Taos New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Taos, New Mexico.
1. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
BREATHTAKING CANYON VISTAS
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge spans the Rio Grande River, presenting spectacular canyon vistas over a landscape scarred by ancient volcanic activity and water erosion. Visitors can enjoy the pedestrian walkway for panoramic views and explore the local crafts available nearby. The bridge has appeared in several Hollywood films, including Natural Born Killers, Wild Hogs, and Terminator Salvation.
2. Taos Pueblo
ANCIENT LIVING COMMUNITY
Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, with a detailed oral history dating back long before Columbus. Visitors can take tours to learn about the rich history, attend ceremonies, and shop at individually owned curio shops featuring mica-flecked pottery, silver jewelry, and works by contemporary Pueblo fine artists.
3. High Road to Taos
SCENIC HISTORIC DRIVE
The High Road to Taos is a scenic drive through captivating landscapes, historic churches, and charming towns. Travelers can enjoy the changing foliage, diverse rock formations, and numerous opportunities for photography along the route. The journey showcases the rich cultural heritage of northern New Mexico through its picturesque villages and historic sites.
4. Enchanted Circle Drive
MOUNTAIN LOOP ADVENTURE
Enchanted Circle Drive offers a scenic route through evergreen landscapes and snow-capped peaks surrounding Taos. The drive includes stops at quaint towns and points of historical interest, including a notable veterans' memorial. Visitors can experience the changing seasons, from summer wildflowers to brilliant fall colors to winter snowscapes, making it a year-round attraction.
5. San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church
ICONIC ADOBE ARCHITECTURE
San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church features a serene courtyard, iconic adobe architecture, and an interior rich in religious art and Native American symbolism. The historic mission church represents the Spanish colonial influence in the region and has been the subject of numerous paintings and photographs. Nearby galleries and dining options enhance the visitor experience and provide a glimpse into the local culture.
6. Millicent Rogers Museum
SOUTHWEST ART TREASURE
The Millicent Rogers Museum showcases an extensive collection of Southwest art and crafts across 14 galleries. Visitors can explore pottery, textiles, and Native American jewelry that highlight the regional history and culture. The museum preserves the legacy of Millicent Rogers, a fashion icon and collector who embraced and promoted Southwestern artistic traditions.
7. Williams Lake
ALPINE RECREATION DESTINATION
Williams Lake offers visitors a beautiful alpine setting for outdoor recreation against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lake is accessible via a scenic hiking trail that winds through forests and meadows, providing spectacular views along the way. In winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland popular with cross-country skiers and snowshoers seeking pristine mountain scenery.
8. Taos Plaza
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Taos Plaza is a quaint central square with a European vibe that serves as the heart of Taos' historic district. The plaza is home to diverse shops and local artisan artwork, inviting visitors to experience the town's unique character and southwestern charm. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere and dining while exploring the nearby galleries and cafes that showcase the region's artistic heritage.
9. Kit Carson Home and Museum
FRONTIER HISTORY PRESERVED
The Kit Carson Home and Museum displays the life of the famous frontiersman through period artifacts and informative exhibits. Visitors can watch a short film about Carson's controversial legacy and explore the preserved home that offers insight into 19th-century life in the American West. The museum provides brochures and educational materials that detail Carson's role in westward expansion and his complex relationships with Native American tribes.
10. Taos Earthships
SUSTAINABLE LIVING COMMUNITY
Taos Earthships is a unique community of sustainable, off-grid homes built primarily from recycled materials like tires and bottles. These innovative structures harvest their own water, produce their own electricity, and maintain comfortable temperatures naturally through passive solar design. Visitors can tour the visitor center to learn about the principles of Earthship construction and even stay overnight in a fully-functioning Earthship to experience this alternative lifestyle firsthand.
11. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
WILD RIVER LANDSCAPES
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument encompasses 242,500 acres of dramatic landscapes where the Rio Grande carves an 800-foot deep gorge through the plains. The monument offers exceptional opportunities for rafting, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing in a pristine natural setting. Visitors can experience diverse ecosystems ranging from sagebrush plateaus to volcanic cones, with the Wild Rivers Recreation Area providing some of the most spectacular vistas in northern New Mexico.
12. Taos Ski Valley
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN SLOPES
Taos Ski Valley offers world-class skiing and snowboarding on challenging terrain set against the stunning backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The resort is known for its steep chutes, mogul runs, and powder stashes that attract advanced skiers, while also providing terrain suitable for beginners and intermediates. In summer, the valley transforms into a hiking and mountain biking destination with wildflower-filled meadows and cool alpine temperatures.
13. The Harwood Museum of Art
TAOS ART TRADITION
The Harwood Museum of Art houses a significant collection of works by Taos artists from the early 20th century to contemporary times. The museum celebrates the unique artistic heritage of Taos as a center for modernist painting and the meeting of Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo traditions. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions in a beautiful historic building that itself represents the adobe architectural style characteristic of northern New Mexico.
14. Orlando's New Mexican Cafe
AUTHENTIC REGIONAL CUISINE
Orlando's New Mexican Cafe serves beloved traditional New Mexican dishes prepared with recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant is known for its flavorful chile sauces, hearty combination plates, and relaxed patio dining experience surrounded by colorful decor. Local favorites include blue corn enchiladas, carne adovada, and sopapillas drizzled with honey for dessert.
15. Twirl Toystore and Playspace
UNIQUE FAMILY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Twirl Toystore and Playspace combines a thoughtfully curated toy shop with an innovative outdoor play area for children in the heart of Taos. The store features educational toys, books, and creative materials that reflect the multicultural heritage of the region. Families can enjoy the adjacent playspace featuring interactive art installations, climbing structures, and a community garden that hosts regular events for local children.