Explore the Funky Art Towns and Desert Beauty of West Texas
The prairie sky is wide and high...
Texas being the largest state in the lower 48 is just an abstract fun fact... until you actually drive across it. A few hours in the car often gets you pretty much nowhere, a frustrating truth until you decide nowhere is exactly where you want to be.
That’s the ideal outlook for a road trip to far West Texas. Removed from just about everything in the best ways, the hours melt into the horizon as you roll steadily past mile after mile of dry, desolate rangeland on your way to “nearby” towns like Marfa.
“Flat and boring,” the uninspired will quip, but this sprawling landscape is also punctuated by exhilarating moments of natural beauty, world-class art, funky towns, big sunsets, and oddball surprises that are well worth the long journey. Take your time and fall into the change of pace—the vibe, if you will—that each area offers.
There’s a good chance Marfa is your final destination, or maybe Big Bend, one of the most far-flung and underrated national parks we’ve got—a mountainous dreamscape for kayaking, stargazing, and working road-weary legs. But we’ve got a lot of ground to cover before you get there.
Things to see on the drive to West Texas
Embrace “the journey is the destination” mindset and prepare for a full day of transit. Even flying into El Paso or Midland, the two closest cities with commercial airports, still leaves you with a substantial drive. Hopefully, you can budget time to stop at these natural wonders along the way:
The Caverns of Sonora
If you’re coming from Austin, San Antonio, or Houston on I-10
The founder of a National Speleological Society (read: group of dudes who love exploring caves) once said “its beauty cannot be exaggerated, even by a Texan.” Daily guided tours of this remarkable cave system last just shy of two hours and take you 155 feet below the earth’s surface. A ticket costs $20 per adult ($16 for kids aged four to 11). Sonora is also a great halfway point between San Antonio and Big Bend.
Monahans Sandhills State Park
If you’re coming from Dallas-Fort Worth on I-20
Like a massive Japanese Zen garden, these natural sand dunes are ever-changing and worth stomping around after a few hours behind the wheel. Not far from Midland, stop here for a picnic or sled down the swirling dunes on rentable plastic lids if you’re so inclined. Entry is $4.
Balmorhea State Park
A can’t-miss from any direction
Time to bust out your swimsuit. Near the crossroads of I-20 and I-10, you’ll find a literal oasis in the middle of the desert: the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world. Recharge in the cold, clear waters and get a glimpse of tiny endangered pupfish, found only in the San Soloman springs. Open daily, entry costs $7; buy a day pass in advance to guarantee a spot, especially on crowded weekends when the pool can reach capacity.
Marfa
There’s no small town in Texas with a bigger reputation than Marfa. In the early 1970s, Marfa became a refuge for the acclaimed minimalist artist Donald Judd, who laid the foundation for the thriving international art scene the town is known for today. Indisputably hip, even by big-city standards (perhaps especially by big-city standards), Marfa still manages to feel mythical and off-the-grid.
Where to stay in Marfa
Funky: El Cosmico
For an indoor/outdoor experience with little-to-no Wi-Fi, these campgrounds offer multiple modes of shelter, including a series of retro Airstream trailers, glamping-style tepees, boho yurts, and traditional campsites. If Beyoncé can stay here, so can you. Most Septembers, they host the Trans-Pecos Festival of Music + Love, four day of live music, food vendors, workshops, and more.
Historic: Hotel Paisano
Serving cattle ranchers, desert seekers, and the occasional celeb since the 1930s, this laidback space has been comfortably restored with a courtyard, souvenir shop, and plenty of Old West flair. Head to the onsite restaurant, Jett’s Grill, for a mean chicken fried steak.
Contemporary: Hotel Saint George
This sophisticated space is packed with art and features a sleek restaurant, bar, outdoor pool area, and an excellent bookstore, Marfa Book Co.
Things to do in Marfa
Drive out to Prada Marfa
Equal parts roadside kitsch and public art sculpture, Marfa’s most iconic attraction is not in Marfa at all, but about 37 miles from town on Highway 90 near Valentine, TX. The eternally-closed Prada store replica has occupied this patch of lonely prairie since 2005.
Try to spot the Marfa Lights
These mysterious, greenish yellow lights appear across the Chihuahuan desert on clear nights. First reported in 1883, they have stumped scientists ever since. Are they just static electricity? Swamp gas? Passing cars? UFOs? Come up with your own theories at the viewing station on Highway 90 between Marfa and Alpine. The lights have also inspired the long-running (and free to attend) Marfa Lights Festival, where you can catch live music and a parade.
View the art at Chinati Foundation
No visit to Marfa is complete without visiting this contemporary art space founded by Donald Judd. Wander the grounds on a self-guided tour and take in the large-scale concrete installations by Judd and his contemporaries. (They're requiring reservations in advance, for $15, which you can make here). Related, the Judd Foundation is focused on preserving his living and working spaces in town.
Check out other art galleries in town
You could spend days visiting the world-class art galleries in Marfa—not because you want to, necessarily, but because the operating hours are so sporadic. Check online, call ahead, or wander around Highland Ave. with fingers crossed that eclectic galleries like Wrong, Ballroom Marfa, and Arber & Sons will be open.
The best places to eat and drink in Marfa
Hangover cure: Marfa Burrito
The homemade tortillas really clinch this massive, and massively delicious, burrito (vegan options available!). Matthew McConaughey's been here so you know it's legit.
Coffee/Laundry: Frama
This cafe located inside a laundromat (it’s Marfa just go with it) also has fresh smoothies, pastries, and ice cream on hand. Wash your sweaty Big Bend clothes while you sip your cold brew with lavender syrup.
Pizza: Pizza Foundation
Their simple, thin-crust pies are super fresh, flavorful, and (our favorite) foldable.
Dinner: Cochineal
A multi-course, prix fixe experience from a small seasonal menu that changes on the reg. Locally sourced ingredients and veggies grown in their onsite garden—you get the drift. Right now, reservations are limited to evenings on Fridays and Saturdays.
Beer: Plant Marfa
This very chill beer garden is full of oddities like an old school bus and tepee. Word to the wise, they keep weird opening hours.
Dive bar: Lost Horse Saloon
A good spot for music and a game of pool under the friendly neon glow of some beer signs.
Fort Davis & Alpine
For a glimpse of everyday living “out there” in far West Texas, swing through the towns of Fort Davis and Alpine. While a little less glamorous than Marfa, both offer easier access for exploring the trails and state parks in the area.
Where to stay
In Fort Davis: Indian Mountain Lodge
This cool pueblo-style hotel with a restaurant and pool offers near-instant access to hiking within Davis Mountain State Park. Or find an Airbnb here.
In Alpine: Holland Hotel
The historic boutique hotel dates back to the ‘20s and has been beautifully refurbished. The Century Grill features a secluded interior courtyard where you should definitely sip on their top-notch margaritas. Or find an Airbnb here.
Things to do near Fort Davis and Alpine
Hike in Davis Mountain State Park
You don’t expect to find “mountain” and “Texas” in the same sentence very often, and yet here we are. Take in the rugged landscape with a hike on Skyline Drive Trail, or drive the 75-mile scene loop that starts and ends in Fort Davis.
Sit at the Sul Ross Desk
In the 1980s, some students at Sul Ross State in Alpine placed a large metal desk on top of the very large Hancock Hill behind the university. It’s still there today. Notebooks left in the desk’s drawers are filled with salutations and sage wisdoms from past visitors.
Stargaze at McDonald Observatory
Just north of Fort Davis, one of the darkest night skies in the country allows for spectacular stargazing. Gazing into the cosmos during one of their evening star parties is a must-do, so check their events calendar for dates. Otherwise they're open Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Where to eat and drink
In Alpine: Magoo’s Place
A local favorite for deliciously greasy Mexican brunch, burritos, and burgers. For your morning caffeine fix, try the mod Cedar Coffee Supply downtown.
In Fort Davis: Fort Davis Drug Store
This historic spot, with an old-fashioned soda fountain from 1950 and small art gallery upstairs, serves up hearty comfort food. For dessert grab ice cream at Herbert’s Caboose, which scoops from an authentic Burlington Northern caboose train car.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend is the keystone to far West Texas, and one of the most gorgeous places in the state. The park’s great expanse and stunning beauty—from minimalist desertscapes to river canyons and mountain hideaways—cannot be summed up in a few words, or even a few days exploring it.
Before heading to Big Bend, make sure to fill up your gas tank first, either in Alpine, Marathon, or Terlingua (depending where you're driving in from). It’s also a good idea to bring waaaay more water than you think you'll need (maybe avoid the high summer months) and download maps to your phone, as cell service can be dicey.
Where to stay near Big Bend
Indoors: Chisos Mountain Lodge
Perched in the heart of the park, these rustic but comfortable cottages offer scenic views and access to the park’s only restaurant. Don't expect phones, TVs, or abundant Wi-Fi, but you can catch a signal in the gift shop or patio.
Outdoors: A few favorites are the Chisos Basin Campground in the higher (read: cooler) elevations of the Chisos Mountains, and the Rio Grande Village Campground overlooking the Mexican border. If camping isn’t your jam, your best bet is to stay in Alpine or Terlingua and drive an hour into the park for the day.
Things to do in Big Bend National Park
Explore the Chisos Mountains
The iconic centerpoint of the park, this is the only mountain range completely contained within the borders of a national park. The dramatic drive up to the mountain basin is worth the trip alone just to watch the temperature drop at least 15 degrees from the desert below. From the mountain basin you can hike to the top of Emory Peak, Big Bend’s most recognizable feature, or down the Window Trail to where the entire basin empties out into the desert.
Dip in the Rio Grande River
Take the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Santa Elena Canyon where you can dip your toes in international waters, wave to Mexico, and hike into the 1,500-foot vertical chasm cut by the river over the eons.
Drive or hike in the Chihuahuan Desert
This arid, harsh desert makes up about 80% of the park, but it's not without a certain minimalist beauty. Bluebonnets and wildflowers add a burst of color in the springtime. The Chimneys Trail off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive has neat stone arches left by ancient lava flows.
Gaze up at the stars
Big Bend's ultra-remote location, free and clear of any light pollution, makes it one of the best places in the country to stargaze. In fact, it's the darkest national park in the lower 48. The park occasionally hosts star parties or moonlit walks led by rangers.
Where to eat and drink near Big Bend
Your only option? The Chisos Mountain Lodge restaurant and patio has an early morning breakfast buffet and stays open until 9 pm for dinner. There are two locations to buy basic supplies within the park, but if you’re planning to stay longer than an afternoon, pack-in supplies from the grocery store in Alpine.