Here are a few of our favorite spots to eat, drink, and grab coffee in the area! Marathon: 12 Gage Restaurant*, White Buffalo Bar, Brick Vault Brewery & BBQ, V6 Cafe, GhostFire Pizza, Desert Ghost Distillery, French Co. Grocer Alpine: Reata Restaurant*, Alicia's, Spicewood Restaurant, The Club Marfa: Bordo, Margaret's, Cochineal*, The Sentinel, Marfa Spirit Co. *reservations recommended
Take some time to relax and unwind at the Gage Spa during your stay.
About an hour south of Marathon, exploring Big Bend National Park is a must for anyone with a day to spare. Hike through canyons and desert peaks, and take in some of the best views in Texas. Hikes: - Lost Mine Trail (4.8 miles) - Santa Elena Trail (1.6 miles) - Emory Peak Trail (~10 miles) - Boquillas Canyon Trail (~1.5 miles) Boquillas, Mexico: For a unique adventure, head to Boquillas Crossing near Boquillas Canyon and cross the Rio Grande via rowboat into Mexico. Then, ride a burro into the village, explore the town, and grab a bite overlooking the river. If you plan to cross into Mexico, be sure to bring your passport and plenty of cash, preferably small bills. The crossing is open Friday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
About 30 minutes west of Marathon, Alpine is home to Sul Ross State University and the birthplace of the bride! Visit the Museum of the Big Bend on campus, then head downtown to browse the local shops and grab a bite.
About an hour west of Marathon, Marfa is a must-see for anyone with a free afternoon. Wander the galleries, grab a bite, and, if you’re around after dark, keep an eye out for the mysterious Marfa Lights! Continue west out of Marfa toward Valentine (about 30 minutes) to see the iconic Prada Marfa installation.
About two hours south of Marathon, Lajitas is home to Black Jack’s Crossing, recognized as the “#1 Course You Can Play in Texas.” If you’re planning to play, non-resort guests can book tee times one month in advance. Tee times fill up quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as your reservation window opens.
About 1.5 hours south of Marathon, Terlingua Ghost Town is a quirky, historic stop on your way to or from Big Bend. Wander through the old mining ruins, browse the local shops, and visit the Ghost Town Cemetery before grabbing a bite at the iconic Starlight Theatre. If you’re planning to eat at the Starlight, they open at 5 p.m. and don’t take reservations, so we recommend getting in line about 30 minutes early!
About an hour northwest of Marathon, McDonald Observatory is an astronomer's delight! Attend a Star Party at night to see different constellations, or visit during the day to get an up-close look at the telescopes. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance and check the website for the Star Party schedule. We also recommend bringing a light jacket, as it can get chilly after dark!
About an hour northwest of Marathon, Fort Davis National Historic Site is a great stop for history buffs. Explore the preserved buildings and parade grounds of one of the best-preserved frontier forts in the Southwest, and explore a few miles of trails while you're there!
About 1.5 hours northwest of Marathon, Balmorhea State Park is the perfect place to cool off. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, go scuba diving, or simply relax by the water and enjoy this oasis in the middle of West Texas. Day passes are limited, so we recommend purchasing yours online in advance.