Experience · Roswell

Budget UFO Evening & BBQ

Dive into the enigmatic world of the Roswell incident with an affordable visit to the International UFO Museum. Afterwards, grab some satisfying and inexpensive mesquite-smoked BBQ, then take a short walk to browse the quirky alien-themed gifts nearby.

A 3-hour Roswell evening plan for solo — International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop, La Sierra Mesquite Smoked BBQ, Alien Zone.

Duration: 3 hrs
Cost: $15–$25
Stops: 3 stops
Walking: Heavy walking · Total 2-mile driving route
Best time: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Ideal for: Solo · Friends · Adults

Start Plan

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The plan

1International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop(1 hr 30 min)→
2La Sierra Mesquite Smoked BBQ(1 hr)→
3Alien Zone(30 min)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 2 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Roswell instead of crossing town between them. International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Alien Zone — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to solo, friends, and adults who want a planned Roswell outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
1h 30m
International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop
Arts & Culture
Museum featuring exhibits about the Roswell UFO Incident of 1947 along with alien-related art.
What to do — Arrive in the early evening to explore the museum at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the history and theories surrounding Roswell's famous event.
Scout Side Quest
Find the single document, sketch, or artifact on display that sparks your curiosity the most.
1 mi · 20 min walk or 5 min drive
Then Take a short drive west to a local BBQ joint for a casual dinner.
2
1 hr
La Sierra Mesquite Smoked BBQ
Food & Drink
What to do — Grab a plate of classic BBQ, choosing from their selection of smoked meats and sides. It’s a hearty and cost-effective way to enjoy dinner.
1 mi · 20 min walk or 5 min drive
Then Head back towards downtown Roswell to browse some unique shops near the museum.
3
Optional 30 min
Alien Zone
Shopping
Attraction with campy alien photo op scenes, plus a shop selling Area 51-themed gifts & apparel.
What to do — Pop into Alien Zone for a few minutes to browse the quirky merchandise or snap a fun photo with the alien setups – it's a perfect lighthearted end to your alien-themed evening.
Scout Side Quest
Take a photo of whichever alien prop or souvenir feels the most delightfully absurd.

Scout Stories

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The route

On the map

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Roswell itinerary for solo?: Yes. It's built for solo, friends, and adults and runs about 3 hrs across 3 stops, starting at International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 3 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Roswell itinerary cost?: Roughly $15–$25 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 2 miles of walking in total.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

Keep exploring

Different moods, same city.

See all things to do in Roswell →

Date Night
Roswell
Roswell Arts & Italian Date Night
Begin your evening with a shared appreciation for contemporary art at the Anderson Museum, a quiet and thought-provoking start. Afterward, stroll to a local Italian bistro for a romantic dinner, savoring hearty dishes with a New Mexican flair in a cozy setting.
Duration
3h 30m
Cost
$35–$80
Ideal for
Couples · Friends
View the plan