Your First Stop: New Mexico’s Official Visitor Information Centers
Are you planning to visit one of New Mexico’s fifteen national parks and monuments? Or perhaps you’re heading here to ski world-class slopes or follow the chile trail one bite at a time? If you’re traveling through the Land of Enchantment, make time to stop at one of our Visitor Information Centers. They’re the best place to get reliable suggestions on where to go, where to stay, and how to make the most of your New Mexico trip!
Why Stop at a New Mexico Visitor Center?
Staffed and managed by the New Mexico Tourism Department, these official state-operated Visitor Information Centers are more than just a place to grab a brochure. They’re friendly, welcoming places where you’ll find updated maps, safety info, and travel tips. Plus restrooms, picnic spots, and plenty of recommendations you won’t find in an app. Often, having a local’s advice can be the difference between a good trip and a great one!
Locations Across the State
Santa Fe Visitor Information Center
Conveniently located downtown, the Santa Fe Visitor Information Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Stop in to ask about local art walks, filming locations, cathedrals, casinos, and nearby hiking trails. Staff can also point you toward seasonal festivals, gorgeous drives, and even some of the best breakfast burritos in town!
Glenrio Visitor Information Center
Located just off I-40 near the Texas border, the Glenrio Visitor Information Center is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It’s one of the first stops for many road trippers entering New Mexico, and a popular place to learn about Route 66 sights, roadside attractions, and scenic byways. The staff here can point you to classic diners, art installations, and photo-worthy stretches of the Mother Road that most people drive right past!
Lordsburg Visitor Information Center
In the southwest corner of the state, the Lordsburg Visitor Information Center is an excellent stop if you’re heading toward Silver City, Las Cruces, or anywhere in southern New Mexico. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and has everything you need to plan the next stretch of your trip. Grab a map, chat with the staff, and ask about nearby ghost towns, old mining museums, and scenic drives through the Gila Wilderness.
Manuelito Visitor Information Center
Right off I-40 (near the Arizona border), the Manuelito Visitor Information Center is a great first stop when entering New Mexico from the west. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ask about nearby attractions like El Morro National Monument, El Malpais, Zuni Pueblo, or scenic drives through red rock canyons and ancient volcanic landscapes in the Navajo Nation and beyond.
What to Expect When You Stop In?
Each New Mexico Visitor Information Center offers:
- Free state maps and regional brochures.
- An interactive kiosk to help plan your adventure.
- Personalized travel recommendations.
- Clean restrooms and shaded picnic areas.
- Safety info, weather updates, and event listings.
- A warm welcome and sometimes even coffee!
Plan every detail or let the road guide you! Whatever your approach, a stop at a Visitor Information Center can make your trip easier and help you discover places and experiences you might have missed otherwise.
Explore Nearby Attractions
One of the best things about New Mexico’s Visitor Information Centers is that they’re close to some pretty incredible places. From Glenrio, you’re just a short drive from Tucumcari’s famous Route 66 murals. In Lordsburg, head northeast to visit Silver City, an old mining town turned into a vibrant community with access to the great outdoors. In Santa Fe, the Visitor Information Center puts you just minutes from the Railyard, Canyon Road, and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. And near Manuelito, you’ll find the breathtaking landscapes like El Malpais National Monument and the sandstone inscriptions at El Morro.
Make the Most of Your Stop
- Ask questions. Staff are there to help, and they often know the kind of stuff that doesn’t show up in guidebooks.
- Take the printed guides. Cell service can be spotty in some of New Mexico’s more remote areas. Having a physical map or brochure is always a smart backup.
- Snap a photo (or two). Many tourist visitor centers feature scenic views, murals, or signs that are perfect for a road trip selfie!
- Rest and recharge. Even if you’re not looking for advice, the shaded picnic areas and clean restrooms make our centers a welcoming pit stop.
Start Your Journey Here!
New Mexico Visitor Information Centers give you more than directions. You’ll find detailed maps, staff who know the region firsthand, and insights you won’t get from a GPS. Stop in, pick up local tips, and let your trip unfold with a few unexpected discoveries along the way.
