If you're visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico in order to take a look at some properties you might like to buy and meet with some real estate agents, there's no reason you can't take a few minutes to enjoy the city while you're here. After all, you're going to be living here, aren't you? The same thing goes for Democracy Now conference participants, and traveling business people. Why let pleasure travelers have all the fun? We realize that with your schedule you won't be able to see everything, so here are our top four area highlights you won't want to miss.

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Nuclear weapons held the world in a constant state of fear from the 1950s to the 1990s, and still pose a threat to global security today. Learn all about the fascinating science behind the discovery of these weapons and their potential for destruction. If you've ever wondered what effects an electromagnetic pulse would have on time and frequency standards, here's where you can find out. The museum also features an animatronic Albert Einstein, four huge decommissioned bomber aircraft, and a large collection of artifacts.

Petroglyph National Monument

For thousands of years before European settlers even arrived on the scene, Native American peoples lived in the area that would become known as Albuquerque, New Mexico. If your only experience with archeology comes from the imported decor at the day spa in San Antonio, come to this national park and be amazed at the over 25,000 images carved into the bare rock. While you're here, there are also 17 miles of volcanic fissures and rock beds to hike in and around, and five dormant volcanic cones.

Albuquerque Biological Park

Located on the banks of the Rio Grande River, this park contains a zoo has been enjoyed by scores of Albuquerque residents, young and old, since 1927. There are 250 species of local and exotic animals from South America, North America, Australia, Asia, and Africa including favorites like the polar bear, the gorilla, and the elephant. Its counterpart is the Albuquerque Aquarium, a 285,000 gallon tank that features more varieties of sea life and aquarium fish foods than the average person would even know existed.

Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum

If you're not lucky enough to visit the city during the annual hot air balloon festival, a visit to this museum dedicated to lighter than air flight will capture at least some of its colorful appeal. The balloons here can be as elegant as Alfred Sung wedding dresses or as gaudy as a tropical parrot's plumage. Visitors to this museum can trace the history of the sport, learn the basics of flight, or meet some of the pioneers of hot air ballooning.