One Day. A Thousand Stories.

Published on January 09, 2026

In Los Alamos, a single day can span 11,000 years.

Morning

Begin your adventure at Bandelier National Monument, where trails wind through Frijoles Canyon past the preserved homes and petroglyphs of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Bandelier protects archaeological sites, cultural resources, and landscapes connected to the Indigenous communities that shaped this terrain, offering a clear view of the region's long-established human history. Walking the canyon provides a direct sense of how these early inhabitants lived, built, and adapted to the environment across centuries. Moreover, human presence in this part of New Mexico extends back over 11,000 years, predating the Ancestral Puebloan Period.

Afternoon

Head to downtown Los Alamos and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Visitor Center, where preserved buildings and interpretive material outline Los Alamos' role in the Manhattan Project. Explore historical information at the Los Alamos History Museum that explains the area's scientific and cultural significance. This content highlights the people, decisions, and discoveries that shaped the Manhattan Project. 

Next, visit the Bradbury Science Museum, with free admission courtesy of Los Alamos National Laboratory. Over 40 interactive exhibits await, highlighting history, research, and defense. Here you'll learn about the Laboratory's research in energy, supercomputing, life sciences, and space achievements. Throughout the day, two 16-minute films run, tracing the Manhattan Project's push to develop the first atomic bomb and outlining the Laboratory's current role in upholding the nation's nuclear safety, security, and readiness.

Wrap up the afternoon at Anderson Overlook, a scenic viewpoint with sightlines to the soaring Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande valley. Its roadside location on NM 502 makes it an easy stop, whether you pause for a quick photo or a few quiet minutes to take in the picturesque setting. 

Evening

End the day in downtown's MainStreet & Creative District, an area with dining, shopping, and gathering spaces concentrated around Central Avenue and nearby streets. Restaurants and local shops sit within a compact, walkable area, making it an easy final stop after a full day of exploration.

Uncover more ideas and extend your trip with additional itineraries on our Plan Your Visit page.