Mesilla New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mesilla, New Mexico.
1. Mesilla Plaza
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Mesilla Plaza stands at the center of town, bounded by Calle de Principal, Calle de Parian, Calle de Guadalupe, and Calle de Santiago. The plaza and most of the buildings facing it are listed as a National Historic Landmark, preserving the authentic small-town feel of Mesilla. Today, the plaza offers a gathering place where visitors can experience the rich history while enjoying vendors, live music, and the charming atmosphere.
2. Basilica San Albino Catholic Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Basilica San Albino Catholic Church was originally built of adobe in 1855 and still offers masses today in both English and Spanish. The church anchors Mesilla and features a memorial outside to parishioners who died in combat. This beautiful historic basilica serves as both a functioning place of worship and an important cultural landmark for visitors to explore.
3. Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery ranks as one of the top attractions in Mesilla with its highly-rated wine tasting experiences. Visitors can sample locally produced wines while enjoying the beautiful vineyard setting in the Southwest. The winery offers a perfect blend of local flavor and relaxation for those looking to experience the region's growing wine culture.
4. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
NATURAL RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park provides a natural escape along the Rio Grande for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The state park offers walking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and a chance to experience the native ecosystem of the region. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, photography, and peaceful walks through this preserved natural area.
5. Gadsden Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Gadsden Museum showcases historical artifacts and exhibits related to the Mesilla region and the Gadsden Purchase. Visitors can learn about the significant historical events that shaped the area through informative displays and preserved items. The museum provides context for understanding Mesilla's unique place in American and Mexican history.
6. Black Range Vineyards
BOUTIQUE WINE EXPERIENCE
Black Range Vineyards offers a highly-rated boutique wine tasting experience in the Mesilla area. The vineyard specializes in small-batch wines that highlight the unique terroir of southern New Mexico. Visitors appreciate the personalized service and quality of wines produced at this local establishment.
7. The Potteries
LOCAL CERAMIC ARTS
The Potteries showcases expertly crafted ceramic works by local artisans in Mesilla. This perfectly-rated attraction allows visitors to browse and purchase unique pottery pieces that reflect the regional aesthetic and artistic traditions. The shop provides an opportunity to take home authentic handcrafted souvenirs that represent the cultural heritage of the area.
8. Cultural Center of Mesilla
COMMUNITY ARTS HUB
The Cultural Center of Mesilla serves as a hub for local arts, events, and cultural education in the community. The center hosts various exhibitions, performances, and workshops that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can experience authentic local culture and connect with the artistic community of Mesilla.
9. Double Eagle Restaurant
HISTORIC FINE DINING
Double Eagle Restaurant occupies a historic building on the Mesilla Plaza, offering fine dining in an elegant, historic atmosphere. The restaurant serves traditional New Mexican cuisine alongside American fare in rooms decorated with period antiques and art. Visitors can enjoy both the exceptional food and the building's storied past, which includes local legends about ghosts and star-crossed lovers.
10. La Posta de Mesilla
LANDMARK MEXICAN RESTAURANT
La Posta de Mesilla has been serving authentic Mexican and New Mexican cuisine since 1939 in a historic adobe building that once served as a stagecoach stop. The restaurant features multiple dining rooms decorated with Southwestern artifacts, an aviary with exotic birds, and a tequila bar. Visitors come for both the flavorful traditional dishes and the unique historical atmosphere that captures the essence of Old Mesilla.
11. Nambe Trading Post
SOUTHWESTERN ART GALLERY
Nambe Trading Post showcases fine Southwestern art, jewelry, and crafts in a gallery setting on the Mesilla Plaza. The shop specializes in authentic Native American pieces including silver jewelry, pottery, and other handcrafted items. Visitors appreciate the curated selection of high-quality items that represent the artistic traditions of the region.
12. Old Mesilla Pastry Cafe
CHARMING BREAKFAST SPOT
Old Mesilla Pastry Cafe delights visitors with freshly baked goods, breakfast items, and coffee in a quaint setting near the plaza. The cafe is known for its relaxed atmosphere and quality pastries made from scratch daily. Visitors often start their day exploring Mesilla with a visit to this local favorite.
13. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
DRAMATIC DESERT LANDSCAPE
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument showcases the stunning mountain range that serves as a backdrop to the Mesilla Valley. The monument encompasses nearly 500,000 acres with diverse ecosystems, hiking trails, and prehistoric archaeological sites. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain, spot wildlife, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape just a short drive from Mesilla.
14. New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
AGRICULTURAL HISTORY CENTER
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum preserves and celebrates the state's agricultural heritage through interactive exhibits, historic buildings, and live demonstrations. The 47-acre site includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring livestock, farming equipment, and the stories of the people who shaped the region's agricultural history. Visitors can experience rural New Mexico life spanning 3,000 years through engaging displays and activities close to Mesilla.
15. Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture
ICONIC DESERT ARTWORK
The Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture stands as a beloved landmark created entirely from discarded materials including old shoes, computer parts, and other trash. This 20-foot tall artistic representation of New Mexico's state bird overlooks the Mesilla Valley from its perch. The whimsical sculpture combines environmental awareness with regional pride, making it a popular photo opportunity for visitors to the area.