Location: Taos
Top Things to do in Taos
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Taos, New Mexico (NM)
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. Wild Earth Llama Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 508 reviews
Llama Trekking Adventures in New Mexico's Pristine Wilderness! "Take a Llama to Lunch!" Wilderness Day Hikes • Multi-Day Wilderness Adventures • Custom Wilderness Events Explore New Mexico's Pristine Wilderness, with our team of eco-friendly trail llamas, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Rio Grande Gorege, near Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico. On the trail, our gentle surefooted llamas carry the gear, leaving you unburdened to experience the natural beauty and inspiring solitude of the New Mexico wilderness. Experienced Naturalist Guides share information about local ecology, natural history, regional folklore, and wilderness skills. Backcountry Gourmet Meals are served on all of our New Mexico wilderness trips. All ages and fitness levels are welcome! Call us to answer any questions of to make reservations!
2. Wild Rivers Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By cavers2
Want to visit a beautiful, scenic area without the crowds you'd find at a national park? This is the place. You're on a high plataeu above the Rio Grande Gorge with plenty of camping, hiking, rafting, & biking options. The remoteness of the area allows for amazing night skies so camping out is highly recommended.The campgrounds at Wild Rivers are first come, first served so try to arrive early in the day to secure your site. A favortie hike of ours is the Arsenic Springs trail to the river and petroglyph viewing - try it!
3. Taos Rockers Mineral & Fossil Outlet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By mjcor - Malabar, United States
I walked in a total novice and walked out an hour later with a book and poster of rocks and minerals! Since then, I have taken buckets of rocks on Mondays for Kelle to patiently help me identify my 'finds'. This man is a walking encyclopedia and so helpful with the geology of the area. Valerie is just as friendly and knowledgeable, handing out local maps to find some 'treasure'. And that is just the staff. The selection of rocks and minerals at all price levels are just incredible. Well displayed, your truly do not want to leave. We did manage to find some great gifts when certain minerals 'spoke' to us:) By far the least intimidating rock shop we have been to and highly recommended for novices and experts.
4. 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.
5. Mabel Dodge Luhan Historic House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By SKP62942 - Amarillo, United States
I met up here with two friends from SMU Bank School... We have been traveling together every year in September since we graduated in 1989. THIS PLACE is one of the best!! It is so historic and wonderful. We each had our own room in Juniper House, with our own bath. A fireplace in every room and plenty of good lighting to read or write. The wooden floors creak, but they were covered with colorful rugs. Beds were comfy. And the breakfasts were delicious and amazing. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Wifi was available near the main house. We felt so welcome as we lounged in the library and played Mexican Train and as we had wine and snacks in the courtyard and as we relaxed in the arbor. The whole property was open to us and we enjoyed the peace and beauty. And then when we wanted to go into Taos, it was a short drive. I will return.
6. Heritage Inspirations
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 371 reviews
Heritage Inspirations provides you all-inclusive guided itineraries, introducing you to the people, their voices and stories, the history, the cultural sites, the traditions, the magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, which when combined amplify the magic and make New Mexico incredibly special and unique. With us, you’ll journey into the heart of local culture, truly connect to the land and its diverse inhabitants, and feed your soul with unparalleled and transformative experiences. Our exclusive tours are spreading throughout Northern New Mexico and are offered daily, from half-day to full-day trips, with all your meals, activities, lodging, transportation and comforts thoughtfully anticipated and provided. These outings navigate the Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos regions and their periphery, and we’ll gladly conduct custom and private tours upon request.
7. 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.
8. Millicent Rogers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 750 reviews
This impressive museum has more than a dozen galleries with some 5000 pieces of Native American and Hispanic art, including furniture, weaving, paintings, pottery and a celebrated collection of Native American jewelry.
Reviewed By WC-Travelers-75
We knew nothing of this museum other than it was listed in the AAA TourBook before we visited. Because we allowed extra time in our travel to Taos, we took it in. What a surprise! An extensive collection of Southwestern art of many cultures and mediums. The jewelry collection was memorable, with some pieces you wonder if they were meant to be worn given their size. We lingered to take it all in as best we could. This museum is a gem! We would visit again if in Taos since exhibits change.
9. 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!
10. 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.
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