Location: Taos
Top Things to do in Taos
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Top 10 Things to do in Taos, United States
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 Rivers Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By mwcw - new Mexico
I last wrote a review in 2013 that details what to expect when visiting, camping, or hiking at Wild Rivers. Managed by the Dept. of Interior/BLM, it is now part of the larger Rio Grande del Norte National Monument designated by Pres. Obama. It is a one of a kind gem and should not be missed. The hikes down into the gorge and river are the highlight of any visit. As others have mentioned, the hike back is steep and can be very hot. We have never met more than a couple of folks down there so if it's solitude and beauty you seek, give one of the hikes a try. The La Junta Trail leads to the confluence of the Red and Rio Grande Rivers and is a thrilling sight. The bridge is still out, unfortunately. The campgrounds are getting more popular but there are usually several vacant sites at the end of the day. The shelters at Big Arsenic have one metal side which is great when it rains. The visitors' center is closed several days a week, but is worth a visit if open. It's manned on and off by very friendly volunteers. If you're looking for something different to do on your trip, give Wild Rivers a try.
2. Millicent Rogers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 643 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 Chris L - Albuquerque, New Mexico
I had never heard of this woman before, but she put Native American art on the map in the U.S. What a collection! Gorgeous rugs, jewelry, pots, etc. This is all located in what used to be her home. Staff friendly and helpful. Nice gift store.
3. Williams Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By Ralf K - San Francisco, California
Nice 2mi (one way) hike with a 1000ft elevation change (Williams Lake is at about 11,000ft asl). The trail is challenging over the first mile (lots of rubble and rocks) and does not give any view (all within the forest), but as closer you get to the lake, the trail and the vistas improve.
Ideal hike if you only half a day for hiking.
4. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By LisaKCharlie - State College, Pennsylvania
Easy to find, good parking and sidewalks on either side of the bridge to allow safe access to the views. It was a nice addition to our Taos visit. Be sure to take a few minutes to stop and check out the bridge and views.
5. Enchanted Circle Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 485 reviews
Scenic drive that circles through the Carson National Forest, north and east of Taos.
6. Taos Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Taos's newest museum, opened in 1994, has a collection of works by early members of the Taos Society of Artists never seen before by the public.
Reviewed By packcal
Fechin, the painter was also an accomplished woodcarver who produced the interesting wood-carved furniture and interior of the historic house.
The art we saw on display included a good number of Taos Art Society paintings as well as Fechin’s own work. Portraits were one of his strengths.
Cost to enter the museum was fair and there was a lot of free off street parking. This was our third visit over the years.
7. San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
Buttressed church photograhed by legendary photographer Ansel Adams, and painted by famed artist Georgia O'Keeffe.
Reviewed By greyonatray - London
We visit Assisi often, this was a dramatic contrast to the sumptuous basilica of St Francis there, a lovely little church, with immense adobe walls and simple touching paintings inside on the altars. No wonder so many artists feel inspired to draw, paint and photograph this place
8. High Road to Taos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Ed86351 - Sedona, Arizona
We've driven from Santa Fe to Taos several times and this time we took the "High Road", what a pleasant experience and enjoyed the beautiful high country views. The fields covered from a dusting of snow made it that much more enjoyable.
9. La Hacienda del los Martinez
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Living Museum of Late Spanish Colonial Period in Northern New Mexico built in 1804 by Severino Martinez and his family. On National Register of Historic Places. Winter Hours are a shortened version of our regular season hours.
Reviewed By Nancy B - Collierville, Tennessee
This is an amazing museum!! My husband, myself and 10 year old daughter ALL found this museum interesting and delightful. Well worth a 15 minute drive from town. We loved the fun of opening each door from the central courtyards each filled with a new setting. Getting to go through each little original door made it feel just like if we would have lived there. It's 21 rooms were each filled with authentic period pieces like a loom and weaving room, a saddlery room, kitchen, living/bedrooms. A store room with a darling dress up corner. Dance room/servant rooms. My favorite might be the shelf above the spilled out oven that they would sleep on during cold nights. I'd never seen that before. Even a hanging cradle by it. I discovered so much! The shop personal were so kind and knowledgeable. I can't imagine anyone of any age wouldn't benefit and enjoy this living history! GO
10. Taos Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 362 reviews
Reviewed By jinkies1973 - Tulsa, OK
We stopped for information on local churches and got maps, info galore and a lovely discussion with staff who seemed genuinely interested in you having the best time you can in Taos. Plus, you can get amazing locally made souvenirs much cheaper than at the plaza downtown.
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