One Day In Taos, New Mexico (My Exact Itinerary!)
If you only have one day in Taos, don’t worry, you can still experience many of the town’s best attractions. Between the mountain views, fascinating history, local art scene, and amazing food, it’s easy to put together a fun day exploring this unique corner of New Mexico.
I frequently camp on land I own nearby and love day tripping into Taos whenever I’m in the area. This itinerary is based on some of my favorite stops from previous visits and is the route I recommend to anyone visiting Taos for the first time.
One Day In Taos, New Mexico Itinerary
Start The Morning With A Hike
Taos is surrounded by incredible scenery, so I think it’s worth getting an early start and spending part of your morning outdoors.
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, I recommend heading up to Taos Ski Valley and hiking to Williams Lake. It’s one of the area’s most popular trails and rewards you with beautiful alpine scenery, plus Taos Ski Valley is fun to walk around for a bit. If you’re looking for something shorter, Devisadero Loop Trail is another great option that’s a little closer to town. You can find lots more options on AllTrails.
Note: In winter or early spring you can substitute hiking with skiing, snowboarding, or any other winter-friendly outdoor activity.
Visit The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
After your hike, stop by the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. The views are excellent and it’s hard to believe a landscape like this is just outside town.
It’s a quick stop, although you’ll need to walk a short distance from the parking area to reach the bridge and overlooks.
This is also one of the best places to watch the sunset, so you can always save it for the end of your day instead.
Explore Taos Pueblo
No visit to Taos feels complete without visiting Taos Pueblo, so let’s head there next. Designated as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark, it’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America and offers an incredible opportunity to learn about the Taos people.
I recommend joining one of the complimentary guided tours, which are included with admission and provide insight into the tribe’s history, traditions, and daily life. Plan to spend at least an hour here, and a little longer if you’d like to browse the local artists’ shops — this is a great spot to pick up a unique piece of artwork.
Spend The Late Afternoon Exploring Downtown Taos
From Taos Pueblo, head into downtown and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring at a slower pace. The historic plaza is filled with local boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, cafes, and small shops, making it perfect to wander without a plan.
This is also the perfect time to stop for a coffee, snack, or late lunch if you haven’t already.
Enjoy Dinner In Taos
One of the highlights of visiting Taos is the food. The town has everything from casual cafes to excellent Mexican restaurants, but if you haven’t tried New Mexican food, it’s a must while you’re here.
A few popular dinner spots include Lambert’s of Taos, La Cueva Cafe, Love Apple, Taos Taproom, and Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe, just to name a few.
End The Evening With A Local Brewery Or Live Music
If you still have some energy left, finish your day with a stop at one of Taos’ local breweries. We enjoyed grabbing a beer at Taos Tap Room since it’s centrally located downtown, but there are several great options around town.
The Historic Taos Inn is also a great stop, they host live music every night in a historic adobe building. It’s one of my favorite ways to wrap up an evening in Taos.
Additional Things To Do In Taos
If you have extra time — or want to swap something out from the itinerary — consider these additional things to do in Taos:
- Visit the Earthship Visitor Center
- Explore one of Taos’ many museums
- Relax at a local coffee shop
- Take a scenic drive along the Enchanted Circle or High Road to Taos
- Visit Taos Ski Valley (if you didn’t hike or ski there earlier)
- Live music at Taos Inn
For even more ideas, check out my complete guide to the Best Things to do in Taos.
Where To Stay
If you’re spending the night, I recommend staying in or near downtown Taos. You’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, galleries, breweries, and the historic plaza which will save you the hassle of parking downtown.
Below are a few centrally-located hotels in Taos:
- El Pueblo Lodge ($$) – One of the best value hotels in Taos, offering spacious adobe-style rooms, complimentary breakfast, and an easy walk to downtown.
- La Doña Luz Inn ($$) – A charming bed and breakfast just a short walk from Taos Plaza.
- Hotel Willa ($$$) – A beautifully designed boutique hotel with local artwork, a pool and spa, and an excellent on-site restaurant.
Getting To Taos
Taos is located in northern New Mexico, about a 2.5-hour drive from Albuquerque and roughly 1.5 hours from Santa Fe.
Most visitors arrive by car, which also makes it much easier to explore the surrounding mountains, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
Parking & Getting Around
Parking at Taos’ major attractions is generally easy, but downtown is a different story. The limited street parking near the plaza fills up quickly — especially on weekends and during the busy seasons.
Fortunately, there are several paid public parking lots just a block or two from the plaza. They’re an easy walk to the shops, galleries, and restaurants, and are often the quickest option if street parking is full. The Town of Taos has a helpful parking guide: Taos Parking.
Downtown Taos is very walkable and easy to get around once you’ve parked. For attractions outside of downtown — Taos Pueblo, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Taos Ski Valley, for example —you’ll need a car. There is also public transportation available in Taos, you can find more information at Blue Bus.
Additional Tips Before You Go
- Start your day early. There’s a lot to see in Taos, and getting an early start will help you fit everything into one day.
- Download maps before you arrive. Cell service can be spotty in some areas outside of town.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be doing quite a bit of walking if you follow this itinerary.
- Bring layers. Dramatic temperature swings are normal year-round in Taos. Even during summer, mornings and evenings are cool, and the mountains can be 10°+ cooler than Taos Valley.
- Double check hours before your visit. Hours can vary depending on the season, and some attractions, most notably Taos Pueblo, occasionally close for special events or ceremonies.
- Book accommodations in advance. If you’re visiting during ski season, fall foliage, or a festival weekend, hotels can fill up quickly.
Whether you’re visiting Taos as a day trip or passing through on a New Mexico road trip, it’s a destination that’s well worth your time. I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your visit!
Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.
Looking for more information? Check out Visit Taos or browse my additional Taos and New Mexico guides below!
Additional Taos Guides:
More New Mexico Guides:
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