We know dads, and we know what dads love. From beers and burgers, to road trips and relaxation, we’ve made it easy for you to show dad how much you appreciate him with a trip he’ll never forget. All summer long there are “father-friendly” adventures to find around New Mexico, with a few fun events like the Elephant Butte Sand Castle Building Competition and the Red River Fine Art and Wine Festival happening only on Father’s Day weekend.
Don’t know where to begin? We’ll get you started with “The Guide,” our New Mexico True Story of world champion fly fisherman and guide, Norman Maktima, who enjoys spending his spare time on the water with his father, Duane. Of all of the places Norman has cast his line, he says there is no place in the world to fish like New Mexico.
One Fish, Two Fish
Let dad decide where to wet your line from these favorite fishing spots in New Mexico. Whether you head to the Upper Rio Grande around Taos or the pristine wilderness surrounding the Pecos River, your opportunity for gridlessness awaits.
We make no guarantees about your catch, but neither of you will be disappointed in your time together on the water. Make a weekend out of it: Spend some quality time on the quality waters around the San Juan River in Farmington while you’re in the northern part of the state.
Hit the Road, Dad
It’s your turn to drive as you and dad make lasting memories on one of the Enchanted 8 road trips. Whether your dad prefers an epic adventure or is just in it for the quirky selfie, there’s a road trip designed with him in mind. Make a weekend out of it: 7 of the 8 road trips pass through Albuquerque, so start there and head any direction for an easy summertime escape.
Take a Bite
Dads are experts on grilling, so challenge him to find the best burger in the state on the New Mexico True Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail. Sixty-four of NM’s most popular burger joints can be found in this roundup of restaurants that covers the entire state. Make a weekend out of it: Fun isn’t built on food alone, so see what events and festivals are happening around the state to kickstart your burger bonanza.
Cars and Coffee
If your dad is a gear head or a classic car aficionado you’ll want to head to Gallup for Cars and Coffee at Camille’s Cafe. Every Sunday morning you’ll find dozens of hot rods and classics lining the parking lot of this local hangout, with Father’s Day being a particularly popular occurrence. Make a weekend out of it: Fly above with a hot air balloon ride in Red Rocks Park and see Gallup’s ancient history in action with the Nightly Indian Dances.
Find Hoppiness
Take your pops on a hunt for the best IPA in the state, or slowly sample your way through the frontier of beer. From a progressive beer dinner to a trolley tour around ABQ, you and dad can discover together why the state has recently been dubbed “Brew Mexico.” Make a weekend out of it: Check out the New Mexico True Ale Trail for a roundup of the state’s best breweries no matter where you’re heading.
Two Wheels, One Track
He taught you to ride, so its time to return the favor. Show dad how it’s done with some single-track mountain biking around New Mexico. Think dad needs a little more help than you can offer? Take a group lesson at the Angel Fire Bike Park. Make a weekend out of it: Extend your stay by a day or two for Balloons Over Angel Fire on Father’s Day weekend.
Tee It Up
New Mexico boasts a few of the best courses in the country, including Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club in Sandia Park and Rockwind Community Links in Hobbs. Your dad is sure to brag about golfing these courses, and you’ll look like a champ by picking up the affordable greens fees. Make a weekend out of it: After golfing Rockwind, treat dad to BBQ on your way to the Carlsbad Caverns National Monument or Brantley Lake State Park.
Wild Ride
If dad deserves a summer adventure to remember, make it count with a zip line ride at Ski Apache. Just outside of Ruidoso, this spot is one of the longest zip lines in the world at 8,890 feet and offers parallel cables so you can enjoy the ride side-by-side. Feeling adventurous up north? Try the zip lines at Angel Fire Resort or Red River Ski Area. Make a weekend out of it: From the Enchanted Circle, take dad on a ride back in time on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railway in Chama.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railway
Be a Happy Camper
No doubt those family camping trips of your childhood were some of your most memorable moments, so recreate a few (or make some new ones) on a dark sky adventure with dad. From the Cosmic Campground near Glenwood to the July Night Sky Party at Ft. Union National Monument, there are ample opportunities to prove to dad that you’re no longer afraid of the dark. Make a weekend out of it: From your blacked out basecamp in Glenwood, check out the Catwalk National Scenic Trail then dip into Silver City for delicious cuisine and a little relaxation.