New Mexico is a land of history, heritage, and breathtaking landscapes and one of the best ways to experience its culture is by visiting its pueblos. The state is home to 19 pueblos, three Apache tribes (Jicarilla Apache Nation, Fort Sill Apache Tribe and Mescalero Apache Tribe), and the Navajo Nation, each with its own traditions, art, and deep connection to the land. From the thousand-year-old Taos Pueblo to the striking mesa-top community of Acoma, these pueblos offer travelers a chance to step into living history. Whether you’re drawn by world-renowned pottery, ceremonial dances, ancient architecture, or simply the chance to connect with Native American culture, New Mexico’s pueblos belong on every traveler’s bucket list.
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Acoma Pueblo- Sky City
Acoma Pueblo is probably the most famous Pueblo in New Mexico. It is also called Sky City because of its position on the Enchanted Mesa that overlooks the surrounding area.Sky City is located between Grants and Abuquerque. Acoma Pueblo is also known for being the oldest town to be continuously inhabited in the United States, today only about 50 people live on the Mesa, making it one of the least populated pueblos in New Mexico. The only way you can visit Acoma Pueblo is by going on a tour with a Native American guide. There is a cost for the tour and for the special permit to take pictures, but it is well worth it. We were in awe of the old buildings and view. Be sure to visit Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museumnot only will you see amazing Pueblo pottery and Southwest Indian art, but you will learn more about the Acoma people. Sky City Casino & Hotel is a great place stop if you’re heading to Albuquerque. Spend the night or drop in and try to win big. There is also a gas station here.
Cochiti Pueblo- Carved Pottery and Tradition
Cochiti Pueblo is one of the northernmost pueblos in New Mexico, located about 50 miles north of Albuquerque and 35 miles southwest of Santa Fe. Cochiti is well known for its unique style of jewelry, as well as its special pottery styles and handmade drums. One of the Pueblo’s renowned members is the late Helen Cordero, who revived the popular storyteller pottery figurine in 1964. The Pueblo is also well known for its deep-toned ceremonial drums, which can be heard on July 14, the Pueblo’s San Buenaventura Feast Day. Cochiti is generally open every day, although they do close for certain ceremonies. Photography and other recordings are strictly prohibited. You may also want to visit Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks and Cochiti Lake which are near the Pueblo. Golfers will enjoy playing a round at Cochiti Golf Course.
Isleta Pueblo- Mix of History and Modernism
Just south of Albuquerque, Isleta Pueblo is ideal for travelers wanting rich culture. Its historic church and cultural center are rarely busy and welcome self-guided or locally led tours. Aside from the pretty church of Mission San Agustín, which is one of the oldest missions in all of New Mexico, Isleta doesn’t have much else to offer to tourists. This pueblo, located close to Albuquerque, is best known for the Isleta Resort & Casino, one of the largest casinos in the state. Isleta Eagle Golf Course is also a great place for golfers. We haven’t made it here yet, but it’s definitely on our bucket list.
Jemez Pueblo- Red Rocks and Recreation
Jemez Pueblo is perhaps one of the most fascinating pueblos, but, unfortunately, at the same time more difficult to visit. Jemez Pueblo itself is located 27 miles northwest of Bernalillo. The Pueblo of Jémez is the only remaining Towa-speaking pueblo. Right now, the Walatowa Visitor Center is all that is open to the public. You will find the Museum of History and Culture here as well as a gift shop and information about touring Jemez Red Rock. While you are in the area head to the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway and Jemez National Recreation Area. Plan a stop at the Jemez State Monument to visit the old ruins of the Mission. The drive through this area is worth the trip.
Laguna Pueblo- Along Route 66
Laguna Pueblo is one of the “youngest” pueblos in New Mexico. The interstate and historic Route 66 bisects the heart of the 42-square-mile Pueblo lands. The Pueblo is located 45 miles west of Albuquerque off I-40, and 31 miles east of Grants. Visitors are encouraged to visit the St. Joseph/San José Mission Church, which can be seen from I-40. Please note that photography, sketching and recording is not allowed on Laguna land. The Pueblo’s six villages, Encinal, Laguna, Mesita, Paguate, Paraje and Seama, are home to about 3,800 people. Each community within the Pueblo celebrates its own feast day and on Sept. 19 all the villages celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph. Dances follow a Mass at the San José Mission Church and hundreds of booths offer various native arts and crafts for viewing and purchase. The rest of the year pottery and other traditional crafts are available from Pueblo members in the village, I-40 scenic view (NM 114) and the Dancing Eagle Supermarket located at NM 108. This is also the location of the Pueblo-operated Dancing Eagle Casino and Travel Center. Off of the reservation, you will find Laguana Route 66 Casino Hotel. This is a must stop for us when we’re in the area. It is a fun casino and really nice hotel.
Nambe Pueblo- Waterfalls & Pottery
Another of the Tewa-speaking pueblos located just north of Santa Fe, Nambe is perhaps one of the most picturesque of all the New Mexico pueblos. Situated in a beautiful landscape with the jaw-dropping Nambe Falls and Lake, this Pueblo has enjoyed a recent revival in traditional crafts, particularly weaving and pottery. There is a fine art sculpture gallery and other shops on the Plaza. Please keep in mind that people live and work here. The Pueblo is open to the public Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. They may close for religious ceremonies or other community events, so be sure to check before you go. Nambé Pueblo requires a permit to photograph, sketch or paint on location.
Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo- Home of the Strong People
The very picturesque Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo (formerly the San Juan Pueblo), located 30 miles northwest of Santa Fe, is noted for its skilled potters and woodcarvers. This Tewa-speaking pueblo runs the Ohkay T’owa Gardens Cooperative, which is open for visitors interested in traditional native food. Ohkay Owingeh is one of the largest Tewa-speaking Pueblos with a population of about 6,748. Today, the Pueblo is the headquarters of the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council and home to the Oke-Oweenge Crafts Cooperative, which exhibits the art of the eight northern pueblos. The main art focus of this Tewa village is redware pottery, weaving, and painting. Fishing by permit is available year-round at San Juan Lakes. There’s a fee for taking photos or videos and for sketching. Visit Aguino’s Indian Arts and Crafts for samples of woodcarvings and paintings, enjoy a buffet and a round of roulette at the OhKay Casino. Fun casino, but some restaurants are open limited hours at least the last time we were there.
Picuris Pueblo- Small but Resilient
Picuris is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, 60 miles north of Santa Fe and 24 miles southeast of Taos. It is also known as San Lorenzo Pueblo. Picuris Pueblo is one of the smallest pueblos in New Mexico, and it is so small that only a few houses in adobe remain as evidence of its past. The Picuris Pueblo Museum Center includes the historic pueblo ruins, mission church, scalp house, and several restored kivas. Displays include prehistoric artifacts, photographs, and text of local historical interest, and the work of regional contemporary artists. The San Lorenzo de Picuris mission church is well worth the visit. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush forests, Picuris Pueblo is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, don’t miss their bison herd. They ask that all visitors to check in at the tribal administrative office (big blue building), which is located in the center of the village. Here, you have the chance to inquire about the Pueblo, as well as purchase photo permits. They also own the Hotel Santa Fe, so if you’re looking for a place to stay in Santa Fe, check this out.
Pojoaque Pueblo- Arts & Culture Hub
This Pueblo has been abandoned three times in its history due to scarcity of water sources and land for agriculture. Pojoaque is currently enjoying tremendous economic growth, and the permanent collection of traditional Pueblo arts and crafts is a definite attraction at the Poeh Cultural Center and Museum. Visitors are welcome, and there are traditional dances on some weekends in the summer. The Pueblo also owns two casinos: Cities of Gold and Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino. An art museum in itself, Buffalo Thunder is home to hundreds of pieces of unique art, sculptures and architecture, every room offers hand-designed furnishings and work by local artists, including Pueblo of Pojoaque Governor George Rivera. This is one of our favorite casinos to visit when we’re in New Mexico. The rooms are beautiful, and the scenery is breathtaking.
Sandia Pueblo- Along the Rio Grande
Sandia Pueblo is another small pueblo, with just over 500 inhabitants, that is located along the Rio Grande to the north of Albuquerque. Sandia Pueblo offers plenty for today’s visitors, including the always-open Sandia Casino on the east side of I-25 off Tramway Boulevard. The Tribe also operates a buffalo preserve across from the casino and the animals are often visible while driving on Tramway Boulevard. You can find their art in Albuquerque at the Bien Mur Indian Market Center. This is one of the largest Native American-owned and operated stores in the Southwest, with arts and crafts, moccasins, and drums. This is an amazing place and if you’ve read some of our other blogs, you know I love shopping for Native art, so I’ve spent a lot of time here. Visitors can fish in one of three stocked lakes totaling 18 surface acres at the tribally run Sandia Lakes.
San Felipe Pueblo- Feast Day Traditions
The most conservative of the Keresan villages, San Felipe is extremely protective of its traditions. Located 10 miles north of Bernalillo off I-25, the Pueblo is well-known for its beautiful dancing, particularly on the Feast Day of San Felipe on May 1, when hundreds of men, women and children participate in traditional Green Corn Dance. The Pueblo has relatively few shops and amenities, but visitors can enjoy traditional foods, dancing, jewelry and other traditional crafts during the Pueblo’s annual arts and crafts show held in October. A modern-day attraction is the Tribal-owned Black Mesa Casino, quite visible from I-25, day or night. The Tribe also operates a gas station, restaurant, gift shop, and motor sports track across from the casino. Please observe the no photo, sketching, camcorders or audio recording signs.
San Ildefonso Pueblo- Black-on-Black Pottery
San Ildefonso Pueblo is a flourishing art community with about 1,500 residents. It is located roughly 20 miles north of Santa Fe. It was the home of the late Maria Martinez, who along with her husband, Julian, developed the world-renowned, black-on-black pottery with black matte designs. Artisans’ homes throughout the Pueblo are open to the public for shopping. The San Ildefonso Pueblo Museum also displays traditional crafts. With an average of 20,000 visitors each year, San Ildefonso is one of the most visited Pueblos in the state. The Pueblo is generally open to visitors daily from 9am to 4:00pm, except when tribal activities require closing the Pueblo. Permits for non-commercial photography, sketching and recording are available, except during ceremonials, at the visitor’s center.
Santa Ana Pueblo- Outdoor Adventures
Over time Santa Ana Pueblo has become a more modern pueblo than the other ones in New Mexico. So, if you visit here, the Mission Church will be the only thing you can tour to learn about the past. The pueblo does host several dances in early summer that are open to tourists. However, they do have a lot to offer from two golf courses, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa (a great place to relax) and the Santa Ana Star Casino. You can also visit The Ta-Ma-Ya Cooperative which sells crafts from Pueblo artists. Santa Ana is located about 16 miles north of Albuquerque.
Santa Clara Pueblo- Carved Pottery and Tradition
The Santa Clara Pueblo has the fortune to be built near the historic cliff dwellings of Puye, the ruins of houses built inside cliffs, in Bandelier National Monument. You can take guided tours with residents of Santa Clara allowing you not only to see the natural beauty of the area, but also hear thier history directly from the descendants of the people who built this Pueblo. Another of the Tewa-speaking pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo is located about 30 miles northwest of Santa Fe, about a mile south Española. Some dances and community festivals are open to the public. In June, St. Anthony’s Feast Day features Comanche Dances. In August, Harvest Dances and Corn Dances are performed in honor of the patron saint, St. Clare. Santa Clara operates Black Mesa Golf Course and owns Santa Claran Casino and Big Rock Bowl. Visitors must check in at the governor’s office. Photography, sketching and video recording permits are available throughout most of the year but are not available on feast days.
Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa)- Jewelry & Beadwork
Santo Domingo Pueblo is 25 miles southwest of Santa Fe and known for its turquoise jewelry. The main attraction is the Mission of Santo Domingo. What is unique about this church is that its facade is painted with colorful ornamental motifs. This Keresan Pueblo hosts an internationally known ceremonial dance on August 4 honoring the Pueblo’s patron saint, St. Dominic. While visitors are welcome to the Pueblo, the Kewa people are adamant about preserving their traditional way of life. A cultural center and small museum provide opportunities for visitors to learn more about the Pueblo, which is home to more than 3,100 people. While there is no admission fee, donations are appreciated. No photography, sketching or recording is allowed on feast days.
Taos Pueblo- A UNESCO World Heritage Site
One of the most famous pueblos in New Mexico, Taos Pueblo has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. Its multi-storied adobe buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore the plaza, shop for traditional crafts, and join guided tours that highlight the pueblo’s cultural significance. Taos Pueblo visitor tips: plan to bring cash for local art, respect photography rules, and check ahead for feast day celebrations. Located just north of the modern town of Taos. For more fun, head to Taos Mountain Casino.
Tesuque Pueblo- Art & Camel Rock
Tesuque Pueblo is located about 10 miles north of Santa Fe. Entrances to the pueblo lie near Camel Rock, a natural sandstone formation that wind and rain have eroded into the shape of a camel. Tesuque Pueblo is also one of the smallest pueblos in the state, with a population of around 800, though the pueblo itself occupies more than 17,000 acres of land. Due to the age of the pueblo, it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Pueblo is closed to the public on certain days of the year so call ahead before visiting. Photography is not allowed. Be sure to visit the Tesuque Pueblo Mission Church. Tesuque Pueblo operates Tesuque Casino, it’s not a large casino, but we had a great time here.
Zia Pueblo-Symbol of New Mexico
Zia Pueblo is known primarily for the 700-year old symbol that not only represents them but is on the New Mexico state flag. Zia Pueblo is located 20 miles northwest of Bernalillo. This pueblo is a hard one to see given that it blends so well with the surrounding landscape. Zia is another of the Keresan-speaking pueblos and tends to be rather reserved. The mission church was established in 1706 and is generally open to visitors, and outsiders are also welcome to the August Corn Dance, but no photography or recordings are allowed. Unique Attractions: Annual Feast Day Corn Dances, Tribal Museum, Zia Lake, Zia Cultural Center.
Zuni Pueblo- Art and Culture Hub
Though one of the largest pueblos, Zuni remains uncrowded and deeply authentic. With a focus on intricate silverwork and traditional dances. Check-in at the Visitor & Arts Center to receive key information and an orientation. You will need to purchase a photo permit. Make sure you understand what you can and cannot photograph. For more in-depth opportunity, there are five guided tours available. The Zuni people are famous for mosaic patterned, inlay jewelry, needlework and fetish stone carvings. The Zuni community features a variety of shopping and dining facilities, plus service and convenience stores. Ten shops within the community sell Native American arts and crafts. Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission church, which was constructed beginning in 1629, can be visited during limited hours. The Zuni Pueblo is located about 37 miles south of Gallup, near the Arizona border.
Final Thoughts
Visiting New Mexico’s pueblos is more than a history lesson, it’s a journey into the heart of the Southwest. Each pueblo offers something unique, whether it’s sacred dances, stunning cliffside dwellings, traditional crafts, or breathtaking landscapes. Exploring them is a chance to step into living history and connect with traditions that have endured for centuries.
Whether you’re looking for authentic Native American art, outdoor adventure, or cultural celebrations, visiting New Mexico’s pueblos will leave you with experiences that last a lifetime. When visiting a Tribal community, show respect as if you are a guest in someone’s home and abide by the recommended visitor etiquette, as you would when visiting anyone’s home. Click here for more visitor etiquette information.
We love to share information and tips we learn along the way to help you plan and make decisions about your next vacation. If you’re planning a road trip in New Mexico or anywhere else, if you need help with ideas for routes or places to visit, check out roadtrippers.com for help. We have used it a couple times and I love the suggestions they give for places to eat and interesting points of interest. If you use code BTR5QTP you will save $5. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have fun and make memories.