silver city nm tourism

10 Things To Do In Silver City: Complete Guide To New Mexico's Underrated Gem

Explore all the things to see and do in Silver City, one of New Mexico's many travel gems.

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Explore All The Things To Do In Silver City, New Mexico

Silver City is one of New Mexico's most beautiful towns that only a handful of travelers have on their itineraries. This town sits in the southwestern part of the state, within Grant County. Part of the reason why it’s largely unknown is because of its size; the town has a population of just 10,000. However, those who discover this underrated gem are treated to a trip laced with rich history and culture.

Silver City’s past is evident in the historic buildings that dot the town, including the 1891-built Grant County Courthouse, which is a part of the National Register of Historic Places. Those who want to dive deeper into the history of this town can visit the Silver City Museum. This town certainly loves to have fun, and the various festivals throughout the year are a testament to this. Here, the complete travel guide to Silver City has everything that one needs to know when planning a trip to New Mexico’s hidden gem.

UPDATE: 2023/09/11 22:07 EST BY LANE VASQUEZ

New Mexico's Silver City is a vacationer's paradise, with history, natural attractions, and other entertainment for travelers to enjoy.

Things To Do In And Near Silver City, New Mexico

Although Silver City is small, it's by no means a boring destination. Below is a comprehensive look at the top things that one can do in this Southwestern New Mexico destination.

1 Go Hiking In Gila National Forest

Gila National Forest is accessible from Silver City; it’s about 10 miles away. This nature haven is home to over three million acres of lush landscape, with mountain peaks like Black Peak available for hiking expeditions.

Visitors can also go horseback riding, camping, fishing, or cycling in the forest, thanks to the elaborate network of trails.

All these make visiting the Gila National Forest among New Mexico's most amazing things to do .

• Address : Silver City, NM 88061, United States
• Hours : 24 hours (daily)
• Can you swim at Gila National Forest? Yes, a swimming area is open to the public at Frisco Box Trail.

2 Visit The Silver City Museum

The museum building — the H.B. Ailman House — was built in the late 1800s, and it acted as many things over the years, including a fire station. Presently, it hosts the Silver City Museum where exhibits showcasing Silver City’s past are displayed.

Visitors will get to view photos of old Silver City as well as artifacts like ancient household items, clothing, and furniture.

• Address : 312 W Broadway St, Silver City, NM 88061, United States
• Hours : Tue - Fri: 9 am - 4:30 pm; Sat & Sun: 10 am - 4 pm (closed on Mon)
• Fees : Free admission

3 Have A Picnic In Gough Park

Gough Park is found within Silver City’s downtown area, a short distance from Silver City Museum. This is a simple community park that hosts some of Silver City’s festivals.

There are paved trails and picnic spots, and this is a great place to have a picnic or spend a relaxing afternoon.

• Address : 1201 N Pope St, Silver City, NM 88061, United States
• Hours : 8 am - 7 pm (daily)
• Fees : Free

4 Go Fishing In Bill Evans Lake

This 62-acre lake is found about 30 miles from Silver City, about a 40-minute drive. The site is worth to road trip, a beautiful location that’s popular among fishing lovers.

Visitors can also kayak, or those who aren’t interested in water activities may hike the surrounding trails.

• Address : Evans Lake Rd, Silver City, NM 88061, United States

Bill Evans Lake is open all year, with water pumped in from the Gila River.

Related: 10 Amazing Things To Do In Santa Fe, New Mexico

5 Take A Road Trip To The Gila Cliff Dwellings

The Gila Cliff Dwellings are found within the Gila National Forest, about 45 miles from Silver City. This road trip will take visitors through the forest to the site above the Gila River.

The caves were home to the Mogollon people who lived here from the late 1200s to the 1300s.

Visitors get to see the rooms carved within the cave, plus the original wooden beams used in the structures. The Gila Cliff Dwellings are among New Mexico's historic sites that visitors must see .

• Address : 26 Jim Bradford Trail, Mimbres, NM 88049, United States
• Hours : 9 am - 4 pm

Park rangers offer insight into the dwellings and trails, and visitors can go inside the cliff dwellings.

6 Hike Through The Boston Hill Area

Silver City is close to several hiking spots with the trailheads starting a short distance from the downtown area. Most of these trails are part of the Boston Hill Trail System , and they weave through the scenic Boston Hill Open Space.

Visitors will get to trek up the eponymous hill and get a wonderful view of the town. Along the way, hikers are likely to see animals like mule deer and rabbits.

The trailheads that lead to this area are Market Street Trailhead, Cheyenne Street Trailhead, and Copper Street Trailhead.

7 Hang Out At Big Ditch Park

Big Ditch Park offers a serene escape for visitors seeking a relaxing outdoor experience while visiting Silver City. Once a bustling main street, this transformed park now features picturesque walking trails, lush greenery, and a charming footbridge over the meandering San Vicente Creek.

Guests can enjoy leisurely strolls along the well-maintained paths, take in the soothing sounds of the creek, or simply unwind on one of the many benches scattered throughout the park.

• Address : 199 E Market St, Silver City, NM 88061, United States
• Hours : Open daily from dawn to dusk
• Cost : Free

8 Learn About Local History At The Western New Mexico University Museum

The Western New Mexico University Museum , located on the university's campus, is a treasure trove of local history and culture. Established in 1974, the museum is home to the largest collection of Mimbres pottery in the world, showcasing the artistic prowess of the ancient Mimbres people who inhabited the region over a thousand years ago.

In addition to the pottery, visitors can explore exhibits featuring Native American artifacts, Hispanic textiles, and mining equipment that tell the story of Silver City's rich past. The museum offers guided tours and educational programs for all ages, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and families alike.

• Address : 1000 W College Ave, Silver City, NM 88061, United States
• Hours : Mon - Fri: 9 am - 4:30 pm; Sat: 10 am - 4 pm (closed on Sun)
• Cost : Free admission

9 Explore The Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark

Step back in time at the Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark , a former military installation established in 1866, located just outside of Silver City, New Mexico. This well-preserved site offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of soldiers and their families during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Visitors can wander through the historic buildings, including the commanding officer's quarters, barracks, and hospital while admiring the unique architectural features. The site also includes the Fort Bayard Museum, where fascinating exhibits showcase artifacts and stories from the fort's rich history.

• Address : Fort Bayard Rd, Santa Clara, NM 88026, United States
• Hours : Museum open Sat: 10 am - 2 pm; Guided tours available on Saturdays at 11 am
• Cost : Free admission; Donations appreciated

10 Shop At The Silver City Farmer's Market

A visit to Silver City, New Mexico, would be incomplete without exploring the vibrant Silver City Farmer's Market . Located in the heart of downtown, this lively market offers a diverse selection of fresh, locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods.

In addition, visitors can also enjoy live music performances and engage with friendly vendors who are passionate about their products. The Silver City Farmer's Market is an excellent opportunity for travelers to experience the local culture while supporting small businesses and sustainable agriculture.

• Address : 614 N Bullard St, Silver City, NM 88061, United States
• Hours : Open every Saturday from 8:30 am and 12 pm

11 What To Know When Visiting Silver City, New Mexico

Reaching silver city.

Silver City’s nearest airport is Grant County Airport, which is a regional airport. Flights connect via Albuquerque International Sunport.

From Grant County Airport, visitors have to drive for about half an hour to get to Silver City. Those who want to take a road trip from Albuquerque will drive for about four hours.

El Paso, Texas, is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away while Tucson, Arizona, is a three-hour drive away.

The Amtrak train and Greyhound bus both serve the towns of Deming and Lordsburg, which are about 30 minutes from Silver City.

Lovers of events will find something almost throughout the year except for January. The months with the most events are July, September, and October.

Some of the most popular events are the Independence Day Parade in July, the Southwest Word Fiesta, and the Gila River Festival, both in September.

12 When To Visit Silver City, New Mexico

There's really no bad time to visit Silver City, NM, but travelers should consider local conditions, prices, and their comfort level when planning a trip.

Summer (June to August)

Summers in Silver City have pleasant weather and high temperatures. This is a good time for enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking in the nearby natural sights.

This is also a busy season in the town, with visitors mainly interested in heading to the nearby Gila National Forest.

• Temperatures at this time peak at around 87 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius) mainly in June and July.

For those interested in festivals, summer is a good time to visit. For instance, the Silver City Clay Festival is normally held in July.

Autumn (September to November)

The weather in autumn is still pleasant, with average highs of 71 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius). Visitors who want to avoid crowds may visit at this time as the summer tourists have left by September.

This means that hotel prices are lower, making this an ideal time for those traveling on a budget. October is also the month of the Southwest Word Fiesta, so lovers of literature will love visiting at this time.

Related: Trail Of The Ancients: Why This Scenic Byway Is The Best Way To Explore The Southwest's Four Corners

Winter (December to February)

Temperatures drop to average lows of 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius) and average highs of 53 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius).

Silver City has a low number of visitors during this season owing to the cold weather. However, because winters are fairly mild, visitors can still enjoy some outdoor activities.

Plus, because of the low visitor numbers, those who choose to visit at this time get to enjoy low prices.

Spring (March to May)

For visitors looking for few crowds and low hotel rates, spring is a good time to visit. The weather warms up at this time, with average highs of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).

13 Getting Around Silver City, New Mexico

Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to get around Silver City, but there are other modes of transport, too.

Silver City’s downtown area is walkable, with a lot of the attractions within a short distance from each other. Tourists exploring the areas within the town can do so on foot.

Corre Caminos is the body charged with operating public buses in Grant and Hidalgo Counties. The buses operate on five routes, with the Silver Route running within Silver City.

Sadly, commuters can only get a bus from Mondays to Fridays, and they run from around 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Fares cost $0.75 per ride and $2.50 for a day pass.

This is the most convenient way of exploring Silver City and the sights farther away from the town. Visitors can rent a car at the airports in El Paso, Tucson, Albuquerque, or Grant County Airport.

Silver City has several bike rental companies, like Silver City Cycles . This company rents out e-bikes for $130 per day. Gila Hike & Bike , on the other hand, rents out its e-bikes for $60 per day.

14 Where To Eat In Silver City, NM

Silver City has many unique local restaurants to enjoy.

Breakfast: Adobe Springs Cafe

25 years for a restaurant is no mean feat, and Adobe Springs Cafe takes pride in having been in the Silver City culinary scene for this long.

The café is famed for its breakfast menu, with a variety of options ranging from classics like pancakes and French toast to oatmeal.

There are also various Mexican delights, like the Poquito Burrito, which is basically a small breakfast burrito. Visitors with larger appetites can sample the Hangry Burger or the Relleno Burger.

• Hours : 7 am - 3 pm (daily)

Lunch: Corner Kitchen

For lunch, visitors should try out the highly-rated Corner Kitchen. This restaurant is found in a nondescript building at the corner of Bullard and San Vicente Streets. Its unassuming exterior extends to the interior, which is characterized by wooden benches and plastic tables.

However, it’s the food that brings diners. Corner Kitchen has an ever-changing menu, so it’s always a mystery what one will find cooking.

Some of their specialties include Brisket Benedict, Honey Smoked Ham, and Grilled Eggplant.

• Address : 300 S Bullard St, Silver City, NM 88061, United States
• Hours : Mon & Thu - Sun: 9 am - 3 pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

Related: Santa Fe, New Mexico: Where To Get The Best Enchilada

Dinner and Drinks: Little Toad Creek

This charming restaurant-slash-brewery is a fun and vibrant spot to enjoy an evening with good food and drinks. Little Toad Creek is, first and foremost, a brewery and distillery, so the establishment is known for its wide selection of drinks.

Their beers like Lucky Toad Lager, Grumpy Old Troll IPA, and Pendejo Porter are worth sampling. They also have a variety of canned cocktails and liquors like Agave spirit.

The food is also a delight; the restaurant serves several burger and sandwich options, as well as specials like smoked salmon and pork tacos.

• Address : 200 N Bullard St, Silver City, NM 88061, United States
• Hours : Sun - Wed: 11 am - 10 pm; Thu: 11 am - 11 pm; Fri & Sat: 11 am - 12 am

15 Where To Stay In Silver City, New Mexico

Find a variety of hotels (at a range of price points) in Silver City.

Budget Hotels

LuLu Silver City

• Address : 3420 Hwy 180 East, Silver City, NM 88061, United States
• Amenities : Vending machines, outdoor furniture, kitchen facilities, WiFi
• Price : From $78

Copper Manor Motel

• Address : 710 Silver Heights Boulevard, Silver City, NM 88061
• Amenities : Mountain and city views, express check-in, laundry on-site
• Price : From $93

Murray Hotel

• Address : 200 West Broadway Street, Silver City, NM 88061
• Amenities : Contactless checkout, continental breakfast, pets permitted
• Price : From $104

Higher-End Hotels

Holiday Inn Express Silver City, an IHG Hotel

• Address : 1103 Superior, Silver City, NM 88061, United States
• Amenities : Parking, full breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center, daily housekeeping, WiFi
• Price : From $139

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Silver City

• Address : 1120 Highway 180 East, Silver City, NM 88061
• Amenities : Free hot breakfast, indoor heated pool/hot tub, fitness center, guest dry cleaning and laundry
• Price : From $130

Comfort Inn Near Gila National Forest

• Address : 1060 Highway 180 E, Silver City, NM 88061
• Amenities : Indoor heated pool, laundry facilities, rewards program
• Price : From $149

Vacation Rentals

Enchanted Casitas “Elk Lodge”

• Amenities : WiFi, HDTV, board games, full kitchen, private deck, 1 bed, 1 bath, BBQ grill
• Price : From $175

Appletree Cottage

• Amenities : WiFi, TV, full kitchen, dining area, BBQ pit
• Price : From $151

Silver City RV Park

• Address : 1304 N Bennett St, Silver City, NM 88061, United States
• Facilities : Tent site, cabins, bathhouse, laundry, RV hookups
• Hours : Mon - Sat: 9 am - 12 pm, 2 pm - 5 pm; Sun: 2 pm - 5 pm
• Price : From $40

Rose Valley RV Ranch & Casitas

• Address : 2040 Memory Ln, Silver City, NM 88061, United States
• Facilities : 30-amp & 50-amp connections, free WiFi, bath house, laundry, pet friendly, casitas
• Hours : Mon - Sat: 9 am - 5 pm; Sun: 10 am - 3 pm
• Price : From $47

16 How To Spend A Perfect Day In Silver City

Start the day with a filling Mexican breakfast at Adobe Springs Cafe in the downtown area. Then, visit Silver City Museum to learn about the area’s history.

Afterward, go to Penny Park for a picnic lunch and a stroll around the park. Later, hike the trails of Boston Hill Open Space and experience the sunset view atop the hill.

Related: Here's Where To Find The Best Ancient Pueblo Ruins In New Mexico

Head for dinner at a downtown restaurant before catching a performance at the Fine Art Center Theater. Afterward, get some drinks at a local bar before retiring for the day.

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Find the Best Things to do in Historic Silver City

Old mining towns often go bust. Not Silver City, where artists, entrepreneurs, and outdoor enthusiasts bring new spirits to life.

Young hikers head up a trail in the Gila National Forest, near Silver City.​

THE SUN HAS JUST BEGUN WARMING the storefronts of downtown Silver City. A few businesses along Bullard Street have set out sandwich boards on sidewalks dotted with chalk drawings. As I peek into shop windows, I spy mosaic sculptures of pumpkin-colored glass, turned-wood vessels, silver-and-turquoise rings. I had arrived here wary that I might have to tally what was lost in the pandemic, but this little town in the southwestern part of the state surprises me. 

O’Keefe’s Bookshop is open, the sun streaming in through the front door. Small groups gather on café patios. Few of the storefronts I pass can be counted as completely empty. Not gone, not lost. On the south end of Bullard, downtown’s main artery, I stop in front of Chihuahua Hill History , a mural made by local youths. In it, the Virgin of Guadalupe gazes over both the city and the nearby mountains. Her left arm reaches toward a slope being climbed by tiny silhouettes of men carrying a lamp, shovel, and ax. They’re symbols of this town’s mining past—and present. 

Over coffee and duffins (a doughnut/muffin crossover) at the Tranquilbuzz Coffee House , Charmeine Wait, executive director of Silver City MainStreet, breaks down the business side of the pandemic. Eleven downtown businesses closed, she says, but three expanded, and 13 new ones opened. “We call them covid-preneurs,” she says. Even the patio we wander through didn’t exist last summer. Now it attracts locals and visitors with coffee, pastries and quiche, and burbling ponds. 

The common tale for many towns founded on mining goes like this: Boom. Bust. Most become ghost towns when the mining revenue dries up. Others reinvent themselves. Silver City managed to find a third way as copper mining thrived, cattle ranching maintained its toehold, and artists, chefs, and shopkeepers revived the Victorian-era downtown. “In the 1970s especially,” Wait says, “artists could move out here and spend $5,000 on a house. The area still attracts people because of the freedom to do what you want. This is a live-and-let-live place.”  

ONCE PART OF APACHE TERRITORY,   this valley at the southern end of the Gila National Forest began attracting Mexican settlers in the early 1800s. They mined the hills near what they called La Ciénega de San Vicente, but an 1870 silver strike drew waves of Anglo prospectors, who rechristened the town Silver City in 1878. (Its Chihuahua Hill neighborhood is still a stronghold of the original miners’ descendants.) The town’s raucous early days included the first arrest of a teenager soon to gain infamy under the moniker Billy the Kid. 

When the railroad came through in 1883, miners and ranchers could more easily move their products, and the town exploded. The L.C. Ranch grew into the largest commercial livestock outfit in the nation, with nearly a million acres. That combo of opportunity, land, and migration still wends through the local culture. 

“Silver City has always attracted people from other places,” says Bart Roselli, director of the Silver City Museum , housed in H.B. Ailman’s 1881 Mansard/Italianate mansion. Ailman arrived from Pennsylvania, cashed in on the silver boom, and founded a mercantile and a bank. “From those people, there’s an influx of capital, ideas, and entrepreneurship,” says Roselli. 

Two stories make the case for Silver City’s ability to rebound from disaster. When it was still a collection of mud streets and ramshackle wooden buildings, fire dealt a series of blows. In 1880, officials passed a progressive law that mandated only brick buildings. Then, in 1895, a flood wiped out the main street, leaving a 20-foot-deep gorge in its place. 

“Instead of rebuilding, the business owners just moved the main street over one block to Bullard Street,” Roselli says, which explains why the fronts of some buildings look more like the back. “Silver City was built to last early on because the city invested in creating something that wasn’t going to become a ghost town,” he says. 

The rebounds continue today. One of the most popular places on Bullard Street, Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery , boasts “killer grub” like green chile fried chicken and plenty to wash it down with. Owner Teresa Dahl-Bredine moved to Silver City with her family when she was three years old. She went away to college but came back with big ideas—the first one being to launch her own acting troupe, Virus Theater, placing it in El Sol, a 1934 movie house she’s renovating on Bullard. Later, while looking for land where she could have a sheep farm, Dahl-Bredine stumbled upon an abandoned hotel near Lake Roberts and soon transformed it into her inaugural craft brewery. 

“I worked at this Wild West bar of the day, the Buffalo Bar, and you’d see golfers, bikers, cowboys, miners, people from Western New Mexico University,” she says. “All of these different people in a small town are forced to blend. I loved that.” 

Since then, Little Toad Creek has left the wilderness for its downtown locale, added a taproom in Las Cruces, and started a canning operation that distributes beers and Mixed-Up Mule cocktails across the Southwest. 

Near Dahl-Bredine’s outpost, Kyle Durrie set up her Power & Light Press after getting priced out of the market in Portland, Oregon. Earlier generations of her family grew up in New Mexico, so she took a leap, dragging letterpress equipment with her. “People were really curious when I opened my studio,” she says. “There hadn’t been a functional letterpress in Silver City for about 50 years.” 

Her cards and calendars run a gamut from bawdy humor to upbeat messages like “This is the year we all get it right.” Pre-pandemic, Durrie helped the Mimbres Region Arts Council host an annual Print Fiesta where ink lovers from throughout the region gathered for exhibits, workshops, and a pressing of extra-large prints with a steamroller on Bullard Street. The local arts community also banded together for annual blues, clay, and literary festivals that will surely rebound as well.  

SILVER CITY CAN TIE ITS LONGEVITY TO THE mining industry’s staying power. The Chino Mine, in particular, has grown into one of the largest open-pit mines in the world. East of Silver City, it can be seen for miles. Tiers descend down and down again into a man-made canyon of vermillion- and salmon-colored striations that appear oddly beautiful. “Most of my life, the copper mines have been the number-one employer in Grant County,” Dahl-Bredine says. “They’re a part of our history and presence.” 

Mining’s contribution to Silver City’s bottom line leads to a coexistence of necessity with residents who treasure the nearby mountains, forests, and waterways—and the recreation dollars they generate. 

“We see hikers coming north and south on the Continental Divide Trail,” says Martyn Pearson, a co-owner of the Gila Hike & Bike shop. “We see cyclists riding on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. We also see cyclists on the Southern Tier Trail that runs from Florida to California. Protected wilderness areas are this country’s most impressive asset.” 

Some checks are in place. The Gila Wilderness, within the Gila National Forest, bars the construction of roads, logging, or mining. Virtually untouched, it holds the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, which Mogollon people called home between 1260 and 1280. 

This brew of history and migrating cultures is still fueling me when I check in to the Murray Hotel , a 1938 Art Deco charmer in the downtown area. During the pandemic, the hotel began offering tours of its most storied spaces, including a storage room that once was a bar. One of its walls is covered in hand-painted brands from local ranchers, roughly in the shape of a periodic table—evidence of ranching’s economic importance and its place in the region’s heritage. 

On my final morning, I dip into the art scene. Lois Duffy is just opening her gallery and ushers me into her studio to see a painting in progress. It depicts a legend about two sisters who built La Capilla, an iconic chapel on top of Chihuahua Hill. The painting’s foreground shows the sisters, one holding her own painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe. It feels so embedded in local lore that I can’t help but ask Duffy where she’s from. 

She smiles and waves a hand, indicating a faraway answer. “We’re all from somewhere else here,” she says. 

MODERN TREASURES

Eat. Take your date to Revel for innovative but casual cuisine. For a quick breakfast or lunch, try Chaos Sandwiches ’ Mule Shoe—hash browns, green chile, cheese, and more on jalapeño cornbread. 

Sip. Little Toad Creek Brewery pours everything from flights to growlers, plus cocktails and nonalcoholic bevvies. 

Explore. Take a self-guided walking tour of downtown murals and historic sites. Pick up a guide at the Silver City Visitor Center . 

Ride. Cruise through mountain and desert trails with full- or half-day bike rentals. gilahikeandbike.com

Hike. Head to the top of Boston Hill for a view of downtown. Keep an eye out for javelina, deer, and foxes. 

Shop. Start on Bullard Street to discover art, gifts, books, antiques, and vintage clothing, plus a twice-a-week farmers’ market in the summer. 

Stay. The 1938 Murray Hotel ’s 53 guest rooms include pet-friendly options. Ask for a tour to learn about Silver City folklore and iconic Art Deco architecture. 

Top Things to Do in Silver City - Silver City Must-See Attractions

Things to do in silver city.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Gila National Forest

2. Silver City Visitor Center

3. Western New Mexico University Museum

4. Silver City Museum

5. Light Art Space

6. Lake Roberts

7. Penny Park

8. Boston Hill

9. Chino Mine Vista Point

10. Silver City Trading Company

11. La Esperanza Vineyard and Winery

12. aSpAcE Studio Art Gallery

13. Big Ditch Park

14. Mimbres River Preserve

15. The Dragonfly Trail

16. Syzygy Tile Factory

17. Bill Evans Lake Wildlife Area

18. Jordan Hot Springs

19. Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art

20. Dandelion Wish

21. el sol performing arts center, 22. silver city grant county chamber of commerce & conference center, 23. the episcopal church of the good shepherd, 24. elizabeth warren 1886 historic house.

25. Roadrunner Trailer Park

26. tatiana maria gallery, 27. old james stadium monument, 28. jlghesley art, 29. soul river studio, 30. lloyd studios, what travellers are saying.

• Gila National Forest
• Western New Mexico University Museum
• Silver City Museum
• Silver City Visitor Center
• Lake Roberts
• Big Ditch Park
• Boston Hill
• Chino Mine Vista Point

Top Things to Do in Silver City

Things to do in silver city.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Gila National Forest

2. Silver City Visitor Center

3. Western New Mexico University Museum

4. Silver City Museum

5. Light Art Space

6. Lake Roberts

7. Penny Park

8. Boston Hill

9. Chino Mine Vista Point

10. Silver City Trading Company

11. La Esperanza Vineyard and Winery

12. aSpAcE Studio Art Gallery

13. Big Ditch Park

14. Mimbres River Preserve

15. The Dragonfly Trail

16. Syzygy Tile Factory

17. Bill Evans Lake Wildlife Area

18. Jordan Hot Springs

19. Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art

20. Dandelion Wish

21. el sol performing arts center, 22. silver city grant county chamber of commerce & conference center, 23. the episcopal church of the good shepherd, 24. elizabeth warren 1886 historic house.

25. Roadrunner Trailer Park

26. tatiana maria gallery, 27. old james stadium monument, 28. jlghesley art, 29. soul river studio, 30. lloyd studios, what travelers are saying.

• Gila National Forest
• Western New Mexico University Museum
• Silver City Museum
• Silver City Visitor Center
• Lake Roberts
• Big Ditch Park
• Boston Hill
• Chino Mine Vista Point

Top Things to Do in Silver City

Things to do in silver city.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Gila National Forest

2. Silver City Visitor Center

3. Western New Mexico University Museum

4. Silver City Museum

5. Light Art Space

6. Lake Roberts

7. Penny Park

8. Boston Hill

9. Chino Mine Vista Point

10. Silver City Trading Company

11. La Esperanza Vineyard and Winery

12. aSpAcE Studio Art Gallery

13. Big Ditch Park

14. Mimbres River Preserve

15. The Dragonfly Trail

16. Syzygy Tile Factory

17. Bill Evans Lake Wildlife Area

18. Jordan Hot Springs

19. Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art

20. Dandelion Wish

21. el sol performing arts center, 22. silver city grant county chamber of commerce & conference center, 23. the episcopal church of the good shepherd, 24. elizabeth warren 1886 historic house.

25. Roadrunner Trailer Park

26. tatiana maria gallery, 27. old james stadium monument, 28. jlghesley art, 29. soul river studio, 30. lloyd studios, what travellers are saying.

• Gila National Forest
• Western New Mexico University Museum
• Silver City Museum
• Silver City Visitor Center
• Lake Roberts
• Big Ditch Park
• Boston Hill
• Chino Mine Vista Point

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9 Unique Things To Do In Quaint Silver City, New Mexico

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Silver City, New Mexico, an off-the-beaten-path gem crammed with preserved historic structures, is accredited by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street America program, ensuring the quality and integrity of its story.

Long-forgotten people lived in the area for thousands of years, leaving hints of their existence discovered in archeologic digs. The valley that is now the town’s historic main street was an Apache settlement in the 1500s. Three hundred years later, in 1870 the Spanish claimed the area and built missions and trading forts, naming the town St. Vincent of the Marsh. Seven years later, silver ore deposits were discovered, and the sleepy community was never the same, evolving into a mining boom town renamed Silver City .

Between the raids from Apaches fighting for their homeland and outlaws such as Billy the Kid and Butch Cassidy following the scent of money for silver sales, the town became one of the most dangerous Wild West cases in the United States. 

Silver City is the gateway to another treasure: the Gila National Forest with 3 million acres of forested hills, majestic mountains, steep canyons, and hot springs — the perfect place for outdoor activities. Nearby is the Gila Wilderness, which neighbors the beautiful, isolated Pinos Altos Mountains — the perfect place for outlaws to hide.

During a month-long road trip through New Mexico, I took a leap of faith and a serious detour to the town of Silver City. The two days I scheduled for it were not near enough time. This Grant County town of only 10,000 residents hosts more than 50 art galleries speaking to the richness of the culture, starting with the Native Americans. The beauty of the location and the many things to do in this quaint Southwestern town mean it won’t be my last trip to Silver City.

1. Sleep And Relax At The Bear Mountain Lodge

As a member of the Nature Conservancy , I had known about this unique lodge for many years.  The original owners of Bear Mountain Lodge donated the entire ranch to the Nature Conservancy to protect endangered plants and stop erosion damaged by cattle ranching. The buildings were sold to a private family who has beautifully restored the adobe ranch house into a stunning lodge.

The ranch also has trails, a meditation labyrinth, a barn full of chickens, and a cranky donkey that lets you pet him once in a while. Their farm-to-table breakfast was always creative and delicious, served on a porch facing the forest. Silver City is about 5 miles from the lodge.

Pro Tip: Take a pair of binoculars on an early morning hike before breakfast, when remarkable birds are the most active. New Mexico is one of the top bird-watching locations in the U.S.

2. Relive History At The Silver City Museum

The city takes pride in its history, even when the boom turned into a bust. Housed in a stately brick Victorian home, the Silver City Museum maintains an excellent array of more than 50,000 artifacts, documents, and photographs spanning the entire timeline of human habitation in the area. Special exhibits come and go along with programs by celebrated authors or artists, all promoted on their website calendar.

Pro Tip: Located at the mouth of historic downtown Silver City, follow the path of colorful murals on stores and sidewalks to the town’s center.

3. Stroll Through A Distinctive Ambience

Forgotten when the silver vein ran dry and the Old West town almost became a ghost town, the citizens of Silver City saved their home by preserving instead of destroying, earning the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street designation.

Using historic buildings to host businesses that blend the historic character to their advantage, Silver City attracts unique artists, artisans, and chefs. Mining equipment stores became hiking and cycling equipment stores, and saloons became craft brew pubs. Traditional tasty farm-to-table restaurants and vintage ice cream parlors never left.

I can’t resist highlighting a few of my favorite places in downtown Silver City:

• Makers Market is an area full of handmade crafts, homegrown herbs, and organic foods.
• Birdwell’s Vintage Vibes , an old-fashioned ice cream fountain with a side room full of antiques, is where I gulped the best chocolate shake ever.
• Cholla Cholla Art , located in a funky adobe house, is among the numerous art galleries in the area.

Pro Tip: The historic district is numerous blocks long. and good walking shoes are recommended. Don’t miss a store — their historic interior architecture is interesting no matter what they sell.

4. Take Home A Chunk Of The Wild West

Silver City is known throughout New Mexico for its antique stores. People fill the streets on weekends, searching for treasures that highlight the nostalgia of the Wild West. 

The Clay Festival is a favorite annual event organized by two local clay artists named Coralee Mercado and Rita Sherwood. Emphasizing the Native American history of the area, the festival is usually held in July. Artists offer pottery workshops, and vendors display hundreds of new and old clay pots, some for sale.

Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to bargain during the weekdays when less crowded.  

5. Watch A Classic Movie at Silco Theater

The theater began in the early 1900s as a live playhouse relying on local talent. Torn down and rebuilt in 1923 to reflect the economic success of silver and copper mining, the theater was renamed the Silco Theater (derived from sil ver and co pper).

Evolving with the good and bad times, the theater was once a furniture store, a mini-mall, and a thrift store. With grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation ’s Mainstreet Program, the theater’s wonderful art-deco style was restored, reopening in 2016 offering first-run movies, old movies, and occasionally a locally made documentary. 

Pro Tip: Tickets can be purchased online, but arrive early to get a good seat.

6. Don’t Ditch Big Ditch Park

Nestled in a valley, the original main street lined the valley floor and became the perfect place for water to flow, flooding Silver City often. After two gigantic floods within a few years of each other devasted the town, leaders decided to act. They built a new main street on higher ground which is now Broadway, along with bridges and rock wall stabilizers. Soon after, a dam was built, and the unpredictable river became a lovely creek.  

Today, a remarkable green space along the creek runs parallel to Broadway, with benches to rest under shade trees. The path is a pleasant walk that passes the Silver City Visitor Center and a re-creation of the nearby cabin where Billy the Kid grew up. 

Pro Tip: Music festivals are occasionally held on the path. Check the Silver City website for a calendar of events.

7. Hop Into The Little Toad Creek Inn and Tavern

Being a small college town, home to Western New Mexico University, it is no surprise that Silver City has lively places serving craft beers. A good example is the Little Toad Creek Inn and Tavern . Flavorsome beers made at their brewery are a big hit; however, the amazing hamburger placed before me that did not last longer than my mug of beer was not bad either.

Pro Tip: The tavern is located at the end of the Big Ditch path and is a perfect place to end the day.

8. Explore Ancient Cliff Dwellings

You must allow a day for a hair-raising drive up a mountain along a serpent-style road to a well-preserved cliff dwelling overlooking the valley. Once you arrive at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument visitor center, there is a short hike up the mountain top.  Hidden from view, the cliff dwellings are well worth the effort. 

For thousands of years, nomads used caves above the Gila River as temporary shelter. The Mimbres Mogollon and Salado Native Americans were the last, and by the 1300s, the cliffs were abandoned. They left behind walls with niches and natural closets, stains from fires, platforms possibly used as beds, and many more interesting features carved into the rock walls that are debated as to their use.

Pro Tip: Take the tour offered by national park staff, who offer amazing insight into the what , why , and how .

9. Attend A Fun Festival

A town full of artists equals a town full of creative people, who love to create unique reasons to have fun and show off their talents. Here are a few:

• Silver City Blues Festival , a Memorial Day weekend music festival with well-known musicians from around the U.S.
• Tour of the Gila , an endurance bicycle race up a mountain often called the Gila Monster, is held in October.
• Gila River Festival , held in September, offers art and guest speakers that address the many ways water weaves everyone in the Gila River watershed together.

If You Go To Silver City

Nestled in the Gila National Forest at an elevation of almost 6,000 feet, the weather will change throughout the day. Four distinct seasons are experienced, with the coldest nights averaging 33 degrees in the winter and the hottest days in the summer averaging 85 degrees. The average snowfall is 6 to 7 inches, not enough for winter sports but enough for beautiful holiday scenery.

Related Reading:

• How To Spend A Perfect Day In Historic Madrid, New Mexico
• 12 Small Towns In New Mexico Perfect For Retirees
• 10 Things Not To Miss In Historic Virginia City, Nevada

Her past articles can be found within the following publications: Family RVing (FMCA membership magazine); Inspired 55+ (Canada), EastWestNews Service; Lifestyles Magazine, InMagazine, The Tyler Loop, Texas Living, The City Paper Bogota and Bird Watcher’s Digest. Her articles are usually found in the travel, art, history, or cultural sections.

Plan Your Trip to Silver City: Best of Silver City Tourism

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Silver City is a town in the southwestern part of New Mexico , USA . An old mining town, it is undergoing rebirth as a modest high-tech center and jumping-off point to a number of attractive areas in the mountains. The small nearby towns of Bayard , Hurley , etc., are also covered in this article.

Get in [ edit ]

Grant County Airport is served by charter company Advanced Air with non-stop service to Albuquerque and Phoenix . Road access is best from the southeast, via US 180 from Deming , and southwest, via NM 90 from I-10 near Lordsburg . NM 152 connects Silver City to I-25 near Truth or Consequences to the east, and is a scenic and interesting drive, but one with some daunting hairpin curves that may challenge drivers of large, unwieldy vehicles. Access from the north is sharply limited by the roadless Gila Wilderness .

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ].

• Silver City Museum , 312 W. Broadway , ☏ +1 575 538-5921 . Memorabilia of Silver City's mining-town past. Free .  

Do [ edit ]

• Silver City Blues Festival , Gough Park ( downtown ). annually over Memorial Day Weekend .  
• Mimbres Region Arts Council ( MRAC ), 1201 N. Pope St , ☏ +1 575-538-2505 . Tickets to the Silver City Blues Festival, Pickamania! Festival, Folk Series, Youth Mural Arts Program, and performance series can be purchased here.  

Buy [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ].

Plenty of Mexican food around town. All of them do one or two things really well but none are great across the menu.

• Country Kitchen , Hwy 90 behind church . cheap prices great food $5-10 .  
• Diane's Restaurant , 510 N Bullard St , ☏ +1 575-538-8722 . American cuisine with friendly service. Lunch $5-10, dinner $15-25 .  
• The Drifter , 711 Silver Heights . Old fashion diner. $10-15 .  
• Jaliscos , South end of Bullard St . Great Mexican food $10-15 .  

Drink [ edit ]

• The Flame , 2800 N Pinos Altos Rd . An interesting experience.  
• Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery . 200 N Bullard, 575-956-6144. Serves only the beers and spirits they make. Also pub foods. Happy hour specials. Live music Fridays and Saturdays. Fun place to hang out.

Sleep [ edit ]

• Comfort Inn Silver City , 1060 E. Rt. 180 . Indoor pool & hot tub, free high-speed wireless internet. Entire hotel is non-smoking. Usually one of the first to fill up.  
• Holiday Inn Express , 1103 Superior St , ☏ +1 575 538-2525 . Generic hotel-chain lodging, nothing special but comfortable. Newer building than the other nearby chain hotels. Includes free high-speed internet.  
• Palace Hotel , ☏ +1 575-388-1811 . 106 W. Broadway. Renovated historic hotel in downtown.  
• Adobe Agave / Silveree Adobe , 309 E St , ☏ +1 575-956-3386 . Charming vacation rentals in an historic adobe building have private native plants gardens.  
• Casitas de Gila Guesthouses , 50 Casita Flats Road, Gila , ☏ +1 575-535-4455 . Guesthouses, art gallery, and nature preserve on 265 stress-free acres, just far enough from Silver City to enjoy the incredible quiet and brilliant dark skies that make the Casitas special. Perfectly located to explore all the area's attractions. Full kitchens, seasonal fireplaces, continental breakfast, fantastic views of Gila Wilderness, free wifi. A Sunset Magazine "Top 10 Romantic Escape."  
• Murray Hotel , 200 W. Broadway Street , ☏ +1 575-956-9400 . Historical hotel that has been remodeled and now open. Art Deco motif. ( updated Feb 2017 )

Go next [ edit ]

Silver City's mountain setting allows for a number of fine excursions to outdoor points of interest:

• City of Rocks State Park [dead link] , south of town via NM 61. Fee $5/day for day use; campground fees start at $8/night and range upward depending on access to hookups, etc. A number of interesting short hikes are possible through weird terrain reminiscent of better-known Chiricahua National Monument across the state line in Arizona (another good, but long, excursion from Silver City).
• Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument north of town, a unit of the national park system . Plan on 1.5 hour drive to the park. Fee $5/day for individuals, $10/day for families; Park Pass applies. Trails to archaeological sites are open for day use from 9AM to 4PM. No lodging at the monument; plan to stay in Silver City. Dry camping is available in two small National Forest campgrounds at park entrance or 5 miles before the park are 2 larger campgrounds, also dry camping. A small commercial campground is about 4 miles before the park entrance at Gila Hot Springs which services tents and small RVs. Doc Campbell's trading post is part of the Gila Hot Springs complex.
• Gila Wilderness is a large roadless area north of town, reachable via any number of trailheads in the area. Good for day hiking and backpacking.
• Pinos Altos is a mining ghost town 6 miles north of Silver City on State Road 15. It has been converted into a tourist attraction and features museums, restaurants, lodging, and art galleries. [1]

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Top Things to Do in Silver City

Things to do in silver city.

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Gila National Forest

2. Silver City Visitor Center

3. Western New Mexico University Museum

4. Silver City Museum

5. Light Art Space

6. Lake Roberts

7. Penny Park

8. Boston Hill

9. Chino Mine Vista Point

10. Silver City Trading Company

11. La Esperanza Vineyard and Winery

12. aSpAcE Studio Art Gallery

13. Big Ditch Park

14. Mimbres River Preserve

15. The Dragonfly Trail

16. Syzygy Tile Factory

17. Bill Evans Lake Wildlife Area

18. Jordan Hot Springs

19. Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art

20. Dandelion Wish

21. el sol performing arts center, 22. silver city grant county chamber of commerce & conference center, 23. the episcopal church of the good shepherd, 24. elizabeth warren 1886 historic house.

25. Roadrunner Trailer Park

26. tatiana maria gallery, 27. old james stadium monument, 28. soul river studio, 29. jlghesley art, 30. lloyd studios, what travellers are saying.

• Gila National Forest
• Western New Mexico University Museum
• Silver City Museum
• Silver City Visitor Center
• Lake Roberts
• Big Ditch Park
• Boston Hill
• Chino Mine Vista Point

A historic building with motifs inspired by Native American designs at Bullard Street in Silver City

• TIPS AND ADVICE

Adventure Town: Silver City, New Mexico

Plan a long weekend getaway with our Silver City adventure guide, featuring great outdoor escapes, where to stay, and where to eat.

Pop. 11,000 GPS: 32°46'N 108°16'W

Quaint, friendly, and affordable, southwestern New Mexico’s Silver City is what Santa Fe was before trustafarians took over. Dating back to the silver boom of the late 1800s, downtown Silver City still retains that frontier feel.

Hike or bike seven miles (11 kilometers) of rocky trails in the rolling Boston Hill, a reclaimed historic mining area overlooking town. Or hook up with the nearby Continental Divide Trail ascending the Pinos Altos Mountains in 3.3-million-acre (1.3-million-hectare) Gila National Forest.

Sunday brunch at Diane’s Restaurant is the local fave, thanks to the Hatch Benedict eggs, which include a hearty helping of the region’s beloved green chilies ( dianesrestaurant.com ).

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The historic 18-room Palace Hotel is a downtown classic (doubles from $48; http://www.silvercitypalacehotel.com/ ).

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15 Fun Things to Do in Silver City, NM

May 19, 2021 Leave a Comment

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Looking for a hidden gem in the southwestern part of the United States for your next family vacation? Want some where that is family friendly and offers a wide range of things to do? Then look no further than Silver City, New Mexico. This small town in southwest New Mexico is off-the-beaten-path, but it is not your average small town. It is bursting at the seams with art and has more than its fair share of amazing locally-owned restaurants. To get you started, here are 15 things to do in Silver City that your family will love!

Silver City is a great place to visit. Not only does it have a ton of things to do in town, but it is really close to a number of national parks and attractions that are definitely worth visiting. This makes it the perfect place to use as a base for your vacation so you can easily take day trips to explore the surrounding area.

#1. Stop by the Visitor’s Center

#2. do some art & antique shopping, #3. explore the silver city museum, #4. have fun at city of rocks, #5. play at penny park, #6. catch a wnmu game, #7. check out billy the kid’s log cabin, #8. hike the continental divide, #9. enjoy the restaurants, #10. catch some live music, #11. explore gila cliff dwellings, #12. enjoy the hot springs, #13. admire the local art, #14. marvel at the chino mine overlook, #15. go for a hike.

The first thing you should do when you get to Silver City is to stop by the Visitor Center . Pick up a map of the area and information about things around town. The center is always staffed with a friendly local who can answer any questions you have and give you recommendations of places to eat.

You can also see some great art pieces at the Visitor’s Center.

You will be amazed at how much art you can find in Silver City. Spend an afternoon shopping for art and antiques in the many downtown shops. Even if you can’t afford to take home a unique piece, you can still have fun browsing.

To learn more about the history of Silver City and the surrounding area, head down the street from the Visitor’s Center to the Silver City Museum. There, you can walk through a historic house and learn about the origins of the city, the area mines, and some of the city’s early residents.

As a bonus, head up to the third floor of the museum for unique views of historic downtown Silver City in every direction.

Not far outside of Silver City, you will find City of Rocks State Park . This collection of large rock formations was created from volcanic ash million of years ago. Today, it is a fun place to get out into nature.

Camp, hike, have a picnic, fly a kite, or just let the kids run around and have fun. City of Rocks is a great and uncrowded place to enjoy the great outdoors.

If you have kids with you when visiting Silver City, head over to Penny Park to let them run free and have a blast. This is one of the best parks in America.

It is not far from downtown and has a large, unique playground with separate areas for older and younger kids. There is also a climbing wall and covered pavilions. And be sure to check out the mural on the side of the bathroom building.

You and your kids will love spending an afternoon at Penny Park.

If you are a sports fan and want to see some live action during your time in Silver City, Western New Mexico University has you covered! Whether you prefer basketball, football, volleyball, or softball, when in town, head over to the campus for some college action.

The Mustangs are a NCAA Division II school that play in the Lone Star Conference. The games are fun. The tickets are cheap. And there’s always space for you and your family.

While at the Visitor’s Center, wander over to the replica log cabin on the edge of the parking lot. This small cabin is similar to one that the famous outlaw Billy the Kid lived in during his short time in Silver City.

Touring the cabin will only take a few minutes, but it will give you a real sense of what it was like to live in the area back in the 1800’s. This is a fun (and free) little diversion that your kids will enjoy.

If your bucket list includes hiking the Continental Divide, then Silver City is where you want to be. The Continental Divide sits right next to the city, making Silver City a great place to set up base.

From here, you can either begin your hike of the entire trail or just hike a portion of it to say you did it. Be sure to tell the staff member at the Visitor Center that you are interested in this hike. They can give you further information and hook you up with some local tips and advice.

I mentioned above the Silver City has a ton of delicious local restaurants. So, definitely take the time to enjoy some of them during your time here. Whether you are looking for Mexican food, a brewery with great pub grub, a cozy coffee shop, or a quiet place for lunch, Silver City has you covered!

Most places to eat in town have a great selection of dishes with the beloved green chile, so be ready for some heat! And because of the city’s small size, you can usually get into most places with little to no wait.

Be sure to read our list of places to eat in Silver City for more details on specific restaurants.

As you might imagine, because Silver City is home to a large number of artists, there is a pretty healthy live music scene in town as well. You can sometimes find local musicians on the street corners playing for pedestrians. You will also find several venues in and around town that have live music playing on one or more nights during the week.

Little Toad Creek Brewery, located in historic downtown, has live music quite often. Check out the calendar of events on the Visitor’s Center website for more details.

The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a fascinating look back at civilization 700 years ago. The cliff dwellings are located in the heart of the Gila National Forest, about an hour and a half drive from Silver City. The town is the best place to stay if you are planning on visiting the cliff dwellings.

This national monument is free to visit, but you will need to hike a one-mile loop to get up to the cliff dwellings and then back to the parking lot. This is a surprisingly fun thing to do, even for kids.

And to make your day trip to the cliff dwellings easier, check out our tips .

There are several places around Silver City to enjoy natural hot springs. Some of them are located between Silver City and the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Most of these are privately owned and require some hiking to reach. Definitely enjoy a warm soak during your time in southwest New Mexico.

I’ve mentioned it before, but I’ll say it again: Silver City has amazing art for such a small town! There are murals and art pieces all over town. You will find them in parks, empty lots, the sides of buildings, on top of fences, and just about everywhere you look. You’ll even find art in people’s yards.

So, if you enjoy art, spend some time cruising around town admiring all the different pieces on display.

While Silver City originated as a silver mining town, the current mines in the area are copper mines. There are a couple different mines just outside of Silver City.

The Chino Mine, located on the way to Deming, can be seen from the highway. If you turn off on Highway 152, you will eventually see a sign for the Chino Mine Overlook. From here, you can get a view of the entire mine. It is impressive to see. Be sure to look for the Kneeling Nun statute high up on the cliff overlooking the mining activities.

Because Silver City sits on the doorstep of the huge Gila National Forest, it is surrounded on all sides by some amazing hiking trails. If your family loves hiking , this is a great place to get out and explore a trail or two.

You will find trails of all difficulty levels in the area around Silver City. So pick one that is right for your family. And enjoy the fresh air!

While Silver City, New Mexico is not anywhere close to being at the top of the list of the hottest tourist destinations in the United States, it does offer a lot for such a small town.

For artists, hikers, or lovers of nature, it is definitely worth a trip! It is also a great home base for exploring the Gila National Forest and other national and state parks in the area. And if you are looking for an uncrowded family friendly location, this definitely fits the bill.

You will have no problem filling your time here with these 15 things to do in Silver City. Enjoy! Happy travels!

P.S. Need help finding the best places to go on your family vacations? My Ultimate USA Bucket List for Families will instantly give you 60 of the best vacation destinations for families in the United States! Get it for FREE in the box below and start planning your next trip today! Plus, as a bonus, you will receive my weekly email newsletter full of family trip tips and inspiration!

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Las Cruces is the largest city in southwestern New Mexico and has been a popular resting stop along traditional trade routes for centuries. Las Cruces is located in the Mesilla Valley, close to the Rio Grande River and is framed dramatically by the Organ Mountains to its east, allowing for a variety of recreational adventures within a short drive of town. Las Cruces prides itself in the number of dining establishments that exist within its borders, over 100, and visitors will have little trouble finding good Mexican and New Mexican cuisine.

More Info Lordsburg

Lordsburg is the largest town located in the 'boot heel' section of New Mexico, the square shaped protrusion of the border that delves into the Sonoran Desert of Mexico. The Sonora is one of the least populated and desolate areas of the American southwest, offering its visitors a chance to enjoy true solitude in wild landscapes.

More Info Truth or Consequences

• Truth or Consequences

Truth or Consequences may have one of the most odd names of any New Mexico town. Early in the 1950's, radio show host Ralph Edwards challenged his many listeners around the United States to rename their town Truth or Consequences in exchange for exposure to the radio market audience. Residents of 'Hot Springs, NM' quickly voted to change the town's name to Truth or Consequences and the rest is history.

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Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Silver City. More Visitor Guides are available in New Mexico. Click here to view them all! Select All

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