Subscribe to Travels : San Diego Magazine's Travels

Taos Summer of Love

People have been inspired by Taos for thousands of years. Taos is unique – from its adobe architecture, “painters light” and art – to its people, stunning vistas, shopping, and cuisine.

In Taos, people find themselves relaxing, connecting with nature, rejuvenating their souls, discovering history and early Hispanic and Native American culture, and having a different type of experience than anywhere else. When people leave, they often comment how they feel as relaxed as if they’d left the country for a slower, exotic hideaway.

One of the most visited destinations is the Taos Pueblo, the only Native American community designated both a Living World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The Pueblo has been continuously inhabited for over 1,100 years.

Another historical favorite and often painted and photographed site is the San Francisco de Asis Church in Rancho de Taos. It is #1 on Yahoo’s 10 U.S. Places to See Before You Die list. You also don’t want to miss the Kit Carson Park and Cemetery, where the legendary Kit Carson and other famous Taos residents are buried.

Known as “The Original Art Colony” since the Taos Society of Artists formally established its international art reputation in 1898, Taos has been the elective, creative home of renowned artists, today hosting more than 80 galleries and art museums. Be sure to visit Ledoux Street, where the Taos Society of Artists began. Even today, Taos is known as the #2 art market in the country. It is truly a mecca for creativity.

If you love the outdoors, being active, going on new adventures – in essence gallivanting – Taos won’t disappoint you. At 13,000 feet Wheeler Peak on the outskirts of town is the highest peak in New Mexico. Choose from a number of outdoor activities. Try hiking, biking, hot air ballooning, white water rafting, fishing, horseback riding, llama trekking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and rock climbing. You better plan to stay a few extra days if you want to do it all.

Be sure to visit the Rio Grande Bridge, the second highest in the U.S., 856 feet above the legendary river. The bridge is located at a point where the Rio Grande Gorge is more than 1,200 feet across rim to rim. At this location, there is ancient evidence of lava flow only 150 feet below the Gorge’s rim – volcanic activity having formed Taos millions of years ago.

Taos’ retail offerings are like none you will find anywhere else. Whether it’s old pawn or contemporary Native American jewelry, artwork, edgy collectibles, the “Taos Look” in clothes or fun souvenirs, Taos has dozens of shops to explore in every price range. Visit the historic downtown. There are enticing shopping surprises at every turn.

When it’s time to relax and rejuvenate, experience one of our many spas for every treatment you can think of. Soak your bones in the area’s natural hot springs. Or expand your mind and talents with an art, meditation, photography or cooking class, or a poetry-writing workshop.