In November of 2017, I drove out to West Texas from Austin to spend 4 days in the desert and take in the sights and sounds of Marfa, Big Bend National Park, Alpine, and literally everywhere in between.
It was my second time to make the 6-hour trek. The first time was in October of 2016, and it was a trip centered around seeing and being seen in Marfa. My second trip, which I refer to as “The Return to Marfa” was less about partying and more about experiencing the desert’s peaceful isolation and immense beauty.
West Texas is a unique and breathtakingly beautiful part of Texas the world. It takes forever to get there, but I find that once you do, you never really want to leave. And although I joke that it’s where people go to disappear, if you look hard enough you can find plenty of unique things to do, good food, interesting characters, and rugged scenery.
Things To Do In Marfa/Alpine/Big Bend/Fort Davis
🌵 Big Bend National Park: Stunning desert landscapes, hiking, stargazing, and the Rio Grande.
🏞️ Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Home to the highest peak in Texas and great for hiking.
🏜️ Palo Duro Canyon: The second-largest canyon in the U.S., perfect for outdoor adventures.
🎨 Marfa: Minimalist art scene, mysterious Marfa Lights, and eclectic vibe.
🛡️ Fort Davis National Historic Site: Explore a preserved frontier military post.
✨ McDonald Observatory (Fort Davis): World-class stargazing and star parties.
🌀 Chinati Foundation (Marfa): Contemporary art in repurposed industrial spaces.
As you can see, there’s a lot to see and do in West Texas but I was only able to do the following:
Big Bend National Park
Langford Hot Springs
Visit Boquillas
From Big Bend National Park you can visit Boquillas, a quaint Mexican village on the other side of the Rio Grande, by taking a $5 rowboat ride and a short walk or burro ride into the village.
There, you’ll find local shops, authentic Mexican food at small restaurants, and a glimpse into the peaceful, remote lifestyle.
Unfortunately, I forgot my passport and was not allowed to cross over to Boquillas by the border patrol, so don’t forget your passport, as it’s required to re-enter the U.S. at the port of entry!
Marfa Lights
Presidio County Courthouse
Balmorhea
Chinati Foundation
Prada Marfa
Explore Downtown Marfa
Explore Alipine
Where To Eat In Marfa/Alpine/Big Bend/Fort Davis
Looking for a bite to eat while roaming around the Marfa area? I got you covered with the following suggestions.
Marfa Burrito
Capri Restaurant
St. George
More Things To Do in West, Texas
Where To Stay In West Texas
🏨 Hotel Paisano (Marfa): Historic charm and home to Giant movie legends.
🛏️ Thunderbird Hotel (Marfa): Minimalist, modern design with a retro vibe.
🌌 El Cosmico (Marfa): Unique glamping in trailers, yurts, and teepees.
🏞️ Chisos Mountain Lodge (Big Bend): The only lodging inside Big Bend National Park, with stunning views.
🛏️ The Holland Hotel (Alpine): A historic hotel with Southwestern charm.
🌠 Indian Lodge (Fort Davis): Rustic adobe-style lodge near McDonald Observatory.
🛋️ St. George Hotel (Marfa): Upscale boutique hotel with contemporary art and style.
🏜️ Comfort Suites (Palo Duro Canyon): Convenient and cozy for canyon explorers.
🏕️ Big Bend Resorts & Adventures (Terlingua): Cabins and campsites near Big Bend’s entrance.
🌌 Lajitas Golf Resort (Big Bend): Luxurious escape with a golf course and stunning desert
West Texas Resources
Tell Me Everything!
Have you been out to West, Texas? What’s your favorite thing to see or do?
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own as are all photos unless stated otherwise. This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting the Eat Well. Adventure Often. blog!
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