Outdoor Experiences in Las Cruces

With over 320 days of sunshine, Las Cruces is teeming with outdoor activities. Here are some to check out!

White Sands National Park

Pack your sleds, drinks and something yummy to eat. Check out this out-of-this-world experience and take in the miles of stunning white gypsum dunes. White Sands is definitely a bucket-list hit and fun for the whole family to explore and discover. Keep an eye out for their park events!  
 

Public Art Hunt

Whether you’re an art lover, visitor, or just someone in need of a new insta pic, spend some time exploring the local public art scene in Las Cruces. There are several popular and iconic murals around town with a good portion right in the downtown area. See murals such as “Color Me Cruces,” “Con Amor” and “Lady of Las Cruces,” or visit the  “Earth and Cosmos” mosaic. If you want to see something truly unique, make sure to stop by the Recycled Roadrunner sculpture on your way in or out of Las Cruces. For more details and public art pieces click here.

Friends of the Organ Mountains Desert-Peaks

This organization is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of our beloved Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. If you’re interested in getting a closer look at our monument, try joining them for one of their guided hikes throughout the month. Its one of the best ways to get insights into the local trails and learn more about the history, wildlife and overall hiking experience! For more info and upcoming events visit here.
 

Other Recreation

• Test your skills and hit some of the local batting cages to let off some steam. Work on your swing, compete with friends and buy new gear for your baseball and softball needs.
• Grab your clubs and head out to one of the local golf courses. Test your skills in a desert landscape and at 4,000 feet above sea level, golf balls travel further, prompting some creative shots. Read more on our local golf courses here.
• After quickly rising in popularity, pickleball is now something players of all levels can partake in around town. Take your pick from outdoor to indoor courts open to the public. Las Cruces is a great place to find players to challenge you no matter your skill level. Check out pickleball spots here.
• As temperatures start rise in Las Cruces, locals and visitors alike start to seek out a quick and easy way to cool off. Nothing quite beats a nice cool dip in the pool and there several to pick from. For outdoor pools, consider heading to the Laabs Pool, East Mesa Bataan Memorial Pool or head over to Metro Verde Park to cool off with a splash pad. 

Patio Dining

Need a break from all the activity? Recharge with your pick of incredible local eateries — many of which, offer patio dining.

Grounded 

Conveniently located downtown, Grounded is the cornerstone for a number of cute shops surrounding a gorgeous back patio. Get your fill of food, drinks and something new to take home. Visit them on Fridays for live music in the courtyard.
📍300 N. Main St.

Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery

This patio spot is well-known and well-loved by locals for its friendly environment, incredible drinks and delicious food. Stop by for their lunch specials and hang out for fun happenings like Singo, Lotería and karaoke nights.
📍119 N. Main St. 
 

D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro

Looking for outdoor fine dining?  Head to this prime lunch, dinner and date spot. Select from their large selection of wines and explore their mouthwatering menu. Sit outside without concern for the heat with misters, fans and air conditioners.
📍1720 Avenida de Mesilla
 

El Sombrero Patio Café

A restaurant that honors family business and original recipes from over 60 years ago. El Sombrero shows off its passion for the business through great flavors and traditional dishes.
📍363 S. Espina St.
 

The Bean Locations

Need somewhere to sip your coffee outdoors? Try one of three The Bean locations offering patio space. Head to The Bean on Mesquite near downtown cruces to sip away somewhere casual and located across from a small park. Or stop at The Bean of Mesilla for a pick-me-up right on Avenida de Mesilla. Catch up with friends and embrace the UV at The Bean at Josefina's, located right outside the Mesilla plaza.
📍130 N. Mesquite St. 📍 2011 Avenida de Mesilla 📍 2261 Calle de Guadalupe
 

Andele’s Dog House

Need a spot for you and your furry friend? Head over to Andele’s Dog House and chow down on Mexican hot dogs, specialty burgers and plenty of Mexian dishes. Kick back with a cold beer in their shaded and enclosed patio.
📍1983 Calle Del Norte
 

Rio Grande Winery 

The patio spot with an incredible view of the beautiful Organ Mountains. Wind down with a glass of their fine wines and nibble on an appetizer, or go full-in on a dinner dish. Love the location? Become a member of their wine club and enjoy special perks.
📍5321 NM-28
 

Wavez Food Hawaiian-Cajun

This fusion spot was brought to life by three New Mexico State University alumni who combined bold Cajun flavors with island comfort food. Create your bowl or pick from their main dishes.
📍525 E. Madrid Ave.