Top Things to Do in Ruidoso, NM
Places to Visit in Ruidoso
Category types
Traveller rating
Good for
67 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Horseback Riding Tours
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Antique Shops
Antique Shops
Hiking Trails
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Game & Entertainment Centres • Miniature Golf
Breweries
Parks
Arenas & Stadiums
Parks
Art Galleries
What travellers are saying
- Tina DCitrus Heights, CA1 contributionPlease give credits to the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Some pictures posted were taken on their reservation. Thank you!Written 6 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carol210Burke, VA802 contributionsThe Hubbard Museum is closed but use the same parking lot to see these magnificent larger-than-life horse sculptures in the open. The park is on the same side of the road at Ruidoso Down heading into Ruidoso. The actual area of the horse park to walk around the pathway you can do within 15 minutes on level ground. There also is a small trail going up the hill for a better view. Makes for a nice stop with benches available and makes great photo ops even if you don't like horses. Descriptive plaques describe each of the different horse breeds.
No restroom facilities are available unless you walk across the parking lot to the Billy the Kid Visitors Center. The horse park is adjacent to the Hubbard Museum (or the Cowboy Museum) which appears to be permanently closed.Written 15 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - HNBISOFFBedford, Texas1,050 contributionsThe Spencer Theater is a GEM for the Ruidoso area. We were fortunate to attend a dinner-dance with a Big Band group on our recent visit to Ruidoso. Loved this place.Written 23 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MsBobbieGreen Lake, WI24 contributionsWonderful place to relax with a bottle of wine and a cheese board and green chili fondue. Highly recommend.Written 6 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TJOX9211 contributionsLots of character. Plenty of independent shops. The true heart of Ruidoso. Lots of restaurants and unique offerings can be found on Mechem Drive. If you only have a day in town, its worth it to park and walk of one side of the street and down the other. Grab lunch or dinner and souvenir or two.Written 11 December 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Justin BDallas, TX46 contributionsHad to stand in line for 30 minutes for the floating park. Paid $20 and got to play for 45 minutes. Lots of employees just standing around. Kids did have fun.Written 20 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stay819465Tucson, AZ5 contributionsGot to Ruidoso around 2pm and had an hour before we could check in. Found Resort drive and navigated to the lake with no issues. Lots of parking available in both the lower and upper lots, but that won't last as the summer season progresses. There are two trails you may take to get around to the other side of the lake. One is moderately difficult, while the other is easy. We took the up and down moderate trail out the 1.3 miles, and came back using the easy trail along the shore. Both offered beautiful views and a pleasant experience. Temperature this time of year (May) was perfect, with no bugs to bother us.Written 15 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mfhordRockport, TX6 contributionsLots of fun. We went with 3 couples and even the girls that don’t gamble. Had fun. This is a fun adventure for anyone in RUIDOSAWritten 6 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ray L25 contributionsNice casino, located at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort. Easy access, lots of slots and plenty of table games. This is not Vegas, but its clean, friendly and a great place to spend some time having fun.
Several eating places within the facility, from pub grub to a Wendell's for a great steak.
Nice, easy to access free parking garage, great during the cold winter or snow.Written 30 May 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jenny SAlbuquerque, NM64 contributionsA pleasant stroll along the creek. I wasn't sure that my niece and nephew would be interested in the fairy walk since they are older (8 and 11), but they really got into the search. They enjoyed hearing the blurb about each fairy (how each fairy takes care of the forest) and liked playing in the creek. Be sure to look for the trolls at each bridge crossing. And download the map and fairy tales before you go.Written 26 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carol210Burke, VA802 contributionsI wish I had a bigger suitcase to stash some of the interesting items I saw while visiting. If you love shopping flea and antique markets, this is the place to start. This is a large building filled with vendors on the lower and gallery level of the building. Friendly staff and was told that the building in its hay day was a honky tonk establishment where crowds from the race track would stop by. The building is located outside of the main area of Ruidoso but is very accessible off SR 70.Written 15 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- travelady56Alamogordo, NM97 contributionsThe River Museum has some interesting and informative exhibits. It only takes a few minutes for each exhibit. There are some good photo opportunities.Written 18 September 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- rklowNeskowin, OR170 contributionsThis is a small casino, no frills & the machines are very tight. Everyone is really friendly that's about all I can say about it. Not much fun when you have to feed the machines constantly to play. If they ever loosen them we would defiantly return.Written 10 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Corey B5 contributionsNice course. Course is very well kept. People were very hospitable. Pretty views. I would not hesitate to play here again.Written 22 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Donna E1 contributionJeff gave me what was probably the best massage I've ever had. I'll definitely re-book the next time I visit Ruidoso. Everyone was nice, and the space and location are good.Written 10 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ruidoso
- The top attractions to visit in Ruidoso are:
- Lincoln National Forest
- Ruidoso Downs Race Track
- Noisy Water Winery
- Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts
- Grindstone Lake
- The best outdoor activities in Ruidoso according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Ruidoso on Tripadvisor
- The most popular things to do in Ruidoso with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Lincoln National Forest
- Backcountry Attitudes
- Free Spirits at Noisy Water
- Grindstone Lake Trail
- Ski Apache