Central Avenue and Nob Hill, Albuquerque
The Nob Hill neighborhood in Albuquerque is a residential area with a commercial district running along Central Avenue, formerly known as U.S. Route 66. The area, located just east of the University of New Mexico, was developed between 1925 and 1950 and has become a popular destination for tourists and shoppers. Nob Hill is well-known for its mix of unique, locally owned businesses and has been described as Albuquerque's "hippest, funkiest retail and entertainment district," as well as the "heart of Albuquerque's Route 66 culture." The neighborhood's name is derived from Nob Hill in San Francisco.
The commercial strip in Nob Hill began to take shape in the 1930s, as the surrounding neighborhoods grew and Central Avenue became a popular route for travelers, especially after it was designated as U.S. Route 66 in 1937. The area catered to both travelers and residents, resulting in a diverse mix of businesses, including the Aztec Motel, El Oriente Court, Modern Auto Court, Lobo Theater, De Anza Motor Lodge, and Jones Motor Company.
Today, Nob Hill offers a variety of locally owned shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants, as well as some chain stores like Buffalo Exchange and Starbucks. While most commercial activity in the past was limited to the west of Carlisle, new developments are gradually expanding eastward along Central Avenue.
The commercial strip in Nob Hill began to take shape in the 1930s, as the surrounding neighborhoods grew and Central Avenue became a popular route for travelers, especially after it was designated as U.S. Route 66 in 1937. The area catered to both travelers and residents, resulting in a diverse mix of businesses, including the Aztec Motel, El Oriente Court, Modern Auto Court, Lobo Theater, De Anza Motor Lodge, and Jones Motor Company.
Today, Nob Hill offers a variety of locally owned shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants, as well as some chain stores like Buffalo Exchange and Starbucks. While most commercial activity in the past was limited to the west of Carlisle, new developments are gradually expanding eastward along Central Avenue.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Albuquerque. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Central Avenue and Nob Hill on Map
Sight Name: Central Avenue and Nob Hill
Sight Location: Albuquerque, USA (See walking tours in Albuquerque)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Albuquerque, USA (See walking tours in Albuquerque)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Albuquerque
Creating your own self-guided walk in Albuquerque is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Albuquerque Old Town Walk
The history of human habitation on the site of present-day Albuquerque, New Mexico reaches back 12,000 years. Long before the “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” TV series made a splash for Albuquerque worldwide, the Paleo-Indians inhabited the region. By the time European settlers had arrived in the 1500s, approximately 20 indigenous tribes lined the 60-mile stretch of the Rio Grande... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
University of New Mexico Walking Tour
Founded in 1889, The University of New Mexico (UNM) is a renowned public research institution. Its branch campuses are scattered throughout the state while the main campus is located in Albuquerque. A good number of spots on this campus deserve a special note, either from an architectural or cultural standpoint, and we encourage you to explore them.
A must-go-to for students and visitors alike,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
A must-go-to for students and visitors alike,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Downtown Historical Buildings Walking Tour
The one-of-a-kind character of Albuquerque is the result of many different forces and centuries of history that have shaped the city. The core of Central Albuquerque is what most of the locals considered “downtown” – a place they lived, worked, shopped, governed and entertained themselves in for almost 80 years, since the arrival of the railroad in 1880.
The vibrant architectural... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The vibrant architectural... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles