Taos, NM is a small community in Northern New Mexico. There are fewer than 10,000 full time residents, but the town feels much larger. It is tucked at almost 7,000 ft of elevation in the Sangre de Christo Mountains and is surrounded by the mountains on all sides. We only spent three days in Taos, but we absolutely loved our time there and can’t wait to return. If you visit, here are five things you must do in Taos.
1. Experience the Taos Plaza: The Plaza has been the center of Taos since 1796, and the current buildings date back to the 1930s. The Plaza area is surrounded by many art galleries filled with stunning art, numerous local shops, and plenty of history to learn. You can spend a short time or many hours wandering in and out of shops and galleries in The Plaza
Bonus! We did a super fun scavenger hunt from Creative Soul Scavenger Hunts. This was a great way to explore all around the Plaza, chat with locals, and learn a ton about Taos history. We would totally recommend it!
Two photos from our scavenger hunt and one of many cool art pieces in the Plaza
2. Take in the views at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge: One of the most popular things to do in Taos is free. Park at the rest area on the west side of the bridge and the walk across the bridge, taking in the gorgeous scenery. The bridge is still a busy highway and cars will speed by you as you walk, so if you are nervous around heights, you may want to take in the view of the bridge from the rest area instead of walking across.
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
3. Visit the Taos Pueblo: The Taos Pueblo is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the US. People have lived in the adobe structures for over 1,000 years. Admission is $16 per person and you can do a self-guided tour or join one of the free guided tours that happen every 20-30 minutes. Consider purchasing art from one of the artists who make their home in the Pueblo or enjoy a fry bread taco for lunch!
Taos Pueblo
4. Imagine a more sustainable future at the Taos Earthships: Just outside of Taos, you will find more than 600 acres and almost 100 fully off the grid, sustainable homes, called Earthships by their creator. You can visit and tour the Earthship visitor center, which is for educational purposes. Self-guided tours are $8 per person and are available from 10:00 am-4:00 pm daily. A guided tour is available at 3:30 pm and is $20 per person.
The exterior and interior of an Earthship
5. Eat Christmas Chile: In New Mexico the question, “Red, Green, or Christmas?” has nothing to do with the December holiday and everything to do with how you like to eat your chile! You may find yourself with a preference for either red or green, but the best way to experience this New Mexico culinary tradition is to get some of each, ie Christmas style. The best places to try this dish in Taos are: Orlando’s, Michael’s Kitchen, La Cueva Cafe, or Guadalajara Grill.
Red and green chile from Guadalajara Grill
Foodie Bonuses!
You already know we love food, and we put eating Christmas Chile in our list of must do Taos activities. But here are a few other foodie finds in Taos if you love food the way we do!
Best Sweet Treat: Handmade chocolate truffles from bean to bar chocolatier Chokla Bean to Bar
Best Mexican Mocha: Get a spicy Mocha Picante or a sweet Mocha Mexicana from World Cup Cafe and start your day off right
Best Craft Cocktail: Try a flight of local distilled vodka or whiskey from The Lounge at Rolling Still Distillery if you can’t decide what you want to drink or try one of their many handcrafted cocktails featuring their spirits. If you like what you’re drinking, you can buy a bottle of 4 cocktails to go. They also feature live music on the patio every Tuesday and Thursday night.
Chocolate truffles from Chokola, a Picante and Mexican Mocha from World Cup Cafe, Summer Lovin' and Easy Rider cocktails from The Lounge at Rolling Still Distillery
We definitely think Taos should be on your travel bucket list. What would be on your list of activities to do in Taos? Tell us in the comments?
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