COUNTY News:
Los Alamos — the place where discoveries are made — is the perfect out-of-the-box, affordable destination for 2018. It is a frequent destination for curious minds interested in history, science, high altitude recreation, and unique adventure.
“As travelers are planning their 2018 vacations, we invite them to discover Los Alamos,” said Kelly Stewart, marketing specialist for Los Alamos County. “Los Alamos is not only home to the national lab that has made groundbreaking advances, but it is also the place with rich history and culture for visitors to explore. Additionally, Los Alamos is surrounded by three National Parks and Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and a host to events that cultivate curiosity and create ‘aha moments’ for every member of the family—from the history buff, to the athlete, the art-lover, the budding scientist, and the outdoor enthusiast.”
To get the most out of a visit, the 2018 “Top Ten Adventures in Los Alamos” include:
-
Walk through time – Los Alamos is the gateway to three National Park sites—Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and Manhattan Project National Historical Park. By visiting, you can literally walk through time, into the ancient cave dwellings at Bandelier, into a vast supervolcano that is the Valles Caldera, and to the places where Manhattan Project scientists worked and played. Additionally, visitors can experience the night skies in a remarkable way at a Valles Caldera Star Party. Held in the fall, these special events sell out quickly and provide remarkable lasting memories.
-
Learn about the past – Take a historic walking tour and become a time traveler. The tour takes you from ancestral pueblo dwellings, to a homesteader’s cabin, to the place where the first atomic bomb was assembled. Make sure to visit the Los Alamos History Museum on your exploration of times past.
-
Make a discovery – Due to its part in groundbreaking scientific discoveries of the U.S., Los Alamos is known as the place where discoveries are made and where “aha moments” await around every corner. As that cutting-edge science continues today, it’s the perfect place for curious minds to make their own discoveries. Immerse yourself in the science of northern New Mexico by attending our annual ScienceFest, held each July. Or, if you visit during other times of the year, be sure to visit Bradbury Science Museum for hands-on, interactive learning experiences with free admission.
-
Take breathtaking photos – What would a vacation be without stunning photos? In Los Alamos, you won’t have to answer that question. Breathtaking views abound with the area’s scenic overlooks. Visit Anderson Overlook Park for beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristos and the Rio Grande valley. Visit White Rock Overlook for a staggering 270-degree open space view of the beautiful Rio Grande River as it runs along the Jemez Mountains. Drive a quarter mile up Camp May Road to find an unforgettable view of the Los Alamos townsite on the left, the Lab facilities on the right, and the Omega Bridge that connects them.
-
Unplug and get back to nature – For those looking for genuine vacation mode—unplugged from the rest of the world—Los Alamos offers plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors can bike through Ponderosa pines on Pajarito Mountain, hike through an ancient village in Bandelier National Monument or trek through the Valles Caldera. There are hiking and biking trails throughout the area for those of all skill levels. Visitors can stop by the Los Alamos or White Rock Visitor Centers to pick up trail maps, load the Los Alamos Trails app or stop by the Los Alamos Nature Center to get oriented to the area’s canyons, mesas, mountains and sky. In fact, the center’s spectacular views, serene nature viewing and planetarium provide the perfect place to unplug and unwind.
-
Become a spy for a day – Unlock the secrets of the “Secret City.” While you’re in town, don’t forget to pick up an Atomic City Spy Tour brochure at the Los Alamos Visitors center to find out where Los Alamos’ three spies lived, worked, and played.
-
Visit Pajarito Mountain – During ski season, hit the slopes at Pajarito and discover the magic of a high altitude ski adventure. Throughout the rest of the year, enjoy special Bike & Hike trails and events, festivals and more.
-
Go for the gold – You’ll be among fellow athletes if you come to Los Alamos to train for Olympic sports. With a high altitude conditions and facilities that are perfect for intense training experiences, Los Alamos has served as the training ground for the international athletes from around the globe. Take your skill to the next level with our world-class swimming facilities and sporting events. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, enjoy recreation time at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink.
-
Come home to Main Street – Main Street in Los Alamos is not only home to incredible shops and restaurants, but it’s the main stomping ground for iconic annual events, including ScienceFest, Halloweekend, WinterFest and more.
-
Eat, drink and explore like a local – Los Alamos is a quaint and friendly town, full of people who want to help make your visit as authentic and memorable as possible. While in town, be sure to visit some of the local favorite spots. Stop in and enjoy a bit to eat on the Smith’s Marketplace Patio and Bar, eat at Daniel’s or Pig & Fig, grab a local brew from Pajarito Brew Pub, or stop into Sirphey and enjoy their daily-changing menu. If you’re a hiker, don’t miss out on the trails of the locals. Hike to the arch at Graduation Point, or check out Canyon Rim Trail. For music lovers, be sure to catch one of the Gordon’s Summer Concert Series free live concerts every Friday evening during the summer months.
“2018 is a new year, filled with new possibilities,” Stewart said. “It’s a great year for bucket-list travel items, and we encourage all to come explore the nation’s past—as well as great events, adventures, and more—in Los Alamos.”
For more information on all there is to see and do in Los Alamos, go to VisitLosAlamos.org.
