Big Bend Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Guadalupe Mountains National Park showing a ruin
El Paso showing desert views
Guadalupe Mountains National Park featuring mountains
Big Bend
Guadalupe Mountains National Park which includes building ruins

The frontier spirit of America lives on in the wild and wonderful region of Big Bend Country, where mountains, canyons and deserts are still roamed by cowboys.

Experience Texas at its most dramatic and exhilarating in Big Bend Country, the westernmost region of the state. The area is named after the vast curve of the Rio Grande river, which carves up the border between Texas and Mexico. Ride horses through dramatic landscapes and relax in frontier towns steeped in history in one of the Lone Star State’s most enchanting regions.

Archaeological evidence in Big Bend National Park suggests that Paleo-Indians were living in the region from as early as 8000 B.C. Begin your exploration of Big Bend in the city of El Paso, which sits in the western corner of the state. The El Paso Museum of History charts the story of the city, from its earliest indigenous communities to its multicultural present.

Encounter that history first hand on the El Paso Mission Trail, which takes you to picturesque colonial churches. El Paso also features a zoo, several art galleries and a tramway into the mountains.

Relive the drama of the Old West in historic towns with traditional activities and friendly atmospheres. Watch a rodeo in Odessa, stroll around a frontier military base in Fort Davis and step into an old jailhouse in Fort Stockton.

Take time to visit artistic Marfa, a cinematic city known as one of the last American frontiers. The area is most known for the surreal “ghost lights” that glow in the sky after the sun has set on a clear night.

Escape to the wilderness of Big Bend region in its vast parklands. Big Bend National Park is a series of canyons and peaks covered in hiking trails to suit all abilities. In the north of the region, marvel at the strange fossil reef of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, an alien landscape with further hiking and biking options.

Fly into El Paso International Airport from major cities around the U.S. to land in Big Bend Country. Explore the region by car to reach some of its most dramatic locations and come throughout the year to enjoy its numerous attractions.

Where to stay in Big Bend

El Paso which includes theatre scenes and interior views

Downtown El Paso

4/5(3 area reviews)

Downtown El Paso is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Plaza Theater and Southwest University Park while in the area.

Downtown El Paso
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Mission Valley

While visiting Mission Valley, you might make a stop by sights like Ysleta Mission and Speaking Rock Entertainment Center.

Mission Valley
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Horizon City

Though Horizon City may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eastlake Marketplace Center and Eastlake Shopping Center.

Horizon City
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Cielo Vista

While visiting Cielo Vista, you might make a stop by sights like Cielo Vista Mall and Lone Star Golf Course.

Cielo Vista
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West Odessa

While visiting West Odessa, you might make a stop by sights like Music City Mall and McKinney Park.

West Odessa
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Socorro

Travellers like the historical sites in Socorro, and El Paso Mission Trail is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Socorro
Radisson Hotel El Paso Airport
Radisson Hotel El Paso Airport
3.5 out of 5
1770 Airway Blvd, El Paso, TX
The price is AU$215 per night from 28 June to 29 June
AU$215
28 June - 29 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,041 reviews)
"It was a great stay!"

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Radisson Hotel El Paso Airport
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ El Paso East
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ El Paso East
2.5 out of 5
11400 Chito Samaniego Dr, El Paso, TX
The price is AU$98 per night from 22 June to 23 June
AU$98
22 June - 23 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,496 reviews)
"Its on a busy El Paso hwy."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ El Paso East
Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park by IHG
Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park by IHG
3 out of 5
900 Sunland Park Drive, El Paso, TX
Fully refundable
The price is AU$177 per night from 29 June to 30 June
AU$177
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in El Paso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,037 reviews)
"The check in clerk was so kind and happy to check us in. I didnt get his name but he had hand/arm tattoos. He was so welcoming and knew a lot about the area. The rooms were clean and had the AC on when we arrived which was very appreciated. We would highly recommend this place to all my family traveling ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jun. 2025

Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fort Davis Inn & R.V. Park
Fort Davis Inn & R.V. Park
2 out of 5
2201 N State St, Fort Davis, TX
Stay at this campground in Fort Davis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The unit was clean and decent. They have the ice machine outside of the main office. It is close to restaurants and Fort Davis historic site and Davis Mountain State Park. We enjoyed our stays. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 19 Jun. 2025

Fort Davis Inn & R.V. Park
Red Roof Inn Del Rio
Red Roof Inn Del Rio
2 out of 5
3808 Veterans Blvd., Del Rio, TX
Stay at this aparthotel in Del Rio. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Buena Vista Park and Cinemark Del Rio Movies ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
"It was ok,only thing was my grandkids couldnt swim at hotel unless i a had rooms for them So they ended up at the park to swim.Overall eveything else was good times"

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Red Roof Inn Del Rio
El Cosmico
El Cosmico
1 out of 5
802 S Highland Ave, Marfa, TX
Stay at this campground in Marfa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Chinati Foundation Museum and Fort D. A. Russell ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (65 reviews)
El Cosmico
"It was amazing! Great vibe! We will return when you reopen in 2027. Looking forward to the reimagined El Cosmico."

Reviewed on 4 Jun. 2025

El Cosmico
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Big Bend