Curator’s statement
Welcome to the ultimate Big Bend couples travel guide, your gateway to romantic adventures in the heart of Texas. This guide will take you through the enchanting landscapes of Big Bend National Park, the quirky charm of Terlingua, and the serene experience of stargazing under the vast desert skies. Whether you're exploring rugged trails, discovering local culture, or enjoying quiet moments together, Big Bend offers unforgettable experiences for couples seeking both adventure and romance. Get ready to create lasting memories in this breathtaking destination.
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Day 1: East Side Exploring
Hiking - Choose one or more of the most famous trails in Big Bend National Park. We recommend the Lost Mine Trail (4.9 miles) and the Window View Trail (.5 miles) to have some incredible views! Definitely get there early to avoid the heat and parking issues. Be sure to bring plenty of water, and snacks for the overlook at the top!
Visit the Chisos Basin Visitor's Center & Chisos Mountains Lodge - We love to get a lay of the land on the first day and the visitor's center is the best place to do this. You may want to check out the Lodge for lunch and more views. (This will be closed for renovations in later 2024)
Explore Terlingua Ghost Town - Check out the quirky town for dinner after a day of exploring!
If you have more time, explore:
Boquillas, Mexico (Take your Passports!)
Hot Springs Trail
Restaurant Recommendations in Terlingua:
Starlight Theatre - Unique menu items like antelope strips and quail are great options!
DB's Rustic Iron BBQ - A great stop for Texas BBQ!
High Sierra Bar and Grill - A rustic saloon atmosphere with great chili!
La Kiva Restaurant and Bar - This is a bar with a cave atmosphere. Would highly recommend the prickly pear margaritas!
End the day stargazing at your accommodations!
Day 2: West Side Adventures
Drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive stopping at places like Sotol Vista Overlook, Mule Ears and Castolon Visitor Center
Santa Elena Canyon - This is Iconic Big Bend and one of our favorite hikes ever! This one to one-and-a-half mile roundtrip hike takes you into the large canyon that shares a border with Mexico! It is a beautiful stop!
End the day with a stop at one of the restaurants options from above and then another night of Stargazing with a possible Milky Way sighting!
Need to know
If you're looking for a chance to get away from it all, connect with nature and your partner, try out this Big Bend couples getaway-it will not disappoint!
Travel Advisor
Alexandra Duhl
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Texas. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my itinerary, Texas Hill Country Adventures: A Kid-Friendly Travel Guide.