A charming New Mexico town steeped in history, Las Vegas is reminiscent of the Old West with its railroad-era houses and commercial buildings. The area is known for its colonial-style architecture, libraries and museums, with over 900 locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Things to do

Visit the City of Las Vegas and Rough Rider Memorial Collection for a fascinating journey back in time. Browse a significant collection of objects and documents dating from the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment and Theodore Roosevelt, including remnants from the Cuban Campaign of the 1898 Spanish-American War and the Duncan Opera House.

Spend a day out in nature at Victory Ranch, nestled in the picturesque Mora Valley. Take a tour of the working alpaca ranch to get up close with alpacas, llamas, pigs and a miniature stallion. Stop by the Victory Ranch Store to pick out your very own alpaca yarn blanket, socks or sweater.

Find some serenity in the beautiful Dwan Light Sanctuary, designed to highlight the spectacular northern New Mexico light. Walk through the stone and adobe building while admiring rainbow prisms angled through glass windows. Sit back and relax in the quiet temple or stretch out on the provided yoga mats.

Explore the outdoors at the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge. Bring binoculars and observe sandpipers, bald eagles and mallards or drive along the 12-kilometre Scenic Auto Loop through the heart of the refuge and enjoy scenic views and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Getting around

Las Vegas is less than 100 kilometres east of Santa Fe, directly off Interstate Highway 25. Its compact streets are ideal for traversing the city by bicycle or on foot, but you’ll need a car to explore the surrounding region.