Overview
Bernalillo is a town in central New Mexico, United States of America, just north of Albuquerque. It was one of the waypoints along the original route of historic Route 66. This article also covers the city of Algodones.
1 sights · 3 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Bernalillo
Coronado Historic Site
In 1540, Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, a Spanish explorer, passed through the valley, where he is said to have spent time at an Indian village here. Today, the monument preserves the ruins of that village, Kuaua Pueblo.…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 26°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Aug. (climate data from nearby Albuquerque)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ABQ Albuquerque International Sunport, Albuquerque — 18 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SAF Santa Fe Municipal Airport, Santa Fe — 34 mi away. Directions
Bernalillo is just off Interstate Highway 25, although travelers following the Route 66 itinerary will get there via back roads. The nearest major airport is in Albuquerque.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
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Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Bernalillo is just off Interstate Highway 25, although travelers following the Route 66 itinerary will get there via back roads. The nearest major airport is in Albuquerque.
A commuter railroad, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, connects Bernalillo to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and some of the other small communities along the Rio Grande. There are two stations in Bernalillo: One is on US-550 right near the I-25 exit, which is mainly just a park and ride lot. The second station is right in the center of town, in the old historic area. The train runs with limited service daily.
Get around
Driving is the most reliable way to move through this town, and just about the only way to get to places on the west side of the Rio Grande, like Coronado State Monument. US-550 is the main drag through town.
Public transportation to points within Bernalillo is largely non-existent. A dedicated shuttle connects the Rail Runner station to the Santa Ana Star Casino, but that's it.
There are a few walkable areas of town, like the old main street of Bernalillo (Camino del Pueblo) with its shops, restaurants, and historic structures. This area of town is also within easy walking distance of the Downtown Bernalillo Rail Runner station.
See
See Coronado Historic Site
In 1540, Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, a Spanish explorer, passed through the valley, where he is said to have spent time at an Indian village here. Today, the monument preserves the ruins of that village, Kuaua Pueblo. You can climb down into a reconstructed kiva and see Spanish colonial artifacts on exhibit at the museum. There's also a lovely little picnic area on the bank of the Rio Grande.
- Downtown Bernalillo has a number of historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Do
- If you're in to gambling, the nearby Santa Ana Pueblo operates the Santa Ana Star Casino, which is on US-550 across the Rio Grande from Bernalillo. The pueblo also operates the Santa Ana Golf Course, which is behind the casino next to the Prairie Star Restaurant.
Eat
Eat Abuelita's New Mexican Restaurant
Acceptable New Mexican food like grandma (Abuelita) used to make.
Eat Range Cafe
Good Mexican and American fare, large portions. Located in an old adobe building with a Western-themed atmosphere inside. There's a lounge with bar and live music.
Eat Prairie Star Restaurant & Wine Bar
Eclectic menu with American, New Mexican, and Asian components. It has an extensive wine cellar, excellent outdoor patio with views of the Sandias and an inventive menu which changes frequently but is always outstanding. Patio dining available. Can be a bit pretentious, but will meet the standards of any foodie.
Drink
Drink Silva's Saloon
Antique saloon that is said to have the oldest liquor license in New Mexico and has been used as a setting for a number of Western films. Lots of memorabilia and old photographs on the walls from generations of bar patrons.
Sleep
Bernalillo has a few chain motels located along US-550, including a Days Inn and a Holiday Inn. Lodging may be hard to find in October when the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta occurs.
Stay Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa
The inn and grounds are beautiful, with conference and meeting facilities available, near the Rio Grande with a spectacular view of the Sandia Mountains to the east. There's lot of activities at the hotel with a focus on Native American culture. The Twin Warriors golf course is located adjacent to the hotel.
Go next
- Santa Fe, one of the biggest tourist destinations in the American Southwest, is about 45 miles north on I-25.
- The scenic Jemez Mountains lie just to the north of Bernalillo. Take US-550 north to San Ysidro and right on SR-4. Jemez Springs, Jemez State Monument, and the Valles Caldera National Preserve are some of the highlights of the drive. Beyond is Los Alamos and Bandelier National Monument.
Nearby
Albuquerque
City / town · 167 listings · 16 mi away
Cedar Crest
City / town · 3 listings · 17 mi away
Madrid
City / town · 5 listings · 24 mi away
Edgewood
City / town · 6 listings · 26 mi away
Moriarty
City / town · 8 listings · 35 mi away
Bandelier National Monument
Park · 3 listings · 36 mi away
Los Lunas
City / town · 4 listings · 36 mi away
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Park · 39 mi away
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