The hysteria around aliens and UFOs is just one of the many things that make Roswell, New Mexico, famous.
The city has been making money out of this bizarre event ever since it was the scene of the legendary UFO crash in 1947.
As a result, Roswell offers a few entertaining and whimsical activities.
On board, there are entertaining activities ranging from an exciting spacewalk to UFO experiences and alien museums to a fast food restaurant with a UFO theme.
However, Roswell is more than just aliens and UFOs.
Roswell should be on your short list of locations to visit in the United States because it is incredibly safe for visitors, surrounded by an amazing desert scenery, and filled with historical sites.
In addition to its many historical sites, Roswell is home to a number of highly regarded museums, a fantastic performing arts scene, a ton of amazing parks, a gorgeous winery, an amazing zoo, and much more.
24 Best & Fun Things To Do In Roswell, NM (2024)
1. Peppers Grill & Bar
When you’re in town, Peppers Grill & Bar is a terrific place to grab a nice bite to eat. It’s a food lover’s heaven.
Both residents and visitors love this unusual restaurant.
Since 1990, this restaurant has been run and owned by a family.
Not only has the restaurant been around for over 30 years, but it has also had the same chef overseeing it the entire time, demonstrating amazing longevity.
The entire staff is local from Roswell, and the food and atmosphere exude a distinct regional character.
Beyond its allure, Peppers Grill & Bar boasts a fantastic menu with plenty of local favorites.
While the entree menu offers salads, burgers, sandwiches, and fresh Mex options, the appetizers menu offers dishes like cheese-stuffed jalapenos, green chile stew, and quesadillas.
The friendly children’s menu, the full-service bar, and the amazing daily specials are just a few more reasons Peppers Grill & Bar should be on your schedule.
Address: 500 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
2. Roswell Mall
This neighborhood mall has all of your favorite department stores and chain retailers, just like a mall from the 1980s.
This is where to go if you’re in the mood for some shopping therapy.
Among the retailers in the mall are Western Warehouse, JCPenney, Beall’s, and Foot Locker.
Other stores sell jewelry, accessories, fragrances, and items for children.
The mall also features a public bouncy house for kids and an adjacent movie theater where you can see the newest release.
The food court at the mall is a fantastic spot to have a quick snack or sip some light fare.
Corn Dog 7, The Grinder Coffee Shop, Orange Julius, and Pasta Cafe are a few of the restaurants in the mall.
Despite the mall’s small size, you might easily spend an hour or two window shopping.
Address: 4501 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
3. Cielo Grande Park
When visiting Roswell, the Cielo Grande Park—one of the most picturesque locations in the US—makes the ideal backdrop for exciting family outings outside.
With over 160 acres, there is enough to explore within the park.
The park boasts several wonderful attractions in addition to wide open green areas that are ideal for ball sports, sunbathing, picnics, and kite flying.
First of all, there are plenty of benches throughout the park that are ideal for resting.
There is a playground, picnic tables, shaded spaces, a bike route, and even a concession stand in Cielo Grande Park.
There are several sporting facilities in the park as well, such as a volleyball court, football field, soccer field, and skate park.
In addition to plenty of parking, restrooms, and hiking paths, the park features a handy walking track.
Cielo Grande Park is enjoyable for everyone and best of all ADA accessible.
Address: 1612 West College, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
4. Nancy Lopez Golf Course
Would you mind visiting Nancy Lopez Golf Course if you want to spend some time outside while you’re in the area?
The fortunate thing for tourists is that this difficult 18-hole municipal course is public.
The track is lovely and easy for walkers to follow, with a backdrop of trees framing it.
There are beautiful water features on four of the course’s holes, and there are traps on all eighteen holes.
Apart from offering a flawless 18-hole golf course, Nancy Lopez Golf Course boasts excellent extra features.
This remarkable golf course also features a chipping green, driving range, and putting green.
The course also features a wonderful snack bar and a great tiny pro shop.
The course’s events page provides access to information about upcoming fun competitions and occasional green-fee bargains that can be taken advantage of before visiting.
5. Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico
One of the best locations to visit in order to learn about local history is this attraction.
This museum-like setting, which houses a collection of conserved and interpreted old items, educates visitors about the rich history of the area.
This home, which is owned by the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico, is a truly remarkable sight; in fact, it is registered as a National Register of Historic Places.
Frank Lloyd Wright, the renowned architect, created the “Prairie” or “Scooner” design, which is exemplified in the architecture of this 1912-built home.
Notable items in the house include thousands of photographs, an important manuscript collection, rare historical books, an amazing antique collection, and much more.
The museum is open for tours by appointment and is open Monday through Friday.
You may go at all of the amazing exhibits and browse through old videos, cassettes, newspaper clippings, and more when you take a tour.
Address: 200 N Lea Ave, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
6. Spaceport Roswell
This unique virtual reality experience is a great local attraction.
Through an encounter at Spaceport Roswell, you can virtually travel beyond space, time, and the entire world.
In virtual reality, you will go to locations such as Mars, the 1947 UFO crash, and more.
Spaceport is essentially the sole access point to an actual crash site because the actual ones are guarded by the authorities.
Without leaving the United States, this well-liked attraction is the only option to view so many interesting locations.
You can choose by hand the journey or journeys that most interest you at Spaceport Roswell.
Everything from “1947” to “Apollo 11” and “Mars 2147” to “Nativity VR” is entertaining for a wide audience.
Experienced “flight attendants” oversee the flights, which originate from the secure confines of individual virtual reality pods.
There is a small admission cost for each journey, which are accessible Monday through Friday.
The best part is that kids as young as five years old can enjoy these amazing space missions.
Address: 121 E 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
7. Miniatures and Curious Collections Museum
Check out this charming local museum.
An abandoned tiny house and the idea of a local artist gave rise to the Miniatures and Curious Collections Museum.
This abandoned miniature doll house was renovated and given a new home in this new museum with the help of friends and other local artists.
Hundreds of tiny figurines, dollhouses, and natural and man-made marvels are on show at the museum, which is currently situated in a tower of the Petroleum Building.
You can enjoy the museum’s extensive collection of miniatures, which includes furnished vignettes, box houses, antiques, complete dollhouses, and seasonal exhibits.
Touchscreen videos that describe what you’re seeing are coupled with the displays.
In addition, the museum has an interesting collection of objects that includes, among other things, cool stones, monopoly money art, penny collections, and novelty bank collections.
Spending a few hours at the Miniatures and Curious Collections Museum is a highly recommended activity when visiting the area.
Address: 320 N Richardson Ave, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
8. Roswell Community Little Theater
This is just one of several family-friendly activities available in Roswell.
Serving the creative community and people who appreciate the performing arts, Roswell Community Little Theater has been in operation for more than 60 years.
Because all of the actors in the presentations are amateurs, their charm is pure.
Check out the event schedule before you visit the Alien Capital of the World, as the theater produces five shows year.
The plays “Four Old Broads on the High Seas,” “Mission: Improvable,” and “Jeeves Intervenes” have all been performed in the past.
The performances vary from humorous and cheerful to tragic and menacing.
Every production at the theater usually has five performances, so you have plenty of chances to see one.
This excellent community theater is a lovely way to spend a day or evening with loved ones and is a must-see local attraction.
Address: 1717 S Union Ave, Roswell, NM 88203, United States
9. General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum
The General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum is a great place to take history buffs when they’re in town.
The museum opened to the public in 1985 and is located on the grounds of the New Mexico Military Institute.
The museum is renowned for its masterful presentation of the historical items that represent the state’s local heritage.
The museum’s displays center on the Institute’s past and feature a developing hall of fame dedicated to recognizing its graduates.
A history of the campus and a list of all the well-known alumni of the Institute are included in the museum tour.
In addition to exploring the museum and its collection, you should also take some time to explore the campus where it is located.
The surroundings of the museum include beautifully designed walkways, old buildings, and even a well-known port.
The General Douglas L. McBride Military Museum is a great spot to spend an hour or so.
Address: Luna Hall, 101 W College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
10. Roswell Symphony Orchestra & Pearson Auditorium
One of the best places to see while in the area is this beloved local landmark in New Mexico.
Despite having started in a local resident’s basement in 1959, the Roswell Symphony Orchestra has grown to become a major source of professional musical entertainment in the city.
This orchestra stands out for its commitment to helping underprivileged areas in its state by delivering famous musicians’ professional musical skills to places where they are usually unavailable.
These days, the orchestra gives multiple classically styled concerts at Pearson Auditorium each season.
The orchestra performs both free and paid concerts, depending on when you plan to come.
Christmas Classics, An Evening at the Opera, and Holst’s The Planets are just a few of the previous productions.
It is extremely remarkable that the orchestra has been led by the same conductor for half a century.
Make sure to reserve tickets to watch this incredible local orchestra if you’ll be in the area soon.
Address: 101 W College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
11. Roswell McDonald’s
You won’t find your favorite fast-food restaurant furnished like this anywhere in the United States.
The nearby McDonald’s in Roswell is a great place to check out if you’re unsure what to do for lunch.
This McDonald’s offers all of your favorite foods from McDonald’s, like cheeseburgers, french fries, milkshakes, and apple pies, but in a brand-new, surprising setting.
Hailed as the world’s first McDonald’s with a UFO motif, this place offers a fun atmosphere in which to indulge on your favorite fast food items.
Speaking of the environment, this McDonald’s is housed in a UFO-shaped structure that has a dazzling metallic façade during the day and neon lighting at night.
This McDonald’s offers a great kids’ play area with a UFO theme, just like many others.
The characters in their space suits are another adorable aspect.
This restaurant defies McDonald’s norms of conformity and is a must-visit.
Address: 720 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
12. Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
If you’re wondering what to do in New Mexico, the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is the solution.
The Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located a short distance outside of the town and was created in 1935.
What seems to be a bleak and barren stretch from the outside is actually home to a unique natural feature and a complex ecosystem.
A desert oasis full with desert fauna, flowing springs, and geologic systems are just a few of the refuge’s distinctive features.
Situated at the intersection of the plains and the New Mexico desert, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is among the top attractions in Roswell.
There are plenty of beautiful ways to take in the scenery when visiting the sanctuary.
At Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife observation, and biking are some of the most popular activities.
The refuge is notable for having six distinct routes that are ideal for exploration.
Address: 4200 E Pine Lodge Rd, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
13. Mescalero Sands North Dune
If you’re wondering what to do in New Mexico, the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is the solution.
The Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located a short distance outside of the town and was created in 1935.
What seems to be a bleak and barren stretch from the outside is actually home to a unique natural feature and a complex ecosystem.
A desert oasis full with desert fauna, flowing springs, and geologic systems are just a few of the refuge’s distinctive features.
Situated at the intersection of the plains and the New Mexico desert, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is among the top attractions in Roswell.
There are plenty of beautiful ways to take in the scenery when visiting the sanctuary.
At Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife observation, and biking are some of the most popular activities.
The refuge is notable for having six distinct routes that are ideal for exploration.
Address: Roswell, NM 88203, United States
14. Downtown Roswell Historic District
The Downtown Roswell Historic District is a charming and tidy city center with many of interesting sights to explore.
The roughly 150 acres that make up downtown Roswell are listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985.
The Downtown Roswell Historic District is a pleasant area to stroll around and take in the views. It is dotted with small business buildings in addition to a few historic sites.
The historic downtown district of Roswell is a must-see if you’re looking for things to do in the vicinity.
Many of the 1830s buildings that originally made up the historic area have been restored to create a lively environment that is home to modern enterprises.
A UFO museum, a quaint ice cream shop, a central park with tributary statues, the only UFO-themed McDonald’s in the nation, and even a few historic sites are some of the popular attractions in downtown.
Additionally, there are a number of top-notch eateries to select from.
The Downtown Roswell Historic District is a must-see since it has a lot to offer all in one convenient location.
Address: Roswell, NM, United States
15. Roswell UFO Tours
One of the most entertaining family-friendly things to do in New Mexico is to take a Roswell UFO Tour.
A fantastic educational experience that takes you right into the center of the 1947 Roswell UFO Crash is Roswell UFO Tours.
This tour lasts two hours and takes you through Roswell City and the Roswell Army Field, the site of the alleged UFO crash and cover-up.
Leading UFO researcher Dennis Balthaser leads the tours, and his knowledge is the icing on the cake.
Another fantastic full-day guided tour that Roswell UFO Tours offers is the Area 51 trip.
This excursion visits Rachel, Nevada, which is close by, where you can explore Area 51’s restricted border.
It brings you to isolated locations with enigmatic histories, much like most UFO tours.
On your trip, you’ll investigate a dry lake bed, get up close to a top-secret government installation, and look for UFOs in the open sky.
Make sure Roswell UFO Tours is on your schedule if you’re wondering what to visit in New Mexico.
16. Robert H. Goddard Planetarium
The question of what to see in Roswell, New Mexico, is answered by the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium.
The ideal location to see captivating star presentations and shows is in this 120-seat theater.
Dedicated to the memory of an American inventor who is credited with creating the liquid-fueled rocket, the planetarium was established in 1935 and features twelve galleries featuring historical exhibits.
You’ll be exposed to artwork, historical relics, and imaginative displays related to astronomical history within these amazing exhibits.
The planetarium itself is undoubtedly the main attraction at the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium.
This cutting-edge digital theater offers a captivating planetary show.
The 45-minute programs enlighten viewers about the origins of the cosmos.
Every show features both a cosmic star show and a full-dome presentation.
One of the best tourist destinations close to Roswell, New Mexico, is the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium, an exciting way to learn about the universe.
Address: 1011 N Richardson Ave, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
17. Walker Aviation Museum
One of the most interesting museums in New Mexico is the Walker Aviation Museum, which is housed on the Walker Air Force Base.
After being shut down as a functioning Air Force installation in 1966, the building is now a center for historical reflections.
Many tributes honoring historic flights, noteworthy units, and famous soldiers who have taken off from the base may be found inside the museum today.
In addition to the exquisite memorials, the Walker Aviation Museum has a number of objects pertaining to aviation on display.
Materials, souvenirs, chronology, weaponry, photos, and more are all on display.
You may discover more about the important role the Air Force still plays in national security and other areas by taking a tour of the museum.
The museum is a terrific place to visit in New Mexico, especially if you’re interested in history, even though it’s small and can be explored in about an hour.
Address: 1 Jerry Smith Cir Suite 7, Roswell, NM 88203, United States
18. Roswell UFO Spacewalk
The Roswell UFO Spacewalk is one of the most popular attractions in Roswell if you’re looking for unusual things to do in New Mexico.
The spacewalk, which opened in 2006, is a hallucinogenic, blacklight experience that makes you feel as though you’re strolling across space.
The Roswell UFO Spacewalk is an entertaining and educational experience that takes you on a fantastical journey to the “City of the Future” that starts in the Atomic Age.
A visit to the Roswell UFO Spacewalk offers further unusual experiences, such as being called by extraterrestrials to board a spacecraft and travel through a wormhole to arrive on an alien planet.
The amazing space art galleries, animatronics, and special effects of the Roswell UFO Spacewalk are well-known.
Notably, self-guided tours are available for this attraction every day, and entry is only a small amount.
This location is highly recommended and is among the most interesting locations to see in New Mexico.
Address: 116 E 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
19. J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary & Nature Center
Make sure to visit the J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary & Nature Center in Roswell, New Mexico if you’re seeking for free activities.
With the goal of giving its guests as many educational opportunities as possible, the center teaches about ecosystems, habitats, and wildlife in addition to sharing its collection of birds.
Numerous birds that inhabit the sanctuary vary in number according to the season.
Mockingbirds, owls, and Blue Jays can be seen in the spring and summer, and Green-Winged Teals, mallards, and geese may be spotted in the fall and winter.
The facility is situated in a beautiful park that is enjoyable to explore, in addition to its amazing birding and educational offerings.
The J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary & Nature Center is a pleasant spot to spend the day with beautiful amenities like picnic places, park benches, hiking and biking routes, and other attractions.
One of the best sites to see in Roswell is the center, which is situated on 15 lovely acres.
Address: 401 N Sycamore Ave, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
20. Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art
One of the top attractions in Roswell for art enthusiasts is the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art.
This American art museum was founded in 1994 and features local artists’ works as part of the Roswell Artist-in-Residence program.
More than 500 pieces of art spanning a variety of media and subjects may be found at the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, one of Roswell’s most visited attractions.
With twelve exhibitions across two thousand square feet, the museum offers a wealth of things to view and discover all in one location.
This museum has an amazing collection of artwork that includes photographs, acrylic paintings, etchings, movies, and sketches, among other media.
Special events are regularly held at the museum; upcoming events include musical performances, artist discussions, behind-the-scenes stories, and more.
Lastly, a trip to the gift shop, where you can purchase jewelry, books, postcards, and other museum memorabilia, is a must for each museum visit.
Address: 409 E College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
21. Pecos Flavors Winery + Bistro
Pecos Flavors Winery + Bistro in Roswell, New Mexico is a great option if you’re searching for a place to host an adult-only get-together.
Pecos Flavors Winery + Bistro was established in 2004 and is run out of two beautiful local vineyard settings that are also points of interest.
Originally a downtown tasting room, the winery has developed into a whole winery experience.
The winery, which is well-known for its Tempranillo, Syrah, and Cabernet grape varietals, is a wonderful spot to buy for delicious red mixes.
In addition to the takeout business, the bistro offers guests a fantastic setting for wine tastings and gourmet meals.
The Bistro offers delicacies like cheese platters, pizzas, and fresh fish dishes for lunch and dinner.
Lastly, special seasonal events like permanent jewelry evenings, dinner and a show, and wine and art events are regularly held at Pecos Flavors Winery + Bistro.
Pecos Flavors Winery & Bistro is a terrific alternative if you’re seeking for sophisticated activities.
Address: 412 W 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
22. Spring River Park & Zoo
In Roswell, New Mexico, the Spring River Park & Zoo is a great destination for families wishing to do some sightseeing.
The park and zoo are situated on a stunning 34-acre preserve and provide a tonne of exciting activities.
To begin with, everyone enjoys a day at the park; it has a beautiful environment and lots of interesting things to see and do.
A playground, a ranching display, and an old carousel are a few of the park’s outstanding features.
The park’s on-site zoo is one of its main draws.
The zoo offers both private guided tours and self-directed excursions, and entrance is reasonably priced.
The zoo has a lot of amazing things to see, like a gorgeous butterfly garden, a ranching display, and animals from all over the world. Some of the creatures that live there are wallabies, hawks, ponies, mountain lions, and more.
Lastly, the zoo has a ton of interesting programs, such Keeper Chats and PreKritters, a toddler program.
Address: 1306 E College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
23. International UFO Museum
Experience the pinnacle of Roswell sightseeing at this local hotspot; don’t miss the UFO and alien attractions while you’re here.
Accessible, the International UFO Museum is located in the city’s downtown area.
The nation’s greatest resource for UFO research is the museum.
The family-friendly International UFO Museum is dedicated to local UFO encounters and the 1947 Roswell Crash.
It also features historical relics associated with nearby UFO encounters and occurrences.
The International UFO Museum has a variety of objects on display, including audio and video recordings, published news articles, and an intriguing assortment of other items.
The museum is free to enter and offers self-guided tours seven days a week.
Finally, don’t forget to browse the gift shop to find some unusual UFO and alien mementos.
The International UFO Museum is one of the many fantastic things to do in Roswell and comes highly recommended.
Address: 114 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88203, United States
24. Bottomless Lakes State Park
In addition to being one of Roswell, New Mexico’s greatest tourist destinations, Bottomless Lakes State Park is also one of the few free activities available in the community.
The park was created in 1933 and is located close to Roswell, next to the Pecos River.
The nine tiny, exceptionally deep lakes that are positioned along the Pecos River Valley give rise to the name of Bottomless Lakes State Park, which is well-known for being the state’s first park in New Mexico.
The lakes are unquestionably the park’s main attraction and the ideal location for a wide variety of water sports.
The lakes are suitable for non-motorized boating activities like kayaking and canoeing, and their depths vary from 17 to 90 feet.
At the park, swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, birdwatching, and picnicking are among the enjoyable activities.
Bottomless Lakes State Park is one of the top ten tourist destinations in the area and comes highly recommended.
Address: 545A Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, NM 88201, United States
25. Roswell Museum & Art Center
A must-see is the 1935-founded Roswell Museum & Art Center.
The museum was founded with the purpose of promoting cultural understanding, stimulating inquiry, and teaching.
Its main focus is on providing lectures and gallery talks to further explain certain exhibits, along with rotating displays on beautiful and practical arts.
Remarkably, the museum occupies 50,000 square feet and has 12 galleries filled with ancient relics and artwork.
The Roswell Museum & Art Center, one of the many awesome things to do in the area, features amazing exhibits on abstract geometric forms, art gifts, and New Mexico-made goods.
There are paintings, sculptures, fabrics, and other artistic media on show.
In addition, the museum often holds workshops, classes, and other special events.
Self-guided tours are available within the museum, and admission can be upgraded to include a trip to the planetarium.
Finally, a trip to the museum’s gift store, where you may find unique mementos, is a must for any visitor.
Address: 1011 N Richardson Ave, Roswell, NM 88201, United States