A little rain shouldn’t stop you from having a beautiful day, especially in a city as creatively diverse and full of exciting activities as Albuquerque.
Although the city is famous for its 310 days of sunshine, it does receive around 9 inches of rain annually. And when it does rain, you get to experience this special place in a whole new way.
From touring historic old churches and browsing museums to visiting the aquarium and going to the theater, rain certainly won’t stop you from having a good time.
The next time you’re in the Duke City and the skies turn gray, consider exploring the outdoors in some cozy weather-friendly gear or try out one of these indoor activities for a full-fledged rainy day experience in our beloved ABQ.
1. Go to a museum
Museum walks and rainy days are a match made in heaven. Some might even say that the moody atmosphere adds to the experience of pondering and exploring the past.
Albuquerque’s range of museums is extensive and full of variety, allowing you to choose one (or two, or three) that really suits your interests. From science and nature to nuclear development and art history, there’s a near-endless supply of museums in Albuquerque worth exploring.
Some of the most popular museums in Albuquerque include the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the Albuquerque Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Explora, the Turquoise Museum, the American International Rattlesnake Museum and the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, which is the only one of its kind in North America. There’s also the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, which focuses on ABQ’s hot air ballooning heritage.
2. Take a trip to the ABQ BioPark Aquarium
When it’s wet and cold outside, exploring the ocean’s various creatures, critters and complex ecosystems is an educational and mesmerizing experience.
The ABQ BioPark Aquarium has a wide variety of marine life to explore. It can be an immersive rainy day activity, whether solo or with a group of friends or family. You’ll learn a lot, see things you don’t get exposed to every day, and experience the pleasure of meandering through hypnotic blue tunnels of fascinating sea life.
There’s also a Botanic Garden, so if you don't mind the rain, you can meander along the garden’s one-and-a-half miles of paths, which encompass numerous different garden styles. If the rain is a bit much, stay indoors and visit the Butterflies and Bees exhibit and the BUGarium (yes, it's an “aquarium” for bugs!).
Photo Credit: New Mexico Tourism Department
3. Visit an art gallery
Art appreciation is a fantastic rainy day activity in any city, and when you’re in one as jam-packed with different art styles as Albuquerque, why not make the most of it?
A slow (umbrella-covered!) walk through Old Town will quickly draw you into a variety of art galleries, all of which are saturated with ancient and contemporary artistic influences. Albuquerque’s diverse creativity and cultural history can give you and your friends or family a unique perspective on the city.
Some of the best art galleries in Albuquerque include Santisima, Lapis Room, Harwood Art Center and Land of Enchantment Photography Art Gallery, any of which would be excellent companions on a cold and rainy day.
4. Explore New Mexico’s old churches
You don’t need to be religious to appreciate beautiful, historic architecture – and these are things that Albuquerque is best known for. Visit the iconic San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church, the New Mexico Temple, the Chapel Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe or San Ignacio Catholic Church, to name a few.
All of these churches capture something unique and deeply historical about Albuquerque and the greater New Mexico region, and touring them is an enriching experience for all ages.
Photo Credit: Mark Werner
5. Go to the theater
If you’re an arts lover who has already toured through Albuquerque’s long list of galleries, a theater expedition should absolutely be the next thing on your rainy-day bucket list. Albuquerque has a vibrant and rapidly growing theater scene full of exciting productions and shows to enjoy.
Live theater, poetry readings, music productions, dance shows and other forms of performance art are just a few of the things you can expect from this special city’s theater landscape.
Bring a warm coat, get some snacks, and absorb the array of both traditional and modern takes on live, performance-oriented storytelling.
6. Wine and dine
Or shall we say beer and dine? If you’re of age, sampling a pint at some of Albuquerque’s breweries is one of the best ways to experience the city.
Local taprooms source ingredients from New Mexico and the surrounding areas to showcase the region’s exquisite natural produce. You’re just as welcome in a group as you are visiting solo. If you’re traveling solo, a taproom is a great place to sit back and relax, soak up the atmosphere, and sip on a beer or two. You can read a book or local newspaper, play a few card games, or find a few friendly folks to chat with.
You’ll also find as many diverse flavors, if not more, at ABQ’s many restaurants. Many of the eateries in this city offer New Mexican cuisine and menus based on international flavors, allowing you to have a range of options every time you step out for a bite.
When it’s cold and rainy outside, tucking into some warm, well-spiced food can be exactly what you need. Come hungry!
Photo Credit: Facebook
7. Stretch your legs at the climbing gym
The Stone Age Climbing Gym in Midtown is a great place to activate your muscles if you’re feeling restless on a cold and rainy day. You might not want to hike in the wet weather, but you can still get some exercise at this indoor bouldering club that’s open to all ages.
Being physically active is a great way to warm up from the inside and learn a new skill if you haven’t got much experience in the art of rock climbing. Fortunately, the gym is open to beginners, so you can pop in with little to no experience and still have a great time learning.
Make A Splash in Albuquerque
A rainy day will never stop you from having fun in Albuquerque. If you plan your day correctly, the wet weather might even enhance it.
From galleries and museums to fabulous restaurants and historic churches, you certainly won’t run out of options to explore next time the clouds gather over this dynamic city.
