Recommendations
Here is list of places we recommend staying at, restaurants to eat at and what else to do while staying in Taos.
Click on the links below to take you directly to a section
Hotels
Charming Southwestern-style hotel offering comfortable accommodations just minutes from Taos Plaza. Known for its adobe architecture and relaxed atmosphere, the property features spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast, and inviting outdoor spaces with mountain views. Its central location provides easy access to local shops, galleries, and outdoor adventures, making it a convenient and welcoming base for exploring northern New Mexico.
Thoughtfully renovated roadside-style hotel blending vintage charm with modern comfort. Located just outside Taos, it offers clean, updated rooms alongside unique stays like suites and retro Airstream accommodations. With a relaxed atmosphere and convenient access to local art, dining, and outdoor recreation, it provides a comfortable and distinctive base for exploring northern New Mexico.
https://www.taosmotorlodge.net/
Southwestern-style boutique hotel blending traditional adobe architecture with modern amenities. Set on a spacious property just minutes from Taos Plaza, it offers comfortable rooms, locally inspired décor, and on-site dining. Guests enjoy features like an indoor pool, fitness center, and mountain views, making it a relaxed and convenient base for exploring Taos and the surrounding high desert.
https://www.hoteldonfernando.com/
Luxury resort in Taos blending contemporary elegance with Native American-inspired design. Set along the Rio Fernando, it features lush gardens, tranquil water features, and upscale accommodations. Guests enjoy a full-service spa, fine dining, and serene indoor-outdoor spaces that emphasize relaxation. Its central location provides easy access to Taos’ art scene, historic plaza, and surrounding mountain and desert landscapes.
Restaurants
Celebrated farm-to-table restaurant housed in a restored historic adobe chapel in Taos. Known for its intimate, romantic atmosphere and seasonal New Mexican-inspired cuisine, it highlights locally sourced, organic ingredients. The ever-changing menu features creative small plates and refined regional dishes, paired with a thoughtfully curated wine list. It’s widely regarded as a distinctive fine-dining experience in northern New Mexico.
Locally loved natural foods grocery and deli in Taos, offering organic produce, specialty groceries, and locally sourced products. Known for its fresh prepared foods, including sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, it serves as a convenient stop for healthy meals and provisions. With a focus on sustainability and regional suppliers, it’s a staple for both locals and visitors seeking quality natural foods in northern New Mexico.
Casual Southwestern restaurant in Ranchos de Taos known for its hearty New Mexican cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. Located near the historic San Francisco de Asís Church, it offers classic regional dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, and green chile specialties. With friendly service and a relaxed setting, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking authentic flavors of northern New Mexico.
https://www.dinersdriveinsdiveslocations.com/ranchos-plaza-grill-new-mexico.html
Long-standing German restaurant in the Taos Ski Valley known for its traditional Bavarian cuisine and welcoming, lodge-style atmosphere. The menu features classics such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels, paired with imported beers and regional favorites. With its rustic décor and relaxed setting, it offers a distinctive dining experience that blends Old World flavors with the charm of northern New Mexico.
https://taosskivalley.com/member/bavarian-restaurant/
Contemporary restaurant offering globally inspired small plates in a stylish, relaxed setting. Known for its creative seasonal menu, it emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and bold flavor combinations. The intimate space pairs refined cuisine with craft cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list, making it a popular choice for a modern dining experience in the heart of northern New Mexico.
Beloved dining staple serving authentic New Mexican cuisine in a vibrant, colorful setting. Known for its signature red and green chile dishes, hand-rolled enchiladas, and fresh local ingredients, it offers a lively, welcoming atmosphere with both indoor seating and an outdoor patio. A longtime local favorite, it delivers classic regional flavors that highlight the culinary traditions of northern New Mexico.
https://www.orlandosnmcafe.00systemcreations.com/
Farm-to-table dining destination in Arroyo Seco near Taos, known for its elevated New American cuisine. The restaurant features a seasonal menu built around locally sourced ingredients, creative comfort dishes, and craft cocktails in a warm, contemporary atmosphere. With an emphasis on sustainability and bold flavors, it offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience that highlights the best of northern New Mexico.
Casual gourmet burger restaurant in Taos known for its all-natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free Angus beef, ground fresh daily. The menu features creative burgers with regional New Mexican flavors, alongside salads, sandwiches, and craft beer. With a relaxed atmosphere, patio seating, and a focus on quality ingredients, it’s a popular local spot for elevated comfort food in northern New Mexico.
Michaels Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery
Long-standing, family-owned restaurant known for its blend of classic American comfort food and Northern New Mexican cuisine. Located just outside Taos Plaza, it offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere and is especially recognized for its hearty breakfasts, homemade baked goods, and locally inspired dishes.
https://www.michaelskitchen.com/
Cozy, locally loved eatery offering fresh, farm-to-table inspired breakfast and lunch. Known for its house-made baked goods, organic ingredients, and warm, rustic atmosphere, it provides a relaxed dining experience with a focus on quality and seasonal flavors.
https://www.farmhousetaos.com/
Small-batch bakery and café specializing in naturally leavened sourdough breads, pastries, and simple, thoughtfully prepared fare. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques, it offers a minimalist, community-oriented atmosphere and a rotating selection of fresh, handcrafted baked goods.
Popular mobile eatery serving gourmet hot dogs with inventive toppings and bold flavor combinations. Known for its casual, street-side appeal and quick service, it offers a fun, convenient dining option that brings creative comfort food to the Taos community. Located south of Taos in Rinconada during the summer months.
Neighborhood café and deli offering freshly prepared coffee, breakfast items, and made-to-order sandwiches for dine-in or carry-out. Known for its convenient service and relaxed atmosphere, it provides a casual stop for quality grab-and-go meals and local hospitality. KOKOs has some of the best desserts in Taos.
Coffee & Tea
Specialty coffee roastery and café known for its ethically sourced, in-house roasted beans and carefully crafted espresso drinks. Set in a relaxed, modern space, it emphasizes quality, sustainability, and community connection. Guests enjoy a rotating selection of signature lattes, teas, and locally baked goods, making it a popular stop for both locals and visitors seeking high-quality coffee in northern New Mexico.
https://coffeeapothecarytaos.com
Artisanal tea company and boutique specializing in handcrafted, organic loose-leaf teas and small-batch blends. Rooted in sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients, it combines global tea traditions with a locally inspired, high-desert aesthetic, offering both retail products and a cozy space for tea appreciation.
Drinks
Lively historic bar and restaurant in downtown Taos, known for its casual atmosphere, live music, and strong local following. Housed in a rustic adobe building, it offers a full bar, pub-style food, and a spacious patio. Popular with both locals and visitors, it serves as a social hub in the heart of town, blending nightlife, entertainment, and Taos’ laid-back Southwestern character.
Historic lounge located inside the Taos Inn, known for its long wooden bar, adobe architecture, and lively social atmosphere. A popular gathering spot in downtown Taos, it offers cocktails, local hospitality, and frequent live music. Blending Southwestern charm with a relaxed, communal vibe, it serves as a classic meeting place for both visitors and locals.
https://taosinn.com/eat-drink/adobe-bar/
Contemporary dining and gathering space in downtown Taos offering a modern take on Southwestern hospitality. Known for its seasonal, locally sourced menu, craft cocktails, and inviting patio, it blends elevated cuisine with a relaxed, social atmosphere. Popular for both casual dining and evening gatherings, it serves as a stylish hub for food, drinks, and community in the heart of town.
https://livetaos.com/locations/dona-luz-social-club/
Lively indoor-outdoor entertainment venue and restaurant in Taos known for its eclectic atmosphere, craft cocktails, and live music. Combining a full bar with casual dining and a large patio space, it serves as a social hub for concerts, events, and community gatherings. With its energetic vibe and mountain views, it offers a distinctly Taos blend of nightlife, food, and entertainment.
Cozy, elevated rooftop-style bar located above Lambert’s in downtown Taos, offering craft cocktails, small plates, and mountain views. Known for its intimate atmosphere and creative drink menu, it provides a relaxed yet refined setting for evening gatherings. Popular with both locals and visitors, it blends Taos’ laid-back charm with a modern, social dining experience.
https://www.lambertsoftaos.com/
Modern café, market, and lounge in Taos offering locally sourced food, craft beverages, and a relaxed social atmosphere. By day, it serves fresh grab-and-go meals, coffee, and specialty groceries; by night, it transforms into a casual lounge with cocktails and small plates. Blending convenience with a contemporary vibe, it’s a versatile gathering spot for both locals and visitors.
https://livetaos.com/locations/midtown-market-and-lounge/
Casual dining menu designed to pair with its craft beer selection, featuring wood fired pizza and other wood fired small plates and sandwiches. Emphasizing fresh ingredients and bold flavors, the kitchen delivers approachable, satisfying dishes in a relaxed, desert-inspired setting. It provides a laid-back food experience that complements the vibrant craft beverage culture of Taos.
What Else To Do While In Taos
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is a renowned 84-mile loop around northern New Mexico, starting and ending in Taos. The drive showcases dramatic high desert landscapes, alpine forests, mountain passes, and charming towns including Eagle Nest, Red River, and Questa. Popular for its year-round beauty, it offers access to hiking, skiing, fishing, and cultural landmarks, making it one of the most iconic scenic drives in the Southwest.
https://taos.org/discover/enchanted-circle-driving-tour/
Drive The High Road, Taos to Sante Fe
Breathtaking drive through northern New Mexico connecting Taos and Santa Fe. Winding through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it passes historic adobe villages, Spanish colonial churches, and local art studios. Known for its dramatic landscapes and cultural richness, the route offers sweeping mountain views, traditional craftsmanship, and a deeper look into the region’s heritage, making it one of New Mexico’s most iconic scenic drives.
https://taos.org/discover/the-high-road-between-taos-and-santa-fe/
San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church
Historic adobe Catholic church in Ranchos de Taos, widely recognized for its striking architecture and thick earthen walls. Built in the early 19th century, it is one of the most photographed and painted churches in the Southwest. Its sculptural form and serene setting reflect traditional Taos Pueblo adobe craftsmanship, making it both a cultural landmark and a symbol of northern New Mexico heritage.
UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. Visitors can experience traditional multi-story adobe dwellings, guided cultural tours, and local art and crafts. Located just north of Taos, it offers a rare opportunity to learn about the living heritage, history, and customs of the Taos Pueblo people in a respectful, culturally significant setting.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Historic narrow-gauge steam railroad offering scenic journeys through the rugged Rocky Mountains between northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Built in 1880, it features dramatic mountain passes, high desert landscapes, and deep river gorges. Departures from nearby Antonito or Chama provide a nostalgic, immersive experience showcasing one of the best-preserved steam railways in the United States.
Premier alpine destination nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, known for its challenging terrain and abundant snowfall. In winter, it offers world-class skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings hiking, mountain biking, and scenic lift rides. With a charming base village featuring dining, lodging, and amenities, it provides year-round access to outdoor adventure and mountain scenery just north of Taos.
An art gallery tour in Taos offers an immersive experience into one of the Southwest’s most vibrant creative communities. Visitors can explore a wide range of galleries featuring contemporary works, traditional Native American art, and Taos Society of Artists heritage pieces. Centered around the historic downtown plaza, the tour highlights the town’s rich artistic legacy, local craftsmanship, and ongoing role as a hub for painters, sculptors, and photographers.
https://taos.org/explore/arts-culture/art-galleries/
Historic and cultural heart of downtown Taos, serving as a central gathering place since the early 19th century. Surrounded by shops, galleries, restaurants, and adobe architecture, it hosts seasonal events, markets, and festivals. The plaza reflects the town’s rich multicultural heritage and offers visitors a lively introduction to Taos’ art, history, and community atmosphere.
https://taos.org/explore/landmarks/taos-plaza-downtown/
Check out a list of all local events happening in the greater Taos Area
Go Hiking
There is so much hiking in the Taos area, I think it would take a lifetime to hike every mile of every trail we have here. Just google “Hiking in Taos” or “Hiking in Northern New Mexico” and so much will pop up. I will list a couple of my favorite trails in the area. Click on the trail name link to go to the AllTrails website page for that trail.
Trail 18- Easy going trail on south side of Taos that takes you through the foothills of the mountains.
Rift Valley Trail - Scenic trail on south side of Taos, through a sagebrush mesa, with stellar views of the Rio Grande Gorge and Sange de Cristo Mountains.
South Boundary Trail - Right to the east of downtown Taos, this trail climbs up into the mountains, going from pinon and juniper up to ponderosa pines and aspens. Always a good view of the Taos valley on this trail.
Devisadero Peak - Same parking lot as the south boundary trail. The trailhead is across highways. This hikes provides a moderate climb to a small peak, will awesome views of the Taos Valley.
La Vista Verde Trail - Moderate hike in the gorge that offers amazing views inside the gorge with a beautiful look at the river at the end of the trail. I’d avoid this trail during the middle of day in the hot summer, there is little to no shade.
Williams Lake - Beautiful hike to a small alpine lake in the heart of the Wheeler Peak Wilderness. This is a high elevation hike, at the top of the Taos Ski Valley.
Wheeler Peak - This is the highest point in New Mexico and a very popular hike. Summer time only hike, make sure to check conditions before going. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season.
West Rim Trail - Next to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge Visitors Center, this easy going hike offers stellar views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande Gorge. Always a good chance of seeing Bighorn Sheep in the area.
White Water Rafting
There are a handful of river rafting companies in town and getting out during our spring run-off is always a blast! Summer time rafting is great too, with inflatable kayak options available. Look into these companies below, they are all great!
Mountain Biking
From remote single tracks out on the mesa, to world class downhill mountain biking, the Taos area has something to ride for every age and skill mountain biker. Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire Resort both offer summer time downhill mountain biking. The Rift Valley Trail and Horse Thief Shorty Mesa Trail offer a more moderate ride with some amazing views. And don’t forget to check out the South Boundary Trail Ride which is an IMBA Epic ride that starts in Angel Fire and end in Taos. I will also add a few links to a couple bike shops in town.
Goathead Bicycle Repair
Museums
Museums in Taos offer a rich blend of art, history, and culture, highlighting the region’s Native American heritage, Spanish colonial roots, and renowned artist community. Below is a list of a few of our favorite ones in town. Click on link in the name to take you to their website.
Taos Art Museum at Fechin House - Historic museum showcasing early 20th-century Taos artists, housed in the former residence of Russian-American painter Nicolai Fechin. The property features distinctive handcrafted architecture and curated exhibitions that reflect the region’s influential art colony and cultural heritage.
Millicent Rogers Museum - Distinguished cultural institution dedicated to Southwestern art, jewelry, and heritage. Named after collector Millicent Rogers, it features extensive collections of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo works, emphasizing the artistic traditions and cultural history of the region.
Harwood Museum of Art - Respected regional museum dedicated to the art and culture of northern New Mexico, featuring works from the Taos Society of Artists to contemporary creators. Its collections highlight Hispanic, Native American, and modern art traditions within a historic and community-focused setting.
Check Out The Earthship Biotecture Community
Experimental sustainable living community known for its off-grid “Earthship” homes built from recycled materials like tires and bottles. Designed for self-sufficiency, the structures use solar and wind energy, rainwater harvesting, and passive heating and cooling. It serves as both a residential area and an educational site demonstrating eco-friendly architecture and sustainable design principles.