to Route 66, its Spanish colonial past, and its breathtaking natural landscapes, creates a unique blend of adventure and nostalgia. Whether you’re diving into the depths of the Blue Hole, exploring the Santa Rosa Lake State Park, tracing the legacy of Route 66 at the Auto Museum, or enjoying local southwestern cuisine, Santa Rosa offers memorable experiences that will last a lifetime.

14 Best And Fun Things To Do In Santa Rosa, NM (2024)

1. Route 66 Auto Museum

Begin your Santa Rosa adventure with a visit to Route 66 Auto Museum, a haven for car enthusiasts and history buffs interested in re-living a pivotal era of automobiles.

The museum houses a wide range of classic cars, including vintage Mustangs, memorabilia, and artifacts related to the famous highway, such as vintage signage, maps, and photographs.

Additionally, the museum features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn more about the history of automobiles and Route 6. It hosts special events and car shows for people of all ages searching for fun and unique things to do in Santa Rosa, NM.

Address: 2436 Historic Rte 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, United States.

2. Santa Rosa Water Park

One of the fun and thrilling things to do in Santa Rosa, NM during summer is to enjoy water activities at Santa Rosa Water Park, a popular outdoor aquatic park that offers a variety of water attractions for people of all ages.

The park boasts a variety of thrilling water slides, including body slides, tube slides, and speed slides, several pools, including a wave pool, a lazy river, and a children’s pool, private cabanas, and a concession stand.

Escape the hot New Mexico summer weather and cool off in the water enjoying the thrill of water slides and the relaxation of the lazy river.

Address: 911 Blue Hole Road, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, United States.

3. Mr. Bee’s Coffee & Teas

Mr. Bee’s Coffee & Teas is a cozy coffee shop offering a variety of handcrafted coffee drinks, teas, and pastries and a perfect spot for visitors and locals exploring unique things to do in Santa Rosa, NM, today.

They offer a wide variety of handcrafted coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos, a selection of loose-leaf teas and herbal blends, and beverages with a delicious pastry, bagel, or other light snack.

Visitors can enjoy expertly crafted coffee drinks and teas made with quality ingredients, and get delicious pastries and snacks to accompany their drinks.

Address: 400 Corona Ave, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, United States.

4. Santa Rosa Lake State Park

Unearth a plethora of fun and unique things to do in Santa Rosa, NM, for nature lovers at Santa Rosa Lake State Park, a picturesque recreational area surrounding the 11,500-acre Santa Rosa Lake.

Founded in 1967, the park spanning 1,000 acres features camping sites, including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins, for overnight stays, hiking trails, a variety of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and reptiles, and picnic areas.

With the centerpiece of the park being Santa Rosa Lake, the park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing.

Address: NM-91, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, United States.

5. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Rosa

Enjoy a comfortable staycation at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Rosa, a budget-friendly hotel with comfortable accommodations and amenities.

The hotel provides well-appointed guest rooms with amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a complimentary continental breakfast each morning, pet-friendly rooms, and pools.

Visitors to this charming hotel can expect a comfortable and affordable stay in a convenient location while its proximity to Interstate 40 and Route 66 makes it easy to explore the surrounding area for other unique things to do in Santa Rosa, NM.

Address: 2277 U.S. Rt. 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, United States.

6. Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is a circular, bell-shaped pool or small lake known for its crystal-clear water and vibrant blue color, making it a popular tourist attraction and diving destination.

The water in Blue Hole is remarkably clear, allowing for excellent visibility for underwater exploration, and features a variety of underwater formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.

Visitors exploring unique things to do in Santa Rosa, NM can get a chance to experience the stunning beauty of a natural limestone sinkhole and enjoy a peaceful day swimming or sunbathing.

Address: Santa Rosa, NM 88435, United States.

7. Pecos River Bridge

Enjoy free things to do in Santa Rosa,  NM, for everyone at Pecos River Bridge, a historic concrete arch bridge spanning the Pecos River and offering stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.

The bridge features a distinctive concrete arch design, a popular style during the early 20th century, and offers panoramic views of the Pecos River, the Pecos Wilderness, and the surrounding mountains.

Also, the area around the bridge is popular for hiking and biking, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Address: 1079 U.S. Rt. 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, United States.

8. Billy The Kid Museum

Discover fun and educational things to do in Santa Rosa, NM, for people of all ages at  Billy the Kid Museum, a historical museum dedicated to the life and times of the infamous American outlaw, Billy the Kid.

The museum features a variety of exhibits related to Billy the Kid, including artifacts, photographs, and historical documents, and offers visitors a glimpse into the Wild West era and the life of one of its most iconic figures.

Additionally, the museum offers interactive exhibits, a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs related to Billy the Kid and the Old West, and guided tours providing visitors deeper understanding of the museum exhibits.

Address: 1435 Sumner Ave, Fort Sumner, NM 88119, United States.

Exploring other attractions in New Mexico? Why not check out some fun things to do in Carlsbad, NM, and fun things to do in Las-Cruces, NM?

9. Silver Moon Cafe

Relax and Unwind in a charming family-owned restaurant known for its cozy environment and delicious meals. Silver Moon Cafe is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike

Founded in 2008, the dining option features authentic New Mexican dishes like enchiladas, chile rellenos, and green chile stew, a welcoming and casual environment, and live music performances on weekends.

Also, the cafe offers an outdoor patio perfect for enjoying the pleasant New Mexican weather while savoring delicious a meal as part of the unique things to do in Santa Rosa, NM, for everyone.

Address:  2545 U.S. Rt. 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, United States.

10. Guadalupe County Courthouse

Explore the Guadalupe County Courthouse, a historic landmark offering an array of fun and educational things to do in Santa Rosa, NM, for people of all ages.

The courthouse houses a museum that showcases the county’s history and artifacts and offers guided tours of the courthouse providing deep insights about its architecture and history.

As you visit, learn about the history of Guadalupe County and the role of the courthouse in the region’s development, and admire the beautiful Romanesque Revival architecture of the building.

Address: State Rte 91, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, United States.

11. Bosque Redondo Memorial

Located about 40 minutes from Santa Rosa, the Bosque Redondo Memorial is a poignant historical site that commemorates the tragic events of the Long Walk in the 1860s.

The site features informative markers that provide details about the Long Walk, the lives of the Navajo people at Bosque Redondo, and the significance of the memorial, sculptures, and walking trails.

Visitors searching for unique things to do in Santa Rosa, NM,  can explore the site on walking trails that offer scenic views and provide opportunities for reflection.

Address:  3647 Billy the Kid Road, Fort Sumner, NM 88119, United States.

12. Moise Memorial Library

One of the educational things to do in Santa Rosa, NM, today, is to visit Moise Memorial Library, a general library with a wide range of resources and services.

The library houses an array of books, magazines, DVDs, computers with internet access, study rooms, and meeting rooms.

13. Joseph’s Bar And Grill

Enjoying delicious food at Joseph’s Bar And Grill, a casual dining option known for its delicious foods, and cold drinks should make your list of fun things to do in Santa Rosa, NM, today.

The dining option offers a variety of American cuisine, a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, from beers and wines to cocktails and spirits, live music performances, and large TVs for viewing sports.

Families and friends can enjoy a satisfying meal made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection and grab a drink to complement their meal.

Address: 208 S 5th Street, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, United States.

14. Pecos Theatre

Enjoy fun and thrilling things to do in Santa Rosa, NM, at night when you visit the Pecos Theatre,  a movie theater complex with lots of fun to catch for people of all ages.

The theater boasts multiple halls with state-of-the-art sound and projection systems showing the latest blockbusters, plush seating for relaxed viewing, and a concession stand for snacks and refreshing drinks.

As a part of exploring romantic things to do in Santa Rosa, NM, for couples, you can enjoy seeing movies in a comfortable, convenient, and intimate setting.

Address: 219 S 4th Street, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, United States.

plan your visit to Santa Rosa, NM

Santa Rosa, New Mexico, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, outdoor fun, and culinary delights. Whether you’re touring historical sites, experiencing the local festivals, or enjoying outdoor adventures, Santa Rosa promises a unique and unforgettable visit. Plan your visit today and enjoy what the charming town as to offer.