A visit to Albuquerque wouldn't be complete without a visit to Old Town Albuquerque, a charming historic village within a modern city. Browse the many shops and galleries full of famous artwork, fine jewelry and rare specialty gifts. A visit to the museums and cultural centers will help you understand the distinctive history of Albuquerque.

If you visit Albuquerque the first week of October during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a balloon ride is a must. What started as a small gathering of 13 balloons, this famous gathering has grown to become the largest balloon event in the world and draws balloon pilots from as far away as Japan and South Africa.

When you think of Albuquerque, you don't normally think of ocean life. But while here, you must take a journey through the marine habitats of the Gulf of Mexico at the Albuquerque Aquarium. The highlight of the aquarium is a 285,000 gallon ocean tank where sharks swim alongside brilliantly colored reef fish, eels, sea turtles and other ocean species.

The entire family is sure to enjoy a trip to the Rio Grande Zoo, where you can enjoy close encounters with more than 250 types of exotic and native animals. During the summer months, take the children to the petting zoo, and you should also check out the daily seal and sea lion feedings.

If you are more interested in dinosaurs, fossils, geology, volcanoes, natural history and astronomy, then spend a day at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Here you'll find featured displays and permanent exhibitions that show New Mexico's natural development from volcanoes to dinosaurs to current landscapes.

Dedicated to the preservation of Pueblo Indian culture, art and history, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is your gateway to the 19 pueblos of New Mexico. The center houses two museums and several gift shops. If you're there over a weekend, be sure to take in one of the free traditional dance performances or art demonstrations.