Discover Albuquerque During ARSL 2025 — part of the “Land of Enchantment,” Albuquerque offers a stunning blend of desert landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and modern city charm. It’s the perfect backdrop for the ARSL Conference, where professional growth meets memorable local experiences.
Explore the City
Downtown and nearby neighborhoods like Nob Hill teem with energy and local flavor. Stroll historic Old Town’s adobe-lined plaza, browse 150+ boutiques and galleries, and soak in centuries of Southwestern culture. Just outside the city, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway offers soaring bird’s-eye views and alpine hiking or dining at the summit restaurant—an upscale retreat after conference sessions.
Things to Do - Museums and Highlights
For museum lovers, Explora’s hands-on science and art exhibits near Old Town and the ABQ BioPark (including zoo, aquarium, and botanical gardens) provide a perfect post-conference afternoon. The nearby National Hispanic Cultural Center delivers deep, immersive cultural programming—think art galleries, genealogy resources, and live music on the Rio Grande.
One of Angela's favorite places to visit in Albuquerque is the Wheels Museum, located in what was once known as The Storehouse at the Santa Fe Railyards. This long, narrow building was constructed in 1914 and originally used to store a vast inventory of parts and supplies for the maintenance shops and the entire Santa Fe railroad system. The museum’s collections highlight the history of the railroads, the role of the railyards in Albuquerque’s development, and other forms of transportation including automobiles, horse-drawn wagons, and more. Admission is free, and visitors can enjoy a train ride as part of the experience.
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Adventurous librarians can bike or stroll the Bosque Trail along the Rio Grande, take a ghost tour, or explore the Pueblo Montaño sculpture garden.
Other must-sees include:
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- Albuquerque Museum
- Petroglyph National Monument
- Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
- Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
- Nuclear Science & History Museum
Where to Eat
Craving local flavor? Sample world-famous green-chile cuisine at staples like Frontier Restaurant or Sadie’s, and enjoy craft beers from native-owned breweries.
Downtown Favorites
Nob Hill/University
- High Noon Restaurant & Saloon
- Seasons Rotisserie & Grill
- Golden Crown Panaderia
- Sawmill Market (Food Hall)
Local Institutions and Regional Chains
Make It Memorable
With its jaw-dropping sunsets, mountain vistas, and warm Southwestern hospitality, Albuquerque offers an unforgettable headline act to your ARSL conference experience—a place where professional growth and personal discovery go hand in hand.
Written by Angela Watkins & Sarah Jones, ARSL Conference Committee Local Arrangements Coordinators
