Las Cruces, New Mexico — Ultimate City Guide

Why go

City in New Mexico, United States.
1 curated must-see attraction on record, including White Sands National Park.
Served by Las Cruces International Airport (LRU).

History

Las Cruces is a city in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States, and its county seat. The population was 111,385 at the 2020 census, making it the second-most populous city in New Mexico, and the largest in both Doña Ana County and southern New Mexico. It is the principal city of the Las Cruces metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses all of Doña Ana County and had an estimated 230,000 residents in 2024. The city is also part of the larger El Paso–Las Cruces combined statistical area.

Must-see attractions

White Sands National Park

Outdoor

Restaurants & places to go

Arby's

Sandwich, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Th 09:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 09:00-22:30; Su 09:00-22:00 Features: takeaway · 510 East Idaho Avenue, Las Cruces, 88001 · arbys.com

Indoor

Baskin-Robbins

Ice Cream, Ice Cream · Opening hours: 11:00-22:00 · 1492 Missouri Avenue, Las Cruces, 88001 · locations.baskinrobbins.com

Indoor

Burger King

Burger, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 06:00-22:00; Su 07:00-22:00 Features: takeaway, delivery · 430 North Telshor Boulevard, Las Cruces, 88011-8207 · bk.com

Indoor

Chick-fil-A

Chicken, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 06:30-22:00; Su off Features: outdoor seating, takeaway, delivery · 1105 East University Avenue, Las Cruces, 88001 · chick-fil-a.com

Indoor

Corner Bakery

Coffee Shop, Cafe · Opening hours: Mo-Su 06:30-21:00 Features: takeaway · 2305 East Lohman Avenue, Las Cruces, 88001 · cornerbakerycafe.com

Indoor

Domino's

Pizza, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-We 10:00-24:00; Th-Sa 10:00-01:00; Su 10:00-24:00 Features: takeaway · 3090 Roadrunner Parkway, Las Cruces, 88011 · pizza.dominos.com

Indoor

Dunkin'

Donut, Coffee Shop, Fast Food · Opening hours: Su-Sa 04:30-23:00 Features: takeaway · 2527 North Main Street, Las Cruces, 88001 · locations.dunkindonuts.com

Indoor

Five Guys

Burger, Fast Food · Opening hours: Su-Sa 11:00-22:00 Features: takeaway · 2750 Mall Drive, Las Cruces, 88011 · restaurants.fiveguys.com

Indoor

163 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →

Airports

Las Cruces International Airport (LRU) 8.8 mi to the centre

Las Cruces, NM, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.

Indoor | Outdoor

Columbus Airport (CUS) 60 mi to the centre

Columbus, NM, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.

Indoor | Outdoor

Solo Ranch Airport 36 mi to the centre

Deming, NM, US

Outdoor

One Particular Harbour Ultralight Flightpark 43 mi to the centre

Deming, NM, US

Outdoor

Where things are

Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map © OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season

May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season

April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding

Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Las Cruces International Airport (LRU); 7 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Las Cruces, New Mexico. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.