Rich in history, Bernalillo, New Mexico dates back to the 1600’s as a major thoroughfare connecting Santa Fe to Mexico City. Today, Bernalillo still retains vestiges of three historic routes: Route 66, El Camino Real and Old Highway 85. Located just north of Albuquerque, it is the county seat for Sandoval County.
Bernalillo is situated at the foot of the Sandia Mountains by New Mexico’s largest river, the Rio Grande. The charm of this small New Mexican town is still evident along its main street, Camino del Pueblo, and through its rural adobe haciendas and buildings like the historic Santuario de San Lorenzo.
Bernalillo is considered a gateway to numerous recreational sites in the nearby Sandia and Jemez Mountains and is a popular starting point for outdoor adventures. There are also seven Native American pueblos in the vicinity of Bernalillo, each one offering a different history as well arts and crafts, feast day celebrations, and casinos. Noted golf courses, some very popular local eateries, and historical sites like Coronado State Monument all welcome the curious explorer, and all are located in Albuquerque’s back yard! Bernalillo–just waiting to be discovered!
