Arroyo Seco's economy is based on tourism and services to residents of retirement and vacation homes.

[5] Overlooking Arroyo Seco stands Lucero Peak, a 10,780 feet (3,290 m) rock formation.

Housed in the Peak is a cave that is sacred to the local Native American population of Taos Pueblo.

Arroyo Seco's annual Fourth of July parade is locally popular.

The words "She wrote her name there on my windshield, Just to remind me where she was from' Tina Louise, Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, 1971" in the Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen song "Tina Louise" from their 1976 album Tales from the Ozone.