Alamogordo, Desert city in New Mexico, United States
Description
Alamogordo is a desert city in southern New Mexico within Otero County, nestled between the Tularosa Basin and the Sacramento Mountains. Holloman Air Force Base sits directly adjacent to the city and shapes the surrounding area.
History
The city was founded in 1898 as a railroad hub for the El Paso and Northeastern Railroad running through the territory. After World War Two the town remained closely linked to military research and aviation.
Culture
The name comes from Spanish and means 'fat cottonwood tree', referring to the trees that once grew along local waterways. Today many visitors arrive to explore nearby White Sands National Park and the surrounding desert landscape.
Practical
The city sits roughly halfway between El Paso and Roswell and is easily reached via U.S. Highway 54 and 70. Summers can be very hot, so spring and fall are more comfortable for exploring the surrounding area.
Did you know?
The New Mexico Museum of Space History on the edge of town tells the story of space research in the region. From up there you get a wide view over the Tularosa Basin and the white sand expanse in the distance.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Otero County).
Alameda Park Zoo
1.8 km
The Toy Train Depot
2.1 km
Jackson House
661 m
Alamogordo Museum of History
1.8 km
Flickinger Center for Performing Arts
1.7 km
Alamogordo Public Library
684 m
Alamogordo Woman's Club
1.4 km
Administration Building
1.9 km
Central Receiving Building
1.9 km
Lincoln National Forest Service Building
1.7 km
Toy Train Depot
2.1 km
Tularosa Basin Museum of History
1.8 km
New Horizons Dome Theater & Planetarium
2.3 km
Astronaut Memorial Garden
2.7 kmGerman Air Force (Luftwaffe) Tornado PA-200
2.6 kmXQ-4A
2.6 kmX-7A
2.7 kmUSAF Space Plane 001
2.7 kmRohovec Fine Arts Center
2.3 kmMonument featuring aircraft, aircraft model
2.5 kmNike Ajax
2.6 kmMonument featuring aircraft, aircraft model
2.7 kmCapsule
2.7 kmV-2 Rocket Engine
2.7 kmMonument featuring aircraft, aircraft model
2.7 kmF1 Rocket Engine
2.6 kmMonument featuring aircraft, aircraft model
2.6 kmAircraft model, monument featuring aircraft
2.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes