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Published on August 8, 2024. Last Updated on March 14, 2026.
Nestled in Southwest New Mexico, Silver City is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The gateway to the Gila Cliff Dwellings has a rich history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural surroundings. This small town has something for everyone. Here are 5 must-do activities one day in Silver City!
One day in Silver City
We visited Silver City in early June after spending the previous day hiking the Gila Wilderness and exploring Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. After waking up, eating a camp breakfast, and packing up our campsite, Buddy and I spent a few hours exploring Silver City before driving back to Tucson (but not before stopping at The THING! for some ice cream). We visited Silver City on a Sunday exploring during the late morning hours through the mid afternoon.
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Top 5 thing to do in Silver City in One Day
1. Visit the Silver City Museum
The Silver City Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike. With exhibits showcasing everything from the H.B. Ailman House to local archives, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past and present.
The Silver City Museum is located at 312 W Broadway St, Silver City, New Mexico 88061. It is open every day except Mondays and admission is by donation with a suggested donation of $5 per visitor. For the most up-to-date information, visit the website.
The Silver City Museum was our first stop in Silver City! Drawn in by the architecture of the museum itself, I was curious to visit. We spent about an hour exploring the exhibits. I loved the exhibition on the Life and Times of Arturo Flores. It was very interesting learning about the Empire Zinc Strike and from the perspective of those who lived it. I studied the film “The Salt of the Earth” as a college student. So to see the story told by Silver City locals who experienced it firsthand was interesting.
After visiting the inside of the museum, we sat on the lawn for a bit to enjoy the nice summer air and take in an impromptu concert. A circle of string musicians sat on the lawn of the museum playing in the shade as passersby stopped to listen. It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday!
Great for: History buffs, museum goers, and travelers of all ages!
2. Go thrifting
Silver City is home to many many thrift shops. And these thrift shops are amazing!
No day trip to Silver City is complete without taking time to explore the town’s numerous thrift stores and antique shops for one-of-a-kind finds at bargain prices. From vintage clothing to retro home decor, you never know what treasures you might uncover while browsing through Silver City’s eclectic shops.
After leaving the museum, we journeyed to Silver City Trading Co. Antiques Mall. It was huge! We shopped for new chairs for our dining room table. I even tried on some clothes. In fact, I was so into the thrifting that I forgot to take pictures! But alas, we did not buy anything.
As we were there on a Sunday, some of the thrift shops were closed. So if you really want to thrift, perhaps visit on Friday or Saturday.
In addition to thrifting, we also visited two used bookstores and ZirYabs Body Brew.
Great for: Travelers who love to shop and thrift.
3. Visit an art gallery
Silver City is an arts town! As such, it is home to numerous art galleries showcasing works by local artists. Whether you’re a seasoned art connoisseur or simply appreciate beauty in all its forms, you’re sure to find inspiration in Silver City’s thriving arts scene.
The Silver City Art Association has lists of local galleries, studios, and independent artists and they host First Fridays from 5-7pm the first Friday of every month. And if you are walking around downtown, you can easily find local galleries as there is a mark on the sidewalk on the floor letting you know about the great artwork inside.
During our one day in Silver City, we stopped by a few galleries who had their doors open. We admired the artwork. We chatted with a few artists and admired the paintings of animals. Unfortunately, we did not buy any art during our visit.
Great for: artists and arts enthusiasts.
4. Eat some ice cream
Cool off with a sweet treat from The Ice Cream Emporium, Silver City’s charming ice cream parlors. Whether you prefer classic flavors or adventurous combinations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on a hot day in this picturesque town. The Ice Cream Emporium is located at 312 N. Bullard St., Silver City, New Mexico 88061 across the street from the Silco Theatre.
The Ice Cream Emporium was the last stop in Silver City before we drove off towards Arizona. We loved the place! The atmosphere in a historic building was super fun! Of the 36 flavors, Buddy had the Cookie Monster and I had the Hatch Chile Chocolate, which was super good!
The only thing about this location is there is no bathroom on site. So take that into consideration if you are visiting with littles.
Oh and this is not a paid promotion. We really just found the place to be fun and cute!
Great for: Foodies, Ice Cream lovers, travelers of all ages.
5. Stay at a historic hotel in Silver City
End your day with a stay at one of Silver City’s historic hotels for an immersive experience in the town’s rich heritage. These accommodations offer a glimpse into the past while providing modern comforts for today’s travelers.
So full disclosure, Buddy and I did not stay at a historic hotel in Silver City when we visited. Rather, we camped outside of town in a campground on the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. However, I returned to Silver City later in June for my performing arts job and I stayed at the Murray Hotel in historic downtown Silver City. The hotel which was founded in 1938 was really cute! And they had a delicious breakfast. I had a great time there!
And the Murray Hotel is not the only historic hotel in the area. There is also the Palace Hotel, Lulu Hotel Silver City, and the Serenity House, all unique historical places you can stay in Silver City.
Great for: Travelers who don’t like to camp! History buffs, and travelers of all ages.
Silver City Fast FAQs
1. Is Silver City, New Mexico worth visiting?
In our opinion yes. Afterall, it is the gateway to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, so that is reason enough to swing on by. But if you are interested in history, art, nature, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat away from bustling city life, Silver City has something for everyone.
2. Why is Silver City famous?
Known for its thriving arts community and rich cultural heritage, Silver City has gained recognition as one of New Mexico’s most charming destinations worth exploring. Silver City is the gateway to the Gila Wilderness and the Gila Cliff Dwellings. And it is also known for its mines and the famous Empire Zinc Strike.
Final Thoughts
Our day in Silver City was filled with delightful small town surprises and experiences that left us eager to return for more adventures in this hidden gem of New Mexico. We hope our guide inspires you to explore all that this quaint town has to offer and create your own fun memories along the way.
A Teenager’s Perspective
Silver City was a fun place to visit. The highlights for me was looking through all of the vinyl records at the thrift store and the ice cream. I also bought a used book and had a good time listening to music.
I think this would be good for teens that like history or shopping at thrift stores.
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Do you have questions about family travel or traveling with teens? Feel free to reach out! We are happy to chat and share our experiences and look forward to connecting with you.
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If you enjoyed reading this, check out these blog posts!
- Hiking the Gila: 5 Simple Tips for Middle Fork Trail
- Travel Made Easy: Tips for Visiting the Gila Cliff Dwellings
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