Las Cruces Vacation Rentals

From the adobe-walled streets of historic Old Mesilla—where Billy the Kid once stood trial—to the gateway of White Sands National Monument and a nationally acclaimed farmers market, Las Cruces is the City of Crosses done right.

What you'll love about Las Cruces

Old Mesilla's beautifully preserved adobe plaza is one of New Mexico's most authentic historic districts, and the surrounding Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument offers dramatic hiking right at the city's edge. 

White Sands National Monument is 20 miles south and genuinely one of the most otherworldly landscapes in the country. The award-winning Saturday Farmers and Crafts Market, Spaceport America tours, and a Hatch Valley green chile food culture that runs deep round out Las Cruces' considerable appeal.

Fun things to do

• Explore the historic plaza of Old Mesilla and its adobe galleries, restaurants, and shops.
• Hike the dramatic spires of Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument.
• Day trip to White Sands National Monument for sledding and hiking among the gypsum dunes.
• Browse the sprawling Saturday Farmers and Crafts Market along Main Street.
• Tour Spaceport America, the world's first commercial spaceport, about an hour north of Las Cruces.
• Explore Dripping Springs Natural Area's dramatic canyon hike into the Organ Mountains.
• Sample green chile dishes, paletas, and authentic New Mexico cuisine throughout the Mesilla Valley.
• Hike or mountain bike the trails of Soledad Canyon and Aguirre Springs Recreation Area.
• Taste your way through the Las Cruces Wine Trail's Hatch Valley vineyards and tasting rooms.

Local tips

• Always order "Christmas" when asked about your chile preference. That means both red and green.
• Old Mesilla is best explored on foot; parking is easiest off the main plaza on weekday mornings.
• The Saturday Farmers Market is year-round and at its peak from October through May.
• White Sands requires timed entry reservations. Book in advance, especially for popular sunset and full moon hikes.
• Las Cruces gets very hot from June through August. Plan outdoor hikes for early morning hours.
• The Hatch Green Chile Festival (late August) draws visitors from across the Southwest — book vacation homes early.
• Dripping Springs Canyon trail is one of the region's most rewarding hikes; water shoes optional near the spring.

Green chile, ancient adobe, and Billy the Kid's courthouse town

Las Cruces is desert New Mexico at its most richly layered. Discover Old Mesilla's adobe plaza where Billy the Kid stood trial, White Sands' otherworldly gypsum dunes down the mountain, the Organ Mountains rising dramatically to the east, and a Saturday farmers market spanning seven city blocks. Book your vacation rental and start exploring.