15 Best & Fun Things To Do In Taos (New Mexico) 

Being one of the oldest cities in the United States, Taos is known for its unprecedented, magnificent, and beautiful attractions.

With less than a five-hour drive away from Ruidoso, this city is rich in history, incredible art collections, and several other appealing national parks.

Taos is a resort town that’s located along the valley of the Rio Grande. So, you’re sure of having the most pleasing atmosphere in this destination all year round.

If you’re still uncertain of where to check out upon your arrival in Taos, do not worry, you’ve landed on the right post!

Taos, as well as the state of New Mexico as a whole, is fraught with fascinating things that are sure to give you the best vacationing experience like ever before.

With so many fun moments to be enjoyed in Taos, it’s no wonder this city is a premier vacation destination in the northeastern states.

So, carefully check out some of the exciting attractions you may visit upon your arrival in Taos, New Mexico!

Things To Do In Taos

1. Hardwood Museum Of Art In Taos

The Harwood Museum of Art is one of the best-reserved secrets that’s making visitors troop to Taos on a daily basis.

Established in 1923 by Harwood Foundation, just as the name suggests, the Harwood Museum of Art is an attraction in Taos that celebrates various works of art.

Being the second oldest art museum in New Mexico, its exhibitions and collections offer a detailed story of arts not only of Taos but of Northern New Mexico and the United States at large.

Aside from the fact that these various works honor the past creative inhabitants in a bid to inspire the contemporary populace, these sculptures also depict some notorious events and various cultures in the United States.

More so, the Harwood Museum of Art has several historic bultos, Santos, crosses, and retablos, including dynamic sculptures by Jose Rafael Aragon and a host of other prominent artists.

Perhaps you might not be exhausted after navigating through its over 1,700 exhibits and nearly 18,000 photographic images, that’ll be great! You can head towards their 95-seat auditorium for an insightful lecture origin and detailed history of these various works.

So, are you ready to discover the influences of Taos art, which has shaped the history of the United States in various ways?

If you would, Harwood Foundation is your next stop during your forthcoming vacation!

Interestingly, being an attraction not for profit, the entrance fee here is so affordable.

There are also large parking spots, but pets are not allowed in this museum.

Address: 238 Ledoux St, Taos, NM 87571, United States

2. The La Hacienda Del Los Martinez

La Hacienda del Los Martinez is an attraction in Taos that’s also known as Martinez Hacienda.

It’s a historic site that was built in 1804 during the Spanish colonial era.

Today, La Hacienda del Los Martinez is a living museum dedicated to honoring the various contributions of the early Hispanic migrants to Taos city.

Particularly, some of the historic exhibits here reflect the life, situations, and events that took place during the Spanish colonial rule.

If you’re so desirous of learning about this era, La Hacienda del Los Martinez has enough exhibits that’ll transport you to this historic period.

Impressively, unlike other sites in the United States, this is one of the few regions with Spanish colonial haciendas & it’s open to travelers all year round!

Aside from these diverse insightful exhibits, this awesome site is also culturally rich.

Hosting the yearly ‘Taos Trade Fair’ in September with the aim of reenacting the Spanish colonial life, La Hacienda del Los Martinez is obviously a rare gem in Taos!

In addition, inside this museum, there is a blacksmith shop! So, it’ll be so meticulous for you to spend a couple of minutes there too.

It’s however quite unfortunate that parking here is tricky because of its little area. Nevertheless, there are restaurants plentiful and a souvenir store.

Whenever your vacationing period will be – winter period or summer, be sure to check out La Hacienda del Los Martinez.

You’ll not only leave happier, you will equally be lost in thoughts because these artifacts are so informative!

Address: 708 Hacienda Rd, Taos, NM 87571, United States

3. Taos Wild Rivers Recreation Area

Wild Rivers Recreation Area is located on the north side of New Mexico, just about 45 minutes drive away from Taos.

If you’re in Taos and you’ll be restricted with where to explore, this is a site worth checking out.

Right when you arrive at this pleasurable attraction, you’ll be received well at their visitor’s center before furthering your adventurous activities.

Amongst its lots of amenities that’ll be worth your time during your sightseeing tour here include; a 13-mile backcountry byway, picnic area, five campgrounds, and trail facilities.

No matter your interest, you’ll have an immersive, engaging, and fun adventure in this attraction near Taos!

Besides, you will have access to explore their wildlife region, which is pretty loaded with several animals.

The wildlife in this recreational attraction includes red-tail hawks, mountain bluebirds, prairie dogs, mule deer, and several other animals.

In fact, during your visitation, if fishing and boating are your favorite recreational activity, there’s no limit to how much you’ll enjoy doing that here!

Kayaking, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing activities are also a big blow as to why travelers kept visiting here over the years.

The best part of this recreational site is that, despite its numerous recreational activities, the admission fee here is relatively low!

Even at that, it’s open all year round. That suggests that regardless of the season you’ll be in Taos, you’re sure to find something entertaining here!

So, what’ll stop you from checking this fun place out during your next summer vacation to New Mexico?

Don’t bow to excuses! Nothing is good enough to deprive your enjoyment! Certainly, visiting here will definitely be worth it!

Address: 708 Hacienda Rd, Taos, NM 87571, United States

4. D. H. Lawrence Ranch, Taos

The more you try out something new, the newer experience you will gain!

So, are you ready to try out something new so that you can learn something new when?

Obviously, you would! After all, whether you’re thirty or eighty, if you stop learning, you’re an old man!

D. H. Lawrence Ranch is one of the few sites in Taos where you’ll learn so many unique things that are sure to give you a newer vacationing experience.

Essentially, this landmark is a 160-acre property that was originally named Kiowa Ranch.

Shortly after it was built in 1891, a popular novelist of that period, D. H. Lawrence acquired it and subsequently turned it into his residence.

Today, due to the uniqueness of this area, it has turned into a point of interest attractive to travelers of various interests even beyond the state of New Mexico.

This wonderful place has lots of informative materials illustrating the history of this great novelist.

Aside from its historical relevance, there are horses on-site if you’d prefer to ride some in its scenic region.

It’s a free attraction, the caretakers are very welcoming & friendly, and it’s open all year round!

Although out of the 7 days a week, this location is only open to visitors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

So, if you’re in Taos on any of these days, an extension of your trip to D. H. Lawrence Ranch will surely suffice!

Address: 506 D. H. Lawrence Ranch Rd, Taos, San Cristobal, NM 87564, United States

5. Kit Carson Park

If you want an all-inclusive attraction where you will not only have an enjoyable moment but also where your kids will equally enjoy every time spent, consider checking out Kit Carson Park!

Kit Carson Park is a public attraction that’s known for its various sporting activities, and it also has a large kids’ playground.

Different from that, this pleasurable site boasts of a large picnic area, and it’s fogged-friendly, unlike other parks in Taos metropolitan.

Opening every day between 6 am to 8 pm, this 19-acre attraction, despite its existence for the past 150 years, has something fun for everyone.

While it’s obvious that you will have plentiful fun here, note that the admission fee is so flexible.

In fact, there is a gift store right on site and a host of photographers available will not do less to make your adventurous trip to this lovely place symbolic.

Leased dogs are equally allowed in this all-inclusive attraction.

Kids are certain of the best, adults are confident of having a blast, and even pets are sure to have enough moments of enjoyment. What a rare gem!

Remember, even if you acquire the most expensive candy for your kids, it’ll not be as great as making their holiday vacation enjoyable.

No doubt, if you’re traveling around New Mexico, you and your entire family will have a blast here!

Address: 211 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571, United States

6. Blumenschein Home & Museum

As distinct from other attractions above, Blumenschein Home & Museum is an art gallery and a historic house in Taos.

Located at Ledoux Street, this insightful area is the home to Ernest Blumenschein, who was a painter.

Ever since its establishment in 1832, it hasn’t stopped to preserve its relevance through various changing exhibits.

Little wonder it was declared in 1965 as one of the most historic and insightful attractions in the United States!

Today, Blumenschein Home & Museum features collections of artworks by several famous Taos artists as well as beautiful Spanish and European Colonial-style antiques.

Although, not a large site like other historic areas in Taos. Nevertheless, the exhibits in this building are enough to make your trip so memorable.

Take note that, while its operation period on Sunday is between 12 pm to 5 pm, on other days of the week, this location is accessible by all travelers between 10 am through 5 pm.

If you’re on a sightseeing tour to Taos and Blumenschein Home & Museum is missing from your bucket list, it suggests you’ll be leaving something priceless unexplored!

So, don’t be hesitant to check out this great site. An hour or two of exploring here will suffice!

Address: 222 Ledoux St, Taos, NM 87571, United States

7. Taos Black Mesa Winery

If you’re embarking on a vacation, one of the three basic things to consider is your budget.

While what you’ll enjoy, and what you may learn, comes second and third, respectively.

As evident above, there are a lot of things to be learned from these various attractions above.

On a similar note, some of these sites are cheap while others are even free attractions.

What you should then fill in your itinerary is an attraction where you will enjoy yourself after taking so much time to learn.

Interestingly, more than what you’ll expect, Black Mesa Winery offers impressive selections of wine and beers.

An unquantifiable feature of this amazing place is that its wines are made from New Mexican grapes.

In tandem with that, to ensure the highest standard in the cider and wine-making processes here, Black Mesa Winery’s apples and grapes are hand harvested.

Whether you’re embarking on a solo vacation or a holiday trip, stopping by this tasting room for a nice wine would be so great.

Different from a local winery store elsewhere, this is simply a boutique winery!

If you’re in Taos, don’t miss out on this enjoyable spot!

Bear in mind that the hours of its operation are between 11 am to 6 pm all year round!

Address: 241 Ledoux St, Taos, NM 87571, United States

8. Taos Visitor Center

Drawn by welcoming air and great views, the Taos Visitor Center is rich with informative materials relating to the traditions of Taos, fine arts, and lots of souvenirs.

If you’re in Taos, don’t constitute an exception to the proportion of travelers coming to this tourist information center.

Of course, those who seek direction can never get anything wrong!

Tour guides from diverse areas of specialization are on site to give you accurate and precise information about attractions that you’d love to explore during your sightseeing tour in this lovely city.

In fact, their eagerness to answer questions is quite impressive and starting your tour here wouldn’t be a wrong decision.

Don’t miss it; Taos is a creative inspiration city and a destination with an abundance of outdoor recreation. But then, if your itinerary isn’t properly fixed, you may likely spend more than what you should ordinarily spend on vacationing here.

Upon your arrival in Taos, endeavor to visit the Taos Visitor Center for a perfect fit for your itinerary.

The admission fee here is absolutely free, and it’s not in operation on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.

Meanwhile, on other days of the week, the hours of its operation are between 10 am and 5 pm.

Address: 1139 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571, United States

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9. Taos Farmers’ Market

Do you intend to visit Taos during the weekend?

If your period of visitation to this city of New Mexico falls on a weekend, especially on a Saturday, Taos Farmers’ Market should have a better place in your itinerary.

Known as the most diverse public market in New Mexico, the balance in this area is just great!

From homemade items to entertainment to chocolates and fresh farm products, you can never be out of options in this market.

Come for the culture, come for good, and come for adventure. Taos Farmers’ Market will make your weekend fun like never before!

In fact, if your visitation period to this downtown doesn’t fall on a Saturday, this market square is more reason why you need to consider rescheduling.

After all, growth, learning, and adventure involve sacrifices!

Note, Taos Farmers’ Market closes at 12 pm on Saturday, which is its only operating day in the week.

Address: 400 Cam De La Placita, Taos, NM 87571, United States

10. Taos Mountain Casino

If you’re ready for fun, Mountain Casino has plenty of real fun for you!

Stationed along Taos Pueblo in the downtown city of New Mexico, with its exciting Slot machines, Taos Mountain Casino is a paradise on earth for every lover of casinos.

Here, you can play hundreds of slot machines, including nickel, penny, dollar, quarter, or five-dollar slots.

Similar to that, this gaming house also features a large selection of video slots game including keno and poker.

In fact, you can enjoy yourself playing from the large multi-denominational slots, in-house jackpot slots, or its multi-state progressives.

Whichever your selection would be, it’s always fun and if you’re lucky, you’ll win so big!

The most impressive part is that the Taos Mountain Casino is so good at slot service, which suggests that no visitor would be waiting for payouts.

It’s not only fun to be here, there are zero manipulations in their games!

If you’re tired of the impersonal, sprawling, and smoke-filled Santa Fe, when next you’re in Taos, give the gaming center a try, you’ll find out while it’s referred to as ‘New Mexico’s premier gaming center’.

Do note that this entertaining house is a nonsmoking gaming center!

Address: 700 Veterans Hwy, Taos, NM 87571, United States

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11. John Dunn Shops

Shopping is just not about buying yourself amazing items, but it is equally a way to show yourself the self-love you deserve.

Other than that, it’s just the only activity that’ll transcend your experience to the future period!

Of course, you may forget your vacation experience as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, merely seeing items you bought while on exploration will remind you of those memorable moments.

Therefore, do you care to do some shopping at one of the most interesting destinations in New Mexico during your subsequent vacation here?

If you will answer in the affirmative, John Dunn Shops offers everything you’ll want to get!

From souvenirs to ceramics and artworks, you will definitely have your perfect selections here!

Besides, in this area, if you want some patio dining suitable for an afternoon lunch, you’ll be amazed at what you will see here.

While being here, you can sit on one of the several benches outside in the little garden and sip a smoothie or a cappuccino while meeting local merchants and listening to good music.

Be expectant, all the merchants are friendly and the prices of goods here are so affordable.

As against what’s obtainable in other shopping centers, no matter the day of the week, John Dunn Shops is always in operation!

Address: 120-124 Bent St, Taos, NM 87571, United States

12. Maison Faurie On The Plaza

Music gives a soul to the whole universe, but nothing can appear as special to antiquity lovers as ‘some beautiful antiques.

If you’ll be in Taos in months to come, whether for a solo adventure or a short trip, you’re so lucky!

This is because your antique treasure hunting is a sure deal with Maison Faurie On the Plaza!

Being serving the New Mexico area since its establishment, this little store has a wilder collection of antiquities of various shapes and structures.

From art posters to old medical instruments, to silver, and various paintings, you can’t be wrong to come to this wonderful site!

In fact, the antique here are very cheap and the conduct of vendors is totally pleasing.

There are also lots of parking spaces in this awesome destination except for the fact that it’s not kids friendly.

If you love antiquities, no matter what, this location should be on your travel list if you’re on a trip to Taos.

With much certainty, you’ll return with loads of positive reviews after your forthcoming trip here!

Address: 1 McCarthy Plz, Taos, NM 87571, United States

13. Geraint Smith Photography

If you’re a photographer or you pick an interest in photography and would love to improve your skills, Geraint Smith Photography is for you!

Geraint Smith Photography provides all-year-round photo workshops and adventures in a variety of locations in Taos, which is aimed at improving travelers’ photography skills.

Impressively, all the tours with these amazing experts here are designed for photographers of varying skill levels, which is so great.

If you’re after a hands-on guided experience that’ll improve your photography portfolio, no doubt, Geraint Smith Photography is where you should be!

Smith, who’s the director of this initiative geared experience spanning several years, and his level of professionalism is just so high, you will be glad to be here!

Even at that, this unique tour is so affordable!

So, why not come here and try out something new instead of repeating your old vacationing routine?

Definitely, a visit here will be worth it!

Remember, you shouldn’t be afraid to try out something new. This is because life gets more boring when you stay within the limits of what you already know!

Address: Geraint Smith Photography, Taos, United States

14. Anaconda Bar

Anaconda Bar is aptly known by locals and travelers as an upscale lounge in Taos.

If you’re so desirous of having something nice to fill your stomach during your vacation period in Taos, you need to be here!

Known for its larger quantity of tasty wines, custom craft cocktails, and libations, Anaconda Bar is a one-stop destination for all foodies journeying through Taos!

In fact, the live band and music will make you feel you’re at home if you’re here!

Although, the offerings here seem pricey, but then, the quantity of why you’ll get commensurate with the pricing.

If you’re so curious about enjoying yourself, no matter this little shortfall, consider checking out Anaconda Bar anytime you’re traveling near New Mexico!

Address: 317 Kit Carson Rd, Taos, NM 87571, United States

15. Eske’s Paradise Balloons

Do you want your kids to have an amazing holiday vacation like never before?

If your topmost priority is to ensure that your kids have the best out of their sightseeing tour during their forthcoming vacation, Eske’s Paradise Balloons will come to your rescue!

Just five miles away from Taos, Eske’s Paradise Balloons is an all-inclusive fun area providing balloon ride tours for visitors of various interests.

Since 1991, this lovely place has been remarkable for its adventurous activities, which are so evident through the various local and international awards it has received in recent years.

The best part is that riding through this initiative isn’t only fun, but it’s equally totally affordable!

Even at that, you’re sure of being in the safe hand. This is because all the tour guides are so knowledgeable and specialists when it comes to balloon rides.

In fact, during the tour, these sets of friendly staff will narrate a series of interesting stories about this city.

Eske’s Paradise Balloons is overall a pleasurable place you’ll never regret including on your bucket list.

If you oblige, it’s sure you and your entire family will have a blast here!

Address: 31 Reynolds Rd, El Prado, NM 87529, United States

Final Remarks

No doubt, Taos is an awesome city with lots of entertaining attractions.

From historic museums to beautiful parks and award-winning restaurants, there’s no limit to how much you’ll enjoy yourself here.

Whether it’s wintertime or summer period -Taos has a bit of something fun and interesting in all seasons for every traveler.

The most encouraging thing about this city in New Mexico is that, regardless of your budget, you will definitely see an attraction that’ll give you the desired vacation experience you’ll cherish.

So, what are you waiting for?

There should be absolutely nothing!

Stand up, plan your trip well, and don’t forget to narrow down your itinerary using our recommendations herein.

Bear in mind that, there’s no order of priority in our suggestions, they’re all beautiful and fun sites!

While we wish you the safest trip ahead. But, don’t forget to come with your kids and the whole family. This is because Taos has a bit of something fun for visitors of all ages!