Where to Eat
Si Señor Restaurant – Don’t let the outside of the building fool you! This is some of the best New Mexican food you’ll find!
Caliche’s – Frozen treats similar to Blizzards. It’s a classic Las Cruses favorite.
Picacho Hills Roasters – In our opinion, it’s the only place worth stopping for coffee in the Las Cruses area!
La Posta de Mesilla – In a classic old building with great history and even better food next door in Mesilla.
Valley Pizza – Pizza, salads and sandwiches. Good for lighter fare.
Andele’s Dog House – Great dog-friendly outdoor space for chips, salsa, and beers! There’s a salsa bar with lots of options. There are two “Andele’s” restaurants. Both are good but only the dog house has the salsa bar (and allows fuzzy friends).
Where to Find Basics
Groceries – There are three grocery options in Las Cruces: Walmart, Albertson’s and Sprouts. Albertson’s is a lot like Safeway, Sprouts is similar to Trader Joes and Walmart is what it is.
Pharmacies – Walmart and Albertson’s each have pharmacies. Walgreen’s is the only dedicated pharmacy and has a bit more selection
Shopping – Target and Walmart both can cover most of the basics. For anything more the Mesilla Valley Mall is your best bet in Las Cruces.
Fun Things to Do
For Desert Explorers
Slot Canyon Hike – (30 min from Las Cruces) A fun 2.5 mile hike through a narrow slot canyon up to the mesa. It has just a bit of scramble over rocks. This can be a dangerous area during the rain as it can become washed out with sharp rocks.
Dripping Springs Trail (Cowboy Camp) – (25 min from Las Cruces) There’s a good bit of history on this three mile round trip as well as some good wildlife if you keep your eyes open! Sunscreen and water required!
White Sands National Park – (50 min from Las Cruces) It’s almost an hour away but it’s worth the drive, which is beautiful in and of itself. White sands feels like another planet and it is really something cool to see. Bring sandboards and a good camera (also water and sunscreen).
Organ Mountains National Park – Dripping springs is located here but there are lots of other amazing trails to explore. Many people have underestimated the Organs and found themselves injured or in need of rescue. Please gauge your experience level in the outdoors and be prepared.
Shopping Spots
Mesilla Shopping Business District – (15 min from Las Cruces) Lots of cute shops from local artists and artisans ranging from oil painting to cookware to silverwork you’ll find some cool things to browse and buy.
Las Cruces Farmers Market – (In the downtown) Open Wednesday and Saturdays 8:30AM-1PM there’s a lot to see here (and its a good thing to do if you’ve got time before the wedding Saturday). Local craftspeople, farmers, and food vendors spread over a number of blocks in addition to the local shops. It’s easy to spend a couple hours here.
New Mexico Experiences
Riverbend Hot Springs – (1hr from Las Cruces) Private and public pools for soaking in natural hot springs. If you’ve got the time time it’s a wonderful relaxing experience. The springs are gorgeous done in a mix of traditional Japanese and traditional southwest styles.
Sparky’s Burgers – (45 min from Las Cruces) Quirky restaurant with some of the best burgers in the country and, of course, famous hatch chilies!
Mesilla Fountain Theater – (15 mn from Las Cruces) Non mainstream films for someone looking for a thoughtful and artistic movie. In Old Mesilla the building itself is something to see.
Cowboy History
El Paso Ghost Tours – (45 min from Las Cruces) Part history part paranormal you’ll have a fun tour whether you see ghosts or not. They openly admit the spirit world doesn’t always cooperate but history is always there.
Concordia Cemetery – (45 min from Las Cruces) The graves tell quite the history from Cowboys to Buffalo Soldiers to the Spanish flu. Read up for the visit and you won’t be disappointed.
Pat Garett’s Grave – (In Las Cruces) You don’t have to drive more than 20 minutes from Las Cruces but finding the grave of the man that shot dead Billy The Kid is enjoyable itself. Much of his family rests along side him so you’ll know if you’ve found the man himself. Bring a penny.