With natural beauty and rich culture dating back centuries, Taos is a veritable playground for anyone looking to spend some time in splendor. There are so many unusual things to do in Taos, and in New Mexico as a whole!
I visited Taos on a road trip around New Mexico, which included stops in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, White Sands National Park, the Bisti Badlands, and even a stay at an off-grid Earthship.
These were my favorite finds in the city!
Unique Things To Do In Taos
Wander around Downtown Taos Historic District
This is where locals and visitors alike come together to shop, eat, and browse the galleries. As popular as it is, it is definitely not touristy, but a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. A few good shops are the Touchstone Gallery, Chokola, and At Home in Taos.
South Boundary Trail
Just outside of town is the 25-mile-long trail for both hikers and bikers. Make your invigorating walk as long or as short as you like in a serene and picturesque environment.
Visit Taos Pueblo
This ancient attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site is located just outside of town, and Puebloan ancestors have lived here for millennium. View the multi-storied adobe homes that have stood for hundreds of years. Tribal members will lead you on a tour of the village.
Photo op at Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Traverse this bridge for unforgettable views into a 650-foot crevasse, with the Rio Grande flowing far below. In the summer and early fall, you can go river rafting, in either calm or rapid waters, with half and full-day excursions available.
Where To Eat And Drink In Taos
Eat at Common Fire. An authentic, down-home southwest culinary experience, led by chef Andy Lynch. They make bread daily via a hearth and pair it with delicious comfort food, best eaten outside on their patio.
Coffee/Tea at the Coffee Apothecary and tea.o.graphy. You cannot go wrong with a good coffee or tea shop, and Taos has no shortage of them. The Coffee Apothecary serves locally-grown, house-made lavender syrup for their tasty lavender lattes. And tea.o.graphy has so many aromatic loose leaf teas that you will no doubt want to take a bag home with you.
Where To Stay In Taos
Stay in an Earthship. Architect Michael Reynolds set out to build an organic, sustainable house back in the 1970s, made of material indigenous to the area. What resulted is now Earthship. Take a self-guided tour to learn about this magnificent house. Then stay here overnight so you too can learn to live off the grid in a beautiful setting near the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Taos Inn or El Monte Sagrado. Since 1936, the Taos Inn offers historic style and charm, with cozy accommodations in a traditional adobe building. Or if it’s a more luxurious setting you’re after, lay your head at the 4-star El Monte Sagrado. This property is ensconced in tradition and natural beauty, with a renowned spa in an oasis-like setting.
Adobe Bar at The Historic Taos Inn. Whether or not you are staying at the Taos Inn, do try to hit their fantastic bar! It’s a good place for solo dining or a drink. Want a margarita? Then definitely get the Cowboy Buddha here at this one-of-a-kind establishment. And what could be better than nightly live music?
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