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Taos is a prominent town of 6,000 people (2018) in North Central New Mexico. While much more laid-back than Santa Fe, Taos has become a popular travel destination in its own right, noted for its art colony, its New Age community, excellent skiing, and Taos Pueblo, a photogenic American Indian community that is open to visitors under controlled conditions.
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The Taos home of Kit Carson, a 19th-century frontiersman, Indian agent, and Army officer who played a prominent role in the Indian Wars. The house has been lovingly preserved, with artifacts from Carson's life and period furnishings illustrating frontier life in Taos, including one room done up to look like a frontier trading post.
The former home of Governor Bent, the first Governor of New Mexico when it was territorial United States, who was killed here in a raid by angry residents who objected to American rule. This small museum has some artifacts from the uprising, as well as some works from local artists.
A lovely, shaded public park with fields, trails, a playground, and a cemetery with the graves of Kit Carson, his family, and other notable Taos citizens.
Located in the former home and studio of Russian born artist Nicolai Fechin, the Taos Art Museum has works from famous Taos artists, most notably a collection of paintings from the Taos Society of Artists from the early 20th century, of which Fechin was a member. The building is a wonderful example of Southwestern adobe architecture, with interesting ornamentation and examples of Fechin's own handcrafted furniture, and the collection offers a good insight into the work of the artists who brought artistic renown to Taos.
The former home of Ernest L. Blumenschein, who became captivated by the scenery in Taos when he and a friend were traveling through and a wagon accident forced them to stay in Taos. Blumenschein told other artists of the beautiful scenery and returned to Taos, where he helped create the Taos Art Colony. Today, you'll find the home furnished with many of Blumenschein's original belongings and paintings.
A vast collection from Taos artists dating from the 18th to the 20th century, with particular focus on Hispanic artistic traditions and paintings from the Taos Society of Artists.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the Americas, Taos is the northernmost of the New Mexico Pueblos and the most iconic, with two large adobe structures that are around 1,000 years old. A large plaza sits between the two structures, with a small creek running through the middle. While most inhabitants of the pueblo live in modern housing on the outskirts of the reservation, there are still a sizable number who live at least part time in the historic village and keep the traditional ways alive; Guided tours take visitors around a portion of the village, including into the San Geronimo Chapel and past the ruins of the old church, both on the grounds of the pueblo, with the guide explaining some of the history and culture of the pueblo, and how the pueblo operates in the present day. For anyone interested in learning about Native American culture, the tour is a very rewarding experience. Snacks and handmade wares are available from some curio shops run by local artisans in the village, with moccasins, boots, drums, mica-flecked pottery and silver jewelry being specialties; Photography and sketching is strictly regulated, with a separate fee required. Don't photograph residents without permission, and don't enter doors or homes that are not clearly marked as businesses. The pueblo also operates a small casino near the entrance to the historic village, which is mainly notable for being entirely non-smoking.
One of the few existing Spanish Colonial haciendas, or "Great Houses", you can take a self-guided tour of this wonderful old place, with its numerous rooms surrounding two courtyards. Besides being a good representation of architecture from the time, the numerous examples of period furnishings and interesting artifacts such as wagons, a recreated blacksmith shop, a collection of religious art, and a weaving room give you a sense of what frontier life was like here in the early 19th century.
Famed artist Millicent Rogers lived here in Taos and amassed a huge collection of Southwestern art, and this superb museum continues her legacy. The museum is particularly noted for its jewelry collection, assembled and worn by Millicent Rogers, which represents all the major Native American jewelry traditions. However, you'll also find excellent examples of other Native American art, including a collection of Native pottery (with a set of pots from noted Pueblo potter Maria Martinez), textiles and baskets, as well as a collection of Spanish Colonial furniture, tinwork, blankets, and religious art.
An incredibly photogenic example of the churches founded in New Mexico during the Spanish mission period. It's a short drive from Downtown Taos on New Mexico 68 and close enough to the highway that you won't have to spend more than 15 minutes getting to and from it if you want to settle for a quick visit. For serious photography and painting, you may have to join a crowd of other aspiring artists. Tours of the interior are available except around times of worship services.
A major downhill ski locale, usually with the best snow in New Mexico if not the entire Southwest. The slopes usually open on Thanksgiving weekend and close in early April, although early season snow can be sparse and spring conditions slushy. This is a challenging hill, and beginners may feel more comfortable on one of the nearby areas listed under "Go next," but the expert skier can have a fantastic time here. One caution: there is Nordic (cross-country) skiing up-valley from the downhill area, but the valley is prone to avalanches, and Nordic skiers have died there. If the locals warn you against skiing (downhill or Nordic) outside the safe areas due to avalanche hazard, take them seriously.
Also runs trips on the Rio Chama and Colorado's Arkansas River.
Takes place in mid-late July and is a major community celebration centered on the Taos Plaza, with lots of food, music, and parades.
One of the largest arts festivals in the area, it takes place over the last week of September, with art shows, craft fairs, music, and installations throughout Downtown Taos.
A fun event that takes place annually on the first weekend of October that brings together the many weavers and sheep and alpaca growers in the region. Besides the numerous booths that sell handmade weavings, fiber, yarns and wool, there are also demonstrations of sheep shearing, wool dyeing, and food stands selling locally grown lamb.
Near the plaza, as much bar as restaurant. "Delicious fish and chips, margaritas" according to some reviewers; barely edible tourist fare, according to others.
More of a local hangout than a tourist place, being well south of the center of town. Acceptable New Mexican fare, with some "American" items.
A long-time local favorite, casual and busy. Great for breakfast, which is served all day. The New Mexican lunches are variable. Also has a nice bakery.
Locals are divided about this pizzeria, some proclaiming it the best pizza in town, others sniffing that it doesn't serve "New York style" pizzas. Each to their own taste.
"European-style," beautiful patio dining and yes, it rocks. Excellent menu selections, wonderful sandwiches, accommodating and gracious waitstaff. Licensed, with a good selection of beers. A local favorite, popular with visitors and regulars alike. Great for people-watching. On the pricey side of "budget".
The menu combines "New Mexican" with "old" Mexican.
Grilled sandwiches and panninis, fresh salads, sides, desserts, beer & wine.
Overlooking the Plaza. A large dining room, a large patio with intense late afternoon sun and prime sunset dining. A moderately priced menu with quality preparation. A large bar with a good selection of wine, draft and bottled beer.
Order at the counter, which will give you an uncomfortable feeling that you're about to consume fast food, but the meal brought to your table will dispel any such concerns. Mexican/New Mexican, with some excellent seafood dishes; the Camaron a la Diabla (shrimp in a very spicy red sauce) is recommended.
Locals disagree on where in town you can get the best standard New Mexican cuisine, but this one is always in the discussion. North of the center of town, and not a convenient walk from the Plaza.
Serves New York style pizza, pasta, sandwiches, appetizers, such as blue corn calamari and fish & chips, and delicious salads. Beautiful views from the patio.
Exclusive Chef Zippy White, selections from the spectacular wine list of 400. Excellent seasonal menu additions and desserts. American cuisine with a Southwest twist; breakfasts are also creative. Renowned for the chile rellenos appetizer. The inn has a garden for fresh and organic ingredients. Live music in the adjacent Adobe Bar nightly.
Nice Peruvian selections like ceviche and paella here.
Bills itself as "the Living Room of Taos," and with good reason; passersby wander into this comfortable watering hole (half in the hotel's lobby, half on the sidewalk) as though it's home away from home. Live entertainment every evening is complimentary- open mike on most Mondays. Excellent magarita and wine list.
Offers "guest beers" from other microbreweries as well as their own selection, including "Green Chile Beer". Also acceptable meals (generally "American").
A cozy, sociable hostel in the style of a ski lodge. They offer dorms, rooms, teepees, and tiny cabins. Guests can pay a nominal fee to use vegetables from the garden, and staff will occasionally cook for donations. The town of Arroyo Seco is hitchhiker friendly, and it's easy to catch a ride into Taos and back just south of the hostel.
A typical Super 8, generic rather than colorful, but OK for a night's sleep. South of the downtown area and a bit too far to walk, but satisfactory restaurants are nearby.
Friendly place, nicely landscaped with privacy fences and shelters at most of the tent sites.
Comfortable "Taos-style" and convenient, with several restaurants nearby despite its location south of the main tourist areas. A minor downside: Access to some rooms can be exposed and slippery during periods of bad winter weather. Don't let that stop you from staying there, but if your mobility is impaired, tell the helpful staff when you make your reservations.
Another satisfactory hotel in the downtown area. A tip: try to avoid rooms 283 to 286, which have problems with noise from the busy road in front of the hotel; the other rooms there are considerably quieter. How many small-town roadside hotels/motor lodges have you stayed in that have a Frederic Remington statue out front? This one does.
Features a 1950s-style neon sign out front; this is a very comfortable and nicely renovated hotel right in the middle of the tourist attractions, a great base camp for exploring the town. The restaurant (Doc Martin's) and bar (Adobe Bar) are popular with visitors and locals alike.
This hotel is on the plaza and has Joseph's Table on site which provides fine dining in the heart of Taos. This boutique hotel has history, art, and beautiful suites.
Historic adobe bed and breakfast near the plaza. Very nicely decorated rooms.
Lodging at Taos Ski Valley value-per-dollar is respective to the accommodation's proximity to the ski runs, but the Alpine Village is right at the foot of the runs, is reasonably priced, has large and comfortable rooms, and stays open in the summer.
A historic compound which has been restored as a vacation rental near the center of town. The half-acre compound consists of the Taos Territorial, the Chicken Coop and the Historic Wagner A and Wagner B Casita's, hand painted by local artist Jim Wagner.
Features a central swimming pool and hot tub.
A charming 200-year-old historic adobe hacienda on 7.5 peaceful, rural acres. This boutique bed-and-breakfast offers authentic Southwestern rooms, beautiful valley views, and a complimentary hot homemade breakfast daily.
formerly Casa de las Chimeneas
Perhaps the best, and most expensive, of a number of B&Bs in the region. Non-smoking rooms only, 2 night minimum.
A resort with luxurious themed suites, a spa, a restaurant & bar, meeting space, and wedding facilities.
By car
Taos is about a two-hour drive north of Santa Fe.
By bus
Faust Transportation (+1 575 758-3410) provides local taxi, regional and airport shuttle, and charter bus service to the North Central NM area. Its airport shuttle is no longer operating.
With little traffic Taos is easy to drive around in, seeing as there is really only one main road stretching from the beginning of town to the end.
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Taos · Regional · TSM
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