34 Best Things to Do in Taos, NM

👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Museums & Culture | Food & Drink | Outdoor Recreation | Cool & Unique

Taos is a must on any New Mexico itinerary. Centuries of Indigenous and Spanish heritage have influenced the town, which is full of charming adobe structures. Many are galleries that celebrate the community’s artistic spirit.

As the location of my parents’ honeymoon, I grew up taking extended vacations to Taos. Cultural museums, historic landmarks, and outdoor adventures abound. Be sure to bookmark my guide on where to stay in Taos, as there’s so much to explore in this Southwest destination!

Best Things to Do in Taos

Taos Pueblo

Explore one of the oldest continuously-inhabited communities in New Mexico.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-1028 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $25 adults, $22 seniors & students, free under 11 | 👉 Book a Half-Day Cultural Tour of Taos

Taos Pueblo is an Indigenous village and the iconic image of Taos. Puebloan people have occupied Taos Pueblo for over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country.

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site to learn more about living Native American communities in the U.S. I recommend visiting Taos Pueblo during a special event like Turtle Dances or San Geronimo Feast Day.

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Hold on tight as you cross a bridge 600 feet over the Rio Grande.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-8851 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free | 👉 Experience the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge with a Guide

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is one of the most photographed sites in Taos. This high bridge looms 600 feet over the river and jagged cliffs, prompting daring visitors to peer over its steel rails.

I recommend taking the scenic walking trail from the parking lot. It follows the rim of the gorge and offers some of the best views for photos.

Taos Plaza

Shop from local boutiques or photograph the scenic adobe buildings of the plaza.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-8234 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Get to know Taos on a personal level by exploring its main plaza area. Satisfy all your souvenir needs or simply relax on a park bench and take in the buzz of the adobe area around you.

Locals gather for live music at this central Taos location and visitors mingle with the residents at the weekly farmers market. Taos Plaza is the best place to experience centuries of living culture and rich New Mexico history.  

🛎️ Need a Hotel? Adobe and Pines Inn Bed and Breakfast is one of my favorite boutique stays.

Kit Carson House & Museum

See 200-year-old artifacts at an old frontiersman’s former home-turned-museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-4945 | Website | Hours: 11 am-4 pm Monday-Saturday; 12 pm-4 pm Sunday | Entrance: $10, adults, $7 students & veterans Free, children under 13

This historic home from 1825 is located in central Taos. It invites visitors to take a sneak peek into the life of a Kit Carson. He was the former federal agent of the region’s Ute and Taos Pueblo Tribes. Artifacts like Carson’s Hawken rifle are on display. The house and museum are a prime example of the culture of the old American frontier.

San Francisco de Assisi Church

Visit the most photographed church in New Mexico.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-2754 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Mon-Sat; 9 am – 3 pm Sun | Entrance: Free |👉 Book a Half-Day Cultural Tour of Taos

The historic San Francisco de Asis church is a must on every Taos itinerary. It was established by a Mexican and Native American agricultural community in the late 1700s. Today, it serves as a quaint church and a historical Taos landmark.

This is one of New Mexico’s most photographed churches and shouldn’t be missed on your next trip.

Taos Ski Valley

Shred down black diamond slopes.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 776-5924 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm daily | Entrance: varies per ticket and passes

A visit to Taos Ski Valley is in order during the winter months. Shred down slopes in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range with views of Wheeler Peak. Visitors can also enjoy some fine dining, go shopping at the ski valley village, or enjoy a massage at a wellness center.

Summer is also a great time to explore the resort. Ride the scenic chairlifts, mountain bike down flowy singletrack, or take on its thrilling via ferrata.

Wheeler Peak

Put your fitness to the test on New Mexico’s highest mountain.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

It’s hard to miss Wheeler Peak from anywhere in town. The highest mountain in all of New Mexico is right outside of Taos. It offers pristine hiking trails and is a great place to train for Colorado 14ers.

The summit trail is accessed via the Williams Lake Trail. It takes hikers on an 8.5-mile adventure in the Taos Ski Valley area — past alpine lakes, and deep into the Wheeler Peak Wilderness.

Black Rock Hot Springs

Unwind with a soak in a natural hot spring after a long day of hiking or traveling.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

There’s nothing like unwinding in one of New Mexico’s best hot springs. This is especially true after a long day of hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains or spending all day on your feet while shopping downtown. Soak at Black Rock Hot Springs for ultimate relaxation the next time you’re in Taos.

Hike a short, 0.3-mile trail along the Rio Grande to arrive at this ultimate leisure spot. There are only two natural pools at Black Rock Hot Springs, so you will want to get there early if you’re not keen on sharing with a stranger. 

Note that clothing is optional.

🚗 Need a Car? Discover Cars is one of the most reliable and affordable car rental companies available in New Mexico.

Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

Take a drive down the most beautiful route in northern New Mexico.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Experience beautiful Taos without even leaving your car. This 84-mile highway offers incredible views of the valley.

The route starts from Taos Plaza and loops around thick forests, past snow-capped peaks, and through wide open country. 

This is the most popular road tour in Taos and drives by popular attractions. These includethe D.H. Lawrence Memorial and the Taos Artesanos de Questa, where local woodworkers, painters, and other artists showcase their creations.

El Prado

Venture to the quiet side of town for fun activities.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

El Prado is on the north side of town, encompassing the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and the Millicent Rogers Museum. 

Other popular attractions include the Taos Clay Studio, Taos Mesa Brewing, and guide services for whitewater rafting along Rio Grande waters.

Santa Fe

Take a short day trip to one of the most popular New Mexico cities.

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Santa Fe Tours on Viator

Santa Fe is one of the best destinations in New Mexico and only 90 minutes south of Taos. Visiting this artsy town is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Pay a visit to Canyon Road, an artsy adobe district with over a hundred art galleries. Visit the iconic Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the original Meow Wolf, Bandelier National Monument, and many more Sante Fe attractions.

📚 Related Reading: Where to Stay in Santa Fe (Best Areas & Places)

Museums & Culture

Millicent Rogers Museum

Get acquainted with Southwestern art through this privately-donated collection.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-2462 | Website | Hours: 10 am-5 pm daily; Closed Wednesday | Entrance: $20 adults, $15 seniors and students, free under 7

Admire multicultural collections at the Millicent Rogers Museum in El Prado, located just north of Taos. Millicent Rogers was the heir of a wealthy oil family and left behind an impressive art, weaving, and jewelry collection following her passing.

The museum highlights Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo art from the Southwest. In addition, the museum sports an impressive pottery collection with over 1,000 pieces from the prehistoric period to the present.

Harwood Museum of Art

Enjoy the art collections of the second-oldest art museum in the state.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-9826 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Wed – Sun; Closed Mon & Tues | Entrance: $15 adults, $12 seniors & students, free under 19

Established in 1923, the Harwood Museum of Art is the second-oldest art museum in New Mexico. Its varied collection includes Hispanic works as well as pieces from Taos-based artists. 

Immerse yourself in the town’s artistic culture, which is inspired by local communities and Indigenous traditions. Current art on display at the Harwood Museum includes Charles Ross: Mansions of the Zodiac and The Same Place at the Same Time. More exhibits are set to debut later this year.

Taos Art Museum

Take photos of Spanish-style art and handcrafted furniture.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-2690 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Tues – Sun; Closed Mon (April – Oct); 12 pm – 4 pm Tues – Sun; Closed Mon (​​Nov – March) | Entrance: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students, free under 13

The Taos Art Museum is located in the Fechin House in the heart of the historic district. It embodies Spanish-style architecture and a rustic cabin atmosphere.

The historic adobe walls and handcrafted wood furniture are only half of the buzz at this great museum. Local artwork and a peaceful garden also welcome visitors to experience artistic mastery.

Hacienda de Los Martinez Museum

Learn more about the early lives of frontiersmen at this living museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-1000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Mon-Tue & Fri-Sat; 12 pm-5 pm Sun (summer hours) | Entrance: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children |👉 See the Museum on This E-Bike Tour

La Hacienda de los Martínez was built during the Spanish colonial era. Now, it’s a historic living museum on the bank of the Rio Pueblo de Taos. The 1804 adobe building resembles a fortress and was once used as an epicenter for trade among the Spanish.

Visit the hacienda today for a glimpse into American frontier life of the early 1800s. I recommend visiting during a scheduled demonstration to learn more about the traditional arts and cultures of the region.

Ernest L. Blumenschein Home & Museum

Browse through more local Taos art.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-0505 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Mon & Thu-Sat; 12 pm – 4 pm Sun (summer hours) | Entrance: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children

The E.L. Blumenschein Home & Museum is a National Historic Landmark. It was founded by the Taos Society of Artists after the artist and homeowner, Ernest L. Blumenschein, passed away.

The home museum houses a large collection of the Blumenschein family’s art as well as other famous Taos art and even European pieces. This iconic museum is in the heart of downtown and is the perfect afternoon activity after a local lunch.

Couse-Sharp Historic Site

Witness how Taos locals combined art with science, history, and culture.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 751-0369 | Website | Hours: 1 pm – 5 pm Tues-Sat; Closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: Free

This National Historic Landmark is a must-see while in Taos. At this site, the homes and studios of two American-born, European-trained artists are open to the public.

Experience the wide range of culture, history, architecture, science, and art at the Couse-Sharp Historic Site. 

Food & Drink

La Cueva Cafe

Savor flavorful New Mexican dishes smothered in red and green chile. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-7001 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Mon-Fri; 10 am – 5 pm Sat; Closed Sun 

I seek out regional specialties wherever I travel, and in New Mexico, there’s no dish more iconic than a smothered burrito. La Cueva Cafe generously heaps on smoky red and spicy green chile, both made from scratch in-house. Order your burrito “Christmas style” to sample both. 

This little downtown adobe restaurant offers other local staples, like smothered hatch green chile rellenos and chicken enchiladas served with mole poblano sauce. Complete your meal with a margarita on its garden patio, where bright hollyhocks and other native plants bloom. 

– Abigail Bliss 

The Alley Cantina

Toast margaritas and tuck into regional favorites within the oldest building in Taos.   

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-2121 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 12 am Mon, Thurs-Sat; 4:30 pm – 12 am Tues & Wed; 11:30 am – 10 pm Sun

The Alley Cantina resides in what is likely the oldest building in Taos. Its history dates back more than 400 years! The adobe structure was formed by Pueblo peoples in the 16th century. Later, it served as the office of Charles Bent, New Mexico’s first US governor. 

It’s operated as a restaurant since the ‘40s, catering to a mix of both locals and visitors. Toast margaritas and play a game of pool with new friends while waiting for your entree. Regional fare dominates the menu, with options like carne adovada tacos and smothered pork tamales served with its signature posole. 

– Abigail Bliss 

Taos Mesa Brewing

Try a locally-crafted brew and experience the unique flavors of Taos.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-1900 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 9 pm daily

Get to know some local flavors with a trip to Taos Mesa Brewing. This tap room is located in the heart of the downtown Historic District. It features delicious hopped beverages, along with artisan cuisine like wood-fired pizza – a dynamic brewery duo.

Stop by the tap room after exploring downtown Taos or pay a visit to the “Mothership.” The latter location is perched in the mountainous high desert, offering evening concerts and stunning sunsets.

The Coffee Apothecary

Wake up with a scratch-made breakfast and specialty latte featuring house-roasted beans.  

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 779-8706 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 3 pm Mon-Fri; 7 am – 12 pm Sat & Sun 

Coffee can be a hit or miss in a town the size of Taos. So on a sleepy morning, I was thrilled to discover The Coffee Apothecary just south of downtown. 

Step past the adobe facade and into a cheerful cafe full of plants and pastel furnishings. The fun interior matches the menu, which features house-roasted beans in specialty lattes, mushroom chai, and non-caffeinated options like its zesty Taos toddy. Pastries and other eats (including vegan breakfast burritos!) are also available. 

– Abigail Bliss

Bread Club 

Sit down for brunch plates or stock your cooler for an afternoon picnic.   

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 613-8773 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 1 pm Thu-Mon; Closed Tue-Wed

Bread Club is right next door to The Coffee Apothecary. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a heartier morning meal, with sourdough waffles and savory shakshuka on the menu. 

But personally, I like to pop in for lunch to-go. Order a Mediterranean salad, a slice of quiche, or one of several sandwich options. Then, stash your goods in your cooler for an afternoon picnic. Canned colas and a sweet treat from its pastry case will have you all set. 

– Abigail Bliss

Outdoor Recreation

Sangre de Cristo Mountains

Hike through rolling hills or ascend the jagged peaks of this mountain range.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Some of the best hiking trails in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado are in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Hikers can choose either long, challenging trails up high peaks or stick to more moderate routes.

Top hikes here include the 5.6-mile trek up Devisadero Peak, the 3.3-mile Traders Trail, and the 14.5-mile Ojitos Canyon Trail. Exploring the rolling foothills and jagged peaks of this mountain range is the best way to experience Taos from a unique angle. 

Carson National Forest

Hike or fish in New Mexico’s largest national forest.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Carson National Forest spans an incredible 1.5 million acres. It’s home to some of the most popular hiking trails in Taos including the 13,167-foot Wheeler Peak, the tallest in the state.

This national forest extends past New Mexico’s northern border; you’ll find cool Colorado national parks and monuments nearby. Hiking, fishing, camping, and simply relaxing are all great ways to get to know natural areas in the region.

👉 Read Next: Best National Parks & Monuments in New Mexico.

Taos Valley Hiking

Hike or snowshoe on the backside of the ski area.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Not only is Taos Valley the ideal place to bomb down some powdered slopes, but it’s also a prime location for summer hiking and winter snowshoeing.

Beginner hikers frequent the West Rim Trail that starts from the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center. Intermediate hikers can be found on the Gavilan Canyon trails accessed from Highway 150. Meanwhile, daring backpackers travel to Taos to summit Wheeler Peak.

Williams Lake

Relax at a high alpine lake before you take on the looming Wheeler Peak.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Pack a picnic lunch, lace up your hiking boots, and head on over to Williams Lake. This alpine lake is on the outskirts of Taos in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness.

You’ll encounter only a few other hikers at the serene Williams Lake, which is one of the best reasons to spend an afternoon there. This moderate 4.2-mile Carson National Forest hike climbs 1,030 feet in the Taos Ski Valley and offers panoramic views the whole way.

👉 My Favorite Gear: This hike is accessible even in the winter months, but does require snow shoes. I take my trusty MSR Snowshoes everywhere, they’re the best on the market.

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Participate in one of many recreational activities — the possibilities are endless.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 751-4899 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $3 per vehicle per day

This huge, volcanic national monument sits at 7,000 feet above sea level. It encompasses rugged terrain with steeply-carved gorges and cliffside canyons. 

This site is also home to ancient dwellings, petroglyphs, and other archaeological sites. The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is one of the best places to view wildlife, go whitewater rafting, hunting, and mountain biking in the area.

Wild Rivers Recreation Area

Camp right on the Rio Grande.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 586-1150 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $3 per vehicle (day use), $7 per vehicle (camping)

Enjoy the Rio Grande and the Red River as you lounge in the Wild Rivers Recreation Area. This remote site is located within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

Stargazing from some of the state’s best campsites, hiking, and wildlife spotting are among the top activities in this area. Explore the 800-foot-deep canyon and along its rim, where you’ll find 500-year-old pinon and juniper forests.

Orilla Verde Recreation Area

Lounge on the Rio Grande.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-8851 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

The Orilla Verde Recreation Area is also located within the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument. Spend the afternoon lounging near a quiet cove or pay for a whitewater rafting tour to fully experience the severity of the rapids.

This wilderness area is also a popular spot to rock climb, search for wildlife, or camp amid paramount scenery.

La Junta Point

Hike to the best overlook in all of Taos.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Look down at the junction of the Rio Grande and the Red River on this short hike within the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument. At only 0.3 miles round-trip, La Junta Point is one of the most frequented overlooks in Taos and also wheelchair accessible.

Kit Carson Park

Host a barbecue at this historic park, let your pup run around, and simply take in the downtown sights.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 751-2001 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Kit Carson Park is named for a frontiersman who lived in the New Mexico area. It’s a public, grassy space in the heart of town with sports fields and kiddie playgrounds.

Facilities include barbecue areas, a baseball field, a basketball court, picnic tables, a tennis court, and a walking track. Kit Carson Park is the perfect place to exercise in town, organize a group meet-up, or take the dogs to run free.

Cool & Unique

Earthship Visitor Center

Marvel at the naturally-built architecture of this eco-friendly community.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 613-4409 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $9 adults, free under 13 |👉 Book an Overnight Stay in a Taos Earthship

The Earthship houses are quite a sight in Taos, New Mexico. These dwellings are made entirely out of natural and recycled materials. They also produce water and electricity, as well as food from hydroponic gardens.

These self-sufficient homes are the only of their kind in Taos. Learn more at the visitors’ center or stay overnight in an Earthship to experience their magic firsthand.

Taos Drum Co

Watch how drums are made at one of the largest music stores in town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 758-3796 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Mon-Sat; Closed Sun | Entrance: Free

Taos Drum Co has been “sharing the spirit of drums since 1951.” Giant teepees mark the entrance of the drum company, which is located only 5 miles south of Taos Plaza.

This unique store offers free drum-making workshops and houses the world’s largest collection of Indian drums. Stop by to admire the craftsmanship of the instruments on your way into town.

Wild Earth Llama Adventures

Go on a wild ride through the mountains alongside an unusual stock animal.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 895-5262 | Website | Hours: 8 am-6 pm daily | Entrance: $189 per day, $549+ overnight

You often don’t think about llama treks this far north of the border. But this fun endeavor is an up-and-coming activity in Taos and not found in many other places in the state.

Companies like Wild Earth Llama Adventures offer day hikes and multi-day adventures throughout the mountains near Taos. Learn all about the native flora and fauna while a pack llama carries your gear on this crazy journey.

✨ Read Next: Fun & Unique Things to Do in New Mexico

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Thanks for reading my complete guide on the best things to do in Taos! Eager to explore more of the state? Check out our where to stay in Albuquerque guide to help plan your ultimate New Mexico trip.

Abigail Bliss contributed to this article.