Art and Adventure in Far West Texas

Fora Travel Advisor Samanatha Pappas sitting on leather booth with drink on white marble table
Curated By

Samantha Pappas

Icon Share

SHARE

  • USA

  • Texas

  • Road Trip Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • Domestic Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

  • Weekend Getaways

  • Desert

  • Local Art

  • Outdoors

An art installation of a black and white abandoned Prada store on a side of a highway in west Texas.
Curator’s statement

At the doorstep of the most underrated national park in the United States, Big Bend, West Texas is a hidden gem that everyone should travel to at least once in their lifetime.

The Fora Difference

Book with Samantha to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

[object Object]
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

[object Object]
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

[object Object]
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Far West Texas

Previous slide

Cibolo Creek Ranch

Spanning across 30,000-acres, Cibolo Creek Ranch is a stunning, luxury property for those who want a peaceful escape yet in a modern, comfortable setting.

Fora Perks
  • $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Thunderbird Hotel

A classic roadside hotel given a spare but colorful revamp, with a small pool, desert garden and impressive art collection by up-and-coming artists.

Willow House

Willow House is a design-forward desert retreat located six miles from Big Bend National Park and just outside the center of Terlingua, Texas with unobstructed views of the Chisos Mountain Range.

Next slide
Fora Travel Advisor Samanatha Pappas sitting on leather booth with drink on white marble table

Unlock perks by contacting Samantha to book your trip.

Things to do in Far West Texas

A giant art installation in Marfa, West Texas of a man with a green shirt and jeans holding a brown gun next to a yellow car and brown house.

Marfa

Many art galleries, such as The Wrong Gallery.

Marfa lights. 

Ballroom Marfa.

Shopping, including Marfa Brands, Freda, Garza Marfa, Mano, Ashley Rowe, El Cosmico Gift Shop, Community, Paisano Gift Shop, Mirth.

Marathon

Target Marathon: An art installation.

James H. Evans Gallery.

Terlingua

Boquillas del Carmen Crossing: Cross over the Rio Grande on a boat to Mexico and visit the town of Boquillas del Carmen.

Santa Helena Canyon.

Boquillas Hot Springs. 

Golfing at Lajitas. 

St. Agnes Chapel. 

Chisos Mountains. 

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

Hikes: The Window Trail (easy), Lost Mine Trail (moderate), South Rim (strenuous), Emory Peak (strenuous).

Far Flung Outdoor Center for all your river, hiking and fishing guides!

Eat & drink in Far West Texas

Four men in a band on stage with yellow string lights hanging from a tree playing guitars and drums for a crowd.

Marfa

Stellina: Small sophisticated dinner spot.

Planet Marfa.

Capri: Unique dinner spot with live music.

St. George: Hotel with a good cocktail bar.

Cochineal: Possibly one of the nicest restaurants in Marfa. 

Marathon

The French Grocer: Petite grocery store with fresh produce and snacks. 

V6 Coffee Shop.

Brick Vault Brewery and BBQ: Some of the best BBQ in Texas – a must stop!

12 Gage Restaurant: Delicious lunch and dinner spot. Located at the Gage Hotel.

Terlingua 

Taqueria el Milagro: Casual dinner spot. All outdoors. Great fajitas and guacamole. 

Starlight Theatre: Dinner and a show! Wonderful music and food. An iconic spot in Terlingua. 

Lajitas Resort Bar.

Chili Pepper Cafe.

High Sierra Bar and Grill. 

The Study Butte. 

Need to Know

  • Closest airports: Midland/Odessa Airport: Roughly 4 hours away. El Paso: Roughly 4 hours away.

  • American Airlines and JSX have seasonal flights into Lajitas (next to Terlingua).

  • You will need to rent a car if you're flying into any airports, and the best way to get there is to drive. 

  • I have found the best way to do West Texas is staying one night in Marfa, one night Marathon and the rest of your time in Terlingua, as it is at the gateway to Big Bend – there are a lot of day trips to go on from here!

  • West Texas is a remote place. Make sure you always have water on you and that your vehicle has plenty of gas.

Fora Travel Advisor Samanatha Pappas sitting on leather booth with drink on white marble table

Travel Advisor

Samantha Pappas

Get in touch with Samantha

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Samantha within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).