Location: Taos
Top Things to do in Taos
Things to do in Taos, New Mexico (NM): The Best Sights & Landmarks
A rolling mesa at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos has a magical quality. Its rugged beauty, majestic mountains, wild Rio Grande river and unique blend of cultures - Spanish, Native American and Anglo - have historically drawn artists and photographers, evidenced by the plentiful galleries, museums and festivals. To experience the Native American culture here, explore Taos Pueblo, where the Tiwa Native Americans have practiced their traditions for centuries. Finally, the Anglo influence is prevalent in the business district, with its shops, art galleries and some of the finest restaurants in New Mexico. Skiing is also a major draw, but the challenging slopes are geared to the more advanced crowd. There's no rat race here; a fair share of non-mainstreamers have made this laid-back, low-key mecca their home. You, too, may not want to leave its tranquility and natural beauty.
Restaurants in Taos
1. SMU-in-Taos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Southern Methodist University (located in Dallas, TX), owns and operates a 423-acre campus in beautiful Taos, NM. The SMU-in-Taos campus is located on the footprint of the historic Fort Burgwin.SMU-in-Taos offers numerous programs and courses throughout the year. Programs range from the multiple residential terms offered to undergraduate students throughout the year to the annual Cultural Institute held in July.
2. The Couse-Sharp Historic Site
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By willOtheWisp11
Roberta gave us an in-depth tour, with bonus time in the childhood playroom and machine shop. It pays to visit this site more than once, because there are so many layers to the stories embedded here. Like ancient Amber, new clues to the past can be revealed with the scrutiny of the present.
3. David Anthony Fine Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
David Anthony Fine Art, (DAFA), was founded by long-time Taos furniture maker David Mapes in 2011. The mission of DAFA is to exhibit the work of accomplished fine artists and exceptional craftspeople in a setting that is welcoming and accessible to all.
4. Taos Neem Karoli Baba Ashram & Hanuman temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By YOY1 - Placitas, United States
We stopped into the ashram to check out their new space which opened this past year. It is a beautiul space for music and Hindu spiritual practices. The older building has been maintained as a meditation room. The food, when served, is simply prepared and delicious, the chai is sublime. Add to that their farm and wandering peacocks and you have a space of serenity and warmth regardless of your faith or non-faith.
5. Taos Pueblo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,039 reviews
Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. We welcome you to visit our village when you travel to northern New Mexico.Taos Pueblo Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 8:30am-4:00pm.Guided Tours available daily starting at 9:00 am.Pueblo Shops open daily.Taos Pueblo is expected to be open for the winter season. Any closures would be due to unexpected events within the community and will be posted on our official website.
Reviewed By MildaLeo - London, United Kingdom
We were lucky to visit Taos Pueblo during their feast day. While we didn't had enough time to see dances, we still managed to see natives in ceremonial clothes, joined a guided tour (free, with donation) lead by an inspiring young local woman, and visited local stores. Wekll worth the visit - as Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. You can see the multi-storied adobe buildings which have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years, have no running water or electricity. You will have to leave your cameras and phones in the car (or just not to take them out from your bag). But what you get is true authenticity and chance to interact with locals. We had a nice chat with a local jeweller while he was making me a silver bracelet there on the spot and measured to my wrist size.
6. Blumenschein Home & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By conmom828 - Falls Church, United States
I was amazed at the size of all the building in Taos. Each road and street was one where my Grandparents walked and befriended the Artist who lived there in the early 1920's My Dad was born in what is now a restaurant etc. Most important we were able to give back to the community paintings which have been gifted to our family years before. We even toured the Pueblos which are pictured often and are still lived in now!
7. San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 779 reviews
Buttressed church photograhed by legendary photographer Ansel Adams, and painted by famed artist Georgia O'Keeffe.
Reviewed By hrs314 - Houston, United States
Easy to see how this beautiful New Mexico Spanish Colonial Church inspired artists like Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams to capture its unique charm. With clean adobe lines and huge buttresses, it is an architectural and spiritual gem. Built between 1772 and 1816, it is the only original church which remains intact in the Taos area. As an active place of worship, the parishioners and the community members gather annually to re-plaster the historic adobe church. Known as "The Enjarre" or "The Mudding" of the church, volunteers mix an authentic blend of clay, sand, straw, and water into a thick mud paste. Layer by layer, the paste is applied from the top to the bottom of the church and then buffed with a sheepskin to reinforce the walls to be a resilient barrier to withstand the elements for another year. A bit tricky to find as the church is tucked away off the main highway, but definitely worth a visit.
8. Enchanted Circle Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 581 reviews
Scenic drive that circles through the Carson National Forest, north and east of Taos.
Reviewed By 310ralphs
Angel Fire and Red River are winter skiing destinations and Angel Fire a summer spot for golf, zip lining and mountain biking as well as horseback riding. Continue on to Eagle Nest and maybe fish in the lake. See Wheeler Peak, tallest New Mexico mountain and then stop at the old gold mining settlement of Elizabethtown, across from Baldy Mountain. Red River is a "western" town, with occasional "gunfight" re-enactments, great for the kids. On the way back to Taos from Questa take a detour to the Wild Rivers National Recreation Area and, perhaps, drive the bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge.
9. High Road to Taos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,253 reviews
Reviewed By rancholobo - Fort Davis, United States
This is A GREAT drive coming out of Las vegas new mexico with opportunities to pull over and admire the views and changing terraine, take your time
10. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,565 reviews
Reviewed By Y5157VFmariag
I drove on, and then walked, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge!! What a marvel of engineering and what a thrilling experience it was to go over it! The views from the bridge were a nice reward that you can only experience if you walk on it! There is a rest stop on the west side of the bridge, the side further away from Taos, where you can park, use the restrooms, take pictures from this location, hike a little further along the top of the canyon, and buy souvenirs from the local vendors. Was a really rewarding and free experience!!
