Take Sandia Peak Tramway to experience the Sandia Mountains from above. Once the longest aerial tram in the Americas, take it to the top of Sandia Peak to visit restaurant TEN 3 before hiking many of the mountaintop scenic routes. © Wirestock | Dreamstime.com

Each October, Fiesta Park hosts the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, filling the skies with Special Shape Balloon Rodeos and Twilight Balloon Glows. This year marks the festival’s 50th anniversary. © Benkrut | Dreamstime.com

Albuquerque’s Historic Old Town, founded in the early 18th century, serves as the city’s cultural center, with more than 100 shops, restaurants and galleries, as well as museums and other attractions for all ages. © Valentin Armianu | Dreamstime.com

One of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, Petroglyph National Monument features carvings on volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400–700 years ago. Each image holds important cultural and spiritual significance for contemporary Native Americans. © Glenn Nagel | Dreamstime.com

The city’s Old Town features shops, from candy stores to gift stores to jewelry shops, as well as restaurants serving Spanish-, Mexican-, Native American- and North American-inspired dishes. The area also includes a winery and coffee shop. © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

Visit Albuquerque Botanical Gardens and explore the more than 1.5 miles of paths through the many gardens featured throughout the space. Gardens include Japanese and formal gardens, as well as Mediterranean and Desert Conservatories. © Justinjohnson555 | Dreamstime.com