Looking for a fun trip with your girlfriends? Set in the Sierra Blanca Mountains, the quaint town of Ruidoso in the State of New Mexico has enough for a relaxing retreat for arts, culture, and nature for a girls’ retreat. Read below for some of the best bucket list ideas of girl’s things to do in Ruidoso New Mexico this Weekend.
Relax in Ruidoso with Yoga and Massages
Start a girls’ weekend off right with a relaxing massage, manicure/pedicure, or facial at Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga Studio. They also offer yoga classes to get in the right frame of mind. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, you can also try out their belly dancing classes!
Shop and Stroll in Midtown Ruidoso
Midtown Ruidoso is the heart of the village, brimming with unique boutiques, art galleries, nightlife spots, and cozy restaurants. Explore local shops like Apache Trading Company for Native American jewelry or Parts Unknown for stylish outdoor apparel. After shopping, relax with a coffee or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming streets. During the holiday season, the district transforms into a dazzling fairytale, with beautiful decorations twinkling brightly at every turn. Wandering through Midtown is not just a recommendation; it’s an essential experience for every Ruidoso vacation.
Go Wine Tasting
When I think of a lady’s weekend, you can bet I’m thinking of wine! Continue your tour by walking down to Noisy Waters Cellars. Based in Ruidoso, here you can try a green chile or red chile wine. I was skeptical at first, but it’s now one of my favorite wines.
Discover the Art in Ruidoso
With all the natural surroundings in Ruidoso, it’s easy to be inspired. That’s exactly what’s reflected in the art throughout the town. If you are looking for some creative things to do in Ruidoso New Mexico this weekend, head to the Hurd Gallery at Rinconada. Here, you can explore multiple generations of artists under one roof.
Go Skiing
A ski trip is definitely not just for the boys! If you are up for some outdoor activities in Ruidoso, grab your ladies, bundle up, and hit the slopes. If you’ve never gone, it’s still a family-friendly activity to bond over and learn a new skill. They offer the best skiing experience on great beginner slopes. They even have top coaches for those who want to learn.
It’s worth going simply for the 360-degree views of the mountain. Even when it’s not snowing in the village of Ruidoso, Ski Apache Ruidoso NM is covered in bundles of white. You can admire miles of this awe-inspiring sight while enjoying the gondola rides. The playful outdoor activities make it one of the best things to do in Ruidoso New Mexico this weekend.
Embrace Nature in Lincoln National Forest
With trails suitable for all skill levels, Lincoln National Forest is the perfect place for bonding in nature. Don’t miss the Monjeau Lookout, a historic stone tower built in 1940 that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Two stunning wilderness areas in the forest offer year-round outdoor adventures, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping. Ruidoso’s forest landscape, like Wingfield Park, creates a gorgeous outdoor venue for your special events. In addition, your girls’ gang can enjoy live performances by America’s most famous talents at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in neighboring Mescalero, New Mexico.
Visit Historic Lincoln and Learn about Billy the Kid
Not much has changed in Historic Lincoln since the Wild West, and the few people who live there have worked hard to keep this beautiful place frozen in time. Lincoln is famously known as Billy the Kid’s last escape before being shot. For a day of history and learning, you can tour the building where he was held while awaiting execution and listen to people share the exact details of how he escaped. Definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Ruidoso New Mexico this weekend, especially for history buffs.
Rent a House
2 Ruidoso Redheads offers cabins, lodges, and villas that groups can rent out. Most have incredible miles of mountain views and are surrounded by gorgeous scenery. There’s nothing like returning after a long day, enjoying a glass of wine, and reminiscing on all the fun things you did. I love how cozy the rooms are, and it’s the little touches like the Amazon Alexa-enabled house, the indoor fireplace, and the outdoor hot tub that really make the place homey.
Experience the Thrill at Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
Feel the excitement at Ruidoso Downs, home to the world’s richest quarter horse race, the All-American Futurity. Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino offers the thrill of live horse racing. These Friday-Sunday races kick off on Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day. Best of all, this challenging race event offers free admission, and kids are also welcome to join in the family fun. In addition to the exciting summer experience of horse racing, Billy the Kid Casino offers gaming year-round with slot machines, video poker, Blackjack, and Keno. Don’t forget to check out the Turf Club for premier seasonal seating and dining.
Catch a Show at Spencer Theatre
Theatre lovers will be amazed at the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts with its Chihuly art collection and the intimate theatre space showcasing major shows. Ruidoso may be small, but major Broadway shows go through Ruidoso as they head South. Because it’s a smaller theatre, you can see some of the best live entertainment and musical performances at a great price while getting a good view even from the seats farthest in the back.
Girl’s Things To Do in Ruidoso New Mexico This Weekend: FAQs
Is Ruidoso New Mexico worth visiting?
Yes, Ruidoso is definitely worth visiting! Nestled in the Sierra Blanca Mountain range, this village in New Mexico offers year-round outdoor adventures from hiking and horseback riding in Lincoln National Forest to shopping and dining in Midtown Ruidoso. With its vibrant arts scene, lively casinos, and scenic mountain views, it’s the perfect getaway for adventure, relaxation, and making unforgettable memories.
What is Ruidoso New Mexico known for?
Ruidoso is a picturesque resort community nestled near the slopes of Ski Apache, a popular ski resort owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Situated on Sierra Blanca—a majestic mountain reaching nearly 12,000 feet (3,700 m)—Ski Apache offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Southwest. In addition to skiing, the Mescalero Apache Tribe operates the Inn of the Mountain Gods. It’s a luxurious resort in the area with a casino, hotel accommodations, an arcade room, and a scenic golf course. This combination of outdoor adventure and upscale amenities makes Ruidoso a top destination for both relaxation and recreation.
What is the best time of year to visit Ruidoso New Mexico?
Although Ruidoso, New Mexico, is a year-round destination with endless indoor and outdoor adventures and special events throughout the year. However, the warm months are perfect for visiting Ruidoso, NM, which runs from early June to late August, with temperatures rarely exceeding 88°F. Thanks to the high elevation and shade from tall pine trees, the climate remains mild and comfortable, typically staying around or below 81°F even in mid-summer, perfect for outdoor activities.
Girl’s Things to Do in Ruidoso New Mexico This Weekend: Final Thoughts
If you want to make unforgettable memories with your besties, Ruidoso is a great place. The combination of adventure, relaxation, and local flair truly sets it apart. Whether you’re from the United States or anywhere else, you’ll fall in love with this mountain getaway. Midtown’s charming shops and cozy cafes make you feel right at home, while the rush of cheering at Ruidoso Downs is nothing short of electrifying. And the exciting race series at Ruidoso Downs Race Track is something next level. Pack your bags, grab your girls, and prepare to make memories that’ll last a lifetime!
Last Updated 2 weeks ago by Jessica Serna | Published: March 22, 2019
