taos new mexico tourism

Explore Taos

Plan your trip to taos: best of taos tourism.

Essential Taos

Taos Is Great For

Make & see art.

Shopaholics

Art & history

• El Monte Sagrado
• Hacienda del Sol
• The Historic Taos Inn
• Sagebrush Inn & Suites
• El Pueblo Lodge
• Antonio's The Taste of Mexico
• La Cueva Cafe
• Lambert's of Taos
• The Love Apple
• Taos Pueblo
• Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
• Enchanted Circle Drive
• High Road to Taos
• Black Rock Hot Springs
• Taos Half Day Cultural Tour | A Magical Taste of Taos and its Cultural Diversity
• Taos Walking Tour
• Taos Private Walking Tours
• Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate
• The Rio Grande Creative MIndfulness Adventure( remotely hosted)

15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Taos

Written by Becca Blond and Michael Law Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Northern New Mexico's high desert collides with the Sangre de Cristo mountains' snowcapped peaks magnificently in Taos, making an alluring backdrop to the crimson and burnt umber adobe buildings set around a central plaza in this small town. Writers and artists in search of creative inspiration have flocked to Taos for more than a century now, seeking out its magic, surrounding desert solitude, and ever-shifting light.

You won't be at a loss for things to do in Taos. Home to museums, galleries, and all kinds of boutiques, Taos is also a revered outdoor destination. In winter you can ski powder at Taos Ski Valley , one of the best ski resorts in the US , located about 30 minutes from town. While summers are for fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. And year-round, there is soaking at Ojo Caliente, a favorite regional hot spring resort just 45 minutes away.

The town's modern history dates back more than 400 years, but its indigenous residents have lived on this land for more than a thousand years. At the edge of town is the Taos Pueblo, which is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and still home to some 4,500 people.

Like its more famous neighbor, Santa Fe , located about 70 miles to the southwest, Taos gets its energy from its multicultural population. You'll want to check out the restaurant scene here, known for creating dishes topped in fiery green or red chile as well as other New Mexican culinary staples like fry bread tacos.

Whether you visit for a day or linger for a week, here are our picks for the top attractions in Taos.

See also: Where to Stay in Taos

1. Taos Pueblo

2. taos ski valley, 3. the millicent rogers museum, 4. kit carson museum, 5. the rio grande gorge and the gorge bridge, 6. taos plaza, 7. ojo caliente hot springs, 8. san francisco de assisi mission church, 9. taos art museum, 10. hacienda de los martinez, 11. el rio grande del norte national monument, 12. harwood museum of art, 13. hot-air ballooning, 14. columbine-hondo wilderness study area, 15. ernest blumenschein museum, where to stay in taos for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in taos, taos, nm - climate chart.

On the northern edge of the Taos sits a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark : Taos Pueblo. The Native American community has been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years, and is comprised of stunning multi-storied adobe buildings set against the backdrop of forested and snow-capped peaks.

Despite its reputation as one of the more private and secretive pueblos in the southwest, Taos Pueblo eagerly welcomes visitors to its 95,000-acre community of 4,500 people. The pueblo offers an impressive tour with plenty of photographic opportunities. There are also public dances at various times during the year, as well as locally produced arts and crafts with a focus on jewelry.

Address: 120 Veterans Highway, Taos, New Mexico

Official site: http://taospueblo.com/

Just up the road about 30 minutes from town is one of New Mexico's best ski resorts, Taos Ski Valley. This resort was relatively unknown for many years, and locals were happy to keep it that way. Well, it's hard to keep secret a place that regularly receives 25 feet of light, fluffy powder snow each year.

Word is out. Now the resort and its 14 lifts and 110 runs are a bit busier than before, but it still has the laid-back vibe of a true skier's mountain. The reason for this is space. The resort is spread out over an incredible 1,294 acres, so you'll always find your patch of quiet snow and hidden, untracked routes.

Taos is famous for its steep runs, and upon arrival, can look downright intimidating to a novice skier, as some of the steepest terrain is located near the base at the front. Don't worry, however, while Taos is not the easiest beginner mountain in the West, it does have a slew of manageable green and blue trails.

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush or to show off your mogul skiing to a crowd, take Al's Run, which goes right under a chairlift. Expert skiers will also want to hit up the West Basin area, where there are several steep avalanche chutes to try. For a less daunting ride, check out Porcupine, a blue groomer that runs from top to bottom.

A few years ago, new owners sunk 300 million dollars into improvements, and today the skier experience is much better, with new lift infrastructure and a reimagined base area with top-end hotels.

Official site: https://www.skitaos.com/

Millicent Rogers was the granddaughter and heiress of one of the original founders of Standard Oil. Escaping what she felt was the drudgery of her East Coast existence, the socialite came to Taos and put her money into the Taos art colony, supporting both struggling artists and also many of the impoverished Native American children of the region. Originally opened in the 1950s, the museum initially boasted Rogers' impressive personal collection of Southwestern art.

Today, galleries feature an extensive, quality collection of Native American and Hispanic Art, as well as Anglo-European works. Items on display include jewelry, textiles, pottery, and tin-work, as well as contemporary arts and crafts. Among the represented artists are Maria and Julian Martinez. The Millicent Rogers Museum also boasts an impressive view of both the snow-capped peaks to the east and the expansive plateau and volcanic structures to the west.

Address: 1504 Millicent Rogers Road, Taos, New Mexico

Official site: http://millicentrogers.org/

Just a hundred yards east of the plaza is the house of the legendary and controversial pioneer/scout/fighter and settler Kit Carson (1809-68). The home was built in the 1820s and purchased by Kit Carson in 1843.

Carson raised his family here, and the home served as one of the centers of life in Taos for decades. The museum is small but offers valuable insight into the history of Carson's life, the history of Taos, the settlement of the Southwest, and the varying regional cultures.

Address: 113 Kit Carson Road, Taos, New Mexico

Official site: www.kitcarsonmuseum.org

Northwest of Taos lies the 900-foot-deep Rio Grande Gorge. The river gouged this impressive feature from a great volcanic plain over millions of years. Along US Route 64, the gorge is spanned by a boldly engineered bridge that towers impossibly high above the river far below.

The stunning views can be accessed from the parking and picnic area on the rim of the gorge, along the rim's nine-mile hiking trail or by simply walking out onto the bridge along the raised sidewalks for a breathtaking experience. For photographers and painters, viewing a sunrise or sunset along the rim offers up amazing artistic opportunities.

Location: Highway 64, El Prado, New Mexico

Located right in the center of Taos, the historic plaza still serves as the center of cultural life in this little town. The plaza is not only an attraction for visitors, but a place where locals come to gather and host community events.

During the summer, numerous musical events are held on the plaza. Small shops, galleries, and restaurants can be found on the edge of the plaza, but it does not have an overwhelming tourist feeling. This is a top place to find good food, meet locals, and get a feeling for the town.

Another great place to look for one-of-a-kind art is the tiny village of Arroyo Seco , just about a 15-minute drive north from the Plaza on the main road to Taos Ski Valley. The picturesque village has just one main street, filled with adobe buildings, that can be strolled in under an hour.

Along it, you will find locally owned shops, boutiques, and galleries selling everything here from hand-crafted pottery to unique pieces of jewelry. There are also a handful of restaurants, should you wish to stop for a nibble or an iced latte.

Official site: http://taos.org/art/taos-plaza

If you are a fan of soaking in hot mineral springs, then you need to make a trip to Ojo Caliente, about a 45-minute drive from Taos. One of America's oldest health spas, opened in 1868, Ojo Caliente has a gorgeous high desert locale with nine communal pools set beneath sandstone cliffs.

The springs at Ojo Caliente feature four minerals (arsenic, lithia, soda, and iron) with supposedly healing powers. In fact, this is one of just a handful of places on the planet where you'll find these minerals naturally occur in conjunction in sulfur-free waters.

The resort is super tranquil, and the staff enforces a quiet policy to ensure it stays that way. Each pool is unique with a different temperature and setup. The iron pool is this writer's favorite. It has a pebble bottom that gives you a foot massage while you soak in the iron-rich water, which is believed to aid the immune system. The mud pool is another favorite. Here, you cover yourself in a special clay blend and then lay out in the sun to purify your pores.

Ojo Caliente also has a spa onsite and a health-focused restaurant. If you want to spend the night, there are cabins.

Official site: https://ojosparesorts.com/

About four miles from the center of Taos in the central plaza of the sibling town of Rancho de Taos is the San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church . The church is purported to be the most photographed church in North America. It is also known as the Mission Dolores.

Construction began in 1772 on this adobe church, which is a fine example of Spanish Colonial architecture in the area. Take note of the impressive buttresses on each side and the absolute lack of a sharp edge anywhere in the adobe. The mission is a World Heritage site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.

The cool and quiet interior of the mission is a perfect place to visit for reflection. At the front of the church is a very impressive altarpiece, which was fully restored in 1981. The mission is a functioning Catholic Church, and services take place on a regular basis.

Official site: https://www.missiondolores.org/

The Taos Art Museum has a collection of more than 600 works of art, including drawings, prints, and paintings, with the body of work concentrating on local artists.

The museum is housed in the Fechin House , which is an equally impressive work in its own right, having been designed by Russian artist Nicolai Fechin. Fechin incorporated Native American, Spanish, and Russian elements from his home country, resulting in a unique and fascinating home. The structure's aesthetic elements complement the artwork displayed within, from the softly-textured whitewashed walls and ornately carved woodwork to the stunning views through strategically placed windows that face the Sangre Cristo Mountain Range .

The collection includes paintings by members of the Taos Society of Artists, which existed between 1898 and the mid-1930s, as well as many of Nicolai Fechin's own works.

Address: 227 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, New Mexico

Official site: www.taosartmuseum.org

On the banks of the Rio Pueblo in Taos is the Hacienda de los Martinez, a fully restored Spanish Colonial building from 1804. Strategically located at the terminus of the Camino Real, the Martinez home became an important trade center in the early 1800s. Known throughout the region as a large and well-established cattle ranch run by a trusted family, the imposing structure was originally built by Severino Martin - a name that was later changed to Martinez.

Today, the home serves as an outstanding historical museum with 21 rooms and two courtyards highlighting life in Taos before the New Mexico territory was taken over by the United States. Check the museum's calendar to see about upcoming exhibitions and craft demonstrations, which change regularly throughout the year.

Address: 708 Hacienda Road, Taos, New Mexico

Looking north from Taos all the way to the Colorado border, pretty much everything you can see is part of the vast El Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, which was established in 2013. The monument encompasses nearly 250,000 acres of public land. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the monument covers a wide range of ecosystems from the rugged, wide-open grasslands and sage-dominated range to the alpine slopes of 10,093-foot Ute Mountain and the 900-foot depths of the Rio Grande Gorge .

Located between the San Juan Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo range, the monument highlights the great Rio Grande Rift system. It offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities, including rafting, camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Be sure to stop in at the Wild Rivers Recreation Area and the Orilla Verde Recreation Area for more information, spectacular views, and trails.

Official site: https://www.blm.gov/visit/rgdnnm

Located on historic Ledoux Street , the Harwood Museum of Art contains an impressive and wide-ranging collection of art from northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, including works from Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo-American settlers and artists. The collection of sacred carved figures known as "santos" and the nearly 20,000 photographic images dating to the 1800s are particularly impressive.

The Harwood collection includes famed landscapes and portraiture works from the well-known Taos Society of Artists (1915-1927) as well as contemporary pieces. The museum also serves as a research center, holding vast quantities of prints, letters, photographs, and drawings highlighting the outstanding art history of the region.

Address: 238 Ledoux Street, Taos, New Mexico

Official site: www.harwoodmuseum.org

One of the most unique, and beautiful ways, to experience the landscape surrounding Taos, is by floating high above it in a hot air balloon. Given the location of Taos on a vast high-altitude plateau between two mountain ranges, the area is also well known among ballooning aficionados as one of the world's best places to fly.

Taking off from the edge of the Rio Grande Gorge, Taos-based pilots fly visitors down into the bottom of the great gorge to dip the basket in the river, look for wildlife, and explore ancient petroglyphs from the air. After that, tours lift over the great volcanic plains of the west mesa for a view that reaches well into Colorado and to the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains .

Official site: http://taosballooning.com/

Covering 30,500 acres, the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Study Area is the largest roadless area and one of the most ecologically significant pieces of land in the southern Rocky Mountain ecosystem. With peaks reaching over 11,000 feet, clear mountain streams, spruce-fir forests, alpine meadows, and expansive high-altitude grasslands, the region offers outstanding opportunities for non-motorized outdoor recreation.

Located just a 15-minute drive north of Taos, the area is crisscrossed by a 75-mile trail system that is well-developed and diverse enough to offer a spectacular hiking experience for any fitness level. At 12,115 feet, Lobo Peak is New Mexico's 33rd highest peak - though you might think you were on top of the world thanks to the stunning view of Wheeler Peak, the surrounding mountains, and the Rio Grande rift valley below.

Just next to the Harwood Museum of Art on Ledoux Street is the adobe house of the artist Ernest Blumenschein, one of the iconic figures of the early Taos art colony. This is one of the most beautiful collections of art in the entire Southwest.

As the story goes, on September 3rd, 1898 while driving the famously muddy roads of northern New Mexico, the wheel on his wagon slipped onto a deep rut and broke. Burt Phillips and Blumenschein tossed a three-dollar gold piece to determine who would carry the wheel to the nearest blacksmith for repair. Blumenschein lost the toss and so made the 20-mile trek to Taos with the broken wheel. Thus began a great experiment in American art.

Blumenschein and Phillips spread the word about the beauty of Taos and urged other artists to come and see for themselves. In July of 1915, Joseph Sharp, Blumenschein, Phillips, and fellow artists Oscar E. Berninghaus, E. Irving Couse, and W. Herbert "Buck" Dunton created the Taos Society of Artists . The entire home is open to the public, with artwork by Blumenschein and other Taos artists.

Address: 222 Ledoux Street, Taos, New Mexico

To experience some of the historic and southwestern charm of Taos, the best place to stay is in the center of town, near the Plaza. Here, you'll find the greatest concentration of historic buildings, restaurants, shops, and entertainment options that give the town its unique vibe. Budget hotels are available south of the city center along the main four-lane highway leading into town, but these are still relatively convenient. Below are some highly rated hotels in good locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• The luxurious El Monte Sagrado is a 10-minute walk from Taos Plaza. Set on beautifully landscaped grounds, the hotel features an award-winning spa and indoor saltwater pool and hot tub.
• Offering an unbeatable location right on the Taos Plaza is the historical Hotel La Fonda de Taos , with a variety of rooms and suites with Southwestern décor, including some with kiva fireplaces. The rooms have been recently renovated and upgraded to offer the latest amenities.
• Also with a convenient downtown location, El Pueblo Lodge features a variety of room styles in four separate buildings spread out over a three-acre property, and includes a seasonal outdoor pool and year-round hot tub.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In the heart of the action and steps to everything is The Historic Taos Inn . The inviting lobby and rooms are decorated in Southwestern style, and many feature genuine kiva fireplaces.
• A five-minute drive from the center of town is the Hampton Inn Taos . This hotel has recently been renovated, comes with breakfast, and has an indoor pool.
• The Sagebrush Inn & Suites is in the same area and has large rooms, an outdoor pool, and is surrounded by a number of good restaurants.

Budget Hotels :

• The recently renovated Quality Inn offers rooms with mini-fridges and microwaves.
• In the same area is the Super 8 by Wyndham Taos , with basic but clean rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
• A good pet-friendly option is the Taos Valley Lodge . It's well located on the main street and has an indoor pool.

More on New Mexico

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Taos

Things to do in taos, explore popular experiences, tours in and around taos.

Taos Walking Tour

Taos Half Day Cultural Tour | A Magical Taste of Taos and its Cultural Diversity

Taos Scenic Air Tour

Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate

Creative Soul Scavenger Hunt of Taos

Taos Private Walking Tours

River Guru Rio Grande Mindfulness Adventure( remotely hosted)

Rio Grande Gorge Full Day

Rio Grande Racecourse

Scenic Half-Day Float from Taos

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Taos

Other Top Attractions around Taos

What travellers are saying

17 Incredible Things To Do In Taos: Your Taos Travel Guide

If you’re looking for a quaint little southwest town that is perfect for outdoor adventures, a dream for art lovers, and away from the hustle and bustle that tourists tend to bring, well, look no further than Taos, New Mexico. From hiking to shopping to art galleries and museums, there is an abundance of amazing things to do in Taos. So what are you waiting for?!

Things To Do In Taos

Pin It & Save It For Later!

Jump Ahead To:

Where Is Taos New Mexico?

First, let’s get you familiar with where Taos is on the map. Taos is located about 45 miles south of the Colorado border in northern New Mexico’s high desert. The town sits at around 7,000 ft in elevation and offers spectacular views of the Southern Rocky Mountain subrange, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Check Out: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip

What Is Taos New Mexico Known For?

Regardless of the time of year, Taos really is a perfect place to visit. There is so much to see and do, especially if you love art and the outdoors. Home to a world-class ski resort, amazing hiking, and biking trails, and breathtaking landscapes that will make you fall in love, Taos is a perfect southwest getaway.

Let’s get to the specifics though, shall we?

What To Do in Taos

1. shop at the historic taos plaza.

Located in the heart of the Historic District, you’ll find Taos Plaza. The Plaza is a perfect place to spend the afternoon shopping for handmade tribal pottery, jewelry, and candles. You’ll also find an assortment of clothing shops. From leather goods to souvenir shirts and hoodies, the Plaza is a great place to get your shopping fix.

Plan to grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes that surround the plaza and enjoy the afternoon.

2. Listen to Live Music at K-Tao

Known as THE live music venue in Taos, K-Tao houses two of the region’s most popular radio stations as well as a full bar and dance floor. Enjoy outdoor seating and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains as you enjoy some tunes.

3. Watch The Sunset on The Sangre de Cristo Range

There is nothing quite as spectacular as a Taos sunset. The way the light hits the mountains and to see the purples, pinks, and oranges illuminate the sky, it’s truly a sight to see. If possible, catch the sunset every night. You won’t regret it.

4. Hike To The Tallest Point in New Mexico

Taos is home to the tallest peak in New Mexico, Mount Wheeler. Standing tall at 13,161 feet, Mount Wheeler is one epic hike to check off your list. Plan to start the hike at dawn to avoid any afternoon weather shifts and changes. You don’t want to be caught in a storm that high up.

You can access the trailhead from the Ski Valley and be prepared for it to take you anywhere from 6-8 hours round trip. It’s a moderate to difficult hike so just make sure you have appropriate shoes and plenty of snacks and water.

For more amazing Taos Hikes, check out “ 5 Can’t Miss Taos Day Hikes “

5. Visit The Taos Pueblo

The Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. It’s home to the Taos Pueblo Native Americans who speak the Tiwa language. It’s estimated that around 150 people reside in The Pueblo. Graciously, the Pueblo Native Americans open their homes and land for visitors to enjoy.

The cost of admission and hours of operation are below.

Pueblo Hours :

• Monday – Saturday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
• Sunday: 8:30am – 4:00pm

Pueblo Entrance Fee:

• Adults: $16 / person
• Seniors: $14 / person
• Students: $14 / person
• Kids (10 and under): Free

6. Enjoy A Dip In the Taos Hot Springs

Located in the neighboring town of Arroyo Hondo, you’ll find the Manby Hot Springs (also known as Stagecoach Hot Springs). The Manby Hot Springs are three, rustic, naturally occurring rock pools that are situated along the Rio Grande River.

These hot springs are nothing fancy, but if you’re looking for a relaxing and unique experience in Taos, these are for you.

7. Drive Over The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Suspended 600 ft above the Rio Grande River, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the fifth-highest bridge in the United States. Located a few miles out of town, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is an easy and enjoyable pitstop to make, and check out the views below.

Park your car and walk the bridge to get a few photos of the amazing views from the mesa and below.

8. Get Inspired by The Taos Earthship’s

You’re probably wondering what an Earthship is, right? Earthships are self-sufficient, off-the-grid homes that are made out of recycled materials like glass and tires.

Located outside of town, you’ll find the Earthship Visitor Center where you can learn all about the building of these homes, how they grow their own food, reuse their own water, etc.

It’s really a cool place for those who love eco-friendly or sustainable lifestyles or are just interested in unique architecture.

9. Go For a Birdie at The Country Club

The Taos Country club is an 18-hole golf course offering public tee times to locals and visitors. Hit a few balls in a picturesque course setting and then grab a beer at the Terrace Bar & Grill before heading out.

10. Visit Some Museums In Taos

If there is one thing that Taos has besides amazing scenery, it’s museums. From Hispanic works of art to local artists to learning about an American frontiersman, there is a museum for you in Taos.

• Kit Carson’s Home & Museum – Built in 1825, walk through and learn about the life of the American frontier expedition leader, Kit Carson.
• The Millicent Rogers Museum – Millicent Rogers spent her life collecting  Southwestern artwork. After her breakup with Hollywood star, Clark Gable, Millicent came to Taos where she continued her collection. After her death, her son turned her art collection into a 14 gallery art exhibit for the public to enjoy.
• Taos Art Museum at Fechin House – If you want to experience the works of local artists, make a visit to the Taos Art Museum.
• Harwood Museum of Art – The Harwood Museum is the second oldest art museum in New Mexico offering over 1,700 works of art and 17,000 photographic images for you to enjoy.

11. Feed Your Adrenaline With Taos White Water Rafting

Book a tour with Los Rios River Runners to take your outdoor adventure up a notch. From half-day, to full-day and overnight white water rafting excursions, there is no other company that has more experience on the river than Los Rios River Runners.

12. Head To The River & Give Fishing A Try

For any avid anglers or folk who just wanna have fun, check out Taos Fly S hop or Solitary Angler to book a freshwater fishing trip on one of the many rivers near Taos.

The area is known for its good trout fishing so if you’re in the area, head to the river, who knows what you’ll catch!

13. Go Up and Down on Mountain Biking Trails

Nestled amongst the Sangre de Cristo mountains, it would only make sense that Taos would have some great mountain biking trails. There are a handful of trails located within the town and outside of town.

A few popular trails by locals and visitors are listed just below.

• Amole Canyon | 7.2 miles | Rated as easy
• Cebolla Mesa | 7 miles | Rated as easy
• Ojitos Canyon Loop | 10 miles | Rated as difficult
• Ski Valley (Northside) | Numerous Trails | Varying difficulties

14. Hit The Slopes at Taos Ski Valley

From greens to black diamonds and backcountry skiing, Taos Ski Valley is a gem! The Taos Ski Valley is nowhere near as busy as the ski resorts a few hours away in Colorado, giving you more time on the mountains.

You’ll enjoy every minute here, from its beautiful views to its European vibes. For all the die-hard skiers and snowboarders, Kachina Peak (12,481 ft) is a must! Oh and no worries if you don’t know how to ski, the Taos Ski School is one of the highest-rated ski schools in North America.

15. Stop By San Francisco De Asis Church

Built-in the early 1800s, San Francisco de Asis Church is the only original church remaining intact in the town of Taos. The church itself has been the subject of several paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe as well as famous photographers like Ansel Adams.

A quick but well-worth visit if you ask us.

16. Explore The Skies in A Hot Air Balloon

If you’re wanting to see Taos from the sky, might we suggest booking a hot air balloon tour with Eske’s Paradise Balloon . Let Eske’s fly you over the Rio Grande Gorge as you take in the desert views below.

17. Camp At Williams Lake

Setup camp at the alpine lake of Williams Lake. Sitting pretty at 11,000 ft, William Lake is a perfect place to camp for the evening. It’s an especially popular spot for those hiking up to Wheeler Peak as you pass Williams Lake on your way up to the summit.

TIP: Your campsite must be 300 ft away from the water’s edge. There are also no facilities up there so you must bring everything you need with you. Check out camping gear and pack list

Getting There

When visiting Taos, understand you have two ways to get here 1) fly or 2) drive.

If you’re looking to fly directly into Taos, there is good news for you! The nearest airport is located right in town. Taos Regional Airport offers direct flights via Taos Air from select cities like Austin, Dallas, San Diego, and Los Angeles.

Outside of flying directly into Taos, your closest airports are Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) and Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ). Once you arrive at either of these airports, you’ll need to rent a car and drive the remainder of the way.

The area around Taos is stunning. Doesn’t matter if you’re coming North from Colorado, South from Albuquerque or East from Texas, the closer you get to Taos, the prettier it gets.

Get miles and drive times below to start planning your visit.

• Denver to Taos | 288 miles, 4h 45mins
• Colorado Springs to Taos | 219 miles, 3h 36mins
• Santa Fe to Taos | 70 miles, 1.5h
• Albuquerque To Taos | 133 miles, 2h 25mins
• El Paso to Taos | 376 miles, 6h 21mins
• Dallas to Taos | 677 miles, 10.5h
• Austin to Taos | 724 miles, 12h
• Oklahoma City to Taos | 523 miles, 8h 45mins

Check Out: Top Road Trip Essentials To Pack

Transportation Services

Depending on the day of the week and the season, there are transportation options from Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Transportation providers like Taos Rides and Taos Express are options to look into.

It’s best to call ahead or book online if you are wanting to reserve transportation services.

TIP: Once in Taos, you’ll need to use Uber or book a rental car to get around town and the surrounding areas.

Where To Eat In Taos

• Have breakfast or bunch at Farmhouse
• Get ice cream at Taos Cow
• Have a romantic dinner at The Love Apple
• Eat clean and wholesome at Sol Food Market
• Grab a local craft beer at Mesa Brewery
• Smash some enchiladas at Orlando’s
• Have some beers & pretzels at The Bavarian
• Pick up some homemade tamales from Abe’s
• Grab a nightcap at The Adobe Bar
• Devour a burger from The Burger Stand

Where To Stay

• The Luxury Inclined |  Hotel La Fonda
• The Budget Conscious | Sagebrush Inn & Suites
• Something in Between | Dreamcatcher B&B
• Something Unique | Hotel Luna Mystica

For more accommodation options, check out the latest places and prices here .

Want More Outdoor Fun?!

5 Hikes You Can’t Miss in Taos

10 Epic Things To Do In Great Sand Dunes National Park

A First-Timers Guide to Monument Valley

Visit Antelope Canyon: The Perfect Canyon Trip Planner

Arizona Road Trip: An Epic 2 Week Itinerary

PIN IT FOR LATER!

For more travel tips, guides, and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site, follow us on Instagram  @wanderingstus ,  Pinterest , and on  Facebook . Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)

We're Lauren & Jesse, the creators behind Wandering Stus! We've been traveling for decades, exploring and experiencing the very best this world has to offer. Whether we're roadtripping the U.S. in our camper, hiking through National Parks, or jet-setting to different countries around the globe, we write detailed travel guides to help you plan one amazing (and unforgettable) adventure!

Questions?! Let us know. Leave us a comment! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

A magical spot even by the standards of this Land of Enchantment, Taos remains forever under the spell of the powerful landscape that surrounds it: 12,300ft snowcapped peaks rise behind town, while a sage-speckled plateau unrolls to the west before plunging 800ft straight down into the Rio Grande Gorge. The sky can be a searing sapphire blue or an ominous parade of rumbling thunderheads so big they dwarf the mountains. And then there are the sunsets…

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Millicent Rogers Museum

Rooted in the private collection of model and oil heiress Millicent Rogers, who moved to Taos in 1947, this superb museum, 4 miles northwest of the Plaza,…

Numbering 70 Earthships, with capacity for 60 more, Taos’ pioneering community was the brainchild of architect Michael Reynolds. Built with recycled…

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Constructed in 1965, this vertigo-inducing steel bridge carries Hwy 64 across the Rio Grande about 12 miles northwest of Taos. It’s the seventh-highest…

DH Lawrence Ranch & Memorial

In 1924, Mabel Dodge Luhan gave DH Lawrence's wife, Frieda, this 160-acre ranch, now administered by the University of New Mexico, where the Lawrence…

Kit Carson Home & Museum

A short walk east of the Plaza, the little-changed former home of Kit Carson (1809–68) – perhaps the Southwest's most famous mountain man, guide, trapper,…

Blumenschein Home & Museum

Wonderfully preserved adobe residence, dating originally from 1797, which provides a vivid glimpse of life in Taos’ artistic community during the 1920s…

Martínez Hacienda

Set amid the fields 2 miles southwest of the Plaza, this fortified adobe homestead was built in 1804. It served as a trading post, first for merchants…

Harwood Museum of Art

Attractively displayed in a gorgeous and very spacious mid-19th-century adobe compound, the paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and photographs here…

Latest stories from Taos

Oct 31, 2019 • 5 min read

With dramatic geography, traditional crafts, modern galleries, old churches, and small cafés, the High Road's best draw is its history and tradition.

Feb 7, 2019 • 6 min read

Dec 11, 2017 • 6 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Taos

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Taos with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

12 Best Things to do in Taos, New Mexico

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Nestled in the north center of New Mexico, Taos is set in a serene yet sun-scorched spot, backed by the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo mountain range. While it lies just a short distance from gaping gorges, prominent peaks and some delightful desert scenery, the list of things to do in Taos itself is just as enticing and enchanting in terms of what it has to offer.

Known as the ‘Soul of the Southwest’, it boasts an astounding array of art museums, age-old historic tourist attractions and, as such, has a rich cultural heritage for visitors to delve into. Over the centuries, everyone from artists and mountain men to Native Americans and New Age practitioners have left their mark in Taos Pueblo – one of the State’s oldest communities – to be found nearby. With so many different sides to it and so much splendid scenery to explore, Taos is certainly one of the most rewarding places to visit in the state.

12. High Road to Taos

Stretching all the way from Santa Fe , the High Road to Taos is an absolute treat to travel along as it winds its way through the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Besides taking you through lots of lovely landscapes and stunning scenery, the ravishing route also has lots of interesting historic sites and phenomenal viewpoints for you to stop off at.

Reaching ninety kilometers in length, the scenic byway passes through everything from vast valleys and mighty mountains to verdant forests and high deserts. Dotted alongside it are Spanish colonial towns and Pueblo Indian villages to visit, full of beautiful old buildings and excellent art galleries.

Due to their historical and spiritual importance, many people stop off at the captivating churches of El Santuario de Chimayo, San Jose de Gracia and San Francisco de Asis. While these three National Historic Landmarks boast arresting, adobe architecture, they are just a few of the spectacular sights you can expect to see along the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway.

11. Wheeler Peak

The highest mountain in the whole of New Mexico, Wheeler Peak lies just a forty-five minute drive to the northeast of Taos. Offering commanding views over its surroundings as well as lots of outstanding recreational activities, it is sure to delight nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the peak towers to 4,013 meters in height, dominating and defining the wonderful wilderness area which is named after it. While its upper slopes and summit are quite bleak and barren, its lower reaches are home to rushing rivers and lush forests with attractive alpine lakes dotted here and there.

Besides hiking up to its rugged rim and basking in the breathtaking views, visitors can go camping and wildlife watching among all of its incredible nature. With a scenic loop of the prominent peak for you to drive around and sensational ski resorts lying nearby, Wheeler Peak is well worth visiting for all that it has to offer up.

10. Taos Art Museum

Tucked away just to the north of the town center is the tiny yet terrific Taos Art Museum which exhibits lots of astounding artworks and adobe architecture. Now located in the former home of Nicolai Fechin, a Russian-American artist, the museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the town’s artistic heritage.

Since opening in 1994, its collection has swelled to over 300 artworks with many of its paintings, sketches and woodcarvings having been done by Fechin himself. Alongside his early twentieth century portraits of Native Americans and scenes of New Mexico’s desert landscapes, visitors can also find lots of exceptional artworks by local Taos artists.

Just as alluring as the art is the beautiful building itself and the fabulous furnishings and wonderful woodworks within it. Due to its marvelous mix of architectural styles and influences, the historic house was placed on a protected list of American homes in 1979.

9. Kit Carson Home & Museum

Home to lots of age-old artifacts and phenomenal period pieces, the charming Kit Carson Home & Museum lies just a stone’s throw away from Taos Plaza. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963, it showcases some superb Spanish Colonial architecture and offers up an interesting insight into frontier life in the state.

Built way back in 1825, the simple, single-story structure is now named after the fierce and famous frontiersman Kit Carson. As well as being a guide, trapper and scout, the mighty mountain man also battled against local Native Americans and fought during the American Civil War.

His historic home now exhibits a collection of memorabilia from his life as well as informative displays and a short film on all of his extraordinary exploits.

8. Earthships

Nestled away just to the northwest of town is one of the area’s most astonishing attractions – the unique, unusual and otherworldly-looking Earthships. Designed to be eco-friendly, the community’s collection of seventy or so sustainable homes are fascinating to visit and offer up an alternative look at how humans can interact and live alongside nature.

As they are made out of recycled materials such as tires, cans and bottles, its buildings make for a startling sight as they all showcase delightfully different designs. Buried on three sides, the homes can not only heat and cool themselves but collect their own water and make their own electricity too. On top of this, residents are completely sustainable as they grow and harvest their own food.

As well as taking a tour around the site, visitors can also opt to stay in one of the imaginatively designed homes themselves. Set in a scenic, secluded and sun-scorched part of the state, Earthships is certainly worth a visit as it is sure to be unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before.

7. Enchanted Circle Drive

Just as magical as it sounds, Enchanted Circle Drive takes you on a lovely loop around Wheeler Peak, passing stunning scenery, landscapes and nature along the way. Stretching 136 kilometers in length, it is one of the most popular and picturesque routes to take in the whole of New Mexico.

On the way, you’ll pass by massive mesas and majestic mountains as well as verdant valleys and vast forests with plenty of scenic spots for you to stop off at. As its wonderful wilderness just begs to be explored, there are lots of exquisite outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy along the route with hiking, camping and wildlife watching among the most popular.

In addition to this, Enchanted Circle Drive has everything from cosy cabins to luxurious lodges for guests to stay at with sensational ski resorts to be found up in the mountains. With countless interesting historic sites and quaint villages also lining its loop, the remarkable route really does have it all.

6. Taos Box Rafting

If you’re after an adventurous and adrenaline-filled experience then you can’t beat whitewater river rafting on the thrilling yet terrifying Taos Box. Part of the Rio Grande Gorge, this deep and dramatic canyon is renowned for its roaring rapids which are regularly ranked the most challenging in New Mexico.

Over the course of twenty-five kilometers, rafters are swept along the rushing river, navigating cacophonous cascades and dizzying drops as they go. The toughest parts are Rockgarden and Camel Rock as this is where the craggy canyon gets very steep and narrow and the waters get wilder.

While several tour companies can be found in the center of town, Taos Box should only be attempted by experienced rafters due to its difficulty level. Running its rugged rapids, however, certainly makes for an unforgettable experience with lots of spectacular scenery to be enjoyed along the way.

5. Taos Plaza

The historic heart of the town, Taos Plaza, is lined by lots of beautiful old buildings and booming businesses. With a lovely, lively yet laidback feel to it and lots of arresting architecture on show, no visit to Taos would be complete without stopping by the pretty and peaceful plaza.

As it is hemmed in by lots of superb Spanish Colonial-style buildings and Mission Revival houses, the leafy plaza still looks very much like it did when it was founded back in the late eighteenth century. Lying at the center of all of its enticing art galleries, shops and restaurants is a splendid sculpture of Antonio José Martinez – a prominent New Mexican priest and politician.

On top of its attractive aesthetic and appealing ambience, Taos Plaza also hosts a number of cultural events and concerts throughout the year. As many of the town’s main tourist attractions lie nearby, it also makes for a great starting point from which to tour around Taos.

4. Millicent Rogers Museum

One of the best places to visit if you want to delve into the art, history and cultures of the southwest of the states is the magnificent Millicent Rogers Museum. Located just a ten minute drive from the center of town, it boasts a colossal collection of over 7,000 astounding objects and artworks.

Founded in 1956, the museum is named after the model, art collector and oil heiress Millicent Rogers and has many grand galleries and evocative exhibitions for you to peruse. These are packed full of everything from ceramics and crafts to photos, paintings and jewellery to terrific textiles and fascinating figurines.

As well as showcasing both Native American and Hispanic arts, it also proudly displays some of the finest and most fetching pottery produced by Maria Martinez and her family.

3. Taos Ski Valley

With 110 tantalizing trails for you to shoot down, Taos Ski Valley is not just one of the biggest and best resorts in New Mexico but the whole of the Southwest as well. Set in a scenic and secluded spot of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, it lies just half an hour’s drive to the north of town.

Since first opening in 1955, the resort has continued to grow and grow with countless cosy chalets and condominiums now to be found alongside buzzing bars and restaurants. In addition to this, it also boasts a spa and an ice rink as well as ski shops and a ski school.

The real reason that everyone visits is, of course, for its sublime, snow-coated slopes which snake their way down from Kachina Peak’s 3,804 meter summit. Appropriate for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers alike, its runs are serviced by fourteen lifts with a total vertical drop of 997 meters. With so much sensational scenery and sparkling snow on show, Taos Ski Valley really is one of the best place places to go skiing and snowboardig in the southwest.

2. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

An absolutely phenomenal feat of engineering, the remarkable Rio Grande Gorge Bridge lies just fifteen minutes’ drive to the northwest of Taos. Due to its proximity and the fantastic views on offer, the bridge is a very popular and picturesque place to visit.

Completed in 1965, it rears high above the raging Rio Grande river and gaping gorge of the same name. Made out of solid steel, its three spans stretch 390 meters in total with epic views to be enjoyed out over the yawning chasm and the wild waters far, far below.

Thanks to its stunning setting and dizzying drop, it has appeared in countless films over the years with locals knowing it as both ‘Gorge Bridge’ and ‘High Bridge’. Besides basking in its beauty, visitors can also hike along the gorge’s rugged rim to snap fabulous photos of the breathtaking bridge from afar.

1. Taos Pueblo

One of the New Mexico’s standout tourist attractions, the tiny Taos Pueblo can be reached in just under ten minutes from the center of town. Remarkably enough, the Native American site has been continuously inhabited for over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest communities in the United States.

At the small settlement visitors will find some astounding adobe architecture with most of its multi-storied buildings believed to have been built over five centuries ago. Such was its splendor that when the Spanish came across it in 1540 they thought they’d finally found one of the fabled Seven Cities of Gold.

While it may only have been a myth, Taos Pueblo certainly is rich when it comes to its incredible history and culture. Impressively enough, 150 or so people still live in its beautiful old buildings, protecting and preserving their age-old traditions for future generations. As well as teaching you about the National Historic Landmark, guided tours also offer up an invaluable insight into Pueblo Indian life.

While it may have been a myth, Taos Pueblo certainly is rich when it comes to its incredible history and culture. Impressively enough, 150 or so people still live in its beautiful old buildings, protecting and preserving their age-old traditions for future generations. As well as teaching you about the National Historic Landmark, guided tours also offer up an invaluable insight into Pueblo Indian life.

Map of Things to do in Taos

Share this post:

12 Best Things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico

12 Best National Parks & Monuments in New Mexico

17 Best Things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico

23 Best Things to do in New Mexico

12 Best Things to do in Roswell, NM

15 Most Charming Small Towns in New Mexico

10 Best Cities to Visit in New Mexico

10 Best Places to Visit in New Mexico

23 Most Beautiful Islands in the US

25 Most Beautiful Places in America

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

USPS suggests the address below

New mexico map, time to upgrade your browser.

If you're reading this, you're surfing using Internet Explorer 6, an eight-year-old browser that cannot cope with the demands of the modern, secure internet. For the best web experience, we strongly recommend upgrading to Firefox , Opera , Safari , Google Chrome , or a more recent version of Internet Explorer .

• Taos Introduction
• Nearby Destinations
• Statewide Links
• New Mexico Destinations
• Visit Other States
• Visit Other Countries

A summary of what Taos has to offer.

Santa Fe may be New Mexico's capital city but in this thriving arts center it's more about culture than it is politics, more galleries than government.

• Tour Companies
• Tourist Attractions
• Sightseeing Opportunities
• Recreational Activities
• Things To Do - Overview
• Attractions
• Scenic Drives
• Scenic Flights
• Sightseeing Tours
• Free Travel Planners
• Adventure Trips
• Balloon Flights
• Bird Watching
• Horseback Riding
• Offroad - ATV
• Climbing / Canyoneering
• RV Parks Camping
• Scuba - Snorkel
• Skiing - Boarding
• Snowmobiling
• White Water Rafting
• X-Country Skiing

Searchable list of Taos tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more.

Full information on Taos Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities…

• Whitewater Rafting

• Lodging - Hotels, Resorts, etc.
• RV Parks - Campgrounds
• Restaurants
• Real Estate

Searchable listings of Taos hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more.

Searchable listings of Taos RV parks and campgrounds.

Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price.

• Free Visitor Guides!
• Transportation
• Tourism Resources
• State Facts

Request Free Travel brochures for Taos.

Travel articles related to Taos…

Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Taos.

Taos weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,…

Searchable lists of Taos tourism offices and other helpful government agencies.

Explore destinations near Taos.

• Taos Photo Gallery
• Taos Video Gallery
• New Mexico Photo Gallery New Mexico Video Gallery

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Taos Area. Click here to view all the guides avialable for New Mexico.

Select All General Interest Guides

Santa Fe North Central

Red River Northern New Mexico

To request a free visitor guide from Taos, New Mexico Travel Guide , please fill out the form below and click "Submit".

Your request has been processed, thank you!

We also have the following visitor guides in New Mexico. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive. Your submissions were successful, thank you! ' )); tpsButtonClicked.closest( 'div.popup' ).hide( ); $('#before-Dest-State-Travel-Planners').hide();$('#after-Dest-State-Travel-Planners').show(); } ); ">Request these additional visitor guides selected below

Farmington Northwestern New Mexico

Las Cruces Southern New Mexico

Bisbee Southern Arizona

El Paso Mexican Border

Truth or Consequences Area Southwest New Mexico

Truth or consequences area.

Village of Ruidoso South Central

Village of ruidoso.

Carlsbad - Home of Carlsbad Caverns National Park Southeastern New Mexico

Carlsbad - home of carlsbad caverns national park.

Santa Fe County North Central

Santa fe county.

Cloudcroft New Mexico South Central

Cloudcroft new mexico.

Alamogordo South Central

Deming Tourism Southern

Deming tourism.

We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.

• Connecticut
• Development
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington D.C.
• West Virginia

Taos, New Mexico Travel Guide

Complete vacation, recreation and tourism information.

• Free Visitor Guides
• Introduction >
• Sightseeing Overview
• Recreation Overview
• Photo Gallery
• Video Gallery

Taos (pop 6,000) is a hotbed of recreational opportunity located in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico. A thriving and energetic outdoor minded community, Taos was first inhabited over eight centuries ago by ancient Tiwa Pueblo peoples. During the 1800s, Taos became home to the legendary mountain man Kit Carson and played host to a variety of wild west characters over the years.

Today Taos is more quaint than wild, with a scenic downtown area studded with numerous galleries, museums, curio & kitsch shops. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains surround town, their rugged peaks protected by the Santa Fe National Forest, allowing for a variety of recreational activities only a short distance from town. Taos is also home to its namesake, Taos Ski Valley Resort, the largest and most challenging ski resort in the state. In addition Taos is located along 'the enchanted circle', a circumnavigation of the Sangre de Cristo mountains by I-64, NM Highway 38 and NM Highway 522, which connects Taos with the prime recreational towns and national lands to its northeast.

Visitors to Taos will find a good number and variety of accommodations to choose from, with choices ranging from cheap local motels to charming bed & breakfasts to over-the-top expensive luxury suites. Dining options in Taos are broad, from grab-on-the-go burrito stands to elegant, multi-course and 'beau coup bucks' gourmet meals, there is something for everyone here.

Taos is best accessed by automobile from the east via I-25 to US Highway 64, from the south via I-84 to NM Highway 68 north and from the north from Colorado via NM Highway 522. During winter months, daily air service from Albuquerque to the small municipal airport in Taos is available. To learn more about Taos, select a topic of interest from the left-hand navigation bar.

• Advertising
• Privacy Policy
• Report a Problem
• Make A Suggestion

• Go Travel Sites
• Houseboating.org

Email Page Link

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Taos. More Visitor Guides are available in New Mexico. Click here to view them all! Select All

Switch to Mobile Browser Mode

We offer a compact version of Go-Newmexico for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Newmexico on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.

Continue to Mobile Site Return to Main Site

• Edit Account
• Tribal Programs Administrator
• Human Resources

Tiwa Babies

• Class Schedules
• Nutrition Program
• Department of Natural Resources
• Department of Public Safety
• My 1st School
• Online Tutoring
• On-Line Classes
• Online Training
• Education Division and Training Programs
• Scholarships
• Johnson O’Malley
• Computer Classes
• Education Division and Training Calendar
• Head Start Tools
• Head Start Parents
• Head Start Teachers
• Water Administration Department
• Employment Application

About the Taos Pueblo

Over 1,000 years of tradition....

Taos Pueblo Taos, New Mexico

UNESCO World Heritage Site U.S. National Register of Historic Places U.S. National Historic Landmark District

From its earliest days, Taos Pueblo was a critical center of trade and communications between American Indian tribes, and eventually between the Indians and the Spanish. This pueblo was one of the first communities in the American Southwest that Spanish explorers visited, and it played a central role in the cultural struggles that permeated the Southwest throughout the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. After the Spanish arrived, the community embraced certain Spanish and Catholic traditions, but remained suspicious and even hostile toward the Spanish colonists themselves. Today the people of Taos Pueblo continue to adhere to traditional tribal beliefs and practices but also honor their Spanish/Catholic past.

The adobe homes, ceremonial kivas, archeological remains, and the ruins of an original Spanish-Era Mission (San Geronimo de Taos) and its ca. 1850 replacement reflect this coming together of American Indian and Spanish culture. Because Taos Pueblo is so significant, it is not only a National Historic Landmark, but it is also a World Heritage Site – one of only 21 such sites in the United States.

Archeological remains within the Taos Valley date its earliest known human occupation to around 900 AD. Various precontact Anasazi tribes are believed to have moved into the area around this time, sticking close to the life-sustaining Rio Grande River tributaries around the present-day border of Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. Traditions surrounding the Taos Pueblo eventually emerged out of the various cultures present in the valley.

The original pueblo site is directly east of where the adobes stand today. Likely constructed around 1325 AD, the first Taos Pueblo is now a ruin and sacred site referred to as “Cornfield Taos.” The limited archeological excavation at Cornfield Taos provided evidence that the Pueblo relocated slightly to the west to its current location, around 1400 AD – though at present it is not clear why.

Throughout its early years, Taos Pueblo was a central point of trade between the native populations along the Rio Grande and their neighbors to the northwest, the Plains Tribes. Taos Pueblo hosted a trade fair each fall after the agricultural harvest. This fair impressed the first Spaniards who made contact with the ancient pueblo. Eventually trade routes would link Taos to the northernmost towns of New Spain and the cities of Mexico via the famed Chihuahua Trail.

The first Spanish visitors to Taos Pueblo arrived in 1540 as members of the Francisco Vásquez de Coronado expedition, which stopped at many of New Mexico’s pueblos in search of the rumored Seven Cities of Gold. At the time, Hernando de Alvarado described the pueblo as having adobe houses built very close together and stacked five or six stories high. The homes became narrower as they rose, with the roofs of each level providing the floors and terraces for those above. Surrounded by a low defensive wall, the community had two main clusters of buildings, one on each side of Rio Grande, which provided water for the residents and their crops.

Throughout recorded history, descriptions of Taos Pueblo stress the adobes’ stacked and stepped-back form. The buildings at Taos originally had few windows and no standard doorways. Instead, access to rooms was through square holes in the roof that the people reached by climbing long, wooden ladders. Cedar logs (or vigas) supported roofs that had layers of branches, grass, mud, and plaster covering them. The architecture and the building materials were well suited for the rigors of the environment and the needs of the people in the Taos Valley. The San Geronimo Church was destroyed and rebuilt several times beginning c.1620. Above, the final incarnation of the church photographed in 1941.

The first Spanish-influenced architecture appeared in Taos Pueblo after Fray Francisco de Zamora came there in 1598 to establish a mission, under orders from Spanish Governor, Don Juan de Oñate. Around 1620, the first Catholic Church in the pueblo, San Geronimo de Taos, was constructed. Reports from the period indicate that the native people of Taos resisted the building of the church and the imposition of the Catholic religion. Throughout the 1600s, cultural tensions grew between the native populations of the Southwest and the increasing Spanish presence. Taos Pueblo was no exception, and by 1660, the native people killed the resident priest and destroyed the church. Only several years after its rebuilding, the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 began and the Taos Indians again destroyed San Geronimo and killed two other priests.

New Mexico formally became a territory of the United States in 1847 with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, but a revolt broke out in Taos Pueblo. Mexican Pablo Montoya and Tomasito, a leader at Taos Pueblo, led a force of Mexicans and Indians who did not want to become a part of the United States. They managed to kill Governor Bent and others and marched on Santa Fe, but were finally subdued after taking refuge in the ill-fated San Geronimo Mission Church. The American troops bombarded the church, killing or capturing the insurrectionists and destroying the physical structure. Around 1850, an entirely new mission church was constructed near the west gate of the pueblo wall. The ruins of the original church and its 1850s replacement are both still visible inside the pueblo wall today.

Taos Pueblo and its culture have evolved over the decades since New Mexico’s inclusion in the United States. The coming of the railroad to the area brought about changes in traditional native economies and increased tourism. Government action throughout the 1920s and 30s, and other forces since then have also had an impact on native traditional living within the pueblo. Most of Taos’ current residents live outside the original defensive wall. Today the Pueblo is mostly unoccupied and used for sacred ceremonies and as a popular heritage site for tourists

Taos Pueblo’s exceptional historic and cultural significance is internationally recognized and appreciated. The pueblo is open to visitors daily for a fee and is one of the most popular tourist sites in New Mexico and throughout all of the Southwest. For more information, visit the official Taos Pueblo website.

Of traditional adobe construction, the pueblo consists of two clusters of sun-dried mud brick houses, with walls from 70cm thick at the bottom to about 35cm at the top. The community still refinishes the walls with a new coat of adobe plaster each year as part of a village ceremony. The two main adobe buildings flank the river and retain their traditional layout. The Taos Tribe considers Hlauuma (the northern house) and Hlaukwima (the southern house) to be a sacred part of the community’s heritage. The Taos Tribal Council, which owns the pueblo, does not allow modern amenities such as running water and electricity within the ancient pueblo’s walls. The tribe continues to use the pueblo for sacred ceremonies.

In addition to the adobe buildings, other notable features of the pueblo include several round kivas (religious and ceremonial spaces), the surrounding defensive wall, the sacred ruins of Cornfield Taos, large unexcavated ancient trash middens, and a ceremonial racetrack. Rubble mounds and a lone bell tower mark the ruins of the original Spanish church, San Geronimo de Taos. Many generations of both Spanish and American Indian peoples lie buried around and within its crumbling walls. Built c. 1850, the newest incarnation of the church remains with its main façade altered over the decades by the addition of flanking bell towers and various aesthetic changes. Despite these alterations, the church is still a beautiful example of early Spanish architecture in the Southwest. Its presence and continual use alongside ancient ceremonial kivas mark an important cultural phenomenon. Today the majority of the Taos people identify as Catholics while still recognizing strong ties to their American Indian cultural traditions.

Taos Pueblo is one of North America’s great heritage treasures.

Sources: https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/Taos_Pueblo.html

Plan your visit

Taos Pueblo is a National Historic Landmark and a World Heritage Site located at 120 Veterans Highway in Taos, NM. Click here for Taos Pueblo’s National Historic Landmark file: text and photos . The Pueblo, which is owned and administered by the Taos Tribal Council, is open to visitors daily from 8:00am to 4:30pm except during times that tribal rituals require its closing. For more information, visit the Taos Pueblo website or call Taos Pueblo Tourism at 575-758-1028 before visiting to confirm open hours.

Taos Pueblo has been documented by the National Park Service's Historic American Buildings Survey , as have the ruins of the original San Geronimo Church . Taos Pueblo is also featured in the National Park Service American Southwest Travel Itinerary .

Promoting optimum child health & development & honor traditions & values. Nurturing families in ways that honor values & promote optimum health.

“We care for our elders. We treat them with respect, honor & dignity, because our wisdom comes from them. I have learned so much from them; day & night.” ~LR

High above our Taos Pueblo is a sacred lake, Ba whyea-Blue Lake. The People of Taos Pueblo have occupied these areas since time immemorial.

Get Connected

Join our mailing list and social networks for special event notifications, and updates on the latest Taos Pueblo CMS happenings!

By joining our newsletter, you agree to accept the latest news and offers via email. We do not sell our distribute your email.

• Water Administration
• Health & Community Services
• Education/Training
• Municipal Service Division
• Public Safety
• Tribal Court

© Copyright 2017-2024 Taos Pueblo All Rights Reserved    1075 Veterans Highway, Taos, New Mexico 87571    (575) 758-8626

© 2017-2024 Taos Pueblo

40 Things to Do in Taos New Mexico, Bucket List Experiences

Top things to do in taos new mexico.

If you are planning a trip to Taos New Mexico and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. Taos is a desert town at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains famous for its multilevel Pueblo. Expect Adobe architecture against the blue sky, turquoise doors, ristras drying in the sun, and gorgeous sunsets. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Taos New Mexico bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Taos New Mexico trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Taos is an easy day trip from Albuquerque or Santa Fe. Enjoy your time out of the office!

Read Things to Do in Albuquerque New Mexico Read Things to Do in Santa Fe New Mexico

Things to Do in and Around Taos New Mexico

Explore the multilevel adobe buildings of Taos Pueblo

Enjoy a homemade ice cream at Taos Cow

Shop for jewelry in Taos Plaza

Listen to music under the Taos Plazas gazebo

Tour the historic Hotel La Fonda

Check out the Saturday morning farmer’s market

Learn to make tamales at Cooking Studio Taos

Stop by Taos Drums for the perfect souvenir

Browse the Taos Art Galleries

Go on a winery tour through the oldest grape-growing region in the US

Enjoy farm-to-fork al fresco dining at The Love Apple

Relive scenes from Easy Rider at the Old Taos County Courthouse

Photograph the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church

Check out the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House

Visit the art galleries on Ledoux Street

Eat fry bread

Explore the Earthship sustainable home community

Go rafting on the Rio Grande

Walk across the Rio Grande bridge and search for bighorn sheep

Float over the Rio Grande Gorge in a hot air balloon

Stop at the La Junta Point overlook at sunset to see the Rio Grande flash gold

Check out the plains at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Have a picnic along the shore of Orilla Verde Recreation Area

Go mountain biking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

Hike the Devisadero Loop overlooking the city

Climb Wheeler Peak on the Bull of the Woods Trail

Hike to Williams Lake and continue to the summit waterfall

Go horseback riding

View the landscape of Georgia O’Keefe’s famous paintings at Ghost Ranch

Check out the chalk-like White Place (Plaza Blanca)

Enjoy the mineral springs at Ojo Caliente

Check out the clothing-optional rock pools at Stagecoach Hot Springs

Step back into the 1800s at the Kit Carson Home and Museum

Visit Millicent Rogers Museum and see her turquoise collection

See demonstrations of life in the 1800s at La Hacienda de Los Martinez

Climb into a kiva at Pot Creek Cultural Site

Watch artisans work at Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo

Drive the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway for incredible landscapes

Stop by the roadside Classical Gas Station Museum

Take the Low Road toward Santa Fe and stop at a winery (or two)

Be sure to check the Taos New Mexico Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in Taos New Mexico

Plan Your Trip to Taos New Mexico

New mexico travel guide.

Pick up a New Mexico Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

Book Your Accommodation in Taos New Mexico Now

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!

Best New Mexico Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.

Have a great vacation!

Hi Sherianne,

New Mexico fascinates me. Started with Breaking Bad – I know I know 😉 – but 2 weeks back I met a NM guy here in Thailand. He gave me a feel for what it seems like to live there. A different, intriguing area for sure. Way off the beaten tourist path in most regards too.

Lovely pictures as always.

Fabulous round-up of things to do. I’m not sure where I would start though! Maybe horse riding – that’s a fun way to see a new place. Followed by a winery tour and eating home made ice cream – that sounds like a good idea to me!

Sounds like a great plan!

Loving this roundup of forty things to do in Taos! I have Santa Fe on my bucket list and would love to do a roadtrip through the state! Most excited for fry bread and shopping for turquoise jewelry. Also I’m a huge fan of classical gas stations so the roadside museum would be a neat spot to visit!

Come back this weekend for my Santa Fe post!

I love the adobe architecture throughout Taos, and would travel just for that – awesome to know that it’s an easy day trip from Albuquerque or Santa Fe. I’m a big adrenaline junkie, so rafting on the Rio Grande sounds right up my alley – how fun!!

That’s a long list of things to do in Taos. I think I’d like to see the old life demonstrations at La Hacienda de los Martinez.

Me too, it was closed for the winter :/

Cool list! I have never heard of the place but I would spontaneously go for the mineral springs and watch a sunset to see the Rio Grande flash gold!

I have heard of this city, but have never been. I have only been to Albuquerque, but would love to go back and do some more exploring and eating. The food there is great. It also seems very cool to be able to step back in time and see some stuff. I love history. I didn’t realize there was so much to do there.

And such a variety too!

That is a good long list of things to do in Taos. My eyes popped out reading jewelry and then turquoise in comments. A sure must do for me. 🙂

Nice list. It would be fun to work through.

Pretty impressive list! Have you ever experienced the hot air balloon ride? That would be amazing!

No. I almost went up with some people I met at the balloon fiesta but there wasn’t enough room at the last minute. Disappointing for sure!

These photos are stunning! Is there any special kind of jewelry which they sell in Taos?

Comments are closed.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

New Mexico Map

• Native Culture
• Explore Ballooning
• New Mexico True Certified
• New Mexico Magazine
• Public Records
• Tourism Department Website
• Partner Login
• Become a Partner
• Legal & Privacy Policy

First time visitor? Come and enjoy the experience of Taos Pueblo!

We welcome you to our Native American Community when you travel to Northern New Mexico.

Come and join us in our events and ceremonies, they will remain in your heart and soul forever.

We offer guided tours year round. The tours touch on the highlights of our culture, history and our people.

Official Opening For 2024 Will Be April 28th

Wecome To Our Home

Over 1000 Years Of Tradition

We are a living Native American community. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years.

Hours/Rates Taos Pueblo Hours: Sunday – Saturday 8AM – 4PM Please see events calendar for any changes to schedule.

Please visit EVENTS page for Calendar updates

Admission: Adult –   $25.00 Senior – $22.00 Student – $22.00 Military – $22.00 Children (10-) – Free Groups(8 or more Adults):$22 per person

Photography: Rules and regulations apply, all photos are for personal use only. Commercial, documentary, educational and/or artist renderings MUST have prior approval and all fees apply, inquire within the Tourism Office.

Taos Pueblo is designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark.

Address: 120 Veterans Highway Taos, New Mexico 87571 Telephone: 575-758-1028 Email: [email protected]

Hours Of Operation

Sunday-Saturday: 9am – 4pm Please see events calendar for any changes to schedule.

Price Of Admission

Adult –     $25.00 Senior –   $22.00 Student – $22.00 Military – $22.00 Children (10-) – Free Groups(8 or more Adults):$22 per person

12 Most Beautiful Towns In New Mexico You Should Visit

• Taos, Tucumcari, and Galisteo are just a few of the most charming and beautiful towns in New Mexico that offer unique experiences and stunning landscapes.
• From outdoor activities and cultural attractions to delicious cuisine and historic sites, these towns have something for everyone to enjoy and explore.
• Whether you're seeking adventure in Cloudcroft, history in Roswell, or a peaceful getaway in Mesilla, these towns in New Mexico are worth visiting for their diverse offerings and small-town charm.

From gorgeous buildings and beautiful mountain communities to quaint towns, New Mexico boasts some of the most breathtaking places in America . Its stunning, diverse landscapes have inspired artists from around the world. Much of New Mexico's unique charm is found in its small towns. These have local restaurants with delicious specialties, attractions that have earned praise from previous travelers, and stunning hotels housed in the state's historic buildings. These are the most beautiful towns in New Mexico that tourists should visit.

UPDATE: 2023/09/03 15:14 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

The Most Beautiful Towns In New Mexico: Part 2

New Mexico's desert landscapes boast unique sceneries that delight explorers from around the country. This updated list features two more places to visit in New Mexico that won't disappoint. With fall and winter on the way, there are plenty of places and things to see throughout New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment!

Related: Everything Worth Doing When Visiting Taos, New Mexico

There is no shortage of fun things to do in Taos . Its museums and independent art galleries are some of the things that make it stand out. San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, one of the most iconic churches and photographed locations in the state, also calls this enchanting town a home. Its position by the Rocky Mountains and Rio Grande Gorge makes it an incredible destination for outdoor lovers.

With an incredible blend of Spanish, Native American, and southwestern influences, Tucumcari’s culture is incredibly adverse. Housing some of the top historic sites in New Mexico , Taos' Historic District is a popular tourist spot, filled with numerous medieval buildings, some dating back to the ‘20s. The town is brimming with stunning hidden gems, which display a unique side of it. It has stunning street art, museums, restaurants, and everything in between.

Boasting some of the best things to do in New Mexico , Galisteo offers unique experiences and attractions, making it one of the most charming towns to explore. Films like Crazy Heart, Silverado, and Thor were filmed in this gorgeous part of New Mexico. This is also one of the best adventure spots in the area, thanks to its beautiful desert scenery. Galisteo Basin Reserve is one of the top places to experience this side of the town. Travelers will find numerous hiking and biking trails to explore.

Related: Where To Find The Best Mountain Biking Trails In The Pioneer Valley

Silver City

Whether looking for entertainment options, history, food, or a unique cultural scene, it is there in Silver City. Its bustling downtown has a lot of gorgeous restaurants, hotels, and colorful shops selling all kinds of items. Some of the museums to explore include the Silver City Museum and Western New Mexico University Museum; these museums offer unique artifacts and exhibits about the South West region of the United States. Outdoorsy travelers can enjoy the city’s adventure spots, like the Gila National Forest, Penny Park, Mimbres River Preserve, and Big Ditch Park.

Located in Guadalupe County, Santa Rosa is one of the most beautiful towns in New Mexico and offers a lot to offer tourists. The city is known for its rugged desert landscape, incredible arts scene, beautiful culture, and fantastic culinary scene, mostly cooked in Southwestern style. It boasts several popular attractions, including Park Lake, Route 66 Auto Museum, and Blue Hole, which make it worth exploring . There is something for everyone in this great spot.

Cloudcroft is nestled on the northern side of Lincoln National Forest, which means it has plenty of outdoor opportunities, including mountain biking, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. It is brimming with beautiful restaurants, colorful shops, and unique tourist spots. It offers numerous options for entertainment, including unique events and festivals. This charming mountain village is a perfect getaway for any type of traveler.

Ruidoso is nestled among the Sierra Blanca range of the Rocky Mountains on the southeast side of New Mexico. It is a popular destination that entices 1.9 million vacationers , ranging from history buffs to nature lovers and everyone in between. There are plenty of outdoor activities, including biking, fishing, and hiking. History lovers would definitely love spending time in the town's incredible museums, like the Hubbard Museum of the American West. Other places to check out include Fort Stanton, Grindstone Lake, Monjeau Lookout, and Adventure Mountain.

Roswell is famous for appearing in several documentaries, TV shows, and plenty of adventure opportunities. One can explore one of its many gorgeous farmlands, go hiking in the nearby Wildlife Refuge, or eat something tasty from its local restaurants. There are several art centers, museums, and a research center. There are numerous tours that vacationers can use to explore some of the best spots in the town. A good number of events, festivals, and concerts are held here from time to time.

Related: Go UFO Hunting In Roswell, New Mexico, And Then Check Out Their UFO Museum

Red River is a perfect destination for travelers looking for outdoor adventures, and one can go camping, fishing, hiking, OHV-ing, hunting, rafting, horseback riding, and biking. Several trails suit all kinds of travelers. Some strenuous hikes require effort and sweat to get through, but they get to some of the most breathtaking sights in the town. In winter, this gorgeous resort town offers incredible skiing and snowboarding opportunities, thanks to the surrounding sloping mountains. No matter the season tourists choose to come here, they’ll always find something interesting to do.

Vacationers enjoy traveling to small towns to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities, but the long drives and whatever it takes to get there are off-putting to some. Located just outside of Santa Fe, this town has a long, fascinating history, and vacationers can learn some of it at one of its well-preserved sites, El Santuario de Chimayo. It is known for being one of the biggest farmlands in the southwestern and boasts a rich culture dating back thousands of years.

Aztec is a delightful community in northwestern New Mexico, a short drive from the Colorado border. This modest town is laden with some of the top historical sites in New Mexico , thanks to a legacy extending beyond the 19th century. An excellent example is the Aztec Ruins National Monument, which can be traced back to the 12th century. More hidden gems can be uncovered in its historic downtown, which impresses with awesome architectural styles. Also, explorers will want to tour the Aztec Arxhes, featuring over 300 natural sandstones that never fail to leave first-timers in awe.

Mesilla is a lovely locale with the perfect mix of rich historical heritage and small-town charm. Bordering Las Cruces to the west, it offers an excellent getaway from the state's third-biggest city and rewards adventurers with laid-back activities. History buffs should plan to visit Mesilla Plaza, the scenic town square - designated National Historic Landmark. Meanwhile, culture aficionados will gravitate towards the annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiestas and Cinco de Mayo, which offer an immersive experience of the area's rich Mexican culture.

• 7 Coolest Towns In New Mexico For A Summer Vacation In 2024

New Mexico is home to charming small towns with rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences. A summer vacation to the “Land of Enchantment” allows visitors to discover the diversity of the state while exploring the state’s western heritage. Although the state is located in the Southwest, there are several small towns that offer cool and tolerable temperatures for outdoor adventures, even in the summer.

Outdoor enthusiasts can whitewater raft in Taos along the Rio Grande Gorge or enjoy the cool mountain air of Cloudcroft . These towns also offer unique adventures for history buffs and art enthusiasts. From the historic charm of the Mesilla to the art galleries in Truth or Consequences , these seven towns in New Mexico are the best places to visit for a summer vacation in 2024.

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos boasts a vibrant blend of natural beauty and rich history. For those wanting to escape the heat during a summer vacation, Taos offers balmy highs in the low-to-mid 80s Fahrenheit. Hike or bike through the miles of trails that weave through the breathtaking Rio Grande Gorge, or take a thrilling whitewater rafting trip down the Rio Grande River . Outdoor enthusiasts can also hike along New Mexico’s tallest mountain, Wheeler Peak, to experience incredible vista views. In the summer, Taos Ski Valley turns into an alpine playground with scenic lift rides, mountain biking trails, and the adventurous Via Ferrata Climbing Tour on Kachina Peak.

The charming town of Taos is also steeped in cultural heritage, visible at Taos Pueblo . The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to ancient multi-story adobe buildings that have been lived in for more than 1,000 years. In town, history buffs can tour the Martinez Hacienda, one of the few remaining northern New Mexico-style “Great Houses” built in 1804. Be sure to stroll along Taos’ downtown, which offers a beautiful display of adobe architecture in the Historical Taos Plaza. For a memorable experience, visit the historical plaza for the annual Las Fiestas de Taos. From July 19-21, 2024, visitors can celebrate with local food vendors, booths, music, and dancing.

Tucked away in the Sacramento Mountains at an elevation of 8,676 feet, Cloudcroft offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat with its cool mountain air and scenic beauty. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the trails of Lincoln National Forest and discover the Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, steam engines climbed the heights of this wooden bridge. Today, visitors can soak in panoramic views while marveling at the historic trestle in the midst of towering pines. For an unforgettable outdoor adventure, hit the slopes at Ski Cloudcroft for summer tubing down a 460-foot hill.

In town, a summer vacation is not complete without learning more about Cloudcroft’s history and strolling through the scenic downtown. Delve into the town's intriguing pioneer past at the Sacramento Mountains Museum in Cloudcroft, complete with a tour and history of the area’s ranching and farming industries. Nearby is Zenith Park, the 40th Annual July Jamboree Arts & Craft Show, which will take place from July 13-14, 2024. It is a must-see event for art enthusiasts who enjoy regional art and artisanal works.

Not to be confused with the more famous Las Vegas, Nevada , the quaint New Mexico town of Las Vegas offers a refreshing summer escape with history and natural wonders. Stroll along the town's Plaza Park, lined with shops and cafes and through the historic Old Town district, a vibrant hub lined with charming adobe buildings. Step back in time at the stunning Plaza Hotel, built in 1882 in the Renaissance Revival style. The building is just one of 900 historical buildings visitors can explore on a self-guided walking tour of the charming town.

Las Vegas is also a great place to visit for summer outdoor activities. Storrie Lake State Park offers hiking, boating, and soaking up the sun along the lakeshore, while the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge boasts incredible nature views, such as hiking into box canyons and birdwatching in the summer months. For those wanting to escape the summer crowds and explore rugged landscapes, a visit to the Sabinoso Wilderness is a must. The remote area is home to cliff-lined canyons and stunning mesas of grass savannas and ponderosa pine, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature.

Silver City

Silver City, located in the foothills of the Gila Wilderness, offers a refreshing escape from the scorching New Mexico heat. Summer brings comfortable highs, averaging in the mid-80s Fahrenheit - a welcome respite from the scorching desert sun. For those looking for outdoor adventures, explore the Gila National Forest, a wonderland of ancient cliff dwellings of the Mogollon people. Delve deeper into history at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument , where preserved cliff houses still stand. After exploring ancient history, hike along the iconic Continental Divide Trail, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding vistas.

Beyond its natural beauty, Silver City offers a charming downtown to explore where history and art come to life. Visitors can delve into the town's mining history at the Silver City Museum or explore or discover the Western New Mexico University Museum's collection of prehistoric artifacts and stunning Southwest pottery. Art and pottery enthusiasts will want to visit the town for the annual Silver City Clay Festival, July 22-28, 2024. The festival boasts exhibits, art shows, and workshops with regional artists.

Los Alamos offers a cool summer oasis with a historic edge in New Mexico's Jemez Mountains. The town is famous for its role in the Manhattan Project during World War II , as well as its stunning natural surroundings. History buffs can learn more about the top-secret Manhattan Project at the Bradbury Science Museum and Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Moviegoers will enjoy the Oppenheimer House, the residence of Robert Oppenheimer , the project's leader, and a filming location for the award-winning Oppenheimer film.

Beyond its historical significance, Los Alamos offers incredible outdoor retreats. Explore the Santa Fe National Forest or hike amongst ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs at Bandelier National Monument. Valles Caldera National Preserve, formed by a volcanic eruption, is a breathtaking area for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. In the summer, the town also hosts the exciting annual Los Alamos County Fair and Rodeo. The weekend event kicks off on August 3, 2024, with a lively parade showcasing the town's western spirit with colorful floats, setting the stage for a celebration of local agriculture, live music, and fairground fun.

Truth Or Consequences

For those craving a unique summer escape in 2024, Truth or Consequences is one of the coolest towns in New Mexico to visit. Although the town changed its name in 1950 during a radio contest, the town was formerly known as Hot Springs due to its legendary hot springs . Visitors can soak in the hot springs at Riverbend Hot Springs along the Rio Grande, a perfect spot for soaking away stress under the warm sun. Nearby is the town’s Main Street, offering a delightful mix of delicious eateries, hot springs, and eclectic art galleries, such as Lunaticus Galerie and the Center Gallery Fine Art. Throughout the summer, art enthusiasts can explore the town’s art studios during the Second Saturday Art Hop.

Truth or Consequences is also a great base for outdoor adventures. Beyond soaking in the therapeutic waters, travelers can explore nearby attractions like the Elephant Butte Lake State Park for boating and fishing. The town is also situated near the Caballo Mountains, which offers several scenic hiking trails. For an adventurous hike, take the trail to the top of Caballo Cone with panoramic views of the charming town.

The quaint town of Mesilla offers a summer vacation filled with history, charm, and natural beauty. Nestled near Las Cruces in the scenic Mesilla Valley, the town boasts the historic Mesilla Plaza. The area is lined with iconic adobe buildings, including the Basilica of San Albino, one of the oldest churches in the region. In the summer, the historic plaza features the summer music series on Friday nights. Before enjoying live music, enjoy dinner at La Posta De Mesilla, a favorite restaurant in town for Mexican food and steaks.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy a summer vacation in Mesilla. Hike along scenic trails bordering the Rio Grande River at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park while keeping an eye out for diverse wildlife and cacti. Designated an Audubon Important Birding Area, the park is a haven for birdwatchers. Nature lovers also enjoy a stroll along the paved La Llorona Park Trail, which follows the shores of the Rio Grande.

Summer Vacation Towns in New Mexico

These seven towns provide an incredible summer getaway for anyone wanting to explore unique landscapes, enjoy vibrant art communities, or soak in the history of the Southwest. From the historical walking tour in Las Vegas to the significant legacy of Los Alamos, each destination offers a unique perspective of the history of the “Land of Enchantment.” Whether enjoying the soothing hot springs of Truth or Consequences or a hike along the Continental Divide Trail in Silver City, New Mexico, offers several options for a summer vacation to remember in 2024.

More in Places

7 Most Inviting Towns in North Carolina

7 Most Idyllic Small Towns in North Dakota

7 Senior-Friendly Towns in the Pacific Coast

6 Senior-Friendly Towns In The Poconos

The Best Small Towns in the Northern United States for a Weekend Retreat

8 Most Inviting Towns in the Colorado Plateau

8 Underappreciated Towns to Visit in Oklahoma

These 10 Towns in New Hampshire Have Beautiful Architecture

John Dunn Shops

Listing Contacts

120 Bent St, Taos, NM 87571

Marketing description.

The John Dunn Shops is the premier investment opportunity located in historic downtown Taos, NM, offered for sale for the only the second time in 41 years.​ This immaculately maintained, lushly landscaped, and tree-shaded outdoor pedestrian shopping area is located adjacent to the historic Taos Plaza and links it with both Bent Street and Camino de la Placita.​ With established long-term tenants, solid income, reasonable rents, and low/no vacancy, this unique property is a solid investment poised to take advantage of the continually improving Taos economy.​ Beloved by locals and visitors alike, John Dunn Shops is the community gathering place in the heart of the historic district.​ This rare offering comprises three buildings: The original home of John Dunn, which he built c.​ 1920, is a spacious adobe house with an enclosed porch on three sides.​ It is on the historic register.​ The Dunn family sold it in the late 1960s to a new owner who renovated it to accommodate seven small shops.​ In 2013, it was renovated again with a new roof, traditional plastering, and modern electrical and HVAC systems.​ Two shops have expanded into adjacent spaces; four retail shops and a coffee shop occupy the building today.​ (Building A) John Dunn’s stable faced Taos Plaza on the south-east corner of the property.​ It was converted to a restaurant in the early 1970s and destroyed by a fire in 1983.​ In 1984, a completely new building was built on the site containing seven shops and four second-story offices.​ In 1990, the building was expanded to reach Bent Street with two more shops, a fifth second-story office, and a deli/cafe.​ Due to shop consolidations, the building today contains nine shops, the Deli/Café, and two offices.​ (Building B) On the southwest corner, a new building in 1988 originally housed five shops on the first floor and two residential apartments with balconies above them.​ One shop expanded twice into adjacent spaces, so today there are three shops and two apartments in the building.​ (Building C) Merchants regard the John Dunn Shops as a desirable location for a retail business.​ Retiring merchants have usually sold their businesses to new owners.​ Ten businesses and five owners have been in place for 30 or more years.​ Today, there are 16 retail shops, the deli/cafe, a coffee shop, two office tenants (both of whom are John Dunn merchants), and two residential apartments.​ In warm weather, there are also several seasonal street vendors.​

Investment Highlights

Rare Investment Opportunity in Downtown Historic District of Taos, New Mexico | Adjacent to Taos Plaza

Comprised of 20+ Unique Shops, Galleries, and Restaurants in Three Separate Buildings Centered Around a Beautifully Landscaped Pedestrian Walkway

The John Dunn House is on the State Historic Register

100% Occupied | 87% of the Gross Leasable Area has Triple-Net Leases

Diverse Tenant Base with Long-Term, Established Tenants | 10+ of the Tenants Have Been in Place for 30 or More Years 

Extremely High Historical Occupancy Levels | Landlord States There Have Been No Vacancies Since Ownership Except for the Occasional Month Between Tenants for Renovations 

Includes Two Second-Story Apartments with Balconies | Both Units Remodeled in 2023 with New Appliances, Cabinets, Fixtures, Saltillo Tile Flooring, HVAC Units, and More

Located in Taos Historic District Within a Five-Minute Walk to Six Museums | Near Many Hotels, Galleries, Historical Attractions, Restaurants, and Retail Shops

Taos is a Popular Destination for Artists, Historians, and Outdoor Enthusiasts | Home to Taos Art Colony and 80+ Galleries, Many Within a Five-Minute Walk of John Dunn Shops

Home to Taos Pueblo, the Only Living Native American Community Designated both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark | Continuously Inhabited for More Than 1,000 Years

Close Proximity to Taos Ski Valley | First Certified B Corp Ski Resort in the World for Meeting High Standards of Social and Environmental Performance | 260,000+ Visitors per Year

Outdoor Enthusiasts Enjoy Easy Access to the National Forest, Wild Rivers Wilderness Area, and the Rio Grande River for Rafting, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Fishing, Hiking and Camping

Newly Renovated Airport with Direct Flights to Major Cities Including Dallas, TX; Austin, TX; Burbank, CA; and Carlsbad, CA | Plans to Add Direct Service to Denver, CO

Valuation Calculator

Valuation metrics, login or sign up to see valuation metrics, sign up for crexi to see valuation metrics for this property, broker/agent of record, due diligence.

Due diligence information will be provided. Please reach out to the listing contacts for details.

Similar Properties for Sale

120 W Plaza Taos, NM 87571

120 w plaza taos, nm 87571 taos, nm 87571.

101 E Herdner Rd

101 e herdner taos, nm 87571.

Mondo Italiano

832 paseo del pueblo sur taos, nm 87571.

O'Reilly Auto Parts

1336 paseo del pueblo sur taos, nm 87571.

4138 & 4140 NM HWY 68

4138 & 4140 nm hwy 68 ranchos de taos, nm 87557.

9 Nm Sr 150

9 nm sr 150 el prado, nm 87529.

3431 Mountain View Blvd

3431 mountain view blvd angel fire, nm 87710.

Family Dollar | New Mexico | RTS Ratio of 4.86%

15052 nm-75 peñasco, nm 87553.

105 E Main St, Red River, NM 87558

105 e main st red river, nm 87558.

Family Dollar Portfolio

2 locations.

Standalone QSR with Drive-Thru

601 silkey way española, nm 87532, demographic insights, broker information.