If immersing yourself in the artistic culture of the Southwest and relaxing in the warm glow of a New Mexico sunset sounds like heaven, then Taos could be your perfect end-of-summer getaway. We all need a place to breathe and find respite. Taos, New Mexico gives both breath and heartbeat to a region celebrating its heritage, art and creative thought. Explore these Taos hotels, restaurants and experiences as you build your ideal mini-break before the busyness of the fall season.
Where to Stay and Eat
Taos Inn
This hotel has been the pulse of Taos for 90 years. Often referred to as the "Living Room of Taos,” it’s situated in the city’s historic district near Taos Plaza. The inn was originally one of several homes owned by Dr. Paul Martin, the first physician in Taos, with a history dating back to the 1890s. The building was placed on the National and State Historic Registries after its restoration in the early 1980s. Expect a gorgeous Southwestern aesthetic, with rotating regional artwork throughout the lobby, wooden beams, traditional adobe architecture and authentic kiva fireplaces. Taos Inn also provides an idyllic home base when you return in the winter for ski season. taosinn.com
Doc Martins and the Adobe Bar inside the Taos Inn
Raise your margarita to toast Dr. Martin as you enjoy locally sourced recipes like green chile pork stew and chile relleños. Cozy and relaxed, Doc Martins extends the at-home experience from the Taos Inn into its restaurant space. Book your table when you book your stay.
Visit the Adobe Bar before or after your meal to explore their cocktail menu. From the Prickly Pear to the El Chupacabra, there’s a flavor-forward drink for every guest to sip while enjoying live music.
Hotel Willa
Formerly a 1960s motor lodge, this boutique hotel opened its doors in 2025. Design-driven in its art-centric space, Hotel Willa has 50 reimagined rooms that mirror the regional landscape, with beautiful color palettes that respond to each guest’s need for a calming retreat. The hotel features a chef-driven restaurant concept, Juliette; hosts an Artist in Residency program and gallery in partnership with The Paseo Project; and offers wellness itineraries to bookend each stay. hotelwilla.com
Juliette inside Hotel Willa
With seasonal ingredients sourced from Hotel Willa’s on-site garden, Juliette curates a unique dining experience for hotel guests and locals. The restaurant features evolving day and evening menus from executive chef Noah Pettus. On Saturdays and Sundays, book a table for brunch (try the chilaquiles and an iced matcha with honey and sea salt). Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, stay after dark for live music and an extensive cocktail menu.
Chokolá
For dessert, head to Chokolá, a bean-to-bar chocolatier offering sweets and after-meal treats. Enjoy small-batch and ethically sourced chocolates, sipping chocolate and ice cream made from natural ingredients. Eat your dessert inside the shop, or take it to-go on the short walk to Taos Plaza. chokolabeantobar.com
Explore
Prioritizing a Taos bucket list can seem daunting, with beauty at every turn. How do you narrow it down? Consider these three options as you build your own list.
Taos Pueblo
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Indigenous/Native American community brings over 1,000 years of tradition to the region. Book a guided tour to better understand the history and culture of the Taos Pueblo people, and browse the online events calendar for community activities. taospueblo.com
Taos Plaza
Central to Taos, the historic Taos Plaza is a great place to stroll, shop art galleries (with everything from fine art to Native American pottery) and listen to live music. In late summer, Taos Plaza Live offers a Thursday concert series. Need a mid-morning boost? Grab an espresso or cortado from Italian-style coffee bar World Cup, located at the plaza’s entrance.
Taos E-Bike Tours, Cooking Experiences and More with Heritage Inspirations
Consider a tour with Heritage Inspirations to explore the heart of Taos. Foodies will love their Taos Pueblo Hands-On Horno Cooking Class Tour; led by indigenous members of the Taos Pueblo community, it includes a class on the art of bread baking and a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the budding astronomers in your group, Taos Stargazing at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge offers a chance to observe the distinctive beauty of New Mexico’s dark skies. Or, embark on a multi-day glamping expedition where luxury and nature collide. heritageinspirations.com
Pack Your Bags
From its stunning landscapes to its historic structures, Taos has long been a destination for artists, art lovers and those seeking the serenity that the outdoors can offer. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been many times before, you’ll find Taos to be a creative and beautiful place to rest and reset as summer draws to a close.
Local tip: Consider a return stay during the fall or winter to visit Ojo Caliente, tucked between Santa Fe and Taos, to experience the healing mineral waters of the hot springs.
We all need a place to breathe and find respite. Taos, New Mexico gives both breath and heartbeat to a region celebrating its heritage, art and creative thought.