35 Fun Date Ideas in Albuquerque

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The New Mexico city of Albuquerque is an interesting place to visit for all couples. Whether you live in the area or are on vacation, there's no shortage of fun date ideas in Albuquerque to enjoy together.

Couples activities range from taking a romantic hot air balloon ride or dining at high-end restaurants to exploring parks and visiting fascinating museums. If you want to learn more about everything to do in and around Albuquerque for couples, keep reading for 35 date ideas!

Organizing a last-minute visit to Albuquerque?

To make the most of your visit to Albuquerque, we recommend you book accommodations and experiences soon. We've pulled together top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in Albuquerque

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Albuquerque Midtown (relax by the pool)
• Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection (rated highly)
• Isleta Resort & Casino (4-star rating)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Albuquerque

• Private Hot Air Balloon Flights With Elevated New Mexico (rated highly)
• 12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll (rated highly)
• Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise (very popular)
• The Ghost Tour of Old Town - New Mexico's Oldest Ghost Walk - Since 2001 (very popular)
• Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour in New Mexico

35 Fun Things for Couples to Do in Albuquerque

Ideas for Date Night in Albuquerque, NM

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Watch a show at the KiMo Theatre

If you want to plan a memorable night out, seeing a show at the famous KiMo Theatre is a must. Opened in 1927, the National Historic Landmark now hosts a variety of performing arts productions, including musicals and concerts. No matter what you see, you and your date will have a great time when visiting this Albuquerque landmark!

🏨 Accommodations nearby Kimo Theatre

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albuquerque Historic Old Town (offers a pool)
• Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection (rated very highly)

Try the city's best craft beers on a brewery tour

Couples that enjoy craft beer won't want to miss going on a curated craft beer and breweries tour in the evening. On this excursion, your guide will take you to multiple top-rated breweries where you can taste samples and learn more about the production process.

This three-and-a-half-hour tour begins at 6.30 PM, but there's also a 1 PM option if you'd prefer to book in the afternoon.

🏨 Accommodation in close proximity to 20th Street Northwest & Bellamah Avenue Northwest

• Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Downtown, nm

Dare to go on a ghost tour

Those wanting to plan a unique date night in Albuquerque, NM, will be interested in experiencing an Old Town ghost tour. The tour takes you and your partner to Albuquerque Old Town's most haunted spots. At each stop, you'll learn about ghost sightings and other spooky events.

Relax with cocktails at Canvas Artistry

Going for a drinks date is always a good idea! If you can't decide which bar to visit, check out Canvas Artistry. This vibrant spot has an excellent cocktail list with many drinks combining unique ingredients. Coffee cocktails, wine, and bar food are also available.

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Dine on comfort food at 66 Diner

While you can find many fancy restaurants in Albuquerque, sometimes hanging out with good comfort food is the perfect date idea. So if that's what you and your partner are in the mood for, drive to 66 Diner.

The retro 1950s-style eatery serves classic American dishes like burgers and fries, chicken fried steak, milkshakes, and fruit cobbler.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to 66 Diner

• Crowne Plaza Albuquerque (good value)

Bowl at Main Event

Main Event is a perfect place for a laid-back date night. The entertainment complex has bowling lanes, plus laser tag, arcade games, and billiards. After enjoying the amusements, you can get snacks and drinks at the on-site bar and grill.

🏨 Stay near Main Event Albuquerque

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Albuquerque Midtown (take it easy by the pool)
• Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

Romantic Things to Do in Albuquerque for Couples

Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride

The city is so renowned for hot air ballooning that the Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World was created as an Albuquerque nickname! To experience hot air ballooning in the area, treat your date to a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

This is one of the most romantic things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and it will allow you to watch the sun come up over the Rio Grande Valley. You can also spot the Sandia Mountains and the desert that surrounds central Albuquerque. After your flight, you and your partner can enjoy sparkling wine and breakfast.

🏨 Place to stay near 5601 Eagle Rock Ave NE

• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Albuquerque North Journal Center (well-regarded)

Sip wine at Casa Rondena Winery

Going to Casa Rondeña Winery is a romantic daytime date idea. At the local winery, you can do a tasting and learn more about the production process. You could also attend a Wellness + Wine event which includes an hour outdoor yoga class with wine afterward.

Share a picnic at Tingley Beach

On a warm and sunny day, having a picnic at Tingley Beach is the perfect romantic date idea. You can sit at picnic tables or in the grass, overlooking pretty ponds.

Before or after your meal, you could go boating or for a scenic stroll. The beach is also open until late on Monday if you want to watch the sunset with your loved one.

Indulge in afternoon tea at St. James Tearoom

Getting afternoon tea at St. James Tearoom is a romantic and luxurious thing to do together. The English-style tea room has seasonally themed menus that change every month or so.

No matter when you visit, your afternoon tea will include scones with cream and jam, finger sandwiches, and delicious pastries and cakes. Of course, various teas are available to accompany your food.

🏨 Place to stay close to St James Tearoom

• Drury Inn & Suites Albuquerque North (value option)

Stay at Los Poblanos Historic Inn

Los Poblanos Historic Inn is a beautiful hotel and spa and one of the most romantic places in Albuquerque, NM, to stay at. Guests will get to enjoy cozy yet contemporary rooms, relaxing spa treatments, and access to a lavender farm and farm shop. The boutique resort also features a well-known bar and restaurant, Campo at Los Poblanos.

Romantic Restaurants in Albuquerque

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Sawmill Market

Sawmill Market isn't just one restaurant but a trendy marketplace with multiple upscale food vendors and bars. Located inside a renovated warehouse, the market has dishes from various cuisines, including Mexican, Japanese, and Spanish food vendors. There are also bars serving craft cocktails and many places to get dessert.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Sawmill Market

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Albuquerque Downtown (well-regarded)
• Hotel Chaco (4-star rating)

Ten 3 Restaurant

Ten 3 Restaurant sits at the top of the Sandia Peak Tramway, offering high-end dishes and breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains. Menu options include surf and turf tartare, housemade tortellini, and prosciutto-wrapped lobster tail. You can order wine or cocktails to accompany your meal, and a decadent dessert menu is available to finish.

Campo at Los Poblanos

Los Poblanos is a spa and hotel with a high-end eatery, Campo at Los Poblanos. This spot is definitely a contender for the most romantic restaurant in Albuquerque and was included on a "Top 10 Hotels for Food Lovers in America" list by Bon Appétit.

The restaurant focuses on farm-to-table Mexican and American fusion dishes. There's also a sophisticated cocktail menu and an extensive wine list to complement your meal.

Vernon's Speakeasy

Booking a table at Vernon's Speakeasy is an excellent idea if you're looking to plan a romantic and sophisticated dinner date. The prohibition-era-style bar and restaurant serves steakhouse dishes and sides, with vegetarian options also available. To accompany your meal, you can order a craft cocktail, beer, or wine.

Fun Things to Do in Albuquerque for Couples

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Explore the Old Town of Albuquerque

The Old Town of Albuquerque is a scenic area to explore together. The city's old town has unique adobe houses and colorful street decorations. You can check out independent shops and art galleries and dine at Mexican eateries as you wander around.

If you and your date are interested in the area's history, take an Albuquerque Old Town history tour, which includes a visit to San Felipe de Neri Church.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Old Town

• Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town - Heritage Hotels & Resorts (rated highly)
• Econo Lodge Old Town (good value)

Learn new things at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

One of the most interesting attractions to visit together in Albuquerque is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. This museum features contemporary artworks by local artists as well as pieces by indigenous artists.

Exhibits on local and state history, which include photography and historical artifacts, are also on display. You could just visit the museum or take a Albuquerque Old Town tour which includes museum admission and a wine tasting!

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Experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

A fun fact about New Mexico is that the state hosts the world's largest hot air balloon festival, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. If you're in the city during October, going to the festival is one of the most fun dates in Albuquerque.

The festival allows you to see a range of colorful balloons flying above the city. There are also light displays and lots of other fun events.

Taste the best dishes in Albuquerque on a food tour

There's no shortage of fantastic restaurants in Albuquerque, and a great way to see the best of the best with your date is by going on a food tour. You'll be taken to a few landmarks with stops at eateries for food and drinks between. This tour offers the ideal way to learn about the history and culture of the area while enjoying delicious dishes.

Marvel at San Felipe de Neri

San Felipe de Neri is a must-see landmark, especially if you're visiting Albuquerque. This beautiful Catholic church opened in 1793 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.

During a visit, you can admire the internal and external architecture and go to an on-site museum. If you want to see more Albuquerque landmarks, you and your date could join a walking tour, which takes you to San Felipe de Neri, Albuquerque Old Town, and Albuquerque Museum.

Bike around Albuquerque

Cycling around Albuquerque on a bike tour is perfect for couples that enjoy being outdoors and visiting top attractions and landmarks. Your guide will take you to various places, including Albuquerque Old Town and the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. You'll also ride along the Rio Grande River Trail, and all equipment is provided if needed.

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Enjoy the views from the Sandia Peak Tramway

The Sandia Peak Tramway is an aerial tramway that offers stunning views of central Albuquerque and the surrounding area. The tramway goes from the northeast edge of the city up the Sandia Mountains to Sandia Peak.

As you and your date ride the tramway, you can take in the breathtaking views. Consider booking your trip just before sunset to make your date more romantic. You can also dine at Ten 3 Restaurant once at the top.

Chat over coffee at Zendo Coffee

If you're looking for first date ideas in Albuquerque, planning a coffee date at Zendo Coffee is an excellent idea! Even if you're on a date with a longer-term partner, getting coffee at this trendy cafe is a must.

The menu includes a variety of hot and cold coffee drinks, plus tea drinks and hot cocoa. You can also get food such as freshly baked cakes.

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Walk around the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden

The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is a pretty place to go for a walk together. The garden features indoor and outdoor displays filled with plants native to New Mexico and scenic water features. As you walk around, you'll also see pretty butterflies and other insects.

Look around the Turquoise Museum

Are you looking for more unique museums to visit together? Then add a trip to the Turquoise Museum to your to-do list! This fascinating attraction features a vast collection of turquoise pieces, including jewelry, sculptures, and rocks. To make admission easy, book Turquoise Museum tickets before you arrive.

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Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Another interesting attraction to check out with your partner is the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. At the center, you can learn about the history and culture of the Indian Pueblo Native American community that calls the area home. You'll also see artifacts like clothing, jewelry, and artwork.

Ride the New Mexico Rattler at Cliff's Amusement Park

Going to Cliff's Amusement Park is one of the most fun and cute date ideas in Albuquerque. This attraction has 24 rides for all ages, including the famous New Mexico Rattler, a wooden roller coaster. There are also carnival-style games, food vendors, and a summer waterpark.

🏨 Accommodation close to the New Mexico Rattler

• Nativo Lodge

Spend the day exploring Cibola National Forest

Cibola National Forest is a fun place to spend the day in the fresh air. At the over one million acre forest, you can hike trails and spot wildlife while taking in the beautiful landscape of mountains, forests, and grasslands. Animals to see range from birds like black rosy-finches to prairie dogs and mule deer. You may even see bears or cougars.

Get ice cream at Icicles

Whether you want dessert after a dinner date or just want a sweet treat stopping by Icicles is a great idea! The small ice cream chain specializes in rolled ice cream with lots of delicious toppings like toasted marshmallows, crushed oreo, and lychee jelly. If you can't decide which toppings to get, there are rolled ice cream sundaes on the menu with toppings chosen.

Spot wildlife at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park

The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is another great outdoor attraction to explore that's home to lots of wildlife. The 38-acre wildlife preserve has various trails that take you through different landscapes and habitats. Creatures you may see range from birds, raccoons, and American beavers to coyotes and 40 species of dragonflies!

See ancient petroglyphs at Petroglyph National Monument

If you're looking for more interesting attractions to visit together, a trip to Petroglyph National Monument is a must. The 7,236-acre monument features a range of designs and symbols carved into the rocks centuries ago by Native Americans and Spanish settlers.

As you look around, you can learn about the site's history and what the images mean. After visiting, you could go to other nearby attractions, like Ladera Golf Course.

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Go to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is an excellent place for a date if you're both interested in natural history topics. Things to learn about include dinosaurs and fossils, the state's ecosystem, and even space travel! There are also temporary exhibits, such as an exhibit on the history of chocolate.

Stop for snacks at Golden Crown Panaderia

Couples planning a daytime date will want to pencil in a time to stop at Golden Crown Panaderia. The famous bakery sells bread, sweet desserts, empanadas, and much more. You can also try "New Mexico-style" pizza here and get drinks like smoothies and coffee milkshakes.

Fun Things to Do Near Albuquerque, New Mexico, for Couples

Plan a trip to Santa Fe

There are plenty of fun and romantic things to do in Albuquerque, NM; however, planning a couples trip is sometimes a great idea. A top destination to visit from Albuquerque is Santa Fe.

This New Mexico city is only an hour from Albuquerque, so you could plan a day or overnight trip. Just a few of many things to do in Santa Fe include checking out unique shops and eateries, visiting the New Mexico History Museum, and seeing New Mexico landmarks like Santa Fe Plaza.

🏨 Accommodations near Santa Fe

• Hotel Santa fe (unwind poolside)
• Inn on the Alameda (highly acclaimed)

Hike around the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge

Couples that enjoy exploring the outdoors and seeing wildlife will want to plan a date at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Located in the Chihuahuan Desert, about 50 minutes outside Albuquerque, the refuge features various trails and is home to an array of wildlife. Just a few animals to see include bighorn sheep, mule deer, and even mountain lions.

In Conclusion

This list of daytime date and date night ideas in Albuquerque should have given you lots of suggestions for fun new things to do in the city with your other half. Whether you both like visiting museums, exploring the outdoors, or dining at fancy restaurants, you'll find many things to do on a date in this New Mexico city!

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