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 featuring 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 Speaking Rock Entertainment Center and El Paso County Coliseum.

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 Shopping Center and Eastlake Marketplace 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 Socorro Mission is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Socorro
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
The price is AU$145 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
AU$145
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (1,112 reviews)
"Our stay was really good"

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

Holiday Inn El Paso West - Sunland Park by IHG
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 5 Aug to 6 Aug
AU$98
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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! (2,632 reviews)
Overnight Stay
"We needed a room for overnight. Tge room was very clean, the air temperature was perfect and the beds where comfortable. Thank you for the great service"

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ El Paso East
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$214 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
AU$214
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,081 reviews)
Great Experience!
"We had a great experience staying at the Radisson! The room was clean and comfortable, and the facilities were well maintained. We especially appreciated the clean gym and really enjoyed spending time at the pool—it was perfect for relaxing. Overall, everything was well taken care of, and we felt ..."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Radisson Hotel El Paso Airport
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! (1,026 reviews)
"Small quiet RV park n motel. Only issue was that the electric key system was down due to a storm. Couldn't get into my room. Manager had to open the room door. Got room keys later that day"

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (92 reviews)
"This was a newly opened hotel and it was very nice. The only downside was there were no hair dryers or iron and ironing board in the room I was in. Apparently, they are only supplied in the upgraded rooms. I have come to rely on the hotels I stay in to have this courtesy in all rooms so this may ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 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! (68 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