Location: Taos
Top Things to do in Taos
What to do and see in Taos, New Mexico (NM): The Best Free Things to do
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. Moxie Yarn & More
2. Enchanted Circle Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 232 reviews
Enchanted Circle Pottery is a working art studio and gallery. Ceramic artists will provide a tour and explain the pottery process.
Reviewed By colbylane722
My family always loves stopping by this place when we're in Angel Fire - the owners and artists are so welcoming, so kind, and always happy to take the time to explain their process to you and give you a full tour of the studio and kiln where their works take shape. Every piece they make is beautiful and unique, and it's a great place to pick up gifts both for yourself and for others! Highly recommend stopping there if you're ever in the Enchanted Circle!
3. Las Comadres
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
A women's co-operative with 11 members from the local Taos area, featuring a variety of handcrafted goods; original art and photography. A diverse selection of gift items.
4. 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.
5. 203 Fine Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
We are a fine art gallery, Specializing in early Taos Moderns (Postwar Modern Art 1940's to 1970's), as well as, a select group of current regional and nationally known contemporary, modern and abstract painters and sculptors.
6. 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.
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. Two Graces
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
9. 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.
10. 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
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