5 Fun Things To Do In Albuquerque For Couples

Are you trying to find fun things to do in Albuquerque for couples on date night? Girl, I’ve got you covered. My husband and I love to explore the city of Albuquerque for day-dates or places to go at night. These suggestions are great any time of year, for an anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or just a Saturday night.

Kiln It

This pottery shop is located on the West side on the border of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. This is a full-service pottery studio, but for date night I suggest choosing from their very wide variety of unfired pre-made ceramics to paint with ceramic glaze. Kiln It has everything from holiday decor, animals, and whimsical art, to normal bowls and mugs. They have over 45 colors of glaze for use on whatever you choose. There is always someone on staff to help you with your selections and to help with technique. This is such a fun thing to do in Albuquerque for couples but also for kids. My husband and I did a bubble technique on a chip-and-dip bowl with blue and off-white glaze. My kids have painted a Star Wars piggy bank and a dragon claw chales. They turned out fun. Once you are done painting your pottery and pay, it will be left at the shop for firing. Be prepared to return to the shop 10 days later to pick up your piece. 

You do not need an appointment to paint pottery, use the wheels, or the many other crafts available.  

Cost $

Website https://www.kilnitnm.com/

5740 Night Whisper Rd Ste 290

Albuquerque NM, 87114

Betty’s Bath

If you want luxury and pampering with your partner I could not recommend Betty’s more. Betty’s Bath & Day Spa was founded in 2000, in Albuquerque’s tree-lined and peaceful North Valley neighborhood. Betty’s remains true to its original concept: to provide Albuquerque residents and visitors with a relaxation and wellness retreat in a professional, welcoming, and friendly spa setting. They are known for outdoor saltwater hot tubs, massage, and facials - housed in a minimalist and inviting setting. I am a fan of their 60-minute Blissful Massage and Renewing Radiance Facial. Betty’s Bath is a fun thing to do for couples as a service together like a couples massage or separate services specific to your wants. They also have lovely spa, skincare, and self-care products like Eminence Organic Skin Care.

I advise booking this date night at least two weeks in advance. 

Cost $$

Website https://www.bettysbath.com/

1835 Candelaria NW

Albuquerque, NM

Los Poblanos

Designed in 1932 by the region’s foremost architect, John Gaw Meem, the “Father of Santa Fe Style”, Los Poblanos combines 45 guest rooms, a working organic farm, and the ideal setting for a fun thing to do in Albuquerque for couples. The natural beauty, comfort, and privacy of Los Poblanos offer guests a truly relaxing environment for a day date or an overnight stay.

In the heart of the Rio Grande River Valley, set among 25 acres of lavender fields, enormous cottonwood trees, and lush formal gardens, Los Poblanos is undeniably one of the most stunning properties in the Southwest. From the minute you drive down the long tree-lined allée flanked by fields of lavender and rows of vegetables, you know you are in a very special place. Just walking around the grounds is like stepping out of the desert into an oasis. If you only have a few hours to spare I recommend making reservations at El Campo, the top-rated restaurant in all of Albuquerque. If you don’t have time for a decadent meal, make sure and visit the Los Poblanos Farm shop for locally sourced treats and goods. In the harvesting months, they have fresh flowers and vegetables for sale as well. 

Cost $-$$$$

Website- https://lospoblanos.com/

4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW

Los Rancho de Albuquerque, NM 87107

Sandia Peak Tramway

Rising from the hustle and bustle of Albuquerque, riding the Sandia Peak Tramway you ascend one of America’s most stunning urban peaks,
reaching the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains where an 11,000-square-mile panoramic view awaits.
This spectacular 15-minute ride is romantic with snow caps in the Winter or lush greenery the rest of the year.

But to make this a really fun thing to do in Albuquerque for couples, immerse yourself in the experience. Once at the top, pack a picnic to enjoy along one of the 100 hikes available or just linger a bit to watch the sun and shadows play in the boulders as the cityscape begins to twinkle below. Another option is to choose to dine in style at Ten3 Restaurant, with a full-service meal and extensive wine list. Clink glasses as you unwind with warm conversation and a taste of something New Mexico true. If you are short on time, parooze the gift shop for New Mexico for a little something to remember your time together. 

*The tram is closed for maintenance until March. Always check the peak’s weather before buying tickets. Weather information is available on the website.

Cost $-$$

Website https://sandiapeak.com/

30 Tramway Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

Botanical Gardens

Within the Albuquerque Bio Park is over one and a half miles of paths through formal and whimsical gardens to explore designed to delight your senses. Exhibits include Mediterranean and Desert Conservatories, 1920's farm, Japanese and formal gardens and BUGarium. There is a new immersive Butterflies and Bees exhibit featuring some of 

New Mexico's most amazing native pollinators. 

The Botanical Gardens are a peaceful place to walk hand in hand and enjoy a long conversation. This fun thing to do for couples in Albuquerque is lovely to visit any time of year. This past holiday season we visited the gardens for The River of Lights, a seasonal exhibit of 800 intricately designed and constructed sculptures, light displays, and millions of twinkle lights. In the Spring the park is dotted with blossoming tulips of pinks and yellows. 

Cost $

Website https://www.visitalbuquerque.org/listing/botanic-garden-abq-biopark/4785/

2601 Central Ave. N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87104

Alison is an Albuquerque, NM analog film photographer and photography educator. Her work has been featured in many online publications such as Shoot It With Film and Heartful Magazine, many social media features, and published works like The Front Steps Project Book.