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West Texas Road Trip
30
items The magic of a West Texas sunset is truly healing—an experience everyone should have at least once in their life. The Big The Big Bend region of West Texas is a truly special place. Its wide-open spaces and untouched wilderness create a breathtaking ...
Map
Sections
6
Alpine, TX
Marfa, TX
Marathon, TX
Terlingua, TX
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend State Park
Alpine, TX
Alpine is the largest town in the Big Bend region, and a great representation of west TX living. It also has the largest grocery store, so a great place to stock up on supplies before venturing into the wilder parts of the region.
Cedar Coffee is a MUST stop for your west TX caffeine fix. Mateo (owner) takes coffee seriously, and only serves the best. You can put this coffee shop up against any big city specialty coffee shop and it holds it's own.
Cedar Coffee Supply
If there is a thrift/antique store in a town, I will find it. And The Cheshire Cat is an excellent antique store. They have a great mix of midcentury design and western (my personal aesthetic). Prices are fair the store owners are incredibly friendly...
The Cheshire Cat Antiques
The Ritchey is a historic hotel turned bar in the heart of Alpine. They have a great selection of local beers and make a mean cocktail. There is plenty of outdoor space for lounging in the dry west TX air. They also have a stage and feature local art...
THE RITCHEY
Front Street Books is one of my favorite bookstores in all of Texas. The selection is thoughtfully curated, and the staff are always willing to help you find the right fit. Plus, it's attached to Cedar Coffee, so you can grab and book and grab a sip!
Front Street Books
Marfa, TX
Artist town of less than 3,000 in the middle of west TX. The food/art/shopping scene is a surprising contrast to the stark landscape.
Marfa Burritos is a west TX institution. Their walls are lined with photos of celebrities who stop in regularly (helloooo Matthew McConaughey). Make sure to bring cash and come early. When they sell out, they're done for the day.
Marfa Burritos
Okay, so Prada Marfa is not *technically* in Marfa - it's in Valentine TX. Drive about 30 minutes west of Marfa and you'll hit. But pay attention, because the speed limit out there is 80mph and you'll fly right by it if you're not looking.
Prada Marfa
The Get Go is a gourmet grocery store. Yes, you read that correctly: gourmet grocery store. The Get Go is small but mighty, and a great place to pick up items for a picnic. They also have a great tote. I've had mine for years and use all the time.
The Get Go
The Sentinel is a coffee shop/restaurant/bar/small goods shop supporting local, independent journalism in Marfa, Texas. The vibe/aesthetic is exactly what you want from the artsy town of Marfa, and the locally inspired food/drinks are great. Plus, yo...
The Sentinel Marfa
Great spot if you're looking for the culmination of good food, cocktails, and company.
The Water Stop
An Italian deli in the middle of the high desert that makes all pasta in-house? YES, PLEASE. You will be endlessly impressed by the food served up at Bordo. Locals from surrounding towns make the trek to Marfa just for this restaurant. NOTE: Bordo se...
Bordo: Fine Italian Goods
Great location in the middle of the action!
The Lincoln
Y'all know I love an aesthetically pleasing lil bookshop, and so naturally I am obsessed with Stop & Read Books. Alongside a highly curated selection of books, they also sell wine, so bonus points. And their bookshelves? So freaking cool. They de...
Stop & Read Books
Marathon, TX
A pin-point of a town on the map, this small community packs quite the punch!
Beer and BBQ - the perfect combo. If you want good TX bbq (and trust me, you want good TX bbq), this is where you go. Housed in a gas station from another era, this place feels like stepping back in time. And the food is excellent. I have eaten Thank...
Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue
The Gage Hotel is an oasis in the desert. Styled in traditional western design, the Gage Hotel is a great home base for folks who want to explore the region, but still enjoy some of the finer luxuries.
Gage Hotel
Another gourmet grocery store in the middle of nowhere TX. I love it. You will, too.
The French Grocer
Terlingua, TX
This is the closest town to Big Bend National Park and one of my favorite places on the planet. Time works differently in Terlingua. So sit back and be open to new experiences. Because magic happens in the west TX sunsets.
This is THE place to be in Terlingua (and not because it's one of the only places to be in Terlingua). Be prepared, during the busy season, you can wait for several hours for a table. However, the wait is worth it because the Starlight is an experien...
Starlight Theatre
GREAT spot for breakfast in Terlingua. Get the tamales.
Espresso Y Poco Mas
While in Big Bend you should definitely book a river tour (water levels permitting). It's a great way to experience the park!
Big Bend River Tours
Great, low-key bar serving up local brews. And they have shuffleboard!
The Boathouse Bar & Bungalows
Great pizza, cold beer, middle of nowhere. Exactly how I like it.
Long Draw Pizza
The ghost town is an old mining town that was abandoned when the mines went bust. Now, it is the heart of Terlingua. Here you can roam the ruins, eat at the Starlight, grab coffee at Espresso Y Poco Mas, or shop at the Trading Company.
Terlingua Ghost Town
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend is where rugged desert landscapes meet endless skies, offering awe-inspiring sunsets and unmatched serenity. Explore untouched wilderness, dramatic canyons, and star-studded nights in this hidden gem of West Texas.
Big Bend is one of my favorite national parks…and I have been to a lot of national parks.
Big Bend National Park
The Big Bend area is a dark sky preserve, meaning that there is no light pollution. The area truly gives meaning to “the stars at night, are big and bright - deep in the heart of TX.” One of my favorite things to do is pack a nighttime picnic and spe...
Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve
This is one of the most popular hikes in the park for a reason: the views are stunning. This is also an easier hike, so it is great for beginners. If you want to miss the crowds, go early.
Santa Elena Canyon - Big Bend National Park
Looking for a unique experience? Soak in the hot springs at Big Bend! This section of the park used to be a luxury healing resort, as the waters were thought to have healing powers. (And I must say, maybe they do. My dad took a nice long soak after h...
Soak in the Hot Spring
Emory Peak is the highest point in Big Bend National Park. Great for folks looking for a challenge.
Emory Peak
Mule Ears is one of the most iconic geographic features of Big Bend, and a popular hike. As is true for all hikes in Big Bend, bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Mule Ears Trail
Big Bend State Park
Do not sleep on this west Texas gem! Get lost in the wilderness.
The national park isn't the only attraction in the region. Big Bend Ranch State Park is the largest state park in TX. Travel highway 170 between Lajitas and Presidio to see all that the region has to offer. Seriously, do not sleep on the park.
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Want stunning views of the Big Bend from your car? The drive from Terlingua to Presidio is one the the most beautiful drives you can take in the U.S. Plan plenty of time for this trip (and a picnic), as there are so many places to stop along the way.
Classic Roads: Texas FM 170
One of the only trails in the entire Big Bend region that allows leashed dogs.
Closed Canyon Trail