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5 things to do when visiting Los Alamos

Rachel Driskell
Rachel Driskell Special to the Journal
Published Modified

Perched atop the mesas of Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos beckons travelers with its captivating blend of scientific history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures.

Whether you're intrigued by the town's role in the Manhattan Project or eager to explore its scenic surroundings, Los Alamos offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

1. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Visitor Center

Immerse yourself in the scientific heritage of Los Alamos by starting your visit at the LANL Visitor Center. In Los Alamos, New Mexico, Manhattan Project administrators found an ideal location for the secret laboratory where they designed and built the world’s first atomic weapons.

Discover this remarkable history and learn about the groundbreaking scientific achievements that have taken place here. Interactive exhibits, videos, and displays provide insight into the laboratory's ongoing research and contributions to various fields. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Bradbury Science Museum, which offers a deeper dive into the lab's history and innovations.

Address: 475 20th Street (

Phone: 505) 661-6277

2. Bandelier National Monument

Venture into the ancient past by exploring the awe-inspiring Bandelier National Monument. Just a short drive from Los Alamos, this archaeological wonder offers a journey through the ancestral Pueblo people's dwellings, petroglyphs, and towering cliffs. Hiking trails wind through the rugged terrain, leading you to the iconic Tyuonyi pueblo and the Alcove House, accessible via ladders and providing stunning panoramic views.

Address: 1350 Central Avenue

Phone: (505) 667-4444

3. Pajarito Mountain Ski Area

For outdoor enthusiasts visiting during the winter months, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area is a haven for skiing and snowboarding. The resort offers exhilarating slopes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. In the summer, the mountain transforms into a haven for mountain biking and hiking, boasting trails that traverse the diverse landscapes of the Jemez Mountains.

Address: 397 Camp May Road

Phone: (505) 662-5725

4. Fuller Lodge Historic District

Step back in time by exploring the Fuller Lodge Historic District. This charming area captures the essence of Los Alamos' past with its historic buildings, including Fuller Lodge itself – a former guesthouse for scientists working on the Manhattan Project. Today, the lodge hosts events, exhibitions, and performances that reflect the town's cultural vibrancy. Stroll through the district's gardens, take in the historic architecture, and soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era. This area is full of things to see.

Address: 1050 Bathtub Row

Phone: (505) 662-4493

5. Scenic Overlooks in Los Alamos

For captivating views and scenic drives, check out these two scenic overlooks. These locations provide a worthwhile stop for scenic views and breathtaking photos. Although a few miles outside of Los Alamos proper, this Los Alamos overlook is worth the effort. A second overlook in White Rock is close by and offers a staggering 270 degree open space view of the beautiful Rio Grande River as it runs along the Jemez Mountains.

Address: Highway 502 coming West into town, five miles outside of Los Alamos

What you can see beyond the National Labs in Los Alamos

A group of National Park scientists and environmentalists tour a section of Bandelier National Monument that was thinned to help stop erosion.
Frijoles Canyon at Bandelier National Monument
Visitors walk along the "Long House" cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument.
Visitors walk the main loop trail through Bandelier National Monument as members of the Rocky Mountin Youth Corp. and the National Parks Service work to restore some of the walls of Tyuonyi Pueblo ruins in the park.
A double rainbow arcs over the mountains of the Dome Wilderness near Bandelier National Monument after a summer thunderstorm.
Outdoor fun: Ice Wolves look forward to game at Los Alamos rink
The New Mexico Ice Wolves got their first taste of the Los Alamos County Ice Rink last season during an intrasquad scrimmage and will be returning there Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 to face the El PasoRhinos in a regular-season NAHL game
Officials from the National Parks Service, the Department of Energy and Los Alamos take a tour of the Oppenheimer House in Los Alamos, Tuesday June 2, 2015. This sculpture of the scientist and LANL director during the Manhattan Project is on the hearth.
Houses along Bathtub Row in Los Alamos were the only ones with bathtubs during the Manhattan Project.
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Fuller Lodge served as the dining hall for the Los Alamos Ranch School and as a community center for Manhattan Project workers.
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J. Robert Oppenheimer and his wife, Katherine, lived in this house in Los Alamos.
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The Los Alamos History Museum has displays showcasing life in the 1940s in Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project.
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A replica kitchen from the 1940s is part of the permanent collection at the Los Alamos History Museum.
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