If every airport had its own personality, the Albuquerque International Sunport would absolutely be the laid-back, art-loving local who invites you in, offers homemade salsa, and tells you about the best green chile in town. Flying in or out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one of my favorite airport experiences precisely because it doesn’t feel like a typical airport—it feels like you’ve already arrived in the Southwest the moment your feet hit the terminal floor. If you’re planning to spend a few days exploring the city, check out my Spend a Week in Albuquerque itinerary for ideas on what to do once you land.
From the moment you step inside the Albuquerque International Sunport, you can tell this isn’t just another stopover. The entire space radiates New Mexico charm. Wooden ceiling beams, earthy adobe tones, and pops of turquoise and terra cotta give the airport that signature Southwestern flair you instantly recognize from the architecture across the state. It’s a place that feels lived in—cozy, authentic, and full of personality.
What I love most is how the Sunport somehow manages to feel homey instead of hectic. The main lobby looks more like a beautifully designed living room than an airport terminal, complete with local art and warm lighting that feels welcoming instead of sterile. And if you catch it at the right time, you might even hear live music echoing through the concourse—a touch that makes your layover feel more like a mini cultural moment than a travel chore. It’s the perfect introduction to the local culture—something you’ll see even more of if you visit Old Town Albuquerque or explore the city’s art and history scene.
Airport dining can be hit or miss, but this one’s a win. When hunger hits, the Sunport’s food hall brings together local New Mexican flavors with familiar comfort food.
At Indian Pueblo Kitchen, we ordered the chips and salsa—and let me tell you, the salsa packed a punch. Locals may swear it’s mild, but it definitely delivers that signature New Mexico heat (the kind that reminds you locals have a much higher spice tolerance). Their menu is full of regional favorites that give travelers a real taste of Albuquerque before even leaving the airport.
If you’re in the mood for something equally local, Flavor of New Mexico serves up regional dishes with flair, while Cheese & Coffee crafts hearty sandwiches and soups that are perfect for something lighter before a flight. Black Mesa Coffee Company is where you’ll want to go for your artisan coffee fix and fresh pastries. And of course, for those days when you just need something quick, familiar spots like Panda Express and Dunkin’ are right there too.
It’s not a huge food court, but the quality and variety stand out—and it’s surprisingly easy to find something good even when you’re short on time.
If you’re renting a car, Albuquerque keeps things refreshingly simple and smooth. After grabbing your bags, you just head outside, hop on a quick shuttle to the rental car center, and you’re set. The process is efficient and well-organized, even during busier travel times.
That said, if you’re flying in during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, plan for some extra time. The car rental lines and shuttles can back up with all the extra visitors in town, so I’d recommend budgeting at least 45 extra minutes just to be safe. And take my advice—try to arrive on an earlier flight if you can. We landed around midnight during Balloon Fiesta week, and by the time we got to the rental counter, the only vehicles left were 15-passenger vans. Not exactly what we pictured cruising around New Mexico in! Once you’ve got your car, make sure to read my Best Places to Stay for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta so you can plan where to rest up between those early-morning launches.
If airports had awards, the Albuquerque International Sunport would absolutely take home “Most Welcoming.” Between the architecture, the warmth of the staff, the live music, and the local food options, this airport manages to embody the very best of New Mexico before you’ve even left the terminal. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause mid-connection and think, “Wait, I could actually stay here a while.”
Whether you’re arriving for the Balloon Fiesta, road-tripping through Route 66, or heading out to Santa Fe or Los Poblanos, this is one airport experience that sets the tone perfectly for what’s ahead: easygoing charm, great food, and that unmistakable New Mexico soul.
If you’re heading to town for the Fiesta itself, don’t miss my Balloon Fiesta Mistakes to Avoid and Route 66 Neon Hunt in Albuquerque—both are packed with insider tips and hidden photo spots you’ll want to add to your itinerary.
Booked my fall cabin before September even started, and I’m not sorry about it. 🍂
These are the stays that make you actually want the cold to hurry up fireplaces, mountain views, the kind of porch you don’t leave. Not every one of these is going to fit every trip, but if a cozy fall getaway is on your radar, this is the roundup to start with.
One of my favorite travel seasons is almost here, and I have zero chill about it. 🍁✈️
There’s just something about fall trips cooler air, apple orchards, that first flannel of the season, food that actually makes sense with the weather again. I’m already mentally packing for it before September even starts.
If fall is your favorite time to travel too, tell me where you’re headed... I’m taking notes for the list.
Pack your bags... ✈️🧳My hiking and road trip gear shop just got a refresh, and this is everything that actually earns a spot in my bag. The dry bag pulls double duty for beach days and trail days, the Osprey backpack is the one I grab for anything motorcycle or day-hike related, and the GoPro comes with me literally everywhere at this point.
Nothing on this list is filler it’s all stuff I’ve used, packed, and repacked more times than I can count. Full shop linked in my bio if you want to build out your own kit before your next trip.
Filing this one under “go now before it gets cold.” Bonneville Hot Springs is one of those trips where fall access is honestly the sweet spot the campground road is open, the hike in is short, and you skip the snow-and-gate situation we dealt with when we went in March.
September and early fall mean clearer trails, easier parking, and pools that are just as good without the extra mile of hiking to earn them. Fewer than 10 people out there when we visited, a rustic changing booth, zero amenities, and pools that range from “relax” to “actually scalding” until you move some rocks around and mix in river water. Small waterfalls feeding in, mountains in every direction, not polished, and that’s exactly the point.
Full breakdown on parking, what to pack, and timing it right is linked in my bio.
Summer’s not even over and I already have the itch. Fall hiking season is calling and I am answering.
Save this if you feel the itch too.🍁
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
